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What Child Is This? (Part 1): Why We Celebrate Jesus at Christmas


Matthew 1:22–23
22 Now all this took place in order that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet would be fulfilled, saying,
23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.”

Every year around this time, for thousands of years, Christians have gathered and planned to get together to celebrate and remember the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

There is, of course, controversy as to the origins of Christmas, with many people suggesting that Christmas was taken from pagan origins and celebrations. However, Christmas was celebrated by Christians long before the winter solstice and other pagan holidays.

Today, 1700 years after the first Christmas celebrations, Christians continue to gather to celebrate and rejoice in memory of the birth of Jesus Christ.

We all have our little Christmas celebrations here and there. Some people and churches set up nativity scenes with Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. Some churches do Christmas dramas and, really, we start celebrating from October first. Right from October first, we start having Christmas songs on TV. The stores begin to decorate and put up Christmas trees. Everyone gets in the “Christmas Spirit”.

On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, we get together with friends and family, and share a meal. In Hispanic cultures, for example, we make roasted pork (also called pulpa or pernil), turkey, tamales, rice, beans, and many other foods and desserts. As you can see (and already know) there are so many ways that different cultures celebrate Christmas.

But why is this day so important that millions/billions celebrate every year?
Who is this child that was born, and is worthy of much celebration?

Thanks to the inspiration of Sacred Scripture, we can know and understand the importance of the birth of Jesus and the implications for all of humanity.

As we enter this Christmas season, it is my hope that we take the time to truly consider the Child whose birth changed the world forever. Over the next few weeks, we will look closely at the Scriptures and examine the beauty, wonder, and glory of Christ’s coming through the different posts in this series. 

May the Lord grant us understanding, reverence, and joy as we behold the Child together.


Reflection Question: If Jesus is worthy of such worldwide celebration, what place does He hold in my daily life?

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