>>49244Fair enough. What do you think Santa Claus, winter celebration, the Christmas Tree, wreaths around the door, reindeer, stockings, and yule logs have to do with the birth of Christ? Maybe it has ties to Christianity that I'm missing. It seems to be much more aligned to previous practices held by various cultures to celebrate the winter solstice. I'm open for opposing views, and to learn something new. These multiple practices held by previous cultures seem to align much more with the idea we call Christmas rather than the celebration of Christ.
It does feel more like Pagan traditions. Found this quote interesting, "The early Christians did not celebrate [Jesus’] birth because they considered the celebration of anyone’s birth to be a pagan custom." -The World Book Encyclopedia
The Encyclopedia Americana says: "Saturnalia, a Roman feast celebrated in mid-December, provided the model for many of the merry-making customs of Christmas. From this celebration, for example, were derived the elaborate feasting, the giving of gifts, and the burning of candles." The Encyclopedia Britannica notes that "all work and business were suspended" during Saturnalia.
"Tree worship, common among the pagan Europeans, survived after their conversion to Christianity." One of the ways in which tree worship survived is in the custom of "placing a Yule tree at an entrance or inside the house in the midwinter holidays."—Encyclopedia Britannica.
As memorable and enjoyable Christmas celebration is, it also seems to be discouraged according to the Bible. Not worshiping graven images, better to pray in a closet, etc.
Leviticus 26:1 "Do not make idols or set up carved images, or sacred pillars, or sculptured stones in your land so you may worship them. I am the LORD your God.
Matthew 6:5-6"And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
In the early days of the US, pagan celebration which then became related to Christmas was actually banned in MA by the Puritans. Christmas was akin to Saturnalia celebration, which often involved drinking, sex, gambling, among other degenerate activities. December 25th, even though it is not Christ's birthday, was chosen for this reason:
https://vocal.media/theSwamp/christmas-once-banned-in-england-and-the-united-states"Initially, December 25th, 326, was the chosen date for the observance of the birth of Christ. The purpose was to take the focus away from the revelry, and pagan rituals that were associated with the winter solstice celebration. Over time the pagan and Christian rituals became combined and December 25th became a time of drinking, partying, and sex. Once the holiday was outlawed, businesses were required to remain open and not close that date."
Just interesting information that most people may be oblivious to. If you enjoy Christmas celebration, do it, I do. Though I understand why some Christians oppose it, due to the origins and quotes.