Christmas - The Birth of Jesus Christ

Christmas in Australia is freedom in the summer. There are the usual neighbours decorating their homes, the buzzing enthusiasm of both young and old, the bustling pools and sandy beaches filling up. After a good swim you are met by a barbecue, ice-cream or chips to fulfil your young soul. As the day ends, the weather bends. It becomes cold enough to not sweat or thirst again.

The young Australian will forget school existed throughout the summer holidays, while the older adults will work in the joy of the season. It will be right to say that most Australians enjoy summer more than any other season.

Since Christmas gives time off and holidays; where does this break come from? In other words, what is the story behind Christmas? What is its main purpose and goal? What is the significance of Christmas?

The story of Christmas begins in the centre of the world. The centre of the world is not the rough terrains of Africa, the gentle plains of Europe, and certainly not politically run America. It begins in the Middle East. They are beloved for the delicious food they cook, the loud and lavish weddings and their hilarious jokes.

Where in the Middle East though? Would it be the vibrant city of Istanbul? Is it the ancient city of Cairo? Could it be the luxurious Doha? No. Christmas did not take root in either of the cities listed.

If Christmas is a well-known and popular holiday that nearly everybody celebrates, where did it come from? If not in a great city, then where?

Surprisingly, Christmas began in a small and poor Middle Eastern town. This is significant because where do most popular celebrations come from?

Australia Day comes from the populated and sea-faring port of Sydney. It had over a million Australians when it was celebrated! The Fourth of July comes from the gentle plains and cosmopolitan city of Philadelphia. It had over a hundred thousand Americans when it was celebrated. Victory Day comes from the triumph over Fascism in Europe. It was first celebrated in the UK, USA, Canada and Russia.

If a mass following of people and a huge city can generate celebrations and holidays. How did the small city of Bethlehem create the holiday that’s (almost) universally known? Spoiler Alert: The city of Bethlehem did not create the celebration of Christmas.

The early Bethlehem Christmas was supernaturally founded by the birth of Jesus Christ. It was a celebration founded by a miraculous event and person. The Gospel of Luke states the first celebration in depth: According to Luke, Mary received a message from Angel Gabriel in Nazareth that she would conceive the Messiah. In hearing this news, she accepted the message.

Nine months later, Roman Emperor Augustus called all Jews to go to their ancestral hometowns. This was to take part in a census and pay tax. As they were in the city, the time came for her birth.

Joseph and Mary needed help, fast. Mary was giving birth, and Joseph couldn’t find a home to stay in. Almost nobody in Bethlehem supported the poor couple. Out of hope in thin air, they found a place to stay. Tradition has it that they took refuge in a cave. In being very odd to flee for a cave, this wasn’t irregular or odd to do. This was common. A lot of people in the first century lived in caves or used them to store animals.

In dire conditions, the idea of celebrating was not an option. Joseph had to take care of a son that he wasn’t genetically related to. Mary put herself at risk by giving birth to a son that’s not hers.

Yet, this was a son that was unlike any other son. It was a son that was promised to come. It was a son that was not expected to come. It was believed to be the perfect son. It was the Messiah.

The struggle for the Messiah bore a great fruit for all. A celebration. Mary and Joseph’s celebration did not impact the world or Bethlehem on its first day. It would however grow after this story was retold from generation to generation.

The son’s early ministry did not celebrate this from the beginning. It was celebrated when He was recognised. In rejoicing for the Messiah’s birthday, it can be further celebrated for the day he was made known.