CHRISTMAS

Christmas, celebrating the birth of Jesus, is observed Dec. 25 by most of Christendom. (Some Armenian and Slavic-heritage Orthodox churches observe it Jan. 6 and 7, respectively.)

HISTORY: The earliest evidence for observance of Jesus’ birth by the Eastern and Western churches is from 4th-Century sources. In Rome, sometime before AD 336 the church picked Dec. 25, which was also a Mithraic celebration after the winter solstice when the sun shines increasingly longer each day. In the Eastern churches, the celebration of Jesus’ birth and his baptism apparently took place simultaneously on Epiphany, in early January. Only late in the 4th Century was the birthday observed earlier, and only in the 6th Century did the Jerusalem church detach the Nativity celebration from Jan. 6 and move it to Dec. 25.

CELEBRATION: Although the popular observances have a mixture of secular and religious elements, churches focus on the Nativity accounts found in two New Testament gospels. Creches, manger scenes depicting a humble birth, often combine the star, wise men (magi) and camels of Matthew and the shepherds of Luke.

The Advent season, leading up to Christmas, has been observed this year in church services since Dec. 1 and will continue this weekend. On Christmas Eve, Tuesday night, many churches will have candlelight services; midnight Masses are traditional at Roman Catholic parishes. Some churches schedule services on Christmas Day.