... to town. Well, wait a minute, it's middle of November - that means that there is more than a whole month to cover until it's actual Christmas! And by the way, who is coming to town? Is it really Santa Claus? Isn't it that we celebrate the birth of a little creature to a poor family that would be the savior to the whole world?
Did you know that Jesus' birth is very unlikely to have taken place in Winter? Scholars are pretty sure about that. As far as I know, one of the main reasons that the birth didn't take place in Winter is that the Gospel of Luke mentions shepherds were tending their sheep in the night that Jesus was born. Well, sheep out in the middle of Winter? The weather can get really cold in Israel ...
Even though that is maybe not the most convincing argument, theologians are pretty sure about that (ask one of them and they can explain it to you). In addition, in contrast to today's Christmas "culture" - actually, I'm not sure if it's the same over here in the U.S., but it's that way at least in Germany! - Mary and Joseph probably didn't stay in a stable, but more probably in a cave cut into the rock. And one more thing, neither an ox nor a donkey were present - at least not according to Luke!
So, why do we celebrate Christmas at the end of December? The reason why the Church decided for the middle of Winter - is the feast of solstice. Pagans celebrated it and the Church wanted to establish their own holiday and to weaken Nordic mythology and belief at the same time. And also the Christmas tree goes back to an old Germanic tradition. Scared?
I think today nobody about all thes pagan traditions. However, there are only few people left who care about Christian tradition behind Christmas either! This holiday has become a gift feast in many families and some parents would spend hundreds of dollars to buy gifts.
Well, Jesus definitely was a gift to humankind. But we have to accept this gift, we have to accept him in our lives. Put away all the things that are considered as accompanying Christmas and being necessary and search for the actual, wonderful event that happened some 2000 years ago. Then, things will change and Christmas can become again the feast of love. Receiving the Lord will change your live. That is really a happy occasion.
Therefore - Merry Christmas :-)
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6 comments:
Halloween was also a pagan holiday originally. I don't know why they're going to put up Christmas decorations in the middle of November.
I think thats funny how the church wanted a holiday to weaken the pagan holiday that was celebrated at that time.
You've brought up a good point. The history behind it is interesting.
Your thought process is incredible. You definitely give light to the meaning of Christmas.
Wow, That is so different story that I have heared. Thank you for your story. Merry Christmas :)
If I recall correctly, Easter was originally a Pagan holiday, too! The rabbit and eggs we associate with Easter were actually items associated with the goddess the pagans honored through their Easter feasts and stuff.
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