The [True] History of Christmas
The History of Christmas
What exactly does the word ‘christmas’ mean? More Christ? Hmm. Nah, we’re just lazy Americans who like to make everything simple for our diminishing minds that are oh-so-clouded by tissues of fat… That’s a topic for another blog… Christmas is quite simply a dirivitive of “Christ’s Mass.” A mass is most generally referred to as a gathering of a large number of people, usually in celebration or feast. So a gathering in celebration of Jesus Christ, you say? But what ever did this man do for us on this day of December (or Nisan 14) , some 2000 years ago, that deserves a special day?
That’s a damn good question!
Paganistic, money-mongering, evangelical boy lovers will tell you that this is the date on which Jesus Christ, our saviour was born. Where is the evidence to suggest this? In Luke 2:8, we are painted a picture of Jesus’ birth. The shepards are tending to their flocks when they hear the news of Jesus’ birth. Shepards would not tend their flock [of sheep] in the cold season; their flock would freeze. Also, the guiding star? Not visible in winter. Three kings that were guided by the star? Sent by King Herod to kill Jesus.
What many people overlook, also, is that Christmas is a very pagan-based holiday. How so? When was the date chosen for Jesus’ birthday? It obviously wasn’t when the scriptures were written. It was actually determined by Roman Catholic leaders some 336 years AFTER his birth. They called it Feast of the Nativity. I’m only twenty-two and can’t even find my birth certificate… Imagine all the facts and evidences I’d lose in 336 years, especially if they weren’t documented in my memory. Hmm… You may also find it interesting that the church determined this day to compete with other non-church-related (aka pagan) holidays. At that time, the Cult of Mithras celebrated the birth of their god of light on the exact same day. What better way to attract people to your religion than to offer grand feasts (free food)?
Even Christian writers before this initiation of the celebration of his birth dubbed birthday celebrations as paganistic. See writer: Origen of Alexandria. (Not ‘origin’.)
So what can we take from this?
- Jesus was most likely born during the warm months, when shepards tended to their flocks.
- The star is not visible during winter months.
- Three wise men (kings, magi) were sent to kill Jesus, not offer gifts.
- Roman Catholics CREATED this December 25 date to compete with rival religions.
- It was considered paganistic and self-righteous to celebrate your own or someone else’s birth.
End result?
You may be committing a sin when you celebrate your own birthday, or even what you may think is that of your saviour’s. Not a happy thought, is it?
Keep in mind that Santa Claus, his sleigh and reindeer, carolling, gift-giving… Are all based on pagan practices. Google “origin of” and insert one of the above and you will see what I mean.
sources:
Cult of Mithras
http://canada.virtual.museum/Exhibitions/Noel/angl/cultes.htm
http://christmas.howstuffworks.com/traditions/christmas4.htm
Feast of the Nativity
http://christmas.howstuffworks.com/traditions/christmas4.htm
