Religious Studies - 6 - Christianity - Practices - 203 - Christmas Flashcards
What is Nativity?
The accounts of Jesus’ birth found in the Gospels of Luke and Matthew.
What is Christmas a celebration of?
Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ - the incarnation.
What is Advent?
Advent is a period of time set aside for Christians to prepare for Christmas, beginning four Sundays before Christmas day.
Traditionally, many Christians fasted during Advent.
How do Eastern Orthodox Churches observe Advent?
Eastern Orthodox Churches still practise fasting during Advent.
Western Churches no longer observe this fasting.
What are common practices during the run-up to Christmas?
Common practices include:
* Nativity or crib scenes
* Nativity plays
* Special Christingle services
* Carol concerts
* Exchanging Christmas cards
* Decoration of houses
* Advent wreath decorations
What is a Christingle?
A Christingle is an orange with a candle, symbolizing that Jesus was the ‘light of the world’.
What occurs during Midnight Mass?
Midnight Mass is a communion service that takes place on Christmas Eve.
What do Christians typically do on Christmas day?
On Christmas day, Christians may attend church services, have family meals, and exchange gifts.
How is Christmas perceived by many non-Christians in the UK?
For many non-Christians in the UK, Christmas holds no particular religious significance and is regarded as a ‘wintertime’ festival.
