I know it is a little confusing, but there are actually two holidays being celebrated on Dec. 25. Both holidays have a major impact on our lives for several weeks leading up to the 25th. Many of us celebrate both holidays, and it is the way in which they overlap that causes the confusion.

The first holiday is the religious holiday of Christmas. This is a distinctly Christian celebration, and it originated in the church. It is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Although we do not know the actual date of Jesus’ birth, in the 4th century the church officially proclaimed December 25th as the day for this celebration. It was the church’s way of taking over the older pagan celebration of the birth of Mithra, the Sun God.

It is interesting that the church chose to redefine the celebration of the birth of the Sun God by celebrating the birth of Jesus who said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) The Church celebrates the birth of The Light of the World very near the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, the day when the hours of light begin to increase with each passing day.

The Jewish celebration of Hanukah, which is also called the festival of lights, also occurs at about this same time. This festival celebrates the rededication of the temple after the Jews defeated Antiochus Epiphanes about 135 B.C., and God miraculously made a one-day supply of oil last for a week, until more oil could be made and dedicated.

The reason that Christians celebrate the birth of Christ is that he is the bringer of light, the light of life. He is the one who said, “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) The angel who appeared to the shepherds said, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11) We desperately need the light of life. We desperately need a Savior so that we might find that peace which the angel promised. This is why this is such an important and sacred time for a Christian.

The other holiday which occurs during this season is the purely secular holiday of Santas, sleigh rides, reindeer, candy canes and lights. It is a time of shopping and presents, a time for family and friends, a time for wonderful meals together, and expressions of love and joy. This is a time for office parties, and neighbors, and warmth and goodwill. This is when the children wake up very early to see if Santa has come to their house. It is a truly joyous time! It is a time for sharing with others, giving to food banks, distributing clothes, helping with meals and shelter for the less fortunate. It is a time for sharing with Toys for Tots or some other similar effort. It is a truly wonderful time. It is a time which brings out the best in us as humans.

It is true that some of my fondest memories revolve around this secular holiday, and yet, it is the spiritual holiday, the celebration of the birth of the Light of the World, the Savior, that really gives us the Reason for the Season.

Merry Christmas!