„And she gave birth to her first son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; for they had no other room in the inn.“ With a few sentences an entire story arises before the inner eye. A story of shelter and home, of miraculous birth and great promises that shine in the night. This is the Gospel that is sung in churches on Christmas Eve.

The celebration of Christmas has a long history and varies throughout the churches of Christendom. On December 25, it is attested in Rome only since the year 336. From Egypt comes the feast of Epiphany, the appearance of the Lord before creation, which is at the center of Christmas in the Eastern churches. Therefore, a solemn blessing of water is celebrated on this day. In the West, on the other hand, the feast of the Epiphany on January 6 is associated with the arrival of the „Magi,“ the representatives of the nations before the King in the manger.

Naturally, all Christians imagine a story, preferably the most intimate, connected with childhood. Perhaps it is the truest. Because it connects with wonder at the wonderful message: „The grace of God has appeared to save all people.“ (Titus 2:11)

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