1600 years ago the first Christmas was celebrated in Rome. To this day, families and friends gather all around the world to celebrate the occasion with those they love. It’s a tradition that has survived the test of time and continues to inspire kindness and generosity with those nearest to them. Every year, the holiday is celebrated on December 25th, the day that is assumed to be the birth of Jesus Christ. “Christ’s Mass” is the meaning of the word Christmas, which comes from the Old English “Cristes maesse.”

According to the Christian belief, Jesus Christ is believed to be the savior of the world, sent by God himself to redeem humanity. In the Bible, the story of Jesus’ conception, birth, and adulthood is documented in the gospels Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John. The story of Jesus is the cornerstone of the Christian faith and why celebrating his birth every year is so significant for Christians.

The story of Jesus begins with Mary, the young woman who gave birth to him. Mary was a virgin, recently engaged to a man named Joseph when she was visited by the angel Gabriel while walking through a garden. Gabriel tells Mary that she will become pregnant with the Son of God and give birth to him, and his name will be Jesus, which translated in Hebrew means “God saves.” While Mary was hesitant at first, she embraces the task set upon her and agrees to give birth to Jesus.

Mary’s pregnancy advances and Joseph becomes skeptical of Mary’s conception of a child. After a dream where he is visited by an angel who proclaims that Mary’s baby was the son of God, he decides to support her and eventually, marries her. Before long, they are forced to travel to Bethlehem to adhere to the orders of the Roman census. As they near the town, Mary goes into labor and they seek shelter at a local inn. When the Inn is out of available rooms, they retreat to a nearby stable where Jesus is born.

The birth of Jesus quickly spreads when an angel visits shepherds in a field to tell them the good news. They traveled to visit Jesus, guided by the words of the angel, and they shared the news with others as they went. Jesus had other visitors as well, the Magi, also known as the three wise men or the three kings, who followed the Bethlehem star which led them to the manger where Jesus rested. When they arrived, they placed gifts of frankincense, myrrh, and gold at the feet of Jesus, the savior of the world.

The Christmas story promises redemption and hope to a world of brokenness. Jesus was a symbol of the love that God possesses for humanity, so much so, that he would send his only Son to sacrifice his life for the good of the world. Every year, those that believe in the Bible, gather with those they love to give thanks for their savior.

Although Christmas was founded as a religious holiday, it has become an occasion that is celebrated by everyone, regardless of their religious affiliation. Today, Christmas can also mean gathering with those we love, starting traditions in our families, giving thanks for the goodness in our lives, and decking out our houses from head to toe! Christmas has also become a time for generosity, with many people donating money to charities, buying presents for children who won’t receive them, and volunteering at shelters or food banks.

Christmas is uniquely celebrated across the world, the holiday holding a different meaning for every person. This long standing tradition unites families, friends, co-workers, or neighbors to give thanks for the people in their lives and mark the beginning of the new year together. Christmas is a reminder that hope is always possible, and there is always something to be grateful for.