By Bill Conley
America’s Favorite Children’s Storyteller and Author
Moral of the Story
Christmas reminds us that the light of Christ shines even in the darkest
seasons. The choice of December twenty-fifth teaches us that hope grows
strongest when the world needs it most. Celebrating Christmas on this day
invites every heart to remember that love entered the world for all people.
Long ago, in the early years of the church,
Christians wondered how they should honor the birth of Jesus. The Bible tells
many wondrous stories about the life of Christ, but it does not give a specific
date for the night He was born in Bethlehem. For many years, believers
celebrated His birth at different times and in different ways. They all
cherished the story of the manger and the angels, but no one knew exactly which
day it happened.
As time passed, leaders of the church began
to pray and talk together. They wanted a special day when all Christians in
every land could celebrate the arrival of Jesus. They believed the birth of
Christ deserved a day filled with light, joy, and wonder. They studied
scripture, history, and the seasons of the year. They asked themselves which
day would carry the deepest meaning.
During that time, the world was familiar with
the cold days of winter. December was a month when the nights were long and the
days were short. In many places, people felt weary and hoped for light to
return. The sun set early. The winds blew strongly. Darkness seemed to last
almost the whole day.
Some early Christian thinkers believed that
choosing a day of deep winter would remind people that Jesus came as the light
of the world. They remembered the words that said, “The people walking in
darkness have seen a great light.” They thought that a winter celebration would
help everyone understand that Christ brought hope to a world that needed it.
There was also a belief among some early
Christians that the miracle of Jesus might have begun in the spring. They
believed March twenty-fifth could be the date when the angel Gabriel visited
Mary. If that were true, then nine months later would be December twenty-fifth.
So December twenty-fifth became a meaningful possibility, representing the
fulfillment of a promise that began with a message from heaven.
In the early fourth century, the church made a
formal decision. Leaders gathered and agreed that December twenty-fifth would
be the day Christians celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ. They chose it
carefully and prayerfully. It was not picked because someone knew the exact
date of the manager in Bethlehem. It was chosen because of what the day
symbolized. Light in the darkness. Joy in the cold. Hope in the longest nights
of winter.
The church wanted Christmas to be a day when
families would pause and remember that God came near. A day when songs would
rise in every land. A day when Christians would tell the story of shepherds,
angels, and a baby wrapped in cloth. The celebration became known as Christ
Mass, which means a special worship gathering offered in honor of Christ. Over
time, people began to say the word more simply, and it became Christmas.
As centuries passed, traditions grew. People
lit candles to remember the light of Christ. They prepared feasts to celebrate
the joy of His arrival. They shared gifts to honor the greatest gift God gave
to the world. They told children the story of the star that guided the wise men
across the desert. Christmas trees, nativity scenes, carols, and Christmas Eve
services became cherished customs that reminded families of the true meaning of
the season.
December twenty-fifth is not only a date on
the calendar. It becomes a reminder each year that love changes everything.
Even though no one knows the exact night when Jesus was born, the world chose
this day to say thank you. Thank you for the hope. Thank you for the light. Thank
you for peace on earth. Thank you for the Savior who came for all people.
Today, children everywhere wait with
excitement for Christmas morning. Families gather to share meals and memories.
Churches glow with candles. The world sings of joy and peace. And in homes and
hearts everywhere, people pause to remember the moment heaven touched earth in
the form of a tiny baby.
December twenty-fifth carries a message. Even
when the world feels dark, there is always a light that cannot be hidden. Even
in winter, the promise of hope remains. And just as the early church understood,
the coming of Jesus brings warmth to the coldest seasons of life.
So when you wake up on Christmas morning,
look at the lights on the tree or hear the carols in the air, and remember the
story. Long ago, the church chose this day to honor the birth of Christ. They
chose it to remind you that love entered the world to stay. They chose it
because Jesus is the light that shines in every season.
That is why Christmas is celebrated on
December twenty-fifth. It is the day we give our hearts back to the One who
came to save the world.
Moral Poem
Light shines brightest in the winter night.
Hope is born where hearts believe.
Christmas brings a holy joy.
That darkness can never take away.
Love entered the world for every child.
Peace waits for all who seek it.
Christ brought light that forever shines.
Christmas is the promise we celebrate.
Discussion Questions for Parents and
Caregivers
1.
Why do you think
early Christians wanted a special day to celebrate the birth of Jesus?
2.
How does choosing
a winter day help us remember the message of Christ as the light of the world?
3.
What does
Christmas mean to you, and how can your family share its true message this
year?
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