By Collin Wanñiang
The word “Christmas” commonly used today in the English speaking world to indicate the commemoration of the Birth of Jesus Christ appears to have been derived from the 11th century “Cristes Maesse” and the 12th century “Cristes-messe” usages. In the Dutch language, “Kerstmis” also seems to be a cognate of the English “Christmas”; while majority of the North Western European languages, with the exception of German “Weihnachtsfest” (12th century “Wihenahten” – “Holy Night”); generally use the term “Yul” to indicate “Christmas”. – Danish “Julen”; Norwegian “Jule”; Swedish “Jul”; Finnish “Joulu”; Estonian “Jõulud” linking to that ancient midwinter Festival of the Germanic tribes. However, the Southern European Languages preserve the Latin root “Na..” – Latin “Dies Natalis”; Italian “Natale”; Spanish “Navidad”; Portuguese “Natal”; Catalonia “Nadal”; French “Noël”.
So, while the North Western European languages preserve a name different from that of the Southern European; can we assume that the presence of “Na..” in the Southern European languages point to that ancient Roman cult of the Sun “Dies Natalis Solis Invicti” (Birthday of the invincible Sun)? This idea, popular in the early 18th and 19th centuries, that 25 December was specially selected to Christianize the Roman Festival of “Dies Natalis” is today considered impugnable by various scholars such as L.Duchesne, T.J.Talley, D.J.Rothenberg, J.N.Alexander, H.Wybrew who argue in favour of a view based on an old tradition, according to which the date of Christmas was fixed at nine months after 25 March (vernal equinox), on which the Feast of the Annunciation of the Angel to the Blessed Virgin Mary was usually celebrated. Also, in the Jewish calendar, this corresponds to 14 Nisan, believed to be the beginning of creation, the Exodus from Egypt and the Passover (Peshach). In the Christian tradition too, the new creation – the beginning of Jesus’ human life in the womb of Mary and his death – are held to have occurred on the same date. Thus, taking into consideration the nine months pregnancy period, if the Annunciation was dated to 25 March, the Birth of Jesus ought to be dated to 25 December.
For Christian believers, what is important is the fact that Jesus was really born on earth. The real motive behind the commemoration of Christmas is to give thanks to God the Father for the gift of Jesus Christ in our world. As Christianity transcends different cultures, it is understood that Celebration of Christmas cannot be homogeneous. However, in today’s globalized world, people are easily influenced by each other. With this global tendency, there emerge also trends which practising Christians categorise them as ‘worldly aspects of Christmas’. – A Christmas which means everything else, minus Jesus Christ. Thus, it is really unfortunate if the Christian children of today know Santa Claus better than Jesus Christ!
An invitation to all the little children who are eagerly waiting for the yearly celebration of Christmas, that:
– Santa Claus comes only once in a year!
Whereas, JESUS always remains forever (Mt.28:20).
– Santa Claus comes riding on his sleigh pulled by the reindeers!
Whereas, JESUS comes riding on the wind and walks on the sea (Mt.14:25-27).
– Santa Claus comes down from a chimney and fills what you want!
Whereas, JESUS knows what is good for you and so, He fills you with what you need (Mt.6:8).
– Santa Claus is unavailable all the time!
Whereas, JESUS is available all the time; you only need to call upon his name (Rom.10:13).
– Santa Claus comes down your chimney uninvited!
Whereas, JESUS stands at the door of your heart and knocks; if you open your door and invite Him, he enters in (Rev.3:20).
– Santa Claus does not know your name. All he can say is: “Khublei Bahbah! Khublei Kongkong!
Whereas, JESUS knows you before you were born. He knows your Past-Present-Future. He even knows how many hairs are on your heads (Lk.12:7).
– Santa Claus has a big belly full of jelly!
Whereas, JESUS has a big heart full of love (Mt.11:29).
– Santa Claus says: “you better not cry! You better not fight!”
Whereas, JESUS says: “Let the children come to me.” (Mt.19:14; Lk.18:16).
– Santa Claus makes you chuckle for a while!
Whereas, JESUS gives you Joy which is your strength (Neh.8:10).
– Santa Claus puts his gifts under your Christmas tree!
Whereas, JESUS became your Gift and died upon the tree (Mt.27; Mk.15; Lk.23; Jo.19).