CHRISTMAS YESTERDAY AND TODAY
*Fr.Ivo da Conceição Souza
Introduction:
The feast dates back to the little town of Bethlehem, the "city of
bread" in Israel, where 2009 years (or seven years more) ago Jesus was
born in a manger. Joy is expressed everywhere--in the churches, homes,
markets, clubs, casinos among old and young alike. Even non-Christians
experience a unique atmosphere during this festive season. Our ears are
full of Christmas music: "Joy to the world for the Saviour is born", "O
Come All ye faithful", "Jingle bells". Shops remind us that we are in the
festive season.
Meaning: Our centre of attention is the crib where Jesus is reported to
have been born as a simple child, laid in a cave-like manger (or stall),
surrounded by Mary (Myriam), Joseph and animals, oxen and donkeys (cf.Is
1:3). It was the best and the driest place for the baby. As the Gospel
(Lk 2:6-7) runs: "Now while they (Mary and Joseph) were there (in
Bethlehem), the time came for her to give birth; and she gave birth to a
son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in strips of cloth and laid him down in
a manger (PHATNE), since there was no place for them in the lodgings
(KATALYMA)".
The early church had only one feast, Easter, celebrated weekly on
Sunday and annually on Easter Day. But Christmas points out to the death
and Resurrection of Jesus and prepares us for Easter. Jesus is born in
order to save the world with his death and Resurrection. For Christians,
Christmas is a part and parcel of the Paschal Mystery, the mystery of
death-Resurrection of Christ. Jesus is our Saviour and Incarnate
Word-Son of God, from the first moment of his human existence.
Liturgical Origin:
The name Christmas is derived from the Old English 'Christes Maesse',
meaning the Mass of Christ. Since the actual date of the Lord's birth was
not known, its commemoration was generally included in the feast of the
Manifestation (Epiphany), during the first three centuries of the Christian
era.
As we said, the exact date of Christmas is not registered in the
Gospels, for they are not biographies of Jesus of Nazareth, but
proclamation about his meaningfulness for the life of the world as a
Saviour. Rather than chronicling the facts of his life, they try to bring
out the significance of his words and deeds for humankind. Infancy gospel
(rather than infancy narrative) is found only in the later Gospels, namely
Luke and Matthew.
Till the third century of the Christian era, Christians were celebrating
the birth of Jesus on different dates. It was not until 350 CE., when
Pope Julius I declared that December 25 was the day of the Christmas
celebration, that most Western Churches accepted the now traditional date.
Julius I chose this date with a meaning in mind, like a step towards
inculturation. In the fourth century, Christmas originated in opposition to
the Roman feast of "Unconquered Sun". The Romans used December 25 to mark
the birth of the Unconquered Sun (Dies Natalis Solis Invicti), Sun-God,
Mithras. In Northern Europe the winter solstice of December 21 was
traditionally the feast of Yule. Yule logs were burnt at this time in
tribute to the gods, Thor and Odin. By selecting December as Christ's
birthday, the Church could absorb and purify (rather than
simplistically suppressing) mythical traditions and legends of the
people. Christ is the "Unconquered Sun" (cf.Mal 4:2; see also Jn 8:12).
Thus, Christmas came to be celebrated on December 25. The reason
given was that the ecclesiastical authority in Rome wanted to turn the
people from the worship of the 'material Sun' to the worship of Christ,
the 'Light of the World'. By the end of the fourth century this Roman date
of the nativity celebration was universally accepted by all Churches, both
in the West and in the East.
But why 25th December ? March 25th, which was the pagan festival
of Spring, had been adopted by the Church as a day of angel Gabriel's
annunciation to Mary. After nine months from March 25, we arrive at the date
of Christmas, December 25.
The feast of Christmas is marked by the celebration of 'three
Masses': at midnight, at dawn and on the day itself. According to the
contents of the respective Gospels of the three Masses of Christmas Day,
people came to call the first Mass the
'Angels' Mass', the second the 'Shepherds' Mass' and the third the 'Mass
of the Divine Word'.
Its Celebration:
In the past, more emphasis was laid on the religious aspect of the
feast. Carol singing is characteristic of this season. Groups with lit
lanterns and in the company of Santa Claus sing praises to the new-born
Child during the cold night.
The first carol was "Glory to God in the highest" (cf.Lk 2:14). Composers
like Händel produced "Messiah". Others gave us "Silent Night" in the
early 19th century--Franz Gruber together with Father Joseph Mohr, a
parish-priest at a small parish church in Arnsdorf. Father Mohr wrote a
little poem of three verses and Gruber set them to music. Mohr sang the
hymn, whereas Gruber played music. It became immortal.
Another group of songs is called lullabies--they call the faithful to
worship and rejoice in the Lord. They are rich in folk poetry. Some of
them may involve legends and traditions.
The Christmas-crib scenes have been popularized by Francis of
Assisi, who in 1223 set up a manger filled with straw at Grecio
(Italy), and tied up an ox and ass close by. The star above or around the
crib reminds us of the star that guided the three wise men
(Magi-astrologers from Babylon), mentioned by Mathew (2:1-12).
Christmas is a time for giving and taking, for promoting a
better understanding and stronger ties between all the members of the
family. It is an occasion to spread the message of peace and happiness to
all. Christmas is the time to think of the poor, sick and old. People used
to distribute clothes, sweets and gifts among the poor. This love and warmth
gave us the feeling of Christmas. Beggars visited houses and experienced
the generosity of the people. It is a feast of the family. Jesus of Nazareth
was born in a family. It is a feast for all, rich and poor.
Today it is regarded by many as a social function, and by some it is
celebrated, paradoxal as it may appear, as a "Christmas without Christ"...
Some college students may say, "Life is to be enjoyed, Christmas is the
best time for it". Religious fervour may have gone down in some circles,
whereas commercial gains are stressed. Religious fervour may be dimmed by
parties, dances and balls. More emphasis is perhaps being laid on Christmas
parties and dances. It is the best season for the tourists to visit Goa. We
may be tempted to celebrate Christmas without Christ. Let us celebrate
the birth of Jesus by giving Jesus a place in our hearts--by forgiving our
enemies, breaking the walls of division, enmity, hatred, jealousy, and
building bridges of love and friendship, of brotherhood to all. It is a
season for peace, forgiveness, love and sharing. Are we not saying, like
the inn-keeper, "Go away! There is no place in this inn for you"? Rather,
we should say, "Do not go, Joseph. Bring Mary back. You can have my
room".
Shall we put Christ back into Christmas celebration?
