I'm Jewish, Can Someone Explain To Me What Christmas Really Is?

Question

I'm not converting or anything, I'm just curious. What's the meaning behind it, and what is the reason for getting presents.

Answer 1

Christmas is the day Jesus was born. The meaning of it is he was brought here to save us of our sins and he died for our sins. The presents our to give, just as the day Jesus was born the wise men gave presents to him. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas

Answer 2

Christmas is an amalgamation of pagan tradition and Christianity. No one knows exactly when Jesus was born. It was most likely in the springtime, certainly not in December. As Christianity spread, especially around Rome, there were lots of pagan rites. The two beliefs got intertwined. The roots of most pagan beliefs are in fertility cults. A fertility cult believes in a father god, a mother god, and a reborn baby god. It's origin is agricultural, where the mother is the earth, and the father is the seed that is put into the earth. The produce comes forth and repeats the cycle. Traditionally, it's why Christmas has the yule log that is burnt in the fireplace the night before and the Christmas tree appears the next morning - symbolizing the death and rebirth of the god.

By the way, in Roman Catholicism, it's why Mary, in some RC sects, Mary needs to be elevated beyond being merely human.

Answer 3

Basically, Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, regarded by Christians as the Messiah, or Son of God. The holiday also does have roots in the Ancient Roman Saturnalia, which was a festival celebrated before the coming of winter. The custom of gift giving began with St. Nicholas, a Turkish Bishop in the 4th Century AD, who would give gifts to the children. He is considered to be the patron saint of children, and the model for Santa Claus.

Answer 4

Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of Christ.

We give to one another because the wise men brought baby Jesus gifts. Although some go overboard every year with Christmas and gift giving. I had a friend once that said all she did was give three present to her children. Same is the wise men gave Jesus. Might not be such a bad idea.

A lot of people forget what Christmas is really about in the hustle and bustle of buying gifts, decorating and getting ready for company and that one big meal.

We need to remember more often.

Answer 5

Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Christ. But this Christan holiday also combines a Pagan holiday known as Yule. Thus why we have things like yule log cakes being served at Christmas and Christmas Trees. Also later years after the birth of Christ came about St Nicolas (the real Santa Claus) who gave toys/money to poor families w/ children.

Answer 6

Fair question. The true meaning of Christmas is supposed to be in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas Day symbolizes Jesus' birthday. All the other stuff...Christmas trees, decorations, Santa, baking, gifts, etc are just things that have gotten added to the holiday through the years. They make the holiday more enjoyable but are not the true meaning of Christmas.

Edit: I also believe that the giving of gifts became popular because the wisemen gave Jesus gifts. Some people go overboard though.

Answer 7

Christmas is just mainly celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. I don't know why we have trees and everything when e celebrate, but it has become a big deal when Christmas comes around to have a tree. I do know that the candy canes represent the staff that Jesus had and the colors are red and white because he died for us(red) and was our savior(white). I hope this helps you.

Answer 8

From a non-christian who celebrates christmas: Christmas is a time of year for family and gifts. Although the tradition started when someone decided to put Christ's birthday on the same day as a pagan holiday to make the transition easier, not everyone celebrates it as such. For my family it marks the time of year for decorations and family traditions, gift giving and making more food than anyone could possibly eat. Hope this helps a little.

Answer 9

Are you asking what the meaning of the spiritual aspect of Christmas is or the commercialized part of Christmas is (ie: the tree, and decorating it, singing christmas songs, santa claus, etc. etc.) ?

Hopefully your question will be answered by someone giving their an honest opinion, from both perspectives.

Shalom. May YHWH, Hashem be with You during dec. holidays.

I would, but I'm going to cook dinner.

Best of Luck to you,

THANK YOU !!

Excellent Question.

Answer 10

Well although its not actually Jesus' birthday (since that was sometime in April apparently) its a celebration of his birth. We give each other presents to show our love for one another as well as to commemorate the Three King's presents. Its a great time really!!!

Answer 11

sure can! christmas is suppose to be the birth date of jesus christ and it has been celebrated on dec. 25th for over 2000 years . his real birth date was most likely in april or may but aside from the wrong date, there was a practical reason for celebrating it in dec. the romans, who were not christian-friendly, would target those who were with all sorts of bad things (and the romans sure could think up bad things to do to people they didn't like). so the early believers picked the roman holiday of feast & harvest - dec. 25th. the very early christians cloaked their gift-giving & birthday event with saturnalia - feast of harvest. christmas has since been associated with the three wise men (of the orient). they gave the little jesus three gifts; christians now give gifts to emulate the three wise men. christmas tree? much later from germany. yule log? much much later from france. sending cards? oh that's a product of hallmark but nice, eh? i'm not a believer of christmas myself but for those who do, there is a fervent belief of the birth of jesus, the beginning of a child who begat a religion & changed the world. not too shabby for a kid who started life in a barn, surrounded by animals and those who loved him! right?