Different approaches to Christmas around the World

Interestingly, in much of Europe and certain other areas of the world such as Latin America, the transition from Advent to Christmas is considered to happen on Christmas Eve, with families converging to eat and to celebrate together.

Many consider Jesus' birth to have happened at night, so a Midnight Mass or Communion is considered part of the solemn celebration. Presents are often exchanged on the evening of the 24th.

However, in many English-speaking lands including the UK, North America, the Antipodes, and much of Africa, the celebration, along with the exchange of presents, is on Christmas Day.

On this special day, many churches light a 5th candle, usually white to highlight Christ as the Light of the World!

It's difficult to avoid the fact that Christmas has, especially in much of the English-speaking world, become more commercialised in recent times, but it's encouraging to know that in all cultures, there is still a genuine passion for Jesus. In some it's expressed in a vibrant way (feasting and fireworks etc.) and in others in a more solemn fashion. We who have accepted Jesus' wonderful offer of salvation are all brothers and sisters in Him, and we celebrate the different ways God has made each of us. 

The important thing is that we live out our lives, and the passions He has weaved into our personalities, for Him and for His glory - Matt. 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”  There's much more beside this (e.g. 1 Cor 10:31, 1 Peter 2:12, amongst others).

May God bless you all richly, and equip you to shine His light into all the spheres of influence in which you live!