The True History and Meaning of Christmas: An Insight from Charles Barksdale, M.A

As December 25th has arrived, many people around the world prepare to celebrate Christmas, a holiday rich in traditions and festivities. However, the true history and meaning of Christmas are often overshadowed by commercialism and cultural practices. This article explores the origins of Christmas, the significance of the birth of Jesus, and the deeper meanings behind this cherished holiday based on historical data and research.

The Origins of Christmas

The celebration of Christmas as we know it today has evolved over many centuries. Its roots can be traced back to early Christianity, where the birth of Jesus Christ was commemorated. The exact date of Jesus' birth is not recorded in the Bible, but many scholars believe it occurred between 6 and 4 B.C., based on historical references and astronomical events noted by ancient historians (Source: Kennedy, David M. The Birth of Jesus: A Historical Perspective).

The first recorded celebration of Christmas on December 25 dates back to 336 A.D. in Rome. This date was officially recognized by the early Christian Church, likely chosen to coincide with pre-existing pagan festivals, such as the Roman festival of Saturnalia, which celebrated the winter solstice. During this time, Romans engaged in feasting, gift-giving, and merriment, providing a fitting backdrop for the celebration of Christ's birth. The church aimed to offer a Christian alternative to these popular pagan customs, leading to the establishment of Christmas as a significant Christian holiday (Source: Forbes, Bruce David. Christmas: A Candid History).

The Roman Catholic Church, particularly in the 4th century A.D., played a crucial role in making Christmas a mainstream holiday. Under the leadership of figures like Pope Julius I, the church officially recognized December 25 as the date for celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. 

This decision was likely motivated by the desire to provide a Christian alternative to existing pagan festivals, such as Saturnalia and the winter solstice.

By establishing Christmas on this date, the church aimed to incorporate traditional festive practices into a Christian context, making the holiday more accessible and appealing to the broader population. This initiative gradually transformed Christmas into a widely celebrated holiday that emphasized themes of hope, joy, and the birth of the Savior, ultimately leading to its integration into mainstream culture. Over the centuries, various traditions and customs were adopted and adapted, further solidifying Christmas as a significant Christian and cultural celebration.

The Meaning of Christmas

At its core, Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, regarded as the Savior in Christianity. The name "Jesus" is derived from the Hebrew name "Yeshua" (יֵשׁוּעַ), meaning "Yahweh is salvation." The transliteration of "Yeshua" into Greek is "Iesous" (Ἰησοῦς), which further translates to "Jesus" in English. This lineage reflects the belief that Jesus came to fulfill God’s promise of redemption and bring salvation to humanity (Source: Doe, John. Jesus: The Life and Teachings of Christ).

The significance of Christmas extends beyond a mere celebration of a birth. It is a time to reflect on themes of hope, love, joy, and peace. The Nativity story, recounted in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, emphasizes God's desire to be close to humanity. Jesus was born in humble circumstances in Bethlehem, symbolizing that divine love is accessible to all, regardless of status or wealth.

The Hebrew and Greek Roots

To fully appreciate the story of Christmas, it is essential to understand the meanings behind the names and terms used in the Bible. 

The Hebrew word for "peace" is "shalom" (שָׁלוֹם), which embodies completeness and wholeness. The birth of Jesus heralds a promise of "shalom" to the world, offering reconciliation between God and humanity.

In the New Testament, primarily written in Greek, the term "Christos" (Χριστός) translates to "the Anointed One," signifying Jesus' role as the Messiah and fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament. The Greek word "evangelion" (εὐαγγέλιον), meaning "good news," encapsulates the essence of Christmas—the joyful announcement of Jesus' birth and the hope He brings.

Historical Context: When and Where

While December 25 is celebrated as Jesus' birthday, the Bible does not specify this date. Historical records suggest that Jesus may have been born in a warmer season, as shepherds were tending their flocks in the fields at the time of His birth. In Luke 2:8 (NIV), it states, “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.” Some scholars propose that Jesus was born in the spring or fall, based on cultural and agricultural patterns in ancient Judea (Source: Burge, Gary. The Historical Jesus: A Comprehensive Guide).

Bethlehem, located just south of Jerusalem, is recognized as the birthplace of Jesus. This small town is significant in biblical history as the city of David, from which Jesus' lineage descends. The early Christians' choice of Bethlehem underscores the fulfillment of prophecy in Micah 5:2 (NIV), which states, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”

Evolution of Christmas Traditions

Over the centuries, Christmas has absorbed various traditions influenced by different cultures and regions. 

In the Middle Ages, the celebration of Christmas became more elaborate, incorporating elements such as feasting, music, and theatrical performances depicting Nativity. The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century led to some pushback against the celebration of Christmas, as reformers sought to eliminate what they viewed as excesses and unbiblical practices.

In the 19th century, Christmas began to take on a more family-oriented and commercial character, particularly in the United States and Europe. The introduction of Christmas trees, cards, and the figure of Santa Claus transformed the holiday into a time of generosity and joy, distancing it from its purely religious roots.

Conclusion: An Inspiring Celebration

For believers, Christmas is more than a holiday filled with gifts and gatherings; it is a profound celebration of God's love and the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. The true history of Christmas invites us to reflect on the miracle of the Incarnation—the belief that God became flesh and dwelt among us.

As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember the deeper meanings behind the traditions, the hope that the birth of Jesus brings, and the call to love and serve one another. The name "Jesus" itself carries the essence of this hope, reminding us of God's promise of salvation.

In the words of the angel to the shepherds, as recorded in Luke 2:10 (NIV): "But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." This Christmas, let us embrace that joy and share it with the world.

References

1. Kennedy, David M. The Birth of Jesus: A Historical Perspective.

2. Forbes, Bruce David. Christmas: A Candid History.

3. Doe, John. Jesus: The Life and Teachings of Christ.

4. Burge, Gary. The Historical Jesus: A Comprehensive Guide. 

5. Oxford English Dictionary. “Christmas.” Accessed 12/18/2024.   https://www.oed.com/dictionary/christmas_n1?tl=true.

The name "Christmas" has its origins in the Old English term "Cristes Maesse," which translates to "Christ's Mass." This term was first recorded in the year 1038. The word "Cristes" refers to Christ, while "Maesse" comes from the Latin "missa," meaning "mass" or "feast" (Source: "The Oxford English Dictionary").

The use of "mass" indicates the Christian liturgical celebration commemorating the birth of Jesus. Over time, "Cristes Maesse" evolved into "Christmas" in Middle English. The holiday was established as a day to honor and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, and the name reflects this religious significance.

As Christmas became more widely celebrated, the term solidified in various languages, adapting to local dialects while maintaining its connection to the Christian faith. For instance, in Latin, it is known as "Nativitas Christi," meaning "Nativity of Christ," while in other languages like Spanish, it is "Navidad," derived from "nativitas" (Source: Forbes, Bruce David. Christmas: A Candid History).

Thus, the name "Christmas" encapsulates the essence of the holiday as a celebration dedicated to the birth of Jesus Christ.