Question:
Will you kindly inform me of the meaning of the word “Christmas” and when the festival originated?
Answer:
“Christmas” comes from “Christ” and “mass,” Christ’s mass, the latter word referring to the celebration of the Lord’s Supper in the Roman Catholic Church, considered by them a sacrifice. As often as celebrated, according to this view, the sacrifice of the Lord is literally repeated—a Scripturally erroneous doctrine.
Christmas is observed by many in commemoration of the birth of Christ. But it is generally conceded now that whatever time of year Jesus was born, He was not born in December. The day or the month is not given in the Scriptures, nor are we required to observe it. The first mention made of the day of Christ’s birth is by Clement, in the third century. It was then celebrated by the Eastern Church on January 6, under the name Epiphania, but this was not long-held.
Its true origin is doubtless the old pagan festival, the Saturnalia, which came, at that time, in December, characterized by feasting, drinking, giving presents, etc. The yule log is an old remnant of Teutonic nature worship. In England, previous to 1555, an abbot of misrule (in Scotland, of unreason) in every large household was appointed, says Schaff. The backslidden church adopted the old pagan Saturnalia and called it Christian to win the pagans. But the genuine Christian rejoices not for a day only, that Jesus is born, but every day, continually, because His birth brought the promise of salvation from sin (see Matthew 1:21).
Feasting and gluttony, giving gifts to those not needy, are not of Christian origin but come from paganism. If we must give, let it be to the poor and needy (see Luke 14:12-14) or to the precious work of God’s gospel.
