Christmas is celebrated in remembrance of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. The date of the celebration is generally not thought to be Jesus' actual date of birth, and may have been chosen to coincide with ancient Roman solar festivals that were held on December 25. Like the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah (Festival of Lights), Christmas is also celebrated with lights.
However, the Christmas lights are to remind us of the Light that Jesus of Nazareth brought into the world. Christmas is also known as Christ's Mass, Christmastide (a time beginning with Christmas day and ending on January 5), or the Epiphany.
The Epiphany is a Christian Feast Day that celebrates the "Shining Forth" (or the revelation of God in human form) and lasts for 12 days. The Epiphany also celebrates the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus. This visit is commemorated by one of the most common sights at this time of year: Nativity scenes featuring the baby Jesus in a barn with his mother, Mary and her husband, Joseph.
Some might know Christmas a time of year when Santa Claus comes to town. Santa Claus, also referred to as Father Christmas (although the two figures have different origins), is a popular mythological figure often associated with bringing gifts at Christmas time. Santa is generally believed to be the result of synchronization between St. Nicholas of Myra and elements from pagan Nordic and Christian mythology. Santa's modern appearance is believed to have originated in 19th century media.
Despite the fact that Christmas has become a commercial event of almost epic proportion, for me it remains one of the most holy of days. I hope that you and your loved ones enjoy a blessed and safe Christmas.
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