CYNTHIA CARTER: The reason we celebrate Christmas

This is the time when we should really know why we celebrate Christmas. We celebrate Christmas because it is the birth of Jesus.

Matthew chapter 1 verses 18-25:

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

“Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.

“But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.

“Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

“Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

“And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.”

Matthew chapter 2 verses 1-14:

“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

“Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

“When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

“And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

“And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

“And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

“Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

“And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

“When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

“And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

“And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

“When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:”

We give each other gifts because the wise men brought baby Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. This is the time of year when families come together to celebrate with each other, showing love to one another. Love is the greatest thing you can give, and it costs nothing.

Families that live apart from each other travel to be with each other. Buses, trains and planes are filled to capacity at this time of year because families enjoy celebrating Christmas together. A lot of families travel by car, especially those who have children.

Christmas is a wonderful time to spend with family. I think back on some of my holiday gatherings — the good food, the gifts, the love we shared with each other.

As a child, I was told about baby Jesus from family and church. The real joy was the gifts I got — the doll, the bike, the tea set, games and much more. Christmas was my favorite time of year. I would go home for Christmas, but it’s just too cold. I never liked cold weather. If Christmas was in July, I would go to visit my family during the Christmas holidays.

Ask Grandma is a weekly column written by Cynthia Carter. If you have a question to Ask Grandma, email it to [email protected] and include “Ask Grandma” in the subject line. You also can mail questions to Ask Grandma, c/o The Albany Herald, P.O. Box 48, Albany, GA 31702. Phone-in questions can be left on our Bright Side comment line, (229) 888-9351.