Christmas began to be celebrated in the 4th century, when Christianity became the official religion of Rome. However, ancient revelers when celebrating Christmas were quite rowdy. In early America due to the rowdy celebrations in 1659 the Puritans and other pious settlers banned the celebration of Christmas. By the mid-17th century the settlers began adopting European customs in their Christmas celebrations.
The illumination of the Christmas tree originated in Germany in the 17th century. Candles were attached to the tree branches with pins. Some early Christmas trees were decorated with apples, to remind people of Eden.
We know that the reason for the celebration was the birth of Christ in Bethlehem more than 2000 years ago. Sometime around 700 B.C. the prophet Micah prophesied that the Christ would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). The prophet Isaiah, whose ministry began in 740 B.C. prophesied that a virgin would give birth to a son and call him Immanuel (God with us) (Isaiah 7:14).
We know the shepherds were led to the nativity scene by the angels. The wise men, however, had a long journey from Persia, and there may have been several of them, though they gave three gifts. They arrived at least a year after the birth of Jesus, and the scriptures tell us that Mary, Joseph and the Christ child were at that time living in a house.
The important thing to remember is that Jesus came for all of us, to die on the cross to pay for all of our sins. And when we accept this gift of salvation we can have abundant life now, and when we die, eternal life in heaven. And that is something to celebrate.
[Source:- Chicago Tribune]