A Spiritual Guide

With all the commercialization of Christmas many people are left wondering what the true meaning of Christmas is all about. Well, I am here to explain the true meaning of Christmas. 

Christmas used to be my favorite holiday as a child. I loved everything about it, the decorations, food, carols, family and of course, presents. But as I became an adult, I found myself disappointed with the holidays. The true meaning of Christmas was somehow lost to the world.

That joyous day that I remembered as a child was traded for a big commercialized nightmare. Jesus had been forgotten. No room in the inn has been replaced with ‘sold out’ signs. I remember when it was a day of giving, prayer, kindness, and helping those less fortunate, but the horrible reality is that Society has taken Christ out of Christmas. They replace it with Happy Holiday's or Season's Greetings. People are even afraid to say Merry Christmas to someone without offending them.

Learn About:
The Birth of Jesus Christ
The History of The Christmas Tree
The History of The Candy Cane
What About Santa Claus?

Joyous Christmas

Do tears blur the colors of the Christmas lights and carols make you sigh?
Are you saddened because it's Christmas and I am not nearby?
Do you think of all the joyous times we shared in seasons past?
Does the achy feeling overwhelmingly seem like it will always last?

Please do not weep for me, know this Christmas is the best.
At Christmas dinner you are seated with the honored guest.
If the tears you cry make you lonely without me today 
then listen to what I say.

God's gift that first Christmas was much more than His son.
He gave to us the promise of eternal life for everyone.
Now that I have gone on and received that promised gift of life,
you are able to enjoy life knwoing that I am right there with you.
I am very much a part of the Christmas spirit light.

I am the angel or star sitting on top of a decorated tree
And a simple Christmas carol sung by a child so respectfully.
I am the Santa on the corner standing and ringing his bell.
I am in that Christmas Eve story that you know so well.
I am in every sight and sound that brings people Christmas joy.
I am a smile on the face of a child who received a much loved toy.

Now that yoiu see I am a part of the season we loved and shared so much,
Close your eyes, think of me. Reach out and feel my touch.
Please share in all the joy I am feeling of this Christmas cheer.
Look around and you will find me. Joyous Christmas, for I am near. 

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The story of Nativity or the birth of Christ as illustrated in the Gospel of Luke is all about the journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus. In order to attend the census ordered by the Roman emperor Augustus, Mary and Joseph journeyed for 4-5 days and when they arrived there were no rooms avaliable. A kind man lead them to a stable and they took shelter there, where Mary delivered baby Jesus.

Luke 2:1-21
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 Judaea, 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. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

The Gospel of Matthew refers to the story of the Magi or the three wise men that arrived in Bethlehem by observing a specific star in the night sky. This is known as the Star of Bethlehem. Incidentally they entered into King Herod’s palace and enquired about the birth of young Messiah (Savior). The deceitful Herod at once became worried about his being dethroned. He directed the Magi to continue their journey and inform him if they could trace the birth of such young king. The star of Bethlehem directed the Magi to the manger of the baby Jesus. They offered their gifts and paid homage to their Lord. But the Magi didn’t inform Herod as they got a divine warning. An angel told Joseph to flee with his family to Egypt. Meanwhile, Herod ordered that all male children of Bethlehem under the age of 2 be killed. 
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Although traditional nativity scenes show that there were three wise men and that they arrived shortly after His birth the Bible tells us that there were many and by the time they reached Jesus he was around two years of age.

Matthew 1:18-25
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Matthew 2:1-12
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. 

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

The actual Christmas History does not mention the exact date of birth of Christ. It may occur between the time of the first appearance of the star and the arrival of Magi in Herod's court during (6-4BC).

True Christmas History interprets Dec.25 as the Day of Feast. This is because the Roman pagan sun god Mithras’ birthday as well as the date of the Annunciation (March25, AD 29) of Christ fell on this day

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A Christmas tree, Yule tree or Tannenbaum (German: fir tree) is one of the most popular traditions associated with the celebration of Christmas. It is normally an evergreen cone bearing tree that is brought into a home or used in the open, and is decorated with Christmas lights and colourful ornaments during the days around Christmas. An angel or star is often placed at the top of the tree, representing the host of angels or the Star of Bethlehem from the Nativity story.

The Legend of the First Christmas Tree:
The night of the Saviour's birth, all the living creatures, both flora and fauna, came to Bethlehem with gifts. The olive tree brought its fruit and the palm its dates. But the little fir tree had no gift and was so tired it couldn't resist when the big trees pushed it into the background and hid it from view. But then a nearby angel took pity and commanded a cluster of stars to come and rest on its delicate boughs. When the Baby Jesus beheld this lovely lighted tree, He smiled and blessed it, declaring henceforth that fir trees should always be filled with lights at Christmastime to please little children.

In 1670 during the Living Creche ceremony at the Cologne Cathedral, the choir director handed out these sugar sticks to keep the young singers quiet. Legend has it that he bent the sticks to appear as shepherd’s hooks. The original candy cane was white in color, no stripes! Both amateur and professionals began making canes over 350 years ago.

Have you pondered the shape of the candy cane? Legend states the beginnings of the candy cane are Christian. The shape resembles a shepherd’s crook. It has also been found that the candy cane was given to children who learned their prayers. The shape of the candy cane, like a ‘J’, signifies Jesus. Since the church was founded on a solid rock, this is related to the hardness of the candy. Hyssop, a cleansing plant mentioned in the Old Testament, has a peppermint flavor. Christ’s blood and His purity are represented by the red and white stripes.

If you take a good look at a candy cane, you will notice the different size of the red stripe. The blood that was shed on the cross is represented by the wide red stripe. The stripes and wounds that he received are symbolized by the smaller red stripes. The sinlessness and purity is represented by the white stripes.

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There can be no doubt that the primary focus of Christmas is about Jesus Christ and His birth. While Santa Claus is a mythical figure, there really was a St. Nicholas.

The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. 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 those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.

Under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruthlessly persecuted Christians, Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith, was exiled and imprisoned. The prisons were so full of bishops, priests, and deacons, there was no room for the real criminals—murderers, thieves and robbers. After his release, Nicholas attended the Council of Nicaea in AD 325. He died December 6, AD 343 in Myra and was buried in his cathedral church, where a unique relic, called manna, formed in his grave. This liquid substance, said to have healing powers, fostered the growth of devotion to Nicholas. The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration, St. Nicholas Day.

Through the centuries many stories and legends have been told of St. Nicholas' life and deeds. These accounts help us understand his extraordinary character and why he is so beloved and revered as protector and helper of those in need.

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