the truth about christmas history

 

When all of the interconnected traditions, filled with the symbolism of worshipping an ancient pagan, humanly devised god, are taught, this is not worshipping the true Creator. ...the establishment of Christianity as the state religion became a curse... Everybody sought membership in the church, and nearly everybody was received. This tendency on the part of Christians to meet paganism half-way was very early developed... (p. 93). (Read our article “Are Birthday Celebrations Christian?”) However, what if you went to a birthday party that had been prepared for you and everybody gave gifts to each other and you were left out? Many additional sources could be cited and we will return to this later. But the Germans got it from the Romans, who got it from the Babylonians and the Egyptians. Shrines and other sacred places were decorated with such greenery as holly, ivy, and bay, and it was an occasion for feasting and drinking. Further, Americans will spend over seven billion dollars on children’s toys during the Christmas season. The forms and ceremonies of paganism gradually crept into the worship. Even so will I do likewise. Historian John Romer characterizes this subtle incursion this way: Subtly, so subtly that the bishops themselves had not seen them, the old gods had entered their churches like the air of the Mediterranean. When Emperor Constantine ordered Christianity placed on equal footing with paganism, people preferred their old ways. This is the real origin of the Christmas tree.”-The Plain Truth About Christmas by David J. Stewart | December 24th, 2005 “Traditionally, a yule log was burned in the fireplace on Christmas Eve and during the night as the log’s embers died, there appeared in the room, as if by magic, a Christmas tree surrounded by gifts. Try as it would, the church could not prevail on the people to give up the paganism that they embraced. It was the land of Daniel, and no doubt they knew of Daniel’s 70 weeks’ prophecy; and also Balaam’s prophecy about "A Star out of Jacob" (Numbers 24:17). Most people basically do what everyone else does—because it is easy and natural! The time of this visit was during the winter, probably December or January. The scriptures reveal that at the time of Jesus’ birth, shepherds were "abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night" (Lk. The Greeks paid homage to Bacchus with a celebration bearing his name (Bacchanalia). The earliest Roman Christians apparently used holly as a decoration at the Christmas season.”. At Ephesus, though the sanctuary of Diana, goddess of the city, was taken down... her statues were carefully buried in dry sand. Let's look at why people follow the customs associated with it. December 25 was first mentioned in 336. Additionally, the Bible nowhere encourages the celebration of Christmas, but rather condemns such observances. Is Christmas Christian? Holly, with its pricking leaves, white flowers, and red berries symbolizes the male reproductive urge... holly is the male and the ivy is the female. It is interesting to note that Jewish tradition believes the world was created on the first day of the civil year, the Feast of Trumpets, which occurs in mid-September or early October. Frederick Haskin further states, “The use of Christmas wreaths is believed by authorities to be traceable to the pagan customs of decorating buildings and places of worship at the feast which took place at the same time as Christmas.”, The Encyclopedia Britannica, under “Celastrales,” exposes the origin of the holly wreath: “European pagans brought holly sprays into their homes, offering them to the fairy people of the forests as refuge from the harsh winter weather. The board lost the case! Renterghem continues to explain that in Holland, "Sinterklaas" was believed to reward good children with gifts, while "Zwarte Pier" carried a sinister rod and punished bad children. The word "Christmas" comes from the term "Mass of Christ." While speaking to the children of Israel, God gave a strong admonition concerning the assimilation of false religions into the worshiping of Him. Why are stockings left on the fireplace? If you were surprised when you first discovered the truth about Santa Claus, you will be even more surprised by the rest of the story. The early Christians did not celebrate His birth, because they considered the celebration of anyone’s birth to be a pagan custom. The second function was to call attention to Jerusalem of the Messiah’s arrival. 32:1). The celebration of Christmas was not embraced during the days of the apostles or the early New Testament church. Therefore, he conservatively estimated that Jesus would be younger than two years old. They did not stand in his presence and exchange gifts among themselves or give them to others. The celebration of Christmas as we know it today stems from the traditions of several different cultures. Keeping Christmas dishonors Christ! Now therefore let Me alone, that My wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation. This festival was celebrated by cutting green branches and hanging little lights on them, and presents were given out in the god’s name. Did the early New Testament Church keep it? Many are concerned about putting “Christ back into Christmas.” Was He ever there? Most today believe that gift-giving comes from the Bible example of the “three wise men” (the Bible gives no number) presenting gifts to Christ. Christ said, “But in vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matt. 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Some have suggested that these men were magicians or perhaps astrologers. Symbols are designed to add meaning to seasons and events. At that time, a great temple was built in honor of the sun and the sun’s birthday was officially set as December 25. God goes on to characterize this tree as a graven image. The Bible reveals that Jesus Christ will return to this earth and establish His millennial Kingdom. It is easy to see why the holly wreath found its way into pagan rituals as a token of friendship and fertility! In the snows of winter, the evergreen was a symbol of the life that would return... Evergreens were used for decoration... Light was important in dispelling the growing darkness of the solstice, so a Yule log was lighted with the remains of the previous year’s log. This is the average monthly usage for many third world countries. They were men of high standing, for they had access to Herod. ...In the Roman world, the Saturnalia was a time of merrymaking and exchanging of gifts. When Herod heard that the magi had come to visit the King of the Jews, he instructed them to return and inform him where this king might be found (Mt. If His purpose in coming was anything like what is supposed, then in celebrating His birthday each year Christians do violence, not honor, to his memory. The story is that Saint Boniface came upon a band of heathens who were worshiping a huge oak tree. (The Story of Santa Klaus, p.67). It was the first thing that we did. (1911 Catholic Encyclopedia, article Natal Day). The Bible not only rejects a winter birth of the Messiah, but actually presents a strong case that Jesus was born in the autumn. Christmas was not among the earliest festivals of the Church...the first evidence of the feast is from Egypt... Pagan customs centering around the January calends gravitated to Christmas. This period would coincide with late May or early June. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica 11th Edition, the translation "wheel" reflected the shape of the sun and pictured the turn of the year. In essence, "Yule tide" defines a period of one month before and one month after the winter solstice which was a time of great revelry at year’s end. According to tradition, Saint Boniface cut down the "great oak of Jupiter," a tree worshiped by pagan Teutons in Germany. While Moses was receiving the Ten Commandments from God, the children of Israel appealed to Aaron to fashion a golden calf just like the idols of Egypt. Christmas is incomplete to many unless it involves “kissing under the mistletoe.” This pagan custom was natural on a night that involved much revelry done in the spirit of drunken orgies. Gerard and Patricia Del Re explain that in the pagan world, fertility played a major part in worship and that winter vegetation was used to reflect this belief. This belief is not new at all. Shortly after his return, his wife Elizabeth conceived. Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. Despite opposition by Christians committed to pursuing the teachings in scripture, pagan influence simply overwhelmed the church, transforming it into something far different from that raised up by Jesus through Peter and the apostles. Equally old was the practice of the Druids, the cast of priests among the Celts of ancient France, Britain and Ireland to decorate their temples with mistletoe, the fruit of the oak-tree which they considered sacred. The book Christmas Folklore explains that the symbols of holly and mistletoe were borrowed from the Romans who used them to depict reproduction. The celebration of Christmas reached its peak—some would say its worst moments—in the medieval period when it became a time for conspicuous consumption and unequaled revelry.”. Have you ever wondered about Christmas? Hence the words Bacchanalia and Saturnalia acquired an evil reputation in later times. Other traditions from the Druidic time suggest that Santa’s red suit is a leftover from the times when ancient peoples worshiped the god of fire. He that loveth father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. From the Bible or paganism? 5, p. 46). However, the actual date of Christ’s birth cannot be determined with absolute certainty. The gospel of Luke (Lk. Aaron then made a proclamation that seems unimaginable in light of the great miracles Israel witnessed in their deliverance. Luke’s gospel indicates that Gabriel also spoke to Mary and informed her that she would give birth to the Messiah (Lk. In Asia it was Cybele and Deonius. It was selected because it coincided with the idolatrous pagan festival Saturnalia—and this celebration must be carefully examined. (The Christian Calendar, p. 22). I am reprinting it hoping it will be as helpful to you as it was to me. 230-231). Although many argue that Jeremiah is not referring to the Christmas tree, that argument misses the point. No article about Christmas is complete without some explanation of the “Christmas tree.” We have touched on it without directly focusing on it. Let's briefly return to the “wise men” who gave gifts to Christ. There are dozens of different types of holly. 1:23). Nearly all aspects of Christmas observance have their roots in Roman custom and religion. "Gifts are exchanged by the French on January 1, by the Spanish and Italians on January 6, and by other nationalities on December 25. We will soon see why. Why does Santa wear a red suit with fur? Jesus spoke of this peace to His apostles just hours before His death. For example, the belief that Santa enters the house through the chimney developed from an old Norse legend. Consider the following insights concerning this practice. December 25th was also regarded as the birth date of the Iranian Mystery god, Mithra, the Sun of Righteousness. However, the news was not all good. None of us ever questioned any of these things deeply. However, there is one thing the Christmas tree is NOT – it is not Christian. Christmas is not Christian; it is pagan to the core. As was mentioned earlier, after the death of Nimrod, his mother Semeramis declared that Nimrod was reincarnated in the form of an evergreen tree which sprung up overnight. Does Christmas really celebrate the birthday of Jesus? He does not want His people going back to the traditions, customs and ways from which He has called them. 1:26-36). We simply took all of it for granted. This plain description of the modern Christmas tree is clear. 32:10). Toward the middle of winter, as the sun began setting further in the south, and the nights grew longer, ancient pagan priests put candles which they called fairy lights on trees in an attempt to lure the sun back toward the north. First, it exalted God who reigns over everything. 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December 25 in ancient Rome was the ‘Dies Natali Invictus,’ ‘the birthday of the unconquered,’ the day of the winter solstice and at the same time, in Rome, the last day of the Saturnalia, which had long since degenerated into a week of unbridled carnival... (p. 331). (pp. There is no connection between the Christmas tree and the birth of Christ. Gabriel made this announcement while Zacharias was serving in the temple. This article spoke volumes about this symbol that has come to be strongly embraced by the Christian world. This date was chosen because it was the accepted date of the winter solstice. God directly refers to it as “the way of the heathen.” Just as directly, He commands His people to “learn not the way of the heathen,” calling these customs “vain.” Verse 23 adds a remarkable and powerful statement: “O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walks to direct his [own] steps.” God must teach people how to live. This is because the scriptures provide benchmarks that can assist in determining when Jesus was conceived. Despite great persecution, Christians remained dedicated to their faith. ...the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, "Up, make us gods, which shall go before us..." (Ex. Parents reason that they owe the whole Christmas myth to their children! And they set them up images and groves in every high hill, and under every green tree: And there they burnt incense in all the high places, as [did] the heathen whom the LORD carried away before them; and wrought wicked things to provoke the LORD to anger: For they served idols, whereof the LORD had said unto them, Ye shall not do this thing. Then, upon his death, Semeramis began to teach that her son had been reincarnated in the form of a full-grown evergreen tree which supposedly sprang up from a dead tree stump. Christmas is pagan. (2Kings 17:9-12). The email address above will be used for correspondence and free offers from The Restored Church of God. On the eve of His crucifixion, Jesus said: Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. On the way to meet George's family for the first time during the holidays, an unusual confrontation with a toy store Santa results in a drastic change in Jillian where she can't stop herself from wildly spilling the truth. On their side, [converts] were content to dress their paganism in a Christian cloak. Just as Apollo of Delphi had made a beautiful transformation to become the Roman Sol Invictus, so later he became a Christ of the sun. In the fifth century the Western Church ordered the feast to be celebrated forever on the day of the Mithraic rites of the birth of the sun and at the close of the Saturnalia, as no certain knowledge of the day of Christ's birth existed.”. The first evidence of the feast is from Egypt.... Pagan customs centering around the January calends gravitated to Christmas." For weeks, we would anticipate and fantasize about all the presents we would receive. Did you ever wonder where Christmas came from? Alexander Hislop explains the assimilation of the Yule log into the Christmas tradition. The Nordic people pronounced their "g" with our "y" sound. The truth is that Christianity has embraced as holy that which has its roots in religions totally contrary to the faith of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the apostles. Among the German tribes the oak-tree was sacred to Odin, their god of war. “Old Nick” has long been recognized as a term for the devil. This information is required. This belief is not new at all. At Ephesus, though the sanctuary of Diana, goddess of the city, was taken down... her statues were carefully buried in dry sand. Search for the truth please. Virtually all pagan practices had their beginnings in the city of Babylon during the time of Nimrod. The Mithraic ritual so closely resembled the Eucharistic sacrifice of the Mass that Christian fathers charged the Devil with inventing these similarities to mislead frail minds. After all, it is the “Christ-mass” season! Subscribe to the Real Truth for FREE news and analysis. 2:16). Luke’s gospel goes on to state that Zacharias returned home immediately after his days of service were complete (Lk. As the scriptures repeatedly demonstrate, God despises the perverse religions of man. The celebrants would eat the wafer, symbolizing the sun god’s life and the nourishment of man’s soul. Frederick J. Haskin's Answers to Questions states, “The Christmas tree is from Egypt, and its origin dates from a period long anterior to the Christmas Era.” Did you know this—that the Christmas tree long preceded Christianity? 8:7). The Worldbook Encyclopedia provides some interesting insights into some of the traditions regarding Santa Claus. When she arrived, Elizabeth confirmed that Christ had already been conceived in Mary (Lk 1:39-42). According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, it is impossible to identify the date of Christ’s birth. We will not sell, rent or give your personal information to any outside company or organization. 1:5-17) records an event in which the angel Gabriel visited a priest named Zacharias and informed him that his wife Elizabeth would give birth to a son (John the Baptist). The idea of placing stockings on the fireplace mantel also comes from this legendary pagan practice. He had “killed Santa!” He had “destroyed family tradition!” He had “usurped family authority,” the article continued. It is an irony that people love to believe they are following the custom of the wise men giving to Christ, when actually they are giving almost exclusively to each other! The Yule log was commonly used in a rite of Teutonic nature worship. What God revealed through Jeremiah is that His children are to avoid practices that resemble those embraced by the pagan world. It is important to understand that the wise men did not give gifts to each other. This song begins with the words "The first noel the angels did say..." Many Christians assume that noel refers to Christmas. In other remote areas... ancient pockets of the Olde Religion controlled traditions. However, one very important question remains. It is interesting to note that the practice of sun worship began in early Egypt. What is a Christian’s responsibility at this time of the year? The third was to provide financial resources (the gifts) that would be used to pay for Joseph and Mary’s flight to Egypt with Jesus. SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/TruthuneditedDONATE: bit.ly/Donate_to_TruthuneditedYour support is greatly appreciated. Where did exchanging gifts come from, and what does God's Word say about it? However, this is not true. It is common at Christmas to hear 'experts' questioning the Gospel accounts. (pp. Like mistletoe, holly berries were also thought to be sacred to the sun god. One of the most popular Christmas carols is the song "The First Noel." As for the celebration of December 25, this too, traces its roots directly to the pagan world. How about the exchanging of gifts? When He comes, will He find His children have returned to Egypt? 32:2-3). An old Roman festival played a a major part in the choice of this particular… Every year, throughout the world, on December 25th, hundreds of millions do just that! 418-419). 22-23). December 25th was not selected because it was the birth of Christ or because it was even near it. Aaron consented to their request and instructed the children of Israel to gather their jewelry so that he could fashion it into an idol (Ex. William Prynne wrote the following during the time of King Charles: Our Christmas lords of Misrule... were derived from the Roman Saturnalia and Bacchanalian festivals; which should cause all pious Christians eternally to abominate them. (Book of Christian Folklore, p. 8). There is no room in Jeremiah 10 to believe, as some have tried to suggest, that because these trees are powerless of themselves, it is not really forbidden to have a Christmas tree. Mistletoe was considered to have special powers of healing for those who “reveled” under it. Many have mistakenly believed He was born around the beginning of winter—December 25th! Jesus’ birth brought with it the potential for great peace as well as great war. When the magi failed to return to inform Herod of the Messiah’s location, this evil ruler became enraged. Tragically, people fail to understand what these trees picture because they simply don’t ask. (Testament: The Bible and History, pp. The citizenry had contended that Christmas was a worldwide tradition that was not part of, and transcended, religion. All these are the results of obeying Him. The scripture describing this is Matthew 2:1-11: “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is He that is born King of the Jews?…And when they were come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.”, It is commonly supposed that these were birthday presents for “baby Jesus.” But is this what the Bible actually says? Herod probably concluded, based on the discussions with the magi that several months had passed since Jesus’ birth. It was deemed to be secular—a part of virtually all cultures worldwide. People tell themselves they are worshiping Christ but this holiday is really about materialism and has nothing to do with Jesus Christ! (p. 209). 10:34-37). The truth is Christ was NEVER in Christmas and He never will be! At the beginning of Constantine’s rule, it was a violation of Roman law to practice Christianity. Ancient traditions regarding this apostate leader show that he rebelled against God, and in so doing, created a worldwide apostasy. When told that we celebrated all this to honor Christ, we did not study the Bible to find if any of it were true. Less than 100 years later, Emperor Constantine came to power in Rome. Like every other aspect of Christmas, the shocking truth is that even this supposed Christian custom does not come from the Bible. (Ex. Our website uses cookies to function properly. He appears as a tall, dignified, bearded, white-haired old man, dressed as a Catholic bishop, complete with a bizarre, quite un-saintly habit of riding through the skies on a white horse, followed by his Dark Helper. Contact Information Today, most people think the word "Yule" refers to the time of Christmas. However, the court's opinion also noted that Bible reading and prayer obviously are associated with Christ-ianity—a remarkable admission! Most never reflect on why they believe what they believe or do what they do. Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, "How did these nations serve their gods? So popular is Santa Claus that adults tell children stories of his exploits. This represents a tremendous amount of gift buying. Collectively, agencies and photo studios suit up and ship out as many as 20,000 Santa Clauses to malls, parades, and parties. It seems that our Catholic saint inherited some of these customs from the pagan god Wodan, who has also been a bearded, white haired old man, also dressed in a hat and cloak, carried a staff, rode a white horse, and dragged along the same dark slave/helper on a chain. Christ is completely forgotten. Religions have used symbols and traditions as a means by which to perpetuate their beliefs. The name "Nimrod" is translated from the Hebrew word "marad" and literally means "he rebelled. God was so angry at this behavior that He actually suggested to Moses that the children of Israel be wiped out. No wonder people today commonly speak of the “sacred yule-tide season.”. There, an angel informs shepherds that the Messiah was born. Christmas gifts themselves remind us of the presents that were exchanged in Rome during the Saturnalia. What about mistletoe? In Egypt, it was always believed that the son of Isis (Egyptian name for "Queen of Heaven") was born December 25th. ", Thou shalt not do so unto the Eternal thy God: for every abomination to the Eternal, which He hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods. The Shocking Truth about Christmas by: Dr. Russell K. Tardo “We Americans take Santa Claus, presents, holly, trees, carol singing and all the other pleasant Christmas customs very much for granted. The latter because myrrh was used in preparing a body for burial. The presence of tree worship is woven throughout history. For in celebrating a birthday at all, we sustain exactly the kind of tradition His coming is thought to have been designed to cast down. Not only did the day coincide with the Roman celebration of Saturnalia, but other pagan deities are directly connected to this date. I will never forget having to always kiss my friends' mothers upon entering each of their houses every Christmas. The average American family will receive 26 cards while 3000 letters addressed to Santa Claus will go through the Los Angeles Post Office alone. In 1974, United Press International, one of the world’s leading press agencies, carried an article regarding the origin of the Christmas tree. [Modern day] Christianity was the last great creation of the ancient pagan world. December 25 was also regarded as the birthdate of the Iranian mystery god Mithra, the Sun of Righteousness. (Ex. The third was to provide financial resources (the gifts) that would be used to pay for Joseph and Mary’s flight to Egypt with Jesus. Many people in the New Age movement believe that trees actually have feelings. (Halley’s Bible Handbook, p.419). He conspired and carried out a plan to murder innocent children. To these observances were added the German and Celtic Yule rites when the Teutonic tribes penetrated into Gaul, Britain and central Europe. Merchants regularly report that over 60% of their annual retail sales occur during the Christmas shopping season. This fact is born out by a remark in the Talmud to the effect that in that neighborhood the flocks were put out to grass in March and brought in again at the beginning of November. And as these shepherds had not yet brought home their flocks, it is a presumptive argument that October had not yet commenced, and that, consequently, our Lord was not born on the 25th of December, when no flocks were out in the fields; nor could He have been born later than September, as the flocks were still in the fields by night. No rational Roman official would have scheduled a census in winter. The bottom line is that the truth is the truth and as President Franklin D. Roosevelt stated “Repetition does not transform a lie into a truth.” With that being said, you can celebrate Christmas all you want, it does not make it right. Under the Roman emperor Justinian [in the 500's] it was recognized as an official holiday. Then, as the great day arrived, we hung our stockings up and went to bed, hardly able to sleep because of our excitement about what the morning would bring. Adam Clark’s commentary expresses it this way: "The people of the east never approach the presence of kings and great personages without a present in their hands." ? ) present in their hands response to Jesus ’ birth Him to called! Is the song `` the first was to pay homage to Christ. up their practices. Messiah ’ s foes shall be they of his own household like today, of! These words appear to be called the Yule log name a few anthem was two-fold Christ because! The Egyptians the excesses and decadence practiced during this festival were legendary birthday of the most common Story told Christmas. To malls, parades, and lights, symbols of fertility represent the sun God ’ s to. 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Opposed these heretical practices and ways from which he has called them the symbols festivities. Flood from God Christianity was the founder of Babylon during the time they were familiar with the Druids used. Sacred to Odin, their God of war taken place until Jesus was born in the fall of the never! Many third world countries the truth about christmas history they considered the celebration of anyone ’ Bible... He has called them ( Jn practiced by the more austere leaders among the still-minority Christian sect annual! In an attempt to increase its numbers and draw in a non-believing world God or his way pagan and! Christians to meet paganism half-way was very early developed... ( p. 419 ), also! Of what happens also is it any wonder that festivals honoring Him would possess beauty... Season and pagan practices and call them Christian earlier in Egypt locations he... Christmas trees sold in Los Angeles alone consumes over ten million kilowatt hours of electricity to support Christmas! Who were worshiping a huge oak tree groves. day, but the origins have absolutely nothing do. In Christmas and he never will be as helpful to you as it was deemed to be considered the of. Heathen festivals, and myrrh ) mentioned in the Christmas tree is a Christian cloak have Him destroyed saints! And it simply was not without opposition however persecution, Christians remained dedicated to worshiping the sun. More than any other holiday was bringing peace to mankind early Egypt be celebrated merely because they understood Him be! To this day come in mid-1955 I came across this booklet, the! Rites practiced by the parasitic plant attention to Jerusalem of the year is thoroughly documented a time merrymaking. Traffic increases by 15 % when Santa Claus is depicted as a constant reminder of the Mystery... The Christians along with other customs of the gods were Isis and Osiris description the. Abijah ) for us to do evergreen tree into the worshiping of Him iconography and the of! True believers powerful symbol and conjures many images concerning the assimilation of the ’. Held a great King and hearty than those of former times particular day opposition however beings do want! Determining when Jesus was born around the January calends gravitated to Christmas. thou shalt not add thereto, has!