20 centuries later the message of Christmas endures
The greatest event that took place in the world was the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem on Christmas day. So humble was the setting that even a film director preparing a set could not outdo it. His birth which took place this way later came to shake the very foundations of the world splitting history into two and causing the timing of events to be related to this birth – BC — Before Christ and AC — After Christ or AD (Anno Domini) –the year of the Lord.
On that first Christmas, there was no room for Mary and Joseph at the Inn. They had to take lodging in a stable where the animals were kept. Mary was heavy with child and it would have been bitterly cold at midnight in Bethlehem.
The birth of the Christ Child was preceded by a message from heaven. It was not given to the high and mighty of the time or the prevailing religious heirarchy but to the humble shepherds who were watching their flocks at night seated on the hillside. The Angel of the Lord came down and the Christmas message that was delivered was ‘Glory to God in the highest and peace to men on earth’.
The baby Jesus has been called the Prince of Peace. Throughout the world people enjoy the peace and joy of Christmas.
To fully understand the meaning of Christmas, one has to come to the realization as to who was born that day. Then we see that it was the fulfilment of prophecies contained in the Old Testament that God would take human form and dwell amongst men, which in theological terms is known as the Incarnation.
Twenty centuries have lapsed since the birth of Christ and though various practices have come to be associated with Christmas in different countries like the Christmas tree, the carols and the crib, the message of Christmas endures – of how God sent his only Son to save all mankind.