The Meaning of Christmas Every December in many cities around the world you are likely to see bright lights and hear happy music. It’s Christmas time. People of many ethnic backgrounds and beliefs like to celebrate this holiday. Bright lights and shiny ornaments on trees along with the fun of giving and receiving gifts add to the festivity. Where did this celebration come from? What does it mean? As we explore the events behind the fun, we will find a fascinating story about the birth of a very intriguing individual named Jesus. Stars and Prophecies Let’s begin with the beautiful lights strung all around houses and the star we often see on the top of a Christmas tree. Stars have long been studied both by astronomers and those who try to predict the future. Approximately two thousand years ago, a group of philosophers in Asia, called wise men, had been studying the stars and some ancient scriptures. Traditions and prophecies told of a great Rescuer who would one day be born to help the world turn away from evil and be free from suffering.
They also had studied ancient scriptures written by prophets in Palestine. These predicted the unique birth of a ruler whose compassionate character would shine like a star. As they read they became excited, realizing the dates the prophecies pointed to were the very days in which they were living. One night they were startled to see a new star in the skies. It was not a planet. It was not stationary like normal stars. It seemed to move from where they were towards Israel. Could this be a sign that the predicted Rescuer had been born? They could not sit still waiting and wondering. They prepared some costly gifts, mounted camels, and followed the star. When they arrived in Jerusalem, the wise men asked, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” The people were very startled by this sudden appearance of wealthy philosophers and their unusual question. Nobody seemed to know the answer. In fact, the present ruler, King Herod, was really troubled at the thought of a rival to his throne. The religious leaders should have known that it was time for their own scriptures to be fulfilled. They had become careless. However, they did know where the scriptures predicted that the Rescuer would be born. They told the wise men this special birth would take place in the small village of Bethlehem. King Herod told them, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship
Him also.” His words disguised his evil intent to protect his kingdom by murdering the child. The wise men waited until nightfall, when, delighted to see the star again, they traveled to Bethlehem and found the newborn baby whose name was Jesus, which means “the one who rescues.” That is why you see so many stars and lights at Christmas time. Gifts at Christmas Perhaps you’ve wondered why so many people around the world give gifts right before the international New Year. It is connected to the three special gifts that the wise men gave Jesus. They gave gold, frankincense and myrrh. Giving gifts is a wonderful way to express love and appreciation. Parents feel honored when their children show gratitude with a gift. A wife feels very pleased when her husband takes time to choose something special to demonstrate his affection. Coworkers and their bosses enjoy the exchange of little gifts at Christmas to breakup the monotony of work. At the time of Jesus’ birth, gifts such as gold, frankincense, and myrrh were only given to a king. These wise men were truly convinced that this little baby was someone very special. They showed their respect and honor in the best way they could. 1