Mary & Jesus

Christmas

Manger Drawing

Christmas (also referred to as 'Christmastide' or 'Yuletide') is that period in the liturgical year which begins on December 25th (the day we designate as the birthday of Jesus the Christ), and concludes the day before Epiphany (January 6th). Tradition holds that the day starts at sunset of the previous evening, so Christmas Eve (the evening of Christmas Day) spans the evening of December 24-25, and so forth.

Until recent times the Christmas celebration lasted throughout this period (which is mentioned in the song 'The Twelve Days of Christmas'). Feasting and merrymaking took place throughout this period. Care was taken that all would be recognized and participate in the celebration; for example on Boxing Day (a tradition in England) it was customary for the wealthy to give gifts to employees, household servants, and those in a lower social class. Even today, it is traditional for household Christmas decorations are not taken down until the end of the Christmas season (and some wait until the Eve of Epiphany).

In today's society the public celebration of Christmas is typically confined to December 25th. Indeed, some might observe that the church observance of Christmas runs counter to its observance in the secular world. While Christians are observing the season of Advent, Christmas sales have been ongoing since Thanksgiving (and sometimes before!). Then, while the Church marks the Christmas season, the Christmas decorations come down in stores and the 'After-Christmas Sales' signs go up.

Like Advent, Christmas uses rich symbolism to remind Christians of the Reason for the Season. Click on the links at left or below to find out more about:

“Good Christian friends rejoice
With heart and soul and voice;
Give ye heed to what we say:
Jesus Christ is born today!'”
Hymn #55, Lutheran Book of Worship