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Christmastide

“Merry Christmas!” We say it often this time of year in preparation for December 25th and recognizing the birth of Jesus Christ. As many times as we greet each other with this phrase, have we ever wondered it’s origin? After all, what is a “Christmas?” 

The word “Christmas” comes from an old English phrase “Christes maesse” that means “Christ’s Mass.” We know that “Mass” means “sending forth” which is what God chose to do with His son…send Him forth into the world. John 1:14, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” 

The word “Mass” was a common term (and still used in some Churches today) for the weekly gathering of worship. In most cases, the Protestant churches today simply call this gathering “Church” or “Worship” in reference to the main, weekly Sunday service. 

So, when we say, “Christmas,” we are actually saying “The Mass of Christ” or “The Church service of Christ” or even “The worship service of Christ.” This Mass, or worship service is completely dedicated to the proclamation of the birth of Jesus Christ. In some way, the word “Christmas” is more of a time of worship than a festive holiday. It is by no means “Santamas” or worldly festival…despite the fact that a lot of pagan adaptations are blended into this season of the year. 

That is why we call the season surrounding the birth of Christ “Christmastide.” The word marked the day that “Mass” or “Church” was held to celebrate and proclaim the birth of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Not only on this one day, but over the next twelve days. After these twelve days of Christmastide concluded, the Church recognizes what is called “Epiphany” (recognition brought by the three wise men). 

November and December with a few days of January in the New Year is a wonderful season. First, Advent, as we ‘prepare the way of the Lord’ in awaiting the birth of Jesus the Messiah. Then, Jesus is born and we celebrate in Christmastide. Twelve days later we celebrate the end of Christmastide with “Epiphany” as the “Three Wise Men” appear to recognize the birth of a King. It is a glorious time of triumph and celebration. Have a blessed and renewed love of the entire Christmastide season!


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