The Meaning of Christmas
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Jesus "Christ" is known as the founder or central figure of "Christianity." Christmas is a Christian holiday on December 25 that commemorates the birth of Jesus. Ancient Romans also commemorated Jesus' birth by marking a division of the calendar still in use today. The years before Jesus' birth are marked as B.C. (Before Christ), and the years after Jesus' birth are marked A.D. (Anno Domini, which means, in the year of our Lord). Christmas literally means the Mass (celebration) of Christ. "Christ" is a Greek word and title, meaning "anointed" or one set apart by God for a special purpose. "Christ" is equivalent to the Hebrew word "Messiah." Based on the words of ancient prophets, the first century Jewish people expected the arrival of the Messiah promised by God as a great deliver of the people. Read the Christmas story from an ancient biographer, Luke (Chapter 2). Luke's biography records how Mary and her husband Joseph left their home in Nazareth to travel to Joseph's ancestral home, Bethlehem, to enroll in the census ordered by the Roman emperor, Augustus. Finding no room in inns in the town, they set up primitive lodgings in a stable. There Mary gave birth to Jesus in a manger or stall. Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, the home of the house of King David from which Joseph was descended, fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah. This is confirmed to Mary by a visit from angels and shepherds. Read the Christmas story from an ancient biographer, Matthew (Chapter 1). Matthew's biography begins by recounting the genealogy and virgin birth of Jesus, and then moves to the coming of the Wise Men from the Orient (likely China) to where Jesus was staying after his birth in Bethlehem. The wise men, or Magi, first arrived in Jerusalem and reported to the king of Judea, Herod the Great, that they had seen a star heralding the birth of a king. Further inquiry led them to Bethlehem of Judea and the location of Mary and Joseph. They presented Jesus with treasures of "gold, frankincense, and myrrh." In Jesus' adult years, Jesus claimed to be this King, the Jewish Messiah (see: I am the King and Jewish Messiah). Ultimately, Jesus' claim to be Christ caused controversy and the religious trial leading to his execution. Christians commemorate Jesus' execution and believed return from the dead (resurrection) during "Easter." Jesus also described His birth on earth as the most important "Good News," signifying that God Himself chose to come from heaven to earth to help make earth more like heaven (see: Good News: the Kingdom of God has Come to Earth). Many people throughout the world have been prompted to ask questions about the life, death, and message of Jesus. Here's some of what you can investigate further at Jesus Institute, an educational resource about the person of Jesus:
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13 entries for this category: | where did jesus born? |
By: sebastian vm - December 31, 2007 - Public
Category: The Meaning of Christmas |
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 | Unspeakable |
Thanks be to God for His Unspeakable Gift! That says it all. A belated Merry Christmas to everyone!By: Elatia Grimshaw - December 27, 2007 - Public
Category: The Meaning of Christmas |
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 | The true meaning of Christmas.... |
The gift of salvation was the greatest gift of all, that I received, because without Him, I would be nothing. It's not about presents too open, it's about the presence of the Lord carrying me through these trials and tribulations of the world..I'am not of this world, I'am of the spirit. It's not about the flesh anymore, it's about principalities, it's about your breastplate of righteousness, your helmet of salvation, your loins be girded..We are in a spiritual battle, a battle that's already won. Be strong In Our Lord, He's my rock, my fortress, my strong tower...I only fear God.By: Vicki Baird - December 24, 2007 - Public
Category: The Meaning of Christmas |
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 | Happy Birthday Jesus |
In the days we live in now everyone forgets what Christmas really means.. Its all about money. And it is really is Jesus birthday and how GOD gave his only son so that we could live and worship him. The best gift I have ever gotten was from Jesus and when he saved meBy: Tami Tarver - December 17, 2007 - Public
Category: The Meaning of Christmas |
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 | What The Bible says about christmas.... |
The Encyclopedia Britannica, volume-2 (1943-1973), under christmas says... In the Roman world, the Saturnalia was a time of merrymaking and exchanging of gifts. Dec. 25th was also regarded as the birthdate of the Iranian mystery god, Mithra, the Sun of Righeousness. On the Roman New Year houses were decorathed with greenery and lights and gifts were given to children. To these observances were added the German and Celtic Yule rites. Food and good fellowship, the Yule log and Yule cakes greenery and fir trees, gifts and greetings all commemorated different aspects of this festive season. Fires and lights, symbols of warmth and lasting life havealways been assciated with the winter festival, both Pagans and Christians By: tasha james - December 15, 2007 - Public
Category: The Meaning of Christmas
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 | Is heaven a spiritual place, everyone keeps on saying that:( |
By: jade nanay - November 28, 2007 - Public
Category: The Meaning of Christmas |
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This is a very good site, it was very good for me to reasearch information for a assemble that my class had to put on at my school.Thnak you for giving me all this wonderful information!By: jade nanay - November 28, 2007 - Public
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