Pre-Christianity times.
For the Norse, Christmas was knows as Yule. December 21st fathers and sons would drag in logs inside as signs of life and as offerings to their gods. Hence our traditional "Yule log" that is burnt by many European and American families.
Romans celebrated Saturnelia, in honor of their god Saturn a week before the Winter Solstice. It was celebrated with food and drink. Some soldiers and officials worshiped Mithra, the sun god, whose birthday was December 25th.
Christianity begins to spread
In the First Century Christ's birthday began a new tradition of Christmas. Since the Romans celebrated Mithra's birthday on the 25th of December, and the Bible doesn't give a date for Jesus's birth, it is theorized that the Church adapted December 25th birth of Mithra as the date of Christmas. The Church, in the 4th century, began adapting the rituals of the Pagans. The traditional evergreens were now decorated with apples representing the Garden of Eden. Santa Claus was invented when Nicholas, a Turkish bishop was killed. The anniversary of his death began the tradition of "Saint Nicholas Day" December 6th. Good children would wake up to gifts and presents while bad children got nothing. But many scholars are puzzled as to why December 25th became the day of the celebration. Jesus was born sometime between 4 and 8 AD. The first person to connect Jesus with December 25th was Sextus Julius Africanis in 224 AD. He identified March 25th as the date of the Spring Solstice, and the date of Jesus's conception. 9 months later, he was born, December 25th. The first knows Nativity was held in 336 AD in the Roman Church. 9 years later Pope Julius Curtis officially adopted December 25th as the Christmas date.
Current time
Clement Clark Moore in 1822 wrote "The Night Before Christmas" and this changed what the world thought about Santa Claus. A good spirited Elf, who like St. Nicholas, gave children presents. In 1863 Thomas Nast, a cartoonist, drew the first Santa Claus. Christmas became a time of gifts, giving presents and shopping. Historical and Christian roots forgotten. There are many pagan traditions left in Christmas. Mistletoe, Santa and the Christmas Tree are three that have remained over the last 2,000 years. This time period, many feared the mystical forces in the winter, and especially the longest day of the year, the Winter Solstice. Many traditions from this still last and incorporated into Christmas. As Christianity spread, many began to believe the Holy Spirit arose at Christmas and the evil spirits began to plot against it. Garlic was thought to banish the evil spirits. Many people today still hang garlic and under the Christmas table. (Czech Republic)
The Greeks have a half man, half goat goblin called the "Kallikantzaroi" that causes mischief during the 12 days of Christmas. They intimidate people, urinate on gardens and flowers, spoil food and break furniture. They are said to sneak in homes via the chimney. Many traditions say that to ward them off leave a black handled knife at the chimney. Others swear that the bottom jaw of a pig will keep them out. Hanging thread over the door will stall them since they have to stop and count the fibers. Others say the smell of an burnt old shoe will keep them out. Greeks born on this day are at special risk since they are believed to turn into the kallikkantzaroi if they try to upstage the birth of Christ. At the Eve of the Epiphany in Cyprus, villagers scatter pancakes on the roof to give the Kallikantzaroi something sweet to eat as they prepare to head out of town, perhaps to show there are no hard feelings.
In Germany, Santa's assistant Rupurt, isn't as nice as Santa. He leave hitting rods for parents to use on children if they get unruly.
In Italy, children await the Christmas Witch, La Befana. According to legend, the Three Wise men asked for directions to Bethlehem and invited her along. She refused. Later a shepherd asked her to join him in showing respect to the Christ child and again she refused. When it was dark, she saw the star in the sky and realised her mistake. She flies down chimneys on Jan 6th hoping to leave a gift for Jesus.
Whether you practice any of these traditions, old and new, it is safe to say that you understand what the season is about. Love, peace, generosity, gratitude, spiritual growth/birth and traditions.
Christmas has became a commercialized holiday. The pagan Christmas Tree has become the centerpiece of Christmas. People spend more time buying gifts than spending the time with family.
Proverbs 22:7 "The rich ruleth over the poor, the borrower is servant to the lender"
How true is that statement? How many people, this time of the year, put gifts on their credit cards? They are the lender. Now how much extra do you pay in interest? Is it safe to say you are the servant?
Proverbs 22:9 "He that has a bountiful eye shall be blessed: for he giveth of his bread to the poor"
At Christmas time, how many food kitchens are open? How many people give to the pantries? Many many people stand outside of businesses collecting money for the poor. Blessed is he who gives to the poor.
The Bible here is warning us of our spending habits. If you don't have the money for it, don't buy it.
Christmas shouldn't be about gifts. I know it is now days, but it should be about fellowship, togetherness, love and above all else, the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
My thoughts: while you're rushing out to the stores, spending money that you don't have remember what's important. Do you need that extra game? Do you need that extra toy? Or do you need the person the gift is for? Come together and love one another because that's what Christmas is about. And above all else, love God. Before you open that first present on Christmas Day, stop and sing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus. I will be.............
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