Christmas Time

Introduction

Christmas is a time for families, fun, and festivities! A time of family gatherings and holiday meals.

What is Christmas?

Christmas is celebrated on December 25 to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

The History of Christmas

- The Bible tells us that shepherds were staying out in the fields overnight when Jesus was born (Luke 2:8), but in that part of the world it would have been far too cold at night to do so in December.

- Probably he was born in the Spring, perhaps between March and May. Whatever the time of year, it is virtually impossible to identify the actual date.

The three kings‘ Three Kings came riding from far away,

Melchior and Gaspar and Baltasar;Three Wise Men out of the East were they,

And they travelled by night and they slept by day,For their guide was a beautiful, wonderful star.’

Poetry by Longfellow

GREEK HEBREW LATIN GIFT LAND

Apellius Galgalat Caspar Myrrh Europe

Amerius Malgalat Balthasar Frankincense Africa

Damascus Sarachin Melchior Gold Asia

The three kings

Santa Claus- The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara (Greek).

- He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need and his love for children.

Christmas tree- The Christmas tree is a

mandala, a bundle of symbols showing what creation has to offer: light and the movement of angels, the gifts of orchard and field, forest and sea, all topped off by the star that pointed to the end of the journey, the place of peace.

- However, the first Christmas tree as we know it, but without lights still, appeared in Alsace in 1521. It was introduced in France by the Princess Hélène de Mecklembourg.

Christmas Carols

A Christmas carol is a carol whose lyrics center on the theme of Christmas or that has become associated with the Christmas season even though its lyrics may not specifically refer to Christmas.

Christmas Carols( Cont. )

Examples:Oh Holy Night

Silence Night

We wish a Merry Christmas

Adeste Fideles ("O Come All Ye Faithful")

- The Christ Child in the manger and other pictures of the story of Bethlehem have been used in church services from the first centuries. But the crib in its present form and its use outside the church originated with

St. Francis of Assisi.

- Through his famous celebration at Greccio (Italy) on Christmas Eve, 1223, with a Bethlehem scene including live animals, he made the crib popular. Since then it has been a familiar sight in Christian homes all over the

world.

The Christmas Crib