This is the final article in our four-part series, “Respect the Religious Beliefs of Others,” which explores the diverse religious celebrations observed throughout the month of December. Earlier articles focused on Bodhi Day (Buddhism), Hanukkah (Judaism), and Yule (Paganism). In this final post, we turn to one of the most recognized celebrations in the world — Christmas, known in Christianity as the Feast of the Nativity.
What Is the Feast of the Nativity?
Christmas celebrates the birth (nativity) of Jesus Christ, honored by Christians as the incarnation of God — God becoming human. The word nativity comes from the Latin nativitas, meaning birth, underscoring the sacredness of this divine moment. For Christians, December 25 represents a day to reflect on God’s love made visible through Christ’s arrival in the world.
The Meaning Behind the Name “Jesus Christ”
According to Christian scripture, an angel of God named Gabriel, instructed that the child being born to Mary and Joseph of Nazareth be named Jesus because he “will save his people from their sins.”
Jesus is Hebrew meaning “Yahweh saves” – Yahweh being the Hebrew word for God. Christ comes from the Greek word “Christos” (Χριστός), meaning “anointed one,” which directly translates the Hebrew term Messiah (Mashiach). Christ is a title, not a surname, signifying Jesus as the chosen, empowered King and Savior.
The English word Christmas originates from the Old English phrase Cristes Maesse, meaning Christ’s Mass — the religious service held to honor His birth.
Christianity’s Global Significance
Today, Christianity remains the world’s largest religion, with an estimated 2.38 to 2.6 billion followers, representing about 31–32% of the global population. Understanding Christmas is therefore essential for appreciating not only the Christian faith but also its cultural and historical influence across centuries.
Whether or not you observe this holiday, taking time to learn about the religious meaning of Christmas offers insight into a tradition that continues to shape societies, inspire music and art, and promote messages of peace and goodwill.