Christmas, Advent, Epiphany, and the New Year

Dear HFC Community,

This message is one of many related to our diverse community’s numerous unique holidays, including cultural, historic, and religious observances throughout the year. I am likely to write about the holidays or cultural observances that mean the most to you as they occur throughout the year. Please let me know if you want to learn my plans about a holiday that is specifically important to you.

O n Friday, December 25, people worldwide will celebrate Christmas Day. The day has both religious and non-religious significance. For some Christians, the holiday lasts 12 days. It follows Advent and concludes with Epiphany. For Orthodox Christians, Christmas is celebrated on January 7, and Epiphany falls on Jan. 19.

What is Christmas?

Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Christians believe that Jesus was the Son of God and savior of all humankind. The Gregorian calendar that we follow in the United States begins roughly at the time of Jesus’ birth. According to this calendar and tradition, Jesus was born 2,020 years ago.

I wrote in detail about this holiday, as well as Advent and Epiphany, last year. I encourage you to read it.

Here is a brief explanation of the Christian belief. A Jewish couple named Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth, a town in Galilee in the northern part of Israel. They were engaged to be married when an angel appeared to Mary and told her she would become pregnant with a holy child who would become the King of Israel. The couple traveled to a town called Bethlehem to participate in a required census. When they arrived, they could not find lodging, so they camped in a stable. There, Mary gave birth to Jesus. He grew up to become a rabbi and a spiritual leader. He is a centerpiece of the Christian faith.

It is not known exactly what day Jesus was born. Christmas is celebrated in December and January for various reasons. Among them are the holiday’s association with the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. The timing also has connections to the Yule holiday and the Roman Saturnalia holiday.

Celebrations and observances

Christmas is a festive, exuberant holiday. It is usually a time when families and groups of friends spend time together. For many, it is a highlight of their year.

In June of 1870, President Ulysses S. Grant declared Christmas Day a national holiday. The bill he signed also designated New Year’s Day and Independence Day (July 4) as national holidays. Many Christians take part in worship services, singing celebrative hymns, lighting candles, and reciting prayers. Food is often a centerpiece of both Christian and secular traditions. This often includes lavish meals, baking, and sweets.

Families often have a Christmas tree inside the home that is decorated with lights and ornaments. You may find emblems of the Christmas story: angels, wreaths, stars, and scenes from the time of Jesus’ birth.

Christmas is often a time of gift-giving. Many people give generously to charity and their communities. Some families and churches “adopt a family” to provide Christmas gifts to others.

In some families, children are told that Santa Claus will secretly come to their home and leave presents during the night of Christmas Eve. On Christmas morning, a joyous celebration ensues and gifts are opened.

The story of Santa Claus originated from a third-century monk named St. Nicholas. He was known for his generosity and kindness and became the patron saint of children. There are many alternate threads to the Santa Claus story. Today, Santa remains a mythical figure who lives at the North Pole and delivers gifts to children worldwide. If you ask my two children, Santa visits my house each year. Both children are true believers. Although, at seven, the oldest one has started asking skeptical questions this year.

Advent

Some observers of Catholicism and Orthodox Christianity recognize a four-week season prior to Christmas known as Advent. It is a time of expectant waiting marked by contemplation, prayer, and reflection on God’s will. Some Christians abstain from specific foods during this time.

Advent Calendars are often used to count down the days until Christmas. Each calendar has a small window to be opened each day. Behind each window is a seasonal image or message. Children are often given the privilege of opening the calendar’s windows.

Many families light candles during Advent. Some churches place four large candles into a wreath made of greenery. The candles are lit weekly until Christmas Eve.

Epiphany

Catholics celebrate Epiphany 12 days after Christmas, on January 6. For Orthodox Christians, it is January 19. This is the date when Christians believe the Three Kings or Wise Men visited Jesus.

While Christmas Day is the holiday celebration for many, there are some Christians who commemorate each of the 12 days after Christmas. Each day recognizes a particular saint or feast day.

For some Christians, Epiphany signals the date when Jesus was baptized later in his life and started his ministry of teaching people about God.

Happy New Year!

At midnight on January 1, 2020, most of us will welcome in the New Year, according to the Gregorian calendar. This civil calendar used by most of the world’s countries dates back to 1582, when it was introduced to correct the errors that had accrued in the previously-common Julian calendar (709-1582).

There are other international and religious New Year celebrations at other times of the year, including the Chinese New Year, Diwali, and Rosh Hashanah.

Holiday celebrations in 2020

Many holidays take place at or near the end of the calendar year. Nearly all are festive and communal, bringing people together in groups to celebrate. This year, these holidays will be celebrated differently because of the pandemic.

The holidays remain a source of light and joy in our lives, and I encourage all in our community, no matter the cultural or religious tradition, to seek ways to safely create a sense of community and togetherness.

However you celebrate, I wish you a safe, healthy, and joyous holiday season.

Russ Kavalhuna
President
president@hfcc.edu