Christianity & Religious Celebrations (Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B)
Revision Note
Written by: Glenn Millington
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
The History of Christian Celebrations
The History of Christmas
The origins of the name ‘Christmas’ is found in an old English term ‘Christ’s Mass’ which is a celebration of the Eucharist
Christmas Day, the celebration of the birth of Jesus, is celebrated on the 25th of December by most denominations
As well as a celebration of Jesus’ birth it also:
Celebrates the Incarnation, the representation of God in human form
Is a time of thanksgiving because Christians believe that through Jesus, God gave himself to the world to make things better
Many secular activities have grown up around the religious festival, such as a family meal and sending Christmas cards
Jesus was God’s gift to the world, which is where the tradition of giving presents comes from
The Gospels give an account of Jesus’ birth. The actual date isn’t known, the date of the 25th was fixed during the 4th century and there are some theories as to why this was chosen:
It was close to an existing pagan festival Saturnalia, which fell after the winter solstice
It is also the time of year when Jews celebrate Hanukkah, the festival of lights
The History of Easter
Christians celebrate Easter every year in either March or April
The date will vary according to the date of the Jewish festival Passover
There is a strong connection between these two festivals as Passover is thought to have taken place between the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus
The Gospels also suggest that the Last Supper was the Passover meal
Easter is celebrated by Christians throughout the world
It comes from an old Anglo-Saxon goddess of dawn ‘eastre.’ However, it is recognised as having its origins in the resurrection of Jesus
Easter celebrates the Christian belief in Jesus’ resurrection and this belief is central to the faith
In the early Church Easter and Pentecost (Jesus’ ascension) were the only two days observed but, as Christianity grew, more events associated with Jesus became part of the liturgical calendar
Another important event is that of Lent, a time of spiritual preparation which begins on Ash Wednesday which is a day of repentance
Lent is a solemn occasion for the Christian Church as it recalls that Jesus was tested by the devil before he started his ministry
Many Christians will give up something that they enjoy for Lent and others may do fundraising or voluntary work
The festival of Easter takes place at the end of Holy Week which consists of a series of events commemorating the last days of Jesus’ life
Holy Week | Significance of Day | How it is celebrated |
Palm Sunday | Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy week This is the Sunday before Easter when Christians remember Jesus’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem | Christian churches often give the congregation palm branches to re-create the celebration of Christ's final arrival in Jerusalem |
Maundy Thursday | On Maundy Thursday Christians commemorate the Last Supper held on the night before Jesus died Jesus and his disciples had just shared The Last Supper and he was washing their feet when he stated: ‘A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another’ (John 13:34) | Many churches observe Maundy Thursday with a Communion service and a foot-washing ceremony These traditions help Christians reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus and his commandment for us to love and serve others |
Good Friday | Good Friday remembers the crucifixion of Jesus | On this day special church services are held particularly on Friday afternoon Some services last 3 hours to mark the final 3 hours on the cross when the sky became dark Good Friday is a time of grief and reflection Some Christians might attend a service that recounts Jesus’s painful crucifixion, and some may be fasting to show their sorrow Catholic churches strip their altars bare and muffle their bells as a sign of mourning |
Easter Sunday | Easter Sunday is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus | Some churches hold special services on Saturday night. All churches have a service on Sunday morning Churches are filled with flowers and special hymns are sung celebrating the resurrection Orthodox Christians walk around the church at midnight on Saturday and then enter the darkened church with lightened candles or lamps. This symbolises entering the empty tomb. The priest announces ‘Christ is risen!’. Catholics and Anglicans also have a Saturday night vigil that begins in darkness, includes the lighting of a large Paschal candle to symbolise the risen Christ (the Light of the World), and ends with Holy Communion Eggs are associated with Easter as a symbol of new life |
The Significance of Christian Celebrations
The Significance of Christmas
Christmas celebrates the incarnation
Without the birth of Jesus there would be no Christianity
Through celebrating the birth of Christ, Christians feel united with other Christians as a worldwide community
It shows the importance of family because Jesus was born into a human family
At Christmas, Christians remember the humility and strength of Mary and Joseph and try to be like them
Christmas highlights the importance of Christian teachings about giving and kindness
The Significance of Easter
Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus, which proves the identity of Jesus as the Son of God:
‘He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures’ (1 Corinthians 15:5)
If Jesus hadn’t been born as a human he couldn’t have defeated sin by his death on the cross
It celebrates his victory over death and evil
The power of sin has been cancelled, our debt has been paid
Jesus’ resurrection is proof of eternal life for all who follow him and that Jesus is alive to guide Christians today
Jesus’ suffering gives Christians strength that they can cope with suffering
Salvation is brought through Jesus’ death on the cross. This enables people to have a right relationship with GodThe Significance of Christian Celebrations
Worked Example
Explain two reasons why the festival of Christmas is important to Christians
(4 marks)
Answer:
Christmas is important because without the birth of Jesus, who Christians believe is the incarnation, there would be no Christianity (2 marks)
Christmas is important because it allows Christians to focus on the important Christian teachings around kindness and helping other people whilst celebrating a very important event (2 marks)
Examiner Tips and Tricks
You may be asked to evaluate the importance of one Christian festival compared to another. For example, a question may ask you to evaluate the following;
‘Easter is more important than Christmas for Christians’
In your response you should highlight the importance of the individual festivals for Christians. You may decide that they are equally as important as each other
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