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| Image by Arnie Bragg from Pixabay |
Curious about how some of our traditions originated, I did some research.
Christmas was first celebrated as a holiday in 4th
century Rome under the rule of Constantine, the first Christian emperor.
December 25th was first designated as Christ’s
birthday in 221 A.D by Sextus Julius Africanus, an early Christian historian. As
to why this date was chosen, there are several suppositions. The most accepted
theological choice held Christ’s conception was March 25th, the spring equinox.
Nine months later is December 25th.
One of the oldest Christmas traditions dates back to A.D
1223 in the Italian town of Greccio, and is attributed to Saint Francis of
Assisi: the first known reenactment of the Nativity.
Other more familiar traditions developed over the years,
such as decorating Christmas trees, hanging stockings, exchanging gifts, and singing
carols, to name a few.
Even our own traditions have changed over the years. We
celebrated one way as children, a different way as young adults, and then changed
again with our own families. Empty nesters, like my husband and myself, celebrate
with trimmed down traditions.
Regardless of how we celebrate, the true reason still
reverberates throughout the Christmas season. "For God so loved the world
that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not
perish but have eternal life". John 3:16.
Without that monumental gift there would be no Christmas, no
Good Friday, and most importantly, no Easter.
Thank you, Lord. Amen.
How about you? How have your Christmas celebrations changed
over the years, and what is your favorite tradition?
