Where Christmas came from
Margaret Barker tracks down their ancient origins Alamy
Ox and ass appear at the nativity: detail from the sarcophagus of Marcus Claudianus c.330-335, Palazzo Massimo, Rome
Ox and ass appear at the nativity: detail from the sarcophagus of Marcus Claudianus c.330-335, Palazzo Massimo, Rome
MANY of the words and images we use at Christmas can seem to be just an elaboration of the simple Gospel story. Some of the well-known details are certainly later additions: St Matthew does not say there were only three Magi, nor does he name them; and there is nothing about midwinter, bleak or otherwise.
18/12/2020
And the Word became flesh and lived among us (John 1.14)
As we approach once again the commemoration of the nativity of the Lord Jesus Christ we do so against the backdrop of a year dominated by a global pandemic. Coronavirus infections have caused widespread sickness, many thousands of deaths and an economic crisis around the world. The situation of our world was already fragile, with other public health emergencies, continuing conflicts and climate change affecting the lives of God’s world and God’s people. The pandemic has exacerbated the inequalities in the world, with the poorest and most vulnerable most deeply affected.
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As Christmas fast approaches, many Catholics are relieved that the restrictions on community worship in a formal setting will be relaxed for the coming feast.
Christmas does mean, after all, Christ s Mass or the Mass at this time – and getting to the local church for Mass, just like every other year, seems a central part of the celebrations.
Indeed, for many Christians, going to church on Christmas Day is their annual, and sole, engagement with the liturgical life of the Church.
For its part, the worshipping community sees this time as one of preparation for the feast.
Each year special readings highlight God s promises to his people, carol services act as a reminder of the religious dimension of the festivities, while a small army gets the building decorated and ready.
Bethlehem and beyond: how Christianity s earliest sites were identified israelherald.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from israelherald.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.