The True Meaning of Christmas: Traditions, History, and Significance

Explore the rich history, timeless traditions, and profound significance of Christmas in our comprehensive guide. 

What is the true meaning of Christmas?

A. “The name is derived from the medieval Christus Masse, the Mass of Christ” (Encyclopedia Americana). In time this was shortened to CHRISTMAS. 

B. Catholics teach: “The Sacrifice of the Mass is identical with that of the Cross, both having the same victim and high priest Jesus Christ” (Gibbons, Faith of Our Fathers, p. 254). “The Only difference consists in the manner of the oblation. Christ was offered up on the cross in a bloody manner, and in the Mass He is offered up in an unbloody manner” (Ibid). The Bible says that Christ was offered only ONCE (cf. Heb. 9:26-28). 

•The true meaning of Christmas is love. 

•John 3:16-17 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." 

•The true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of this incredible act of love. 

•The real Christmas story is the story of God's becoming a human being in the Person of Jesus Christ. 

•Why do we celebrate Christmas each year? 

•Out of gratitude for what God did for us, we remember His birth by giving each other gifts, worshipping Him, and being especially conscious of the poor and less fortunate. 

•God loved His own and provided a way the only Way for us to spend eternity with Him. 

•He gave His only Son to take our punishment for our sins. 

•He paid the price in full, and we are free from condemnation when we accept that free gift of love. 

•"But God demonstrated His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).