VOL. XVII, NO. 6
DECEMBER 19, 1975
Christmas Is for Celebrating
By DAVE JOHNSON
It's Christmas time again - a time everyone waits for eagerly as they know the Christmas tree adorned with lights will soon have many tightly wrapped packages under it, waiting to be opened.
Christmas, however, is a time not only for giving presents; it's a time for celebrating the birthday of Christ almost 2,000 years ago.
It has been said that Joseph and Mary, traveling to Judea for the census count, arrived in Jerusalem and found all the inns filled; because Mary was about to give birth, one innkeeper told them they could sleep in the stable behind the inn.
Later that night, Mary gave birth to a boy and named him Jesus. A bright star began to shine upon them, and it led three wise men to the stable with many elaborate gifts.
Christmas has many traditions, such as a star atop the Christmas tree representing the guiding light for the three wise men.
It's Christmas time again - a time everyone waits for eagerly as they know the Christmas tree adorned with lights will soon have many tightly wrapped packages under it, waiting to be opened.
Christmas, however, is a time not only for giving presents; it's a time for celebrating the birthday of Christ almost 2,000 years ago.
It has been said that Joseph and Mary, traveling to Judea for the census count, arrived in Jerusalem and found all the inns filled; because Mary was about to give birth, one innkeeper told them they could sleep in the stable behind the inn.
Later that night, Mary gave birth to a boy and named him Jesus. A bright star began to shine upon them, and it led three wise men to the stable with many elaborate gifts.
Christmas has many traditions, such as a star atop the Christmas tree representing the guiding light for the three wise men.
Another is the giving of presents, which represents the giving of gifts to the baby Jesus.
Many strange and even frightening customs take place around the world at Christmas. Many years ago it was believed that Father Christmas ate children. Another was that of a monster called Frau Percht, who would appear at the windows and go away only after receiving a small gift.
The Christmas season begins in the United States at noon on Thanksgiving Day. By that time, almost all the stores have their Christmas displays up; and Santa Claus is there, too, visiting with the children. Not too long after Thanksgiving, homes everywhere are decorated for the holidays; and then the snow falls, adding a magical touch to the Christmas season.
Children become anxious as Christmas draws near, and by Christmas Eve they can't sleep because they know Santa will soon be there. Christmas is the time during the year that people are drawn close together. It's a happy, joyous time.
Many strange and even frightening customs take place around the world at Christmas. Many years ago it was believed that Father Christmas ate children. Another was that of a monster called Frau Percht, who would appear at the windows and go away only after receiving a small gift.
The Christmas season begins in the United States at noon on Thanksgiving Day. By that time, almost all the stores have their Christmas displays up; and Santa Claus is there, too, visiting with the children. Not too long after Thanksgiving, homes everywhere are decorated for the holidays; and then the snow falls, adding a magical touch to the Christmas season.
Children become anxious as Christmas draws near, and by Christmas Eve they can't sleep because they know Santa will soon be there. Christmas is the time during the year that people are drawn close together. It's a happy, joyous time.