In modern times the figures of Father Christmas and Santa Claus are indistinguishable. The Puritan movement began during the reign of Queen Elizabeth in England (1558-1603).

Why did they bring such strange gifts? But why do we have the trees and why do we decorate them? But what does ‘advent’ mean? But have you ever had questions about the story?

Festivals; Video; For many people Christmas is a time for presents, food and parties but that isn’t all Christmas is about. What makes advent a special time for Christians? In the Bible there is a story of a man who could not stop dreaming! The practice of leaving mince pies and a glass of milk or brandy for him on Christmas Eve may be a remnant of Pagan sacrifices made to mark the end of winter and the coming of spring. Dickens' A Christmas Carol (1843) inspired ideals of what Christmas should be, capturing the imagination of the British and American middle classes. What is the story behind the Christmas celebrations? Have you ever helped anyone? The Day of the Holy Innocents is a time to pray for peace and justice everywhere. The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus meaning coming. Have you ever wondered why the shepherds were scared of the angels? Is it easy […]. We all remember Herod and the wise men, and how Herod’s advisors told the wise men just what that star in the East meant and just where they’d be able to find this new king. An important part of today's Christmas is the myth of Father Christmas (called Santa Claus in America). What did Jesus mean by these parables? One year, when I had a particularly vociferous group of Sunday Schoolers, and we were preparing for the Christmas Pageant, I told them, “You’d better watch out because if you’re not good, I’ll cast you as the Holy Innocents.”. By closing this banner or continuing to browse this website, you agree to the use of cookies. A famous story has him anonymously delivering bags of gold coins to a man who could not afford dowry for his daughters to get married.

Jesus answered Peter by telling this parable – it might not have been the answer Peter was hoping to hear! Christmas has always been a strange combination of Christian, Pagan and folk traditions. Think you know the Christmas story? Were there really three wise men? Find all of our books, bibles, greeting cards and special offers in our store.

A parable is a story which has a special meaning behind it.

Christian church services at Christmas include carol singing. But when they arrived in Bethlehem the local inn was already full with people returning for the census. The Church was already finding it hard to bury the Pagan remnants of the midwinter festival. But Herod didn’t have a chance. Matthew tells us about some wise men who followed a star that led them to Jesus' birthplace and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. For Christians the most important part of Christmas is celebrating Jesus’ birthday. This story answers a big question Jesus was asked: Who is it our job to help? Click on the panel to the right to begin…. by Rick HamlinPosted in How to Pray, Dec 18, 2019. What is advent? The story of Jesus's birth (also known as the nativity) is often retold by children taking part in nativity plays. Christmas Day is the Christian festival most celebrated by non-churchgoers, and churches are often completely full for the service late on Christmas Eve. Click here for a Widgit […], What do you do if you have lost something? It was a predominantly secular festival but contained some religious elements. They believed in strict moral codes, plenty of prayer and close following of New Testament scripture. In 1644 all Christmas activities were banned in England. If you’re like me, you forget that it’s even on the calendar.

This was not the case in England until much later, suggesting that British Christmases were less Christian than those in other parts of Europe. And we know they reach the One who understood from the beginning of His life on earth that wise men and women would also seek Him. It’s an episode of the Christmas story that’s so easy to skip. The Church attempted to curb Pagan practices and popular customs were given Christian meaning. Mary travelled on a donkey to conserve her energy for the birth. Tags: Christmas, Nativity, Story, Mary, Jesus' birth, Joseph, Shepherds, Angels, Wise men, The story of Christmas is one of the most important to Christians. Shop Now, Follow the Guideposts special series, Overcoming Addiction Visit Now. Let’s see how well you do with the Christmas Quiz. Click here to […]. This fun film tells the parable of the Good Samaritan and the man that he helped. This group had money to spend and made Christmas a special time for the family. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. They are made with fir branches and four candles. Some ancient religions used holly for protection. It is from them that the nativity story is pieced together. Purdue, Sutton Publishing, 1986, Victorian Christmas, Joy to the World, C. Hart, J. Grossman & P. Dunhill, Ebury Press, 1991, The Christmas Alumanac, Michael Stephenson, Oxford Univesity Press, 1992, The Book of Christmas, Thomas K. Hervey, Folklore Society Books, 2000. One way that the Christmas story has been maintained is through the crib, a model of the manger that Jesus was born in. The celebration has roots in the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, the festivals of the ancient Greeks, the beliefs of the Druids and the folk customs of Europe. In this fun film Gran tells Mark, her grandson, and all the children watching the story of the first Christmas. This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. Christmas remains a time to forget about the long dark days and celebrate with friends and family. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so. In many parts of Europe in the 18th century crib making was an important craft form. To find out more visit http://treasured-tales.co.uk/. In this fun game you can learn the Christmas story or use the game […] His sleigh, pulled by reindeer, is left over from Scandinavian mythology.

Jesus' birth, known as the nativity, is described in the New Testament of the Bible. Retrieved November 26, 2003, from Encyclopædia Britannica Online. That’s why I am glad to be reminded of this holiday today. And who exactly were the Holy Innocents?

Carols that had started as Pagan songs for celebrations such as midsummer and harvest were taken up by the Church. Encyclopædia Britannica. Why do Christians decorate Christmas trees? He ordered the murder of all boys aged two and younger in Bethlehem. To buy a copy of Rick’s latest book, Prayer Works, click here. It was previously associated with the Sun God and was important in Pagan customs. For more information, please, Story Time: The Lost coin and the lost Sheep. Both accounts tell us that Jesus was born to a woman called Mary who was engaged to Joseph, a carpenter. Christmas is marked on the 25 December (7 January for Orthodox Christians). And in fact, like most of us, you forget that it’s even part of the Christmas story. In this fun game you can learn the Christmas story or use the game […].

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