Reclaiming Christmas: A Divine Sending

The word "Christmas" has a rich history, and understanding its origins can deepen our appreciation for the holiday. While some believe "Christmas" simply combines "Christ" with the Catholic "mass," this interpretation focuses on Christ's death, not his birth.

A more compelling view suggests the "mas" in "Christmas" comes from the Latin verb "masse," meaning "to send." In the early Church, catechumens (new believers undergoing instruction) were dismissed ("sent out") before the Eucharist, the sacred communion ritual. This dismissal was referred to as "mass."

Therefore, "Christmas" (Christ + masse) can be interpreted as "Christ sent." This aligns with the New Testament's emphasis on Jesus being sent by the Father into the world.

Numerous verses support this idea:

• John 1:14: "The Word became flesh and lived with us..."

• John 3:16: "God so loved the world that he gave his unique Son..."

• Hebrews 10:5-7: "...when he came into the world..."

• Matthew 10:40: "...receives Him who sent me..."

• John 17:3, 8, 18, 23, 25: "...to know...Jesus Christ, whom you sent..."

• Colossians 2:9: "In him dwells all the fullness of the deity bodily."

These verses highlight that Christ's coming was a deliberate act initiated by God. Christmas, then, celebrates this divine sending—the incarnation of God in human form. It's a reminder that Jesus entered our world with a purpose: to bring salvation and dwell among us. This understanding of Christmas is rooted in the New Testament, not in pagan traditions.