Hi all, hey have You ever researched the very beginnings of Christmas? It's really surprising...or is it? Why is it that parents punish their kids for lying, yet turn around and tell them that this fat guy dresses up in a red suit and gives little kids toys on December 25th? It's really a sham (no, I didn't mean shame--which it also is!) because many people go into debt and it lines the pockets of the already rich. Besides, does the Bible specifically mention when Jesus was born? If so, I have yet to find it. There is a 1/365th's odds that it is (or isn't). Anyway, people should realize the importance of Jesus EVERY day! Thank You very much.

Christmas is set at the time of the year when the day is the shortest. It juste replaced older pagan celebration, keeping some of their symbols (the christmas tree, symbol of eternity since it does not lose its leaves, the candles who give light in the darkest times, symbol of hope). There are celebrations in many religions at this time of year since people always feel the need to celebrate the coming back of the sun.
From a chistian point of view, the fact that this date was chosen makes sense both from a symbolic point of view (the christ being identified to the sun that gives its light to mankind) and from a propaganda point of view (it's easier to take the place of an existing celebration than to create a new one).

This day by some was believed to be the winter solstice started by the Druids. When the Roman Catholics took over Ireland they took alot of the old holidays and turned them into Christian holidays. Captain you are correct about not nowing when Jesus was born, if infact he ever was born? Jesus could have been born in the middle of summer for all anyone knows. Either way if this was an older holiday why is it a bad thing? Why is it bad to let your kids believe in a jolly old man, and learn what it is like to give? Who is to say there was never an old guy with a white beard that went around giving presents to folks?

Maybe if folks don't believe in Jesus they could still believe in the power of giving, and spreading joy?

I also heard Jesus WAS NOT BORN ON THE 25TH.....

I dunno when his actual birthday was,but it IS interesting regardless......

I’ve always preferred the popular notion that it was Rome’s attempt to reconcile a growing caste system, by using a common bond to unite multiple tiers. Thus expanding upon the concept that while we are self actuated as being different, we can still acknowledge a level of commonality. No doubt, the success of early Christians, as well as their failings, as a paramount catalyst.