What is Christmas?

Christmas is a holiday celebrated around the world each year by some one billion people. But what is it? Where did it come from?

According to Webster's, the English word "Christmas" is from the Old English Cristes mæsse, which means literally, "Christ's mass." In short, it describes a religious celebration honoring Jesus Christ.

The manner in which this celebration is observed has varied widely, both over time and from place to place. In fact, the reason for the celebration is often lost in all the trappings surrounding it. Yet as the word itself reveals, the reason for the holiday is the remembrance of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Although we don't know for certain the actual date of Christ's birth (see The Physical Evidence) history indicates that His birth was celebrated as far back as the year 200, as recorded by Clement of Alexandria. The present Western date of December 25 for the celebration was established in the fourth century by the Emperor Constantine.

Whatever the actual date, it is noteworthy that the Western calendar itself is centered on the birth of Christ: The date on each day's newspaper marks the time from Christ's birth to the present.

Such a significant event-one that actually divides history-bears consideration. In the following pages, we will review:

• The Historical Records
• The Physical Evidence, and
• A Gift Just for You