| * Why do people put up Christmas trees? | | | | Matthew discussed the story of Joseph and Mary, |
| The tradition of the Christmas tree is a remnant | | | | the angel Gabriel, and the Three Kings. |
| of the old pagan tradition of worshipping trees. | | | | The story in Luke starts in the land of Nazareth, |
| This paved the way for the popularity of | | | | and is the one most people are familiar with. Luke |
| Christmas tree decorations in people's homes | | | | does not mention the new star, the wise men, or |
| during Christmas season. | | | | Herod's slaughter of the innocents, but he does |
| * Why is Christmas on December 25th? | | | | describe the journey of Mary and Joseph from |
| Many people believe Jesus was born on | | | | Nazareth to Bethlehem, Mary laying the newborn |
| December 25, but there is no historical evidence | | | | Jesus in a manger, and the angels appearing to |
| for this. In fact, historical evidence points to spring | | | | the shepherds. |
| as the time when Jesus was born. | | | | * What is the 12th Day of Christmas? |
| It's most likely that December 25 became | | | | According to Encyclopedia .com: Epiphany |
| Christmas Day by a slick political move. By three | | | | "(ipif´ene) [Gr.,=showing], a prime Christian |
| or four centuries after Christ, Christians were | | | | feast, celebrated Jan. 6, called also Twelfth Day |
| numerous, and perhaps in an effort to stop | | | | or Little Christmas. Its eve is Twelfth Night. It |
| religious bickering and unite the Christians with the | | | | commemorates three events-the baptism of |
| pagans, the pagan holiday of Saturnalia | | | | Jesus (Mark 1), the visit of the Wise Men to |
| (approximately December 25) was combined with | | | | Bethlehem (Mat. 2), and the miracle at Cana (John |
| the biggest Christian celebration of the year: the | | | | 2). In his baptism Jesus' sonship to God was |
| birthday of Jesus. Presto, a universal holiday! | | | | manifested to the world; in the visit of the Wise |
| * When and how did Christmas become an official | | | | Men he was manifested as king to the Gentiles; |
| government holiday? | | | | and at the marriage feast at Cana his power to |
| There are several arguments regarding the | | | | perform miracles (a divine prerogative) was |
| declaration of Christmas as an official holiday. But | | | | shown. In popular celebration the feast is far |
| according to many researchers, it was in the year | | | | more ancient than Christmas. Technically it is |
| 1870 that U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant declared | | | | more important than Christmas, ranking after |
| Christmas an American national holiday. Prior to | | | | Easter and Pentecost. It is a day of gifts in many |
| this declaration, a formal process was conducted | | | | countries. In the Eastern Church the waters are |
| that transformed the proposal into an act of | | | | blessed on this day. The word epiphany means a |
| Congress. | | | | manifestation, usually of divine power. Thus the |
| * Where does the name Christmas come from? | | | | actual appearance of God (as in the burning bush) |
| Christmas comes from the Middle English term | | | | or a moment of divine revelation may be called |
| "Cristis Masse." In literal translation it means | | | | an epiphany." |
| Christ's Festival. There are also some accounts | | | | * Why do we celebrate Christmas? |
| that translate it as "mass for Christ." | | | | It has been a part of the Christian tradition to |
| * In which gospels was the Christmas story told? | | | | celebrate Christmas yearly. The bottom line for |
| It is in the gospels of Matthew and Luke where | | | | this is to witness and retell to other people the |
| you can find most of the Biblical accounts | | | | marvelous story of the Savior of mankind, who is |
| pertaining to the nativity story or Christmas. | | | | Jesus Christ. |