Children's Bible: New Testament - The Birth of Jesus Christ, Angels announce the birth of Jesus Christ to the shepherds, The shepherds are with Jesus. The history of Christmas celebration: when is the bright holiday celebrated and how is it covered in the Bible

Mysterious, close to each of us, the joyful holiday of the Nativity of Christ is one of major events in the Christian world. It is celebrated especially solemnly. Christmas trees, decorations, gifts, a Christmas goose on the table are the main attributes of the holiday.

How many of us think about the essence of Christmas? How many people tell a wonderful Christmas story to children? Or every year, by inertia, we decorate the tree, give gifts to loved ones and eat and eat?

The Bible story is the best illustration of the essence of Christmas

Almost all people have at some time read the story recorded in the pages of the Bible about the birth of Jesus Christ. Evangelist Luke, inspired by the Holy Spirit, tells how an angel appeared to the Virgin Mary, who was betrothed to Joseph, and said words that pierced her to the very heart: “Rejoice, full of grace! The Lord is with you! And then the angel of God announces to her the great news that she will give birth to a Son and will call His name Jesus, and He will be the Savior of the world.

In the Gospel of Matthew (1 chapter 18 verse) it is clearly stated that before they were united, it turned out that Mary was pregnant with the Holy Spirit. In other words, Mary found herself in a difficult situation. There was a conversation with Joseph ahead and much depended on his reaction.

According to the law, a woman who committed fornication was punished by death. And if Joseph had spread a bad rumor about the bride, driven by wounded pride, then Mary would have simply been stoned. We see from the text that Joseph was a righteous man and therefore wanted to secretly release the girl after the conversation. That is, without publicity, quietly, peacefully.

However, God has his own plan. An angel appeared to Joseph and spoke wonderful words to him, after which the righteous husband accepted Mary and did not know her until she gave birth. An angel announced to Joseph the birth of the Child, whom he should name Jesus - “The Lord is our salvation.” Here the essence of Christmas is clearly visible - saving people from their sins.

In the second chapter of the Gospel of Luke it is said that at that time there was a census and everyone had to go to the place where he came from. Most likely, this event did not occur in winter for the simple reason that weather conditions would not allow many to travel to their area.

In addition, the fact that the shepherds who saw the angels could not herd sheep in the cold season speaks in favor of the fact that Jesus was not born in winter. During this period of time, the herds were not taken out to pasture due to unfavorable weather. Oddly enough, but most likely, the date December 25, as the birthday of Christ, was brought by converted Christians from the pagans. And the church, instead of fighting pagan traditions, helped to “Christianize” them.

Be that as it may, it is not the date itself that is important (after all, this is all conditional), but the event that happened many years ago: Christ was born - the Messiah, the Savior, the One who became the mediator between God and man and through whom we have access to the Creator of the worlds.

But let's get back to biblical history. Mary, together with Joseph, went to the house of her relatives for the census - to Bethlehem. There in the stable, due to lack of room in the hotel, he was Christ is born and laid in a manger for the cattle. His birth was invisible to others. Only those who in their hearts expected more than anything else to see the Messiah, those in whose hearts there was room for faith, were able to witness this miraculous event.

The shepherds were tending their flock. At night, an angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of God shone around them. How would we react to the presence of angels? It is written that the shepherds were very frightened. No wonder. It’s night, it’s quiet, there are stars in the sky, and suddenly the heavenly host cries out: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

But the angel said to the shepherds: “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people, for today a Savior has been born to you in the city of David, who is Christ the Lord.” Then the shepherds heard about a sign, that they would find the Baby lying in a manger.

Surprisingly, the first people to hear the good news were simple people, whose work was not held in high esteem by the Jews. Not the Pharisees - the most righteous of the people, not kings, not nobles, but simple people waiting for the Savior and believing the Word of God.

This clearly shows the meaning and essence of Christmas: to have faith, even as small as a mustard seed, so that you can receive what you ask for. Christ was born to save us not through our good works, but through faith. I believe that He exists and rewards those who seek.

The faith of the shepherds had an effect. They hurried to Bethlehem and, having found the Child there, worshiped Him, and, returning, announced to everyone about the wonderful event that happened at night.

The wise men from the East had the honor of seeing the newborn Jesus. It is safe to say that these people were looking for God. They studied the stars and the laws of the universe. In everything they saw the Hand of the Creator and therefore, reading scriptures, believed in the coming of the Savior of the world and expected Him.

The wise men saw a star in the East and followed it in search of the Child for worship. It was God's pleasure that they met with King Herod. Herod ordered the wise men to find out the time when Jesus was supposed to be born in order to supposedly worship Him.

The wise men had a revelation from God not to return to the ruler. Herod was ridiculed and, angry, ordered the extermination of all infants in Bethlehem and the surrounding area under 2 years of age. Joseph, Mary and the Child were far from that place at that time. In a dream, Joseph received a revelation to flee to Egypt.

Crying and screaming filled the earth. The first to suffer for Christ were foolish children. It was about them that Christ said: “For of such is the kingdom of heaven.” With our limited minds we are unable to understand the ways of God. Therefore, let us be afraid to grumble.

The star led the Magi to the birthplace of Christ. They brought Him precious gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. Gold is truly a royal gift, a symbol of the fact that Christ is King and God.

An odorous resin, incense symbolizes purity of heart. This gift was brought to Jesus as High Priest.

Smyrna is a type of the Perfect Sacrifice that Jesus offered for the sins of the world. This sacrifice is the Lord Himself.

Reflecting on this truth, the question arises: why is sacrifice needed at all? The answer is given in Scripture: “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” How in physical world There are laws, and so there are laws in the spiritual world. This is one of them.

In Old Testament times, a person had to shed the blood of an animal for his sin. But even she could not satisfy the holiness of God. Then the Creator, in His love for fallen humanity, sent His Son to be born into this world, to be crucified and to rise again.

The essence of Christmas is to come to die for people's sins. For us, for you and me, or instead of you and me. Conceived by the Holy Spirit, according to the flesh - man, according to the spirit - God.

Traditions as an attempt to reflect the essence of Christmas

The official church and believing people begin the holiday with anticipation. It is customary to fast. Waiting symbolizes a spiritual gift.

After this, the so-called approach of Christmas begins - Christmas Eve, when a special dish is prepared. At this time, it is necessary to prepare for confession and communion, and tune in to the celebration of Christmas.

An indispensable attribute of the celebration is a spruce, symbolizing eternal life, given in Christ, and the star, as a decoration on the top of the forest beauty, recalls the star of Bethlehem, which led the Magi to the Baby.

And finally, the gifts we give each other also help us remember the events of Christmas, when the wise men brought gold, frankincense and myrrh to the feet of Jesus.

Why know about the essence of Christmas?

It is both necessary and important to know about the purpose of Christ’s coming into this world. It is important not just to pass on traditions and rituals to the future generation. It is vitally important to convey to those who will come after us true meaning Christmas, to encourage children to read and study the Bible, to seek the truth, to reflect, to notice the Hand of God in everything that surrounds us.

The essence of Christmas is good news

The main purpose of the birth of Jesus can be formulated as follows:

To redeem us

To restore or revive us

To reconcile with God

Summarizing all of the above, it is worth emphasizing that the essence of Christmas is good news. The news is that once upon a time the Savior came to this world, through Whom access to God is still open, through Whom we have the right to raise our gaze to Heaven and say: “Father, for the sake of Jesus, forgive me and accept me, and when my It’s time to lead me into Your Kingdom.”

How to convey the essence of Christmas to children?

On the eve of the holiday, it is important to read to your child the story of the birth of Jesus. This is the main thing to do. Simply and clearly, look at the pictures to reveal the meaning of Christmas.

Some aspects to pay attention to:

1. Many years before the birth of the Messiah, the prophets of the Old Testament prophesied about this event.

2. Without the Perfect Sacrifice it became impossible to satisfy the holiness of God.

3. Mary and Joseph were righteous people.

4. Due to lack of space in the hotel, Mary had to give birth in a stable among sheep and oxen, and, having swaddled, put the Baby in a cattle feeder.

5. The Son of God was born in a wretched cave, and not in a palace, so that the most “worthless” person, the biggest sinner and the poorest could come to Him.

6. The shepherds were the first to hear the good news. They hastened to bow to the Newborn because they believed.

7. The sages from the East searched and found. When you look, you always find.

In addition, you can create a special holiday atmosphere. Buy pictures of the Holy Couple, turn on Christmas music, give the opportunity to watch a cartoon about the birth of Jesus. All this will help convey to the child the essence of Christmas.

Traditions and rituals in themselves are not so important as it is important to have awe and reverence for the One who voluntarily came into this world to atone for sin. Now there is no need to go and sacrifice an animal for every sin. Christ gave Himself so that we could, in the simplicity of our hearts, if we have sinned, say: “Lord, for the sake of Your son, forgive me and give me strength to do as You teach.”

This is the essence of Christmas - the Savior gives the garments of righteousness to everyone who desires it, who believes in His atoning sacrifice. For everyone, Christ can become a personal Savior. If only you really wanted it.

The truth about Christmas can only be found in the Bible

The Bible is the Word of God Himself to humanity, transmitted through His chosen people: prophets and apostles. The Bible records God's revelations about Himself, the Universe, our planet, its problems and the future.
In its first part, Old Testament, The Bible predicts the appearance of the Savior of the world. In the second part, the New Testament, we find historical records of the appearance of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, His birth, or rather, His conviction human nature, His preaching and teaching.

Here are recorded facts of the manifestation of His divine power through healing, manifestations of power over the forces of demons and natural disasters. Christ is the Messiah expected by the ancient peoples, which means Savior.
The Apostle Peter wrote in his second letter: “For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21). That is why the Bible is a reliable document that reveals to us the correct understanding of the Christmas holiday, so beloved by many peoples.

Why does the world need a Savior?

Really, why? The problem is that our generation hardly understands such a biblical concept as “sin,” and if it uses this word, it is in the sense of “a bad deed,” “a bad deed.” But it is not so. Sin is life in isolation from the Creator of the Earth and the Universe. The Creator arranged the world according to His laws, and this is, first of all, the LAW OF LOVE. But the idea of ​​living outside of God’s rules has appeared in the Universe, and evil deeds are only the consequences of trying to live outside of God, of neglecting his fundamental laws.

This is similar to if a driver, in order to save money, began to add water to the car tank. But the designer provided pure gasoline for the engine to operate. And if you violate this requirement, then you should not complain that the engine is malfunctioning.

Much on earth upsets us: we are afraid of each other, we trust society and others less and less. I remember about thirty years ago in Ukrainian villages, when people went to work, they put a broom to the door - and that was enough to know that there was no one at home. And there was no lock on the doors! But now alarm systems are also installed in rural houses to protect against unwanted guests. And how many people have been killed - because of hatred, the desire to profit from others, or simply because they are from a different clan, have a different skin color!

Scientists are sounding the alarm: climate change is happening due to improper management of the planet, floods, earthquakes, forest fires, tsunamis have become more frequent... We are approaching a global catastrophe. And all this because someone convinced humanity to live according to their own rules and regulations, regardless of the laws laid down by the Creator. Every day we understand more and more that the world needs a SAVIOR!

What is the Fall?

This is leaving from the influence of the Creator. At first glance, Adam and Eve did not do anything particularly bad: they did not steal, did not kill... (See the book of Genesis, chapter 3.) But they listened more to the words of the serpent than to the words of their Creator. By doing this, they gave priority to the evil one and determined the values ​​of their own lives. God knew that this choice would not make their lives happy. God knew that this was a life of self-destruction and constant dissatisfaction, this was a loss of connection with eternal life.

God's Strategic Plan

In the Gospel there is a story about a prodigal son who voluntarily left his father’s wealthy home. It seemed to him that he was limited there, he wanted imaginary freedom. Soon he squandered all his money and was forced to eat with the pigs; this is what he achieved, dreaming of freedom outside his father’s house. And the father went out onto the road every day, hoping for the return of the prodigal son...

God made every effort to make the return of His daughters and sons possible. This is His strategic plan. And there is no more important task for God and His angels than to work to return planet Earth and its inhabitants to the harmony of the Universe. God sent a Savior into the world, who paid for our guilt so that we could become full-fledged children of God's family. God's prophets spoke about that Savior for many centuries, recording in detail how He would come to our world, what His character would be, and how He would bring deliverance. It was a message of consolation and hope, a ray of light in the most dark times history of mankind.

The prophet Isaiah prophesied about the Child: “For unto us a child is born; A son is given to us” (Isaiah 9:6). The prophet Micah named the place of His birth: “And you, Bethlehem - Ephrathah, are you small among the thousands of Judah? from you will come unto me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose origin was from the beginning from the days of eternity” (Micah 5:2). Isaiah in the 53rd and 6th chapters wrote that the Savior will preach the gospel, that is, preach about the Kingdom of God, suffer torment for the sins of the human race, with His stripes people will be healed, the punishment that the world must bear will fall on Him. He gives freedom to all the captives of Satan, he is approaching new life on earth where there will be no more suffering and death.

The Bible does not give the exact date of Christmas. It only says: “For today a Savior has been born to you in the city of David, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). Perhaps that is why the exact date is not indicated, so that people celebrate this event more than once a year, but every day, in their hearts, with a deep understanding of its meaning and significance for each of us!

“And the Lord God said to the serpent, Because you have done this, you are cursed above all cattle and above all the beasts of the field; on your belly you will go, and you will eat dust all the days of your life;
and I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; it will bruise your head, and you will bruise its heel.”
(Genesis 3:14,15)

“I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brothers, and I will put My words in His mouth, and He will speak to them whatever I command Him...”
(Book of Deuteronomy 18:18)

“I see Him, but now I am not yet; I see Him, but not close. A star rises out of Jacob and a rod rises out of Israel..."
(Book of Numbers 24:17)

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: behold, a virgin will be with child and give birth to a Son, and they will call His name Immanuel.”
(Isaiah 7:14)

“Behold, My Servant, whom I hold by the hand, My chosen one, in whom My soul delights. I will put My spirit on Him, and He will proclaim judgment to the nations;
He will not cry out, nor lift up His voice, nor let it be heard in the streets;
He will not break a bruised reed, and he will not quench smoking flax; will carry out judgment according to truth;
He will not weaken or faint until He establishes judgment on the earth, and the islands will trust in His law.
Thus says the Lord God, who created the heavens and their space, who spread out the earth with its products, who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk on it.
I, the Lord, have called You in righteousness, and I will hold Your hand and keep You, and will make You a covenant for the people, a light for the Gentiles,
to open the eyes of the blind, to bring prisoners out of prison, and those sitting in darkness out of prison.
I am the Lord, this is My name, and I will not give My glory to another, nor My praise to graven images.”
(Isaiah 42:1-8)

“In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee called Nazareth,
to a virgin betrothed to a husband named Joseph, from the house of David; The name of the Virgin is: Mary.
The angel, coming to Her, said: Rejoice, full of grace! The Lord is with You; Blessed are You among women.
She, seeing him, was embarrassed by his words and wondered what kind of greeting this would be.
And the Angel said to Her: Do not be afraid, Mary, for You have found favor with God;
and behold, you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a Son, and you will call His name Jesus.
He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David;
and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.
Mary said to the Angel: How will this be when I don’t know my husband?
The angel answered Her: The Holy Spirit will come upon You, and the power of the Most High will overshadow You; therefore the Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.
Behold your relative Elizabeth, who is called barren, and she conceived a son in her old age, and she is already in her sixth month,
for with God no word will be powerless.
Then Mary said: Behold, the Servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word. And the Angel departed from Her.”
(Gospel of Luke 1:26-38)

“In that country there were shepherds in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
Suddenly an Angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were afraid with great fear.
And the Angel said to them: Do not be afraid; I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people:
For today a Savior has been born to you in the city of David, who is Christ the Lord;
and here is a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly a large army of heaven appeared with the Angel, praising God and crying:
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!”
(Gospel of Luke 2:8-14)

“The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; on those who live in the land of the shadow of death the light will shine.”
(Isaiah 9:2)

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; the government is upon His shoulder, and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
There will be no end to the increase of His government and peace on the throne of David and in his kingdom, so that He may establish it and strengthen it with judgment and righteousness from now on and forever. The jealousy of the Lord of hosts will do this."
(Isaiah 9:6,7)

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
It was in the beginning with God.
Everything came into being through Him, and without Him nothing came into being that came into being.
In Him was life, and life was the light of men.
And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness does not overcome it.”
(Gospel of John 1:1-5)

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only begotten of the Father.”
(Gospel of John 1:14)

“There was the true Light, which enlightens every person who comes into the world.
He was in the world, and the world came into being through Him, and the world did not know Him.
He came to his own, and his own did not receive Him.
And to those who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the power to become children of God,
who were born neither of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”
(Gospel of John 1:9-13)

“And from His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace,
for the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
No one has ever seen God; The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has revealed.”
(Gospel of John 1:16-18)

God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, into this sinful world to save humanity from sins and eternal destruction. With His birth on earth came new era. Even our chronology begins with the Nativity of Jesus Christ.Only more correctly, Jesus was born 7 years earlier than the calendar. Previously not taken into account leap years and so on.The story of the birth of Jesus is amazing. Just think, He, the Son of the Creator of the world and the universe, had to be born in an animal stable. Soon the king of that country decided to kill Him.

But let's start from the beginning. IN small town Nazareth, in the “north of Israel, there lived a girl named Mary. She loved the Lord and had a pure heart. One day, Angel Gabriel, sent by the Lord, appeared to her and said: “Rejoice, full of grace! The Lord is with You; Blessed are You among women." Mary, seeing Him, was embarrassed. But the Angel said to her: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with the Lord; and behold, you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a Son, and you will call His name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.”
Mary was not married at the time, but was betrothed to a godly believer named Joseph. She asked the Angel: “How will this be when I don’t know my husband?” The angel answered her: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.” Mary answered: “Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; Let it be done to me according to Your word.” And the angel departed from her.
Having learned that Mary was expecting a child, Joseph wanted to let her go, but the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said: “Joseph, son of David! Do not be afraid to accept Mary your wife; for that which is born in Her is of the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a Son, and you will call His name Jesus.
When the Virgin Mary was about to give birth, she and her husband Joseph went to Bethlehem, a city near Jerusalem, because the Roman Emperor Augustus ordered a census. To do this, everyone had to come to the city where they were born. Joseph was from Bethlehem. The road was long and difficult, they walked through mountainous terrain, and when they reached Bethlehem and began to look for a place to stay for the night, it turned out that all the inns were full.

That same night, Maria felt that it was time to give birth. They failed to find shelter in the city, so they went outside Bethlehem and came across a cave in which shepherds usually hid from the weather. It was there that Mary gave birth to her son, swaddled him and put him in a manger.

In the surrounding area, several shepherds did not sleep that night, sitting by the fires, guarding their flocks. And a shining angel descended to them from heaven: “Do not be afraid, I proclaim to you great joy that will be to all people, for today a Savior has been born in the city of David, who is Christ the Lord, and this is a sign for you: you will find a baby lying in swaddling clothes in manger."

When the angel disappeared, the shepherds decided to go into the cave and see for themselves what was said - and they actually saw a baby sleeping in a cattle feeder.

The fact of the birth of the Holy Child was announced by the star of Bethlehem that lit up in the sky.

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem and said: Where was born King of the Jews? for we saw His star in the east and came to worship Him.

Hearing this, King Herod became alarmed, and all Jerusalem with him.

And, having gathered all the high priests and scribes of the people, he asked them: where should Christ be born?

And they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written through the prophet: and you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are no less than the rulers of Judah, for from you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.

Then Herod, secretly calling the wise men, found out from them the time of the appearance of the star and, sending them to Bethlehem, he said: go, carefully scout about the Child, and when you find him, notify me, so that I too can go and worship Him.After listening to the king, they left. And behold, the star that they saw in the east walked before them, [as] at last it came and stood over [the place] where the Child was.

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with great joy, and entering the house, they saw the Child with Mary His Mother, and, falling down, they worshiped Him; and having opened their treasures, they brought Him gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh.

And having received a revelation in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by a different route.

(Matt.2:1-12)

Eight days later, the baby was brought to the Temple, where, according to the law, he was circumcised and given the name Jesus, which means “The Lord is Salvation,” and only from that moment was it considered that the child was presented before God. Therefore, all over the world there are two holidays, first Christmas, and then on the 8th day New Year and only in Russia everything is strange, because... we celebrate the New Year with the whole world and only after that Christmas and, as expected, on the 8th day after Christmas the Old New Year.

Subsequently, Jesus was also called “Christ,” which means “anointed one.” This “prefix” in ancient Israel was previously used only in relation to kings and high priests, since the erection of high rank done through anointing. By giving the epithet “Christ” to the Son of God, the prophets emphasized that he is the true King of the world, at the same time bringing people light of faith.

As soon as he was born, the future Savior was exposed to terrible danger. King Herod, who was predicted the birth of the true King, ordered the killing of all male babies. As a result, 14 thousand children aged two years and younger were exterminated in Bethlehem and its environs. The murdered children are still considered the first martyrs who died for Christ, and in memory of them the second week after Christmas is called the Terrible Evenings. Saving their son, Mary and Joseph fled to Egypt, and after the death of King Herod they returned to Nazareth.

It is noteworthy that today Bethlehem, which was once a separate city, has practically merged with the outskirts of Jerusalem. Centuries have passed, and the once deserted area is a completely comfortable area with shops, cafes and business centers. And only a few shrines remind us that a miracle once came into the world here. In particular, in a small square, completely filled with tourist buses, there is a walled-up arch with a low opening. This opening has its own history: in the 16th century, when Palestine was conquered by the Turks, the entrance to the arch was specially walled up so that enemies could not desecrate the shrine by riding into it on horseback. As a result, a very narrow and low passage remained - to enter it, you had to bend down very much, so since then it has been called the door of submission.

Christmas is one of the most important holidays for every Christian. It is celebrated by the whole family and children accept Active participation in celebration. Curious kids will probably be interested to know what this event is, why it is celebrated and what Christmas traditions mean. For a child to understand how important this day is, he should tell the story of the Nativity of Christ for children. It is important to convey to your child the history of this great day in a form that will be close and understandable to him. It is the adapted version of the Christmas story that will help the child understand the essence of the holiday, because the traditional adult version described in the Bible may be too difficult for him to understand.

You can accompany your story with illustrations from the children's Bible if the child does not yet know how to read.

It’s better to start the story with a story about the main character of the holiday.

Jesus is the son of God. God sent him to earth to save us all. For this, Jesus had to die, but this was planned - his torment was atonement for the sins of our ancestors. Jesus lived a long time ago, more than two thousand years ago, but we still remember him and the fact that he sacrificed himself so that we could live now.

What is Christmas?

Like any person, Jesus had his birthday. It is January 7 that is considered to be the birthday of our savior, although exact date no one knows his birth. In many countries, including Europe and the USA, Christmas is celebrated on December 25th, according to the old style. Christmas is a holiday in honor of the birth of Jesus, and we still celebrate it today in memory of the son of God.

The Story of the Birth of Jesus

Well, now let's talk in more detail about the day when Jesus was born, but let's start our story with his parents - Mary and Joseph. In fact, Jesus' father is the Lord, but Joseph was entrusted with an important mission - to raise and raise the son of God.

Just before the birth of Jesus, Joseph and Mary were forced to send
went to the city of Bethlehem, as the king ordered a census of the population. There were a lot of people in Bethlehem and all the houses and hotels were occupied by those who arrived for the census, so Mary and Joseph had to spend the night in a cave along with the cattle. It was on this night that little Jesus was born. Since there was no crib in the cave, the baby had to be placed directly in the manger. A manger is a box from which animals eat and is usually filled with hay. It was on this soft hay that Mary laid her newborn baby.

In honor of these nurseries, they named the nursery in the kindergarten, where children under the age of three go.

But let's get back to our story. That same night, shepherds with their flock passed nearby and saw a bright light and an angel who announced the birth of a savior who came to earth to save everyone from sins. The angel also ordered the shepherds to go to the baby and said that he was lying in a manger.

Also that night, a bright star appeared in the sky - the Bethlehem star, which showed the wise men the way to the newborn baby. They guessed that the light of the star announced the birth of the Savior and went to him with gifts. The Magi knew that Jesus was destined to become the King of Heaven on earth.

King Herod, who was ruling at that time, also heard the news of the birth of the king and was afraid that Jesus might replace him on the throne, so he ordered to kill all the babies in the city. The Son of God miraculously managed to survive.

Fasting before Christmas

Forty days before Christmas, it is customary to fast, that is, not eat meat, eggs, milk, only occasionally fish and vegetable oil. Such fasting is needed to cleanse the body, but this is not the main purpose of fasting; it is needed to cleanse the soul. During the period of fasting, you cannot be angry, offended, quarrel, or think about bad things. It is in order for everyone to become at least a little kinder that fasting is needed.

Christmas Eve

The last day of Lent and before Christmas Day is usually called Christmas Eve. To be more precise, this is the evening before the holiday. Christmas Eve occurs not only before Christmas, but Christmas Eve is the most revered day by Christians. On this day we were intensively preparing for the celebration of Christmas.

The name of Christmas Eve comes from the name of the dish - sochivo. Sochivo is made from grains - barley, rice, wheat. Cereals are boiled and soaked with poppy seeds, nuts, and fruits. No butter was added on Christmas Eve, because it was still a day of fasting, and to make the dish more tasty and satisfying, they put a little honey in it.

They also put other dishes on the table on Christmas Eve. There should have been 12 of them - as many as Jesus had apostles. In addition, all dishes for Christmas Eve should be lean, because the Nativity Fast is still ongoing.

Christmas traditions

This day is famous for its traditions, which have become a little forgotten, but now everyone is trying to remember them and observe them, because these traditions unite families, make them friendlier, and make Christmas itself long-awaited, bright and unforgettable.

In fact, there are a lot of such traditions and they differ in each region, but there are several basic ones that are observed by many people.

Christmas tree

Decorating a tree is not such a long-standing tradition. It appeared a long time ago, but was finally established a little more than a hundred years ago. Now many people associate the Christmas tree with the New Year, but originally the tree was decorated for Christmas. The first Christmas trees were decorated not with balls, but with apples, gingerbread cookies, bells, and small candles. Each of the decorations had its own meaning and purpose. And the main decoration of the Christmas tree - the star at the top symbolizes the very Star of Bethlehem which announced the birth of Jesus.

Carols

Mostly children and young people sang carols; they went from house to house and sang carols, and the owners had to thank them. It was believed that the more carolers who came to the house, the better and happier the whole next year would be.

This tradition is still observed today, although not on such a scale as before. But preserving traditions brings families together and helps preserve the connection between generations, so it is necessary to tell children about the holiday of the Nativity of Christ; the story for children about this holiday should be heard in every home.

Dinner with family and godparents

Christmas - family celebration and on this day the whole family gathers at one table. Children also bring treats to their godparents. IN different regions This tradition is different, but the godparents always take dinner after dinner with their parents. And the godparents, in turn, give the godchildren sweets, money, and gifts.

Kutya

Sweet, made from wheat, rice or other grains - this is a real treat for children. For Christmas Eve they prepare hungry, Lenten kutya or, as it is also called, sochivo. This kutia is liquid, without butter and milk. At Christmas, it is customary to prepare rich kutya with milk and butter.

Dried fruits and chocolate are also added to kutya.

Miracle of Christmas

It is believed that at Christmas the heavens open and you can ask them for anything. The main thing is that the desire is sincere and bright.

On the night before Christmas and on Christmas day, miracles happen: people are healed of illnesses, their innermost dreams come true. But in order for a miracle to happen, you must believe in it. It is important for children to instill this faith in miracles, with which it is easier to go through life and overcome difficulties. Therefore, you need to tell your kids about Christmas, the story of the holiday for children should sound like a fairy tale, a good, kind fairy tale that the child will believe in and his soul will become a little warmer and brighter)))