This is one of the Christmas images presented in our society. Another is the celebration of Jesus' birth. The Gospel of Matthew has three chapters on it and the Gospel of Luke has two.
Historical
By the third century there was general agreement that Jesus' birth be celebrated on 25 December which happened to coincide with the winter solstice (whether this was deliberate is uncertain) and the Eastern Orthodox traditions using the Gregorian calendar celebrated it on the 7th January.
Folk
When Emperor Constantine became a Christian, the Christmas celebration became a 'folk' community event. This is what is meant by 'folk'. Over many centuries the 'folk' version of Christmas took on many ways of celebrating, such as family reunions and friends giving gifts.
The important list
Theologically, there was prophecy that a Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Messiah would be born to a virgin impregnated by the Holy Spirit. When born his name would be Immanuel meaning God with us. There are 19 such promises recorded in the Old Testament. Each one can be ticked off with the birth of Jesus.
The Significance of this birth
The Gospels tells the unfolding story of His life, the Cross of Calvary and His resurrection and the Letters and Epistles help our understanding why Jesus offers all humanity the possibility of reconciliation with God and eternal life.
Christmas gifts
In the same way that God gave Jesus as a gift to each one of us, so too we give gifts to those we love – family and friends. Christmas is a reminder of a complete story, yet at on Christmas morning we celebrates its start.
It's like an allegory. The gifts we receive (be they sport, cosmetics, clothes, books, videos …. ) all help us enjoy the celebration of our lives into the future, and then along comes the New Year confirming that future. Christmas blessings!
One of the gifts our Well-Being Australia mission provides is the Laguna Quays Respite house for missionaries, AIS athletes and the cricket fraternity. There is a missionary family of six visiting from Boxing Day for over a week of relaxation, respite and sheet family enjoyment and this brings me much celebration.
Dr Mark Tronson is a Baptist minister (retired) who served as the Australian cricket team chaplain for 17 years (2000 ret) and established Life After Cricket in 2001. He was recognised by the Olympic Ministry Medal in 2009 presented by Carl Lewis Olympian of the Century. He has written 24 books, and enjoys writing. He is married to Delma, with four adult children and grand-children.
Mark Tronson's archive of articles can be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/mark-tronson.html