NATHAN: Today is 25 December - Christmas Day! Christmas is an exciting time. Towns and homes are decorated cards are sent and festive music is played. This is all lots of fun but for Christians like me the most important thing that happens at Christmas is the birth of Jesus. Jesus is the son of God and we believe that God sent him into the world as a baby to live amongst us. On Jesus's birthday we give presents just like we would on a friend's birthday. The reason that we do this is because God gave us Jesus and we should remember that. Christmas is an exciting time and we count down the four weeks leading up to it. This is called Advent. At church to help us count down to Christmas we have an Advent wreath with five candles. The candles are symbols of Jesus who we believe is the light of the world. We light one on each of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas and one on Christmas Day itself.
At home I have an Advent calendar which helps me to count down the days.
First.
It also helps me remember the Christmas story.
Now I think it's the Bible.
Jesus was born to a woman called Mary. She was visited by an angel who told her she would give birth to God's son. Jesus was born in a stable in Bethlehem. Jesus's birth is known as the Nativity and during Advent the story is retold by children in Nativity plays. At my school the younger children have been taking part.
I'm Camsi and I'm playing Mary.
It's a long way to Bethlehem…
As Mary I am a very important person in the Christmas play so it is a big opportunity for me.
We'll take it.
I am Danny and I am a wise man. Gold and frankincense. Myrrh.
Sorry we can't let you in.
I'm Niamh and I am angel and I have got… I am a messenger of God and… Let everybody celebrate this day. Our light has come and a child is born.
Let everybody sing the song of praise.
And a child is born today.
APPLAUSE
NATHAN: Hello it is 24 December. I am going to open my last Advent window. Some Christians go to a communion service on Christmas Eve. This is often known as midnight mass. It is an exciting time as we wait for Jesus's birth the following day.
Just put one here. Got our mince pies.
Good night on Christmas Eve. Bye!
DAD: Morning. Merry Christmas everyone! Merry Christmas.
NATHAN: More Christians go to church at Christmas than at any other time of the year. People go to church to remember Jesus coming into the world on Christmas Day. Jesus is always around us but on Christmas he is especially with us.
Christmas Day is a huge celebration in church. We sing hymns which tell the Christmas story and celebrate Jesus's birth. Just like on a birthday you are looking back over the year that has passed and you are also looking forward to all that is to come in the New Year.
NATHAN: The celebrations continue at home as we share more presents eat special food and celebrate together as a family.
Video summary
What is Christmas and what do Christians do to celebrate?
Nathan, an 11-year-old boy, tells us about the tradition of Christmas and all the things he does at this time of year.
We hear about the symbolism of the advent wreath, which represents Jesus as the light of the world, and the advent calendar, which is about marking this important time of year.
We also visit a nativity where primary school children enact the story of the first Christmas.
Christmas is a celebration of Jesus Christ's birthday and many Christians attend a special midnight church service called Midnight Mass.
This short film is from the BBC series: My Life, My Religion: Christianity.
Teacher Notes
You could share with your class an example of music (such as a carol), a film (such as a clip from The Miracle Maker), art (such as a famous nativity painting) or poetry (such as Christmas, by John Betjeman).
Ask your class to compare all four art forms with the Bible story from Luke chapter 2.
Which one do pupils think expresses the real meaning of Christmas the best, and why?
This short film is relevant for teaching religious education at KS2 or KS3 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and second or third level in Scotland.
The Holy Bible. video
Young Christians explain what the Bible means to them.
Baptism. video
Young Christians and church leaders explain the baptism ceremony.
Easter. video
Nathan, aged 11, and Lara, aged 13, tell us about Christian celebrations on Good Friday and Easter Day.
Holy Communion. video
Three young Christians explain the Holy Communion, an important ritual for Christians involving bread and wine.
Meet a young Christian boy. video
11 year old Nathan introduces his Christian faith, and his Anglican church.
Christian Prayer. video
Christian children tell us about the meaning of prayer.
What is Christianity? video
Nathan, aged 11, and Clara, aged 13, introduce the Christian religion.
Christian Worship. video
We see different types of Christians worship including a Cathedral choir and an Evangelical congregation.
More Christmas Teaching Resources:
The Christian Story of the First Christmas. video
A short animated film for primary schools narrating the story of the first Christmas.
X is for Xmas Truce. video
Through newsreel, children's commentary and dramatic monologue, this short film for primary schools tells the story of one Christmas Eve in 1914 when peace broke out in the trenches.
Hunting the Northern Lights in Lapland. video
In this short film for primary schools, Harry and Halle go on an exciting journey to Lapland in search of the Northern Lights.
