More than two thousand years ago in ancient Judea, in the city of Bethlehem (Hebrew: בית לחם – Bethlehem – House of Bread), a boy was born, whose birthday is celebrated every year by millions of Christians around the world.
The carpenter Joseph and his wife Mary came from Galilee, from Nazareth city, to the city of David, Bethlehem. Because of the great crowd that had gathered for the census, the couple could not find a place in the inn. They stopped in a stable, where Mary gave birth to a Child. He was named Jesus (Hebrew: יְהוֹשׁוּעַ – Yehoshua).
The life and teachings of Jesus are set forth in the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, which are part of the New Testament. According to them, to protect the child from persecution, the family fled to Egypt. Later, Jesus returned, was baptized by John the Baptist, and began preaching his teachings about the Kingdom of God. He gathered 12 disciples-apostles, performed miracles, and healed the sick. Betrayed by his disciple Judas, he died a martyr's death through crucifixion for the atonement of sins and the salvation of mankind, rose from the dead, and ascended to heaven. At the end of the world, Christ will return to earth to judge the living and the dead. Thus, the child born in a stable was destined to become a Jewish preacher during his lifetime, and after death, a spiritual leader, the founder of the most widespread world religion – Christianity.
Today, there are over 2.2 billion Christians. This religion is the largest in the world in terms of geographical distribution, with Christian communities in almost every country.
According to Christian doctrine, Jesus is the Messiah, conceived by the Holy Spirit and the Savior of mankind from sin. He is the Son of God, but at the same time, equal to Him.
Other Abrahamic religions respect Jesus. Muslims consider him a prophet, messiah, messenger of Allah, but deny his divinity. As do the Jews, who do not believe that his sacrifice was necessary, but partially recognize Jesus as a righteous teacher, but not the Messiah.
The birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated annually on December 25 (January 7 according to the Julian calendar). In Ukraine, Christmas is a public holiday and an official day off. It is preceded by a 40-day fast, the purpose of which is physical and spiritual purification through prayer and repentance.
The celebration of Christmas begins the day before, December 24, which is called Holy Evening or Christmas Eve. With the appearance of the first star, the family sits down at the festive table, which must have 12 lean dishes, including necessarily “rich” kutya, uzvar, pancakes, lean borscht, cabbage rolls, stewed cabbage, porridge, peas, beans, mushrooms and fish. It is better to celebrate at home. There is even a belief that a person will wander around all year if he does not celebrate Christmas at home. And on this day, it is advisable not to quarrel. Even if you have already broken pots with someone, you need to put on makeup.
A special place during the celebration of Christmas is occupied by the didukh - a harvest sheaf of wheat or rye, decorated with dried flowers, which was solemnly brought into the house before dinner. It symbolized the harvest, prosperity and wealth.
Also, at Christmas, people always sing carols, dress up as various characters, go from house to house with a nativity scene and sing ritual songs – carols.
There are many traditions and rituals that accompany Christmas. However, this cheerful and mysterious holiday is revered by both adults and children. Love moves the world, and it is thanks to it that discoveries are made, works of art appear, geniuses are born. During Christmas, we put precious stones of our pure, open love in our hearts. May it always decorate this world!
Happy holiday, Merry Christmas!