VOL. IX, NO. 6
DECEMBER 15, 1967

New Testament Relates Origin of Christmas
"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manager; because there was no room for them in the inn," Luke 2:7.

This verse truly states the origin of Christmas. It is in itself, a beautiful, joyous feast. But through the ages, Christmas has taken on a new meaning. Money and material pleasures take the place of God in the lives of many at Christmastime.

This change did not really come about until the Norman influence was felt in Britain. On Christmas Day, 1066, William the Conqueror assumed England's throne, firmly establishing the Norman line. For that great occasion, William organized festivities that were lavish beyond the dreams of his predecessors. Thus began an elegant era in the celebration of Christmas that has been carried down through the ages.
 In Medieval times life was one big, boisterous round of singing, hunting, gambling, and drinking wassail for days on end. This tradition has been carried down to us. Without the traditional celebrations and material pleasures Christmas would mean little to any of us today. But this is far from the way it should be. Christ died for us; shouldn't we return to Him some of the same love?

Christ was the first Christmas gift. He was the most perfect gift of love. No gift or celebration in the world could match this "Child wrapped in swaddling clothes."

"Lift up, o gates, your lintels; reach out, you ancient portals that the King of glory may come in, Psalms 23:7.