Christmas is a time to celebrate for all. However, the holiday can become cluttered with gifts, decorations, and music. While all of these factors contribute to the wonder of the holiday season, they shouldn’t get in the way of the true importance of Christmas and how the celebration relates to the worship of Christ.

Christmas Origins

Christmas is meant to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. However, his actual birthdate remains unknown. It took 300 years after Jesus’s death and resurrection for the Church to begin celebrating his birth.

In the fourth century, Pope Julius chose December 25th for a “Feast of the Nativity.” Another 400 years passed before this day became common throughout Europe. It wasn’t until the 1800s that Christmas spread to America.

The Importance of Christmas in Christianity

While Christmas is a time of great joy and celebration, it’s also meant to be a period of growing love for God. God showed His love by sending His Son, Jesus, to be born into the world. At this time of year, Christians contemplate the immensity of this offering and appreciate the goodness that Christ brought as well as give back to God and reflect on His mercy and love.

How Christians Celebrate Christmas

There are a variety of ways for Christians to celebrate, one of which is recognizing the holy season of Advent with an Advent wreath. With three purple candles and one white or pink candle, the wreath represents each Sunday of this holy season and honors the anticipation of the Messiah’s birth.

Christians are also encouraged to read the Christmas story in the Bible to commemorate this sacred story. Most importantly, Christians attend church on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to worship, pray, and reflect with their community.

 

If you’re seeking a church to attend this holiday season, head to the City of Refuge Christian Church in Waipahu, HI. For over 30 years, Dr. Wayne E. Anderson has led his congregation with encouragement and love, preaching Christian values and total acceptance. This non-denominational church welcomes those from every culture, background, age, and ethnicity. Learn more about their values by visiting their website, or call (808) 677-5677 to ask about their Christmas worship services.