The Meaning of Christmas

By William Pelrine Jr.

This frequently asked question (FAQ) is one many children around the world quiz their parents on around this time of year.  Maybe someone you know doesn’t know the answer to this question and needs to…maybe that someone is you.

 Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.  Jesus Christ is someone who prophets foretold the coming of for centuries (some would even say thousands of years) before he was born.  The prophet Isaiah, who lived 500 years before his birth, announced his coming by saying, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, the everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

 The Holy Bible teaches that Jesus Christ, who we worship today in the Church, fulfilled the prophecies in The Old Testament (also known as The Torah to the Jewish people) concerning His coming. It was foretold he would be of the bloodline of King David, probably the greatest king who ever lived.

 This long anticipated event took place about 2000 years ago. “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.  (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; because he was of the house and lineage of David:  To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.  And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.  And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." (Luke 2:1-14)

 Jesus, himself, was a prophet and has foretold His second coming.  In The Church, we believe this second coming could be any day.  “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17)

 “May the peace of God which passes all understanding keep your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.” (See Philippians 4:7)

 Scriptures taken from The Holy Bible, King James Version.