Christmas

The Nativity scene, the Birth of Jesus in a manger

Christmas is a traditional Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the Saviour of humanity to the Virgin Mary, Mother of God. Observed on December 25th, the holiday marks the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecies, most notably the prophecy from Isaiah 7:14, which foretold that a virgin would conceive and give birth to a son named Immanuel, meaning "God with us." The accounts of Jesus' birth are primarily found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, where the story is told of His miraculous birth to the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem, attended by humble shepherds and later visited by wise men from the East.

Over the centuries, Christmas has evolved from a purely religious observance into a globally recognized cultural event. For many Christians, the day is marked with worship services, including special hymns and readings from the Bible. Traditions such as gift-giving, festive meals, and the display of nativity scenes have become integral to the celebration, reflecting themes of generosity, joy, and family togetherness. While Christmas has been embraced by cultures worldwide, its core message of the birth of Christ and the hope and salvation He brings remains central to the holiday's meaning for Christians.