There is a mistaken notion circulating that the commercialisation of the Christmas festival has removed Christ from Christmas. Christmas, as we all know, is the celebration of the birth of Christ 2,000 years ago, when the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Although the exact date of Christ’s birth is unknown, it was made to coincide with the Roman pagan festival of Saturnalia, or the birth of the Sun, on December 25.
After the Roman Empire came under Christian rule under Emperor Constantine in the 4th century, this tradition continued over the centuries and spread all over the world. The Church, on its part, prepares for this great event every year during the four Sundays of Advent and continues its celebrations until the first week of January, while the outside world also rejoices and celebrates Christmas on a commercial scale, with participation from people of all religions.
Despite this commercialisation, Jesus Christ continues to be born in the hearts of millions all over the world every Christmas, with his message of peace, love, and joy to the world. As the saying goes, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
