The Word Christmas
The word for Christmas in late Old English is Cristes Maesse, the Mass of Christ, first found in 1038, and Cristes-messe, in 1131. In Dutch it is Kerstmis, in Latin Dies Natalis, whence comes the French Noël, and Italian Il natale; in German Weihnachtsfest, from the preceding sacred vigil.
Controversies
The celebration of the birth of Jesus has a long and messy past. The first evidence of the feast came from Egypt in 200 AD. But there has never been any agreement on the year or day of the birth of Jesus.
Christmas has also long been a controversial celebration. In England, Christmas was banned by an Act of Parliament in 1644. People were forced to fast, and shops were ordered to be open. [1]
Let us Celebrate Christmas
Nevertheless, Christians, sans edicts, and theological proclamations, have felt in the souls that we should join together, independent of denominational differences. We, all of us, should thank God for begetting His One and Only Son; Jesus, having been prophesied since the fall of man and prepared since the Creation of the heavens and the earth qualifies as someone for which we should celebrate their birth.
So, let us do so. Let us set aside all malice or contempt, and corporately humble ourselves, worshiping God and celebrating Jesus for being the pilgrim that made the only way of salvation; sinners saved by grace.
Today is the day we jointly celebrate the birth of God’s Child born in a manger. Let us rejoice in God’s prophecy of Jesus in Isaiah 9:6 (ESV): “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.“
Merry Christmas!
Photo by Chris Sowder on Unsplash
You may like:
https://rockexcavationservice.org/2019/04/03/gods-crazy-about-you/
