Many contemporary Christmas traditions are labeled as pagan by some Christians; however, the opposite is true, argues William Federer, perhaps America's best historian.
Wonderful explanations. I wish he addressed why the day celebrated is December 25th. The shepherds the angel came to would not be out in the fields with their flocks in winter. My husband thinks it's quite possible that December 25th is the day that Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit, but how could anyone know THAT?
What is interesting is that neither the disciples nor Paul, who worked among the Gentiles mentioned celebrating the birthday of Christ. In fact, it is thought that Christ was born during the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles, which is an autumn festivals (get it? Christ "tabernacled" with us). One piece of evidence for this is that Augustus held events such as a general census during the time a country was having a national festival and in this case, during the autumn festival. The timing of the celebration of the birth of Christ in December began several centuries later when the Roman celebration of the festival of Saturnalia in December was merged with the celebration of Christ's birth. See 1 John 2:19.
Wonderful explanations. I wish he addressed why the day celebrated is December 25th. The shepherds the angel came to would not be out in the fields with their flocks in winter. My husband thinks it's quite possible that December 25th is the day that Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit, but how could anyone know THAT?
What is interesting is that neither the disciples nor Paul, who worked among the Gentiles mentioned celebrating the birthday of Christ. In fact, it is thought that Christ was born during the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles, which is an autumn festivals (get it? Christ "tabernacled" with us). One piece of evidence for this is that Augustus held events such as a general census during the time a country was having a national festival and in this case, during the autumn festival. The timing of the celebration of the birth of Christ in December began several centuries later when the Roman celebration of the festival of Saturnalia in December was merged with the celebration of Christ's birth. See 1 John 2:19.