Article By:
Urban Dsouza,
M.A; B.Ed; Diploma in Journalism, Executive MBA
5. Christmas Midnight Mass
Christmas is one of the most celebrated dates on the Christian calendar. Commemorating the birth of the Savior Jesus Christ is only surpassed in importance by the celebration of Easter, a time when Christians remember Christ's sacrifice of life for His people.
Christmas is often celebrated with much joy and fervor all around the world, with exchanges of gifts and special acts of charity all month long. One component of the Christmas celebration that has long been tradition and holds special meaning to celebrants is the Midnight Mass.
Churches all around the world hold four different Christmas celebrations, including three masses and a Christmas vigil. The Midnight Mass is perhaps the most cherished. Mass, a Christian liturgical rite that often involves the sacrament of the Eucharist, may begin prior to midnight and include Biblical readings that focus on the story of Christ's birth depending on the church. At midnight on December 24, carols may be sung and the ringing of church bells to signify the birth of Christ as December 25 arrives. In Israel, a procession takes place from Jerusalem to Bethlehem on Christmas Eve. In the Catholic Pope's home of Vatican City, the Pope himself heads the Midnight Mass and people in large numbers pray for peace among mankind.
Many theologians say that the Midnight Mass evolved from individuals making pilgrimages to Israel and the actual birthplace of Christ. Because the Bible states that Jesus was born at night and in a manger, to fully immerse oneself in the story and the liturgical significance of the moment, a Midnight Mass seems the best place to achieve these goals. The darkness and the gentle hush that night time provide helps set the scene and enhance the spiritual component of Christmas.
The Nativity of Jesus takes place in two Gospels of the Bible: the Gospel of Luke and the Gospel of Matthew. The version of Luke goes much more deeply into the story of Mary's virgin conception through the time of Christ's birth in Bethlehem. Here is Christ's birth according to the Gospel of Luke:
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid; for I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you; you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.'
Later, the Gospel continues, "He was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb."
Midnight Mass has become an important component in the celebration of Christmas for the faithful. While secular celebrations may focus on the arrival of Santa Claus at the midnight hour, religious celebrations often involve filling churches at midnight to spread the word of Christ's arrival.
6. Santa Claus
Christmas is one of the most popular festivals around the world. It is celebrated in order to commemorate the birth of Lord Christ, the founder of the Christianity religion. As the festival is celebrated from a long time, there have been several new additions in the traditions and rituals of the festival since it started.
The concept of 'Santa Claus' bringing gifts for kids is one of them. However, with time Santa Claus has become so much a part of this festival that at least kids can't look beyond Santa Claus when Christmas is arriving. Santa Claus has been phenomenal in popularizing Christmas in Asian countries where Christmas was a less popular festival compared to the west.
Origin
The matter of Santa Claus being a mythological character is often debatable. While some people claim that Santa was once a real character who has now been made fictional with mythological tales and stories, many others claim that Santa was never real and is the result of the commercialization of Christmas. Several similar characters are also popular in Europe and other parts of the world. Santa is also known as Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle. The legend may have its origin in the hagiographical stories relating to the historical figure of gift giver Saint Nicholas.
It is said that Santa Claus loves children and brings gift for them on December 24 (late evening and overnight hours of Christmas Eve) or on Saint Nicholas Day i.e. December 6. Though formerly Santa was illustrated wearing the bishop's robes, along with time Santa's character changed into a jolly, white-bearded man with a red coat and white collar along with white-cuffed red trousers, and black leather belt and boots. He also carries a huge bag with him in which he is said to store all the gifts he wants to disseminate on earth. Gradually this image has been popularized through song, radio, television, and films. In Europe too, a similar character commonly called Father Christmas is popular.
Legend
There are also several legends associated with Santa Claus. According to one popular legend Santa lives in the far north, in an unending land of snow. The American legend of Santa Claus explains his abode at the North Pole. In England, the synonym of Santa i.e. Father Christmas is said to be residing in the mountains of Korvatunturi in Lapland Province, Finland. It is said that Santa lives with his wife Mrs. Claus, umpteen numbers of miraculous elves, and eight or nine flying reindeers.
Santa is also the central character of several bed time stories of kids. One of these popular stories tell that after looking at the records of entire year, Santa makes a list of children throughout the world, classifying them according to their behavior and then delivers presents, including toys, candy, and other gifts to all of the kids accordingly. It is said that he completes this deed with the help of the elves who make the toys in the workshop and the reindeer who pull his sleigh when he heads towards the Christmas celebrations on Christmas Eve.
The following carol is popularly associated with Santa:
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
Oh! You better watch out,
You better not cry,
You better not pout,
Santa Claus is coming to town!
He's making a list,
He's checking it twice,
He's gonna find out
who's naughty or nice.
Santa Claus is coming to town!
7 Popular Christmas Movies
Christmas is a time to spend quality time with family members and have a lot of fun. During the holidays, many families would plan weekend getaway, parties, or get together with their friends and relatives. It is also the time, when cinema halls are flocked with movie buffs. While many people make their bookings in advance and head towards the nearest theatre to watch Christmas releases, others would prefer to entertain themselves by sitting in their living room's couch. For them, watching movies at home is convenient and more fun than being in cinema halls. Moreover, today's sophisticated DVD players with woofer system can create the same theatrical effect at home. If you are also planning to watch movies at home during Christmas, then read the article. Check out our compilation of top Christmas movies.
A Christmas Carol (1938)
'A Christmas Carol' is one of the all-time hits, based on the festival. Although the story told by 'A Christmas Carol' has been redone for a number of times, the version filmed in the movie has touched millions of hearts. It remains one of the classic Christmas movies. Produced by Joseph L. Mankiewicz and directed by Edwin L. Marin, Reginald Owen played the lead role of 'A Christmas Carol' (1938). The movie is an adaptation of Charles Dickens's novelette.
It's A Wonderful Life (1946)
Another classic Christmas movie, 'It's a Wonderful Life' is a story about a man facing the hardships of life. The 1946 movie was produced and directed by Frank Capra, with the star cast including James Stewart and Donna Reed. The film is loosely based on the story "The Greatest Gift", authored by Philip Van Doren Stern. If you want to watch a family entertainer on Christmas, then this movie is what you need. The film is listed as one of the all-time hit Christmas movies.
A Christmas Story (1983)
To share lighter moments with your loved ones, you may watch a classic comedy, this Christmas. The Bob Clark film 'A Christmas Story' would serve the purpose. Peter Billingsley, Darren McGavin and Melinda Dillon fitted into the lead roles of the film. It is the narration of a young boy during the 1940s, which tells us his experience in the holidays, leading up to Christmas and ultimately, Christmas day itself. The story has been written in the point of view of the child.
Home Alone (1990)
'Home Alone', a Chris Columbus movie, is based on the adventures of a mischievous boy Kevin McCalister (Macaulay Culkin), alone at home during the holiday season, when his big family leaves for a vacation. Although the film doesn't depict any legendary character, nor does it tell a Christmas story, it gives you the feel of the festival. Thus, it makes itself one of the all-time hit Christmas movies. If you want to laugh out loudly with your family, then 'Home Alone' is a must-watch, during the festive season.
The Santa Clause (1994)
Released by Walt Disney Pictures in 1994, the English movie 'The Santa Clause' is truly a family entertainer. The comedy flick features Tim Allen as a divorced father - Scott Calvin and his spoilt brat son, Charlie (Eric Lloyd). The movie catches the real essence of Christmas and invokes the festive spirits in its audience. The legendary character Santa Claus is depicted in this movie. Hence, 'The Santa Clause is a must-watch movie.