Want to know the hidden spiritual meaning of Christmas? It’s the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ celebrated by millions of people all over the world. People of many different faiths celebrate this festival in many different ways. As this world is full of challenges and obstacles, it is believed that Christmas changes the bad situation by bringing in the good news.
Along with joyful times, it holds a strong message on how a person should lead their life directed by certain principles. It might be a time of sadness or sorrow for some people, while it could also be a time to rejoice for others.
In this article, we will talk about the spiritual importance of Christmas with its customs and traditions. Let’s get started!
Contents
The Spiritual Significance of Christmas Symbols
Decorating trees during the Christmas season fills our home with happiness and joy. However, each Christmas decoration has a deep spiritual meaning and symbols behind it. Here are some Christmas symbols explained below:-
1. Christmas Tree
Each December the trees are adorned with glittering tinsel, colorful bright lights, and festive decorations. For centuries, during winter festivals evergreen has been used by the Christians as well as by the pagans. The Christmas tree’s triangular shape defines that it is pointing up towards paradise to represent your connection with God. Christians also believed that this tree symbolizes the birth and revival of Jesus and their eternal life with God.
2. Lights and Candles
Christmas arrives at a cold and dark time, so decorating a tree with lights brightens up things. Christians consider this as a sign that Jesus the Light Of The World, came to help and save people from darkness. Earlier, people used candles to light up the trees but after the invention of the electric Christmas trees people started using them. Candles play an important part in the Jewish holiday Hanukkah and the African holiday Kwanzaa.
3. Bells
To announce the arrival of the Christmas season bells are rung. Bells ringing can also reminisce back to pagan winter festivals where they used to throw out all the evil spirits. Christmas bells not only symbolize the joy of Jesus Christ’s birth but also remind people that Christ is the highest priest.
4. Stars
As mentioned in the story of the Bible, the Christmas star guided the three rulers, and wise men to find the baby Jesus. The Christmas star is a symbol of Bethlehem. It represents the heavenly sign of clairvoyance fulfilled long back and the glowing hope for humanity. The Christmas tree star also represents peace.
5. Wreath
Christmas tree decoration reminds us of the ring of life, tenderness, and resurrection. A hoop with no start or no stop, the wreath signifies the resilience of Jesus Christ’s love for all. It symbolizes philanthropy, offering as well as the gathering of the family. If they are hung on gates or windows they act as a symbolic invitation for the spirit of Christmas to fill our homes with the pleasure of the season. However, Christians also believed that the wreath describes the crown of thrones worn by Jesus Christ when he was hung on the cross.
The Twelve Days of Christmas: Beyond the Carol
The twelve days of Christmas are very significant as they give us a course to reflect on what the Incarnation means in our lives. It starts on 25th December which is commemorated as Christmas Day and keeps up until 6th January, which is the Epiphany, also referred to as the Three Kings Day.
Twelve Days Of Christmas indicates the time between the birth of Christ and the appearance of the three wise men known as the Magi. During this period each of the feasts that are hailed deepens the real significance of Christmas itself. Let us see the significance of these twelve days of Christmas:-
December 25:
It is believed that on the first day of Christmas Jesus Christ was born to Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem.
December 26:
The second day is Saint Stephen’s Day. He was the first saint of Christianity, Christians celebrate the martyrdom of Saint Stephen.
December 27:
The third day is devoted to Saint John. He was the youngest of the Twelve Messengers of Jesus.
December 28:
The fourth day is celebrated as ‘Innocents Day.’ King Herod attempted to kill Jesus, this day recalls the bloodbath of children in Bethlehem.
December 29:
The fifth day is the massacre of Saint Thomas Becket who was martyred in the United Kingdom. His death is marked by Anglican Communism as well as the Catholic Church.
December 30:
The sixth day is the remembrance of Saint Egwin Of Evesham who was the third Bishop of Worcester.
December 31:
The seventh day is the end of the Christian year and is noted as New Year’s Eve.
January 1:
The eighth day is celebrated as the New Year in respect and glory of the Virgin Mary, the Holy Mother Of Jesus.
January 2:
The ninth day is marked in respect of two momentous saints of the fourth century AD, St. Basil of Caesarea and St Gregory of Nazianzus.
January 3:
On the tenth day the son of Mary, Jesus was named in the Jewish temple. It honors the obedience of the feast in the Holy Name Of Jesus.
January 4:
The eleventh day celebrates the feast of St.Simeon of Stylites, who finished 37 years above a pillar in Aleppo.
January 5:
The twelfth day is the last day of Christmas celebrated as Epiphany Eve, which is the night before Epiphany. It is marked in great respect to celebrate the topmost American Archbishop, St John Nepomucene Neumann.
Christmas Eve: Anticipation and Reflection
It’s Christmas Eve, gifts are bought and wrapped, the Christmas tree is adorned and a particular lookout is given to treasured decorations with special meanings. And finally, the hustle and bustle of getting ready for the big day has come to an end.
It’s a time when the evening seems friendly and the cold weather feels right. Christmas is a festival of the momentous birth in all history, that is the Son of God, Jesus Christ.
The real cause of Christmas is that Christians can concentrate on Advent which is a time leading up to Christmas. An Advent places its emphasis on Jesus reaching here, God coming in the flesh (Matthew 1:23) ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, they will call him Immanuel’. We should take the time to reflect and praise the presence that Jesus dwells to see us, die for us, and now stay within our hearts.
On this beautiful evening, we should relieve all our pains and reminisce about our beliefs and the overwhelming joy of Christmas. We should discover and seek the qualities of love, happiness, harmony, and hope that Jesus brings.
The Nativity Scene: A Symbolic Representation
The simple articulation of a historical event described in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke is known as the Nativity scene. The Nativity symbols help us to engage more deeply with significant events.
A symbol of purity
The mother of Jesus Christ, Mary, symbolizes purity and motherhood, her face is usually represented with an everlasting glow. She symbolizes humbleness, submission, and blessing of God’s will by representing her bowed head and hands. Mary is usually depicted cradling and staring at her baby Jesus with an expression of pure love.
A symbol of protection
A person sitting or standing beside Mary is Joseph representing a symbol of reliable faith and protective care. His looks and gestures signify a spectrum of emotions from amazement and reverence to reflection and concern.
A symbol of Divinity
Over centuries different artistic interpretations have enriched the richness of the central figure, contemplating cultural nuances and developing theological insights. At the core of the Nativity scene lies the baby Jesus, the manifestation of God’s love for society. His pictures capture integrity and vulnerability, an emotional reminder of his humanity.
Some artistic interpretations also depict the baby Jesus as reaching out to his mother or bringing up his hand in a blessing. These gestures symbolize Jesus’ attention to his holy mission and his willingness to venture on his spiritual journey.
Spiritual Customs and Traditions Worldwide
Christmas celebrations are as various and expected as the cultures themselves. The world is rich in startling Christmas traditions. Let us travel together and dart at diverse spiritual customs and traditions:-
1. Finland
Christmas tradition in Finland is to visit the sauna on Christmas Eve, make and eat a porridge made of rice and milk complete with cinnamon or butter, visit the graveyards of dead family members, and attend the ‘Peace of Christmas’ nationwide radio broadcast.
2. Australia
In Australia, Christmas arises in the middle of summer and can be one of the year’s hottest days. Seafood is usually a Christmas dish along with beach stays and outdoor barbeques. Children are requested for a list of their good and bad acts. On Christmas morning, children with good deeds are given sweets or apples whereas, children with bad deeds are afraid of what Krampus might bring.
3. China
People in China call Santa Claus Dun Che Lao Ren which means ‘ Christmas Old Man’. Christians decorate Christmas trees, whereas non-Christians during this time of year observe the Spring festival to honor and remember progenitors.
4. Israel
In Israel, on the day of Christmas, a huge parade is conducted through the city and a flame is passed throughout the gatherings to lamp bystanders candles. The church of the Nativity in Bethlehem is placed over the traditional site of the stable where Jesus Christ was born.
5. Ireland
Irish people are very religious. In front of their window, they leave a tall red candle overnight, as a welcoming sign of warmness and protection for this holiday season. They concentrate much on feasts and church services. In Ireland, Christmas meals include homemade roast goose, vegetables, cranberries and potatoes. The festival begins on Christmas Eve and lengthens until Epiphany which is when the Wise Men’s visit to baby Jesus is commemorated.
The True Spirit of Christmas
The magnificent season of the year is Christmas. Discovering the real joy of Christmas is not just decorating and preparing things, it’s all about making the Savior the focus of the season.
Christmas celebration should be an introspection of the tenderness and selflessness taught by the Savior. To capture the real importance of the Spirit of Christmas, a person only needs to search for the spirit of Christ. Jesus Christ symbolized all virtues. He was the ideal of love, forgiveness, and modesty.
It is love that unlocks hearts to share in the sufferings and happiness of others. It is humbleness that encourages us to reach out to the lowly and the needy, the abandoned and ignored.
This season makes us feel more generous, everyone reaches out in love to help each other, hearts are softened and enemies are pardoned. This Christmas let us all praise it with its true essence of love, humbleness, and forgiveness.
FAQs
What does the Christmas tree symbolize in spiritual terms?
The Christmas tree in Spiritual terms symbolises stability and immortality. It represents the birth and revival of Jesus Christ.
Is there a spiritual meaning behind the use of lights during Christmas?
Christmas lights remind everyone that Jesus Christ is the Light Of The World. They symbolize the hope and anticipation of brighter days and happiness.
What is the ‘Christmas beetle’ and does it hold any spiritual significance?
The Christmas beetles are fascinating to watch. It is believed that the appearance of the Christmas beetles is a sign that the end of the year’s joyous season is arriving.
Are there specific prayers or meditations for the 12 days of Christmas?
Yes! There are prayers for the 12 days of Christmas that include a brief reflection, songs to sing, a prayer, and methods to explore the day’s theme more deeply and differently.
My Thoughts
My thoughts on this aren’t different. The true meaning of glorifying Christmas is having a part in and bringing a true sense of gathering in which unity, friendship, and brotherhood become possible.
Advent in our spirits as we observe the birth of our Saviour, in all the glory he deserves. Let us welcome the real Christ who stands for love, empathy, kindness, and transformation. A Merry Christmas to all and may the spirit of Christ be born and delight in the hearts of all humanity.
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Hey Seekers! I’m Gabriel Lopez, the face behind this blog. I’m currently on a spiritual journey in India. You can learn more about me here (brief introduction). If you’re interested, you can also download my eBook titled “Spiritual Journey” for a deeper insight. On this blog, I share my real-life experiences, especially about my spiritual journey. Feel free to say “Hi” to me via email and ask any questions you might have about my journey.