Christmas 2019: History, importance, significance of festival and birth of Jesus Christ

New Delhi | Jagran Lifestyle Desk: The festival of Christmas is celebrated with love and happiness on December 25 each year. It is the main festival among Christians but celebrated among people of all faiths. As per scriptures, Jesus Christ was born on this day. On this day, people decorate Christmas trees, exchange gifts and prepare delicious meals and cakes. Santa Claus comes up with gifts for young kids. This year the festival will take place on Wednesday.

History 

Christmas is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. As per the new testament, Jesus was born to Joseph and Mary. The month and date of his birth date are not clear, the Western Christian Church has placed Christmas on December 25. The date is adopted around the world. The history of celebrating Christmas dates back to 360 AD. The term Christmas originates from 'Cristes maesse' which means 'Mass of Christ'.

''When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.'' (Matthew 1:18)

Significance

The birth of Christ is a very key moment among followers of Christianity as it was believed that God had sent his son on earth as a sacrifice to redeem people of the world from their sins. This sacrifice denotes the crucifixion of Christ. During this time, pine trees are decorated with candies, candles, colourful bells, stars and gift stocking. It consists of four colours-- white, golden, green and red. Red is the significator of blood shed by Christ. Green denotes eternal life, white denotes peace and golden signifies royalty. It is believed that that evergreens would keep away ghosts, witches, evil spirits and illness at bay. 

The Christmas feast is a delicious meal comprising roasted turkey, chicken, gingerbread, Christmas cake, pudding, mashed potatoes and mulled wine, among others. The celebrations begin from December 24 and continue till December 26.