Another worth reading and contemplation from George !! I realize that it is past in the US ,, but some countries celebrate Christmas in the 7 th of January !! Enjoy !!

Today we started our Christmas theme at School. Apart from teaching the kids about traditional Christmas songs and stories in the UK, I asked my teenage class if they knew the true meaning of Christmas.

The response I got was not surprising. They all said things like spending time with family, caring for each other, giving gifts to each other and of course eating lots of good food. Only one student mentioned Jesus.

As Christians we know why we celebrate Christmas, however I still like their response. I don’t think Jesus is offended because people forget his Birthday (which is on the 7th January in Russia). I believe that our Lord and Saviour is happy that people are actually spending time together and loving each other.

However, we must know where love comes from. Everyone who receives a present at Christmas immediately wants to know who gave the present even before they open it. Likewise let’s remind people where all love comes from. Let’s tell people that Jesus is the greatest present to mankind.

John 3:16
16 For God so loved the world that he ‘gifted’ his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

1 John 4:7 
7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.

1 John 4:8
…God is love.

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From 1647 until 1660, it was illegal to celebrate Christmas in the UK. Oliver Cromwell, a puritan, banned Christmas parties because he thought people had forgotten the true meaning of Christmas.

A Christmas wreath represents the crown of thorns that Jesus wore. The red berries symbolise His blood.

Santa Claus is actually a real person. The Americanised name actually derives from a Dutch man called Sint Niklaus (Saint Nicolas). He was a Christian bishop who lived in the 4th Century (300 AD) . He gave gifts to poorer children and later became the patron Saint of Children. It wasn’t until 1819 that ‘Santa’ acquired his airborne sleigh pulled by flying reindeer.

In England there is still a law that says people must attend Church on Christmas Day. The Holy Days and Fasting Days Act of 1551 states that every citizen must attend a church service on Christmas Day, and must not use any kind of vehicle to get to the service. This law has never been repealed but is not enforced and remains dormant. So how many thousands of people break this law every Christmas?

Happy Happy New Year 2023 !! All the Best to Everyone !!!