Christmas - By Persis Ranasinghe

Christmas – By Persis Ranasinghe

Source : Qld Sri Lankan Newsletter – Dæhæna – December 2023

Christmas (or Feast of the Nativity) is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world. It is also a declared Public Holiday in many parts of the world.

This photo represents what Christmas means as a family. Grandmother Persis is explaining to the three year old granddaughter Gabby the significance of the crib. Back then the families had to register a new born baby in their historical tribal town rather than where they lived. This also meant that Joseph and very pregnant Mary had to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem, as this was the town that Joseph’s family (the royal family of David) originally came from – journey of about 112 kilometres. This journey was made with Mary sitting on the back of a donkey and Joseph following her by the side.

Baby Jesus was born in a stable at Bethlehem, to this Blessed Lady named Mary. When she gave birth to this Baby, Joseph her husband, sheep and shepherds, and cattle were around the stable. A little cradle was made with straw and wood to keep baby Jesus comfortable and warm. The baby was wrapped in swaddling clothes. Christians believe there was a very special star radiating beams of light on the crib highlighting the significance of birth of Christ.

On the feast of Epiphany celebrated by Christians in January, the three kings visited the crib with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. They found their way to the manger following the guiding radiant beams from the heavenly star. This may sound like a fairy tale, but this is what the Christians believe.

The reason for celebration is the significance of birth of Christ, Baby Jesus. Roast turkey, ham, cheese, Christmas plum pudding, Christmas rich cake, shortbread, special sweet treats and many other delicious Christmas food are on Christmas dinner tables. The traditional exchanging of well wishes and gifts are also carried out.

Christians display a nativity scene in their homes during Christmas season. Despite these small details, a Christmas nativity scene is a wonderful reminder of what happened the night Jesus was born. Ever since Adam and Eve’s sin, our relationship with God has been marred and broken (Genesis 3; Romans 5:12). Out of love, God sent His Son in human form “to seek and to save the Christmas (or Feast of the Nativity) is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on
December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world. It is also a declared Public Holiday in many parts of the world. This photo represents what Christmas means as a family. Grandmother Persis is explaining to the three year old granddaughter Gabby the significance of the crib. Back then the families had to register a new born baby in their historical tribal town rather than where they lived. This also meant that Joseph and very pregnant Mary had to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem, as this was the town that Joseph’s family (the royal family of David) originally came from –
journey of about 112 kilometres. This journey was made with Mary sitting on the back of a donkey and Joseph following her by the side.

Persis Ranasinghe – is a retired Personal Assistant and worked as an Administrative Officer at Mater Hospital for 33 years. Her interests include gardening, cooking, volunteer work, reading and writing, including her writing classes with U3A which gives her an opportunity to write about a variety of topics.