CHRISTMAS

 CHRISTMAS

Introduction

    Christmas is the most imporant festival of the Christians. It is celebrated on the 25th December every year. This is the birthday of Jesus Christ. Christ is the God of the Christians. Some say Christ is the beloved son of the God Almighty. The fact is that Jesus Christ is the father of Christianity. So the birth day of Christ is very acuspicious for the Christians.

Legend

    There is a legand regarding the birth of Christ. Before his birth there appeared divine indications. An unusually bright star appeared in the sky in the night of the 25th of December. Virgin Mary was bathed with a divine light. That night she gave birth to a son with a divine halo in a sheep-shed. When Christ was born, a divine message was heard that he would be the messiah of the mankind.

Preaching of love

    When Christ grew up, he preached his message of love and universal brotherhood among people. People heard him with interest and many became his followers. He accepted some as his disciples. A lot of supernatural acts were attributed to him.

Crucification

    The priests at that time were very selfish. They exploited the poor people. When christ preached the religion of love and piety, the priests opposed him. They even reported to the king against him. The king was intolerant of the popularity of Christ. He captured Christ and crucified him after torturing him ruthlessly. According to the divine decree, the Resurrection took place on Easter. Easter is also a day of festvial of the Christians.

Christmas eve

    Christmas is a special day for the Christians all over the world. On the day before Christmas all the Christians make preparations for the festival. They decorate their houses with coloured flowers and festoons. The Christmas tree is illuminated with coloured lights and decorated with toys and fruits. There prevails an atmosphere of joy and merriment. This night is very important for the children. They look forward to the arrival of Santaclaus in his red over-coat and flowing snowy beard. According to legend, Santaclaus comes from the North Pole on his sleigh driven by reindeer carrying presents in his sack. He visits the children while they are asleep and leaves their desired presents by thier beds. When they get up in the morning of Christmas, their hearts are overwhelmed with joy getting their long cherished objects.

Celebration

    On the Christmas Eve, people in groups go from house to house singing carols. In the churches midnight prayers are held to welcome the 25th December. On the Christmas day the Christians put on new clothes. They invite their friends and relatives and feed them sumptuously. They prepare cakes and sweets and distribute them among the poor people as well as their relatives and friends. They invariably attend churches and offer mass prayers in honour of Jesus Christ.

Importance

    There are christians in almost all the countries of the world. So now-a-days Christmas celebration is held in almost every country. There are a lot of Christians in India. They celebrate Christmas with much pomp and gaiety. As India is a secular state, Christmas is a holiday for all. The Christians are allowed to celerbrate this festival without hinderance. This is the great spirit of India.