Jeremiah 10:2-4 2 Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. 3 For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. 4 They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.
The celebration of Christmas actually out-dates Christianity itself by about 4000 years!. It began in as an ancient festival. The celebration was and is an Roman pagan celebration of a week long period of lawlessness celebrated between December 17-25. The Roman courts were closed, and Each Roman community selected a victim whom they forced to indulge in food and other physical pleasures throughout the week. At the festival’s conclusion, The Roman authorities brutally murdering this innocent man or woman.
Two important questions:
(1) How did the that festival turn into the idea of Christmas?
Well supposed Christian leaders successfully in converting a large numbers of pagans to Christianity by promising them that they could continue to celebrate the Saturnalia as Christians
(2) Why was the date of December 25 chosen for this celebration?
In addition to the week long period of lawlessness.
A new Emperor was declared,Emperor Aurelian,in September 214 or 215–October 275 and December 25 acquired a new significance. He proclaimed this day as "Dies Natalis Invicti Solis," or the Birthday of the Unconquered Sun. They also worshiped the god Mithras he was called and identified as the Unconquered Sun. During the Saturnalia work of every kind ceased. Schools were closed.
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