Christmas

The Twelve Days of Christmas - December 24 to January 6

Christmas began in Rome as a response to pagan festivities centering around the winter solstice, which was locally considered to be December 25. The pagan celebration, which was established by the Roman emperor Aurelian in AD 274, was called The Birth of the Invincible Sun. Christians were in the minority in those days, so they either had to abstain and look dour or participate and betray their faith. In about AD 335, Roman Christians began to celebrate the Nativity of Jesus Christ on December 25 to assert their Christian faith during the pagan feast.

The most important thing about Christmas is not the fact of a baby alone but rather that in this special child, Jesus, God came in human form to reveal himself to the world. This is called the Incarnation (and not to be confused with 'reincarnation' which has nothing to do with the Incarnation nor is it a Christian belief).

We begin our celebrations formally on Christmas Eve, December 24, and enjoy the twelve day season until the eve of January 6 when we mark The Epiphany. It is a time which is filled with much wonderful music, a number of extra services, family gatherings, and many parties. During the special services we find the opportunity to welcome many who are visiting with people of the congregation or for whom worship at Christmas is an important part of keeping the season.

During this time may we know a special touch of God's grace and love when we can be overwhelmed with so much going on or experience painful reminders or feel more lonely than usual. It is indeed a time in which heaven came down and glory has filled the earth - this is good news for all!

The liturgical colour for Christmas Eve, the Day and the season is white.