Christmas is a time when cities sparkle with bright festive lights, when we, surrounded by the aromas of delicious food, the warmth of the hearth and cheerful meetings with family and friends, are used to seeing on Christmas cards snowy landscapes, decorated streets and cozy interiors, where everything is permeated an atmosphere of well-being and joy.
But more than two thousand years ago, in the small town of Bethlehem, a completely different picture took place.
Why December 25?
The Bible does not indicate the exact date of the birth of Jesus Christ. All we have is a description of the events that took place during the birth, such as the appearance of the star and the arrival of the wise men. Historians believe that the date of December 25 was not chosen by chance. In the XNUMXth century, the Roman emperor Constantine I, who was the first Christian emperor, decided to celebrate this holiday on this day to replace the pagan festival of the rising sun.
Did Christmas happen in winter?
The actual date of Christmas is unknown, but many researchers suggest that it was not winter, but probably spring or fall. According to the Gospels, the shepherds who were in the field at night were not hiding from the winter cold, but were in the field when they were grazing their flocks. It could have been autumn, when the weather still allowed spending nights under the open sky.
Bethlehem: City of Prophecies
Bethlehem that night was completely unlike the place we imagine today, and it contrasts even more starkly with our idea of Christmas. It was a small, poor city in the Judean province of the Roman Empire, without luxurious palaces and large festive ceremonies. For most people, it didn't matter much. At that time, Bethlehem was busy with the census ordered by the emperor Augustus, so there were many travelers in the city and not enough room for everyone. Jesus was born in this crowded, noisy and poor town.
The birth conditions were very simple, even poor. At that time, there were no holiday decorations, no snow, no warm light from garlands or the scent of conifers. Jesus was not born in a comfortable house or ward, but in a place where cattle were usually kept. According to many sources, it was not an ordinary stable, but a cave where shepherds hid from the cold and wind. This place, although modest, became a huge stage for one of the greatest miracles in human history.
In the ancient text of the prophet Micah (5, 1) it is said: "You, Bethlehem-Ephrato, are too small to be among the thousands of Judah. From you will come to me the one who is to be the Lord in Israel; its origin is from ancient times, from the days of eternity."
Star of Bethlehem: a heavenly miracle
According to the Gospel of Matthew, the star guided the wise men who were looking for the born "King of kings".
Historians and astronomers offer several theories. One of them suggests that it could be a rare conjunction of the planets Jupiter and Saturn, which took place in the 7th year before Christmas. This celestial phenomenon created an extremely bright spot in the sky that could be seen for hundreds of kilometers. Other scientists believe that it could be a comet similar to the one observed by the Chinese in 5 BC.
But in a deep religious sense, this star was more than just a celestial phenomenon. She was a symbol of the new time, a light that pointed the way to the Most High.
Wise Men: Three or More?
In history, we always hear about the three wise men who brought gifts to the newborn Jesus. But were there exactly three of them? The Bible does not give an exact answer, and the number "three" appeared thanks to three gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. However, many scientists believe that there could be more of them. And this is not accidental.
These wise men from the East, representatives of different peoples and cultures, brought gifts to Jesus that symbolize his importance: gold - as a king, frankincense - as God, myrrh - as someone who has to go through suffering and death. Their coming was not just a sign of respect for the Child, it was a symbol that Jesus was born for all nations and for all people, regardless of their origin or status.
However, their arrival was not just a visit. This is the moment when the wisdom and wealth of the world recognized their subordination to the One who will bring true peace and salvation. And in this gesture is a huge metaphor for each of us. All of us, regardless of our background or situation, are called to come to Jesus and bring him our gifts: faith, love and hope.
War and Christmas: Light in the dark
The world today is in many ways similar to the one in which the first Christmas took place. Wars, conflicts, devastation and refugees - today we also have these "dark nights" in our lives. War changes everything around: it takes away people, destroys homes, creates a sense of chaos and restlessness. At a time when everything around us seems to be falling apart again, it is hard to find a place for joy and celebration.
But it is at these moments, like that first night in Bethlehem, that the light comes. And not only in the literal sense. Faith, hope, humanity and support - this is the light that we can find even in the dark.
Christmas in the conditions of war is not what we are used to. It's not about gifts, it's not about coziness and festive splendor. It's about finding the inner light in moments of darkness. About keeping faith and hope, even when the outside world around seems destroyed. People continue to pray, sing carols, support each other, even if they have nowhere to live or eat. And this is exactly what we see in the story of the birth of Jesus: even in the midst of darkness, in the midst of circumstances that seem unfair and hopeless, you can find a light that will not be extinguished.
Christmas is today
The first Christmas was the moment when not only a baby was brought into the world, but also a chance for rebirth, a chance for new hope. And it is now, as then, that we have a chance to find this light in our own hearts. Christmas should not just be a holiday with traditions and entertainment, but a time of deep search for inner peace, hope and love that we can give to each other, even when the outside world seems so unfair. And just as the birth of Jesus became a symbol of hope for humanity, so today we can find strength and inspiration to overcome the darkness of war and conflict. In times of war, we can be that light to others, as the first Christmas was to humanity.
