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What
is the most anticipated and beloved day of the year around the world?
Certainly it is christmas day. Even in countries where the influence of
Christianity is very minor, like Japan for instance, christmas is still
widely celebrated. In America most stores seem to begin decorating for
christmas before Halloween is past. And then after thanksgiving the
anticipation, and particularly the shopping, begins to intensify almost
daily. It is said that a large number of retail stores could never make it
without christmas. They do over 50% of their business between Thanksgiving
and christmas. Most people say that the increased commercialization of
christmas is a bad thing, but that still doesn't spoil the spirit of
christmas. After all, what could possibly be wrong with a celebration which
causes so many people to remember the birth of Christ?
How much do you know about the origins of christmas? Do you know where all of
the practices associated with the celebration of christmas originated? They
are not Christian, but are rather deeply rooted in paganism and Catholicism.
In fact the word christmas is a combination of the words Christ mass, of mass
of Christ, something undeniably Catholic.
The origin of christman is not a matter of supposition, but historical fact.
Any good encyclopedia will usually allude to the paganistic roots of most
christmas traditions. While I realize it is not popular to attack a sacred
American tradition such as christmas, I think every Christian should be
better educated as to the true nature of this celebration.
The Encyclopedia Americana gives the following definition for christmas:
"In the Christian Church, an annual festival, held on December 25th,
to celebrate the Nativity, or birth of Christ. The origin of the festival is
unknown. Scholars believe that it is derived in part from rites held by
pre-Christian Germanic and Celtic tribesmen to celebrate the winter solstice.
Christmas festivals, generally observed by Christians since the 4th
century, incorporate pagan customs, such as the use of holly, mistletoe, yule
logs, and wassail bowls."
Most ancient cultures around the world worshipped a sun god. Some of these
peoples would hold annual festivals to celebrate the returning of their sun
god. The winter solstice mentioned in the above paragraph usually occurs on
December 22nd. After this date the days begin the lengthen once
again. The path of the sun, which has been sinking lower in the southern sky
all fall, begins to move northward again. So to these ancient people it
appeared as if their sun god was returning to them. This would spark a
celebration which often included drunken debauchery and wild sex orgies.
Others cultures also held feasts during this time of the year for different
reasons. Many to celebrate the end of the harvest season. But whatever the
occasion the sinful conduct of the participants was almost universal. These
celebrations were encountered by the Catholics as they spread across Europe
trying to convert the indigenous people to their faith. Their attempts to
convince the people to give up their feasts proved largely unsuccessful. But
instead of sticking with their position the Catholics eventually compromised
with these people.
"When the (catholic) church found it impossible through repeated bans to
abolish all the pagan customs, it 'christianized' a number of them, divested
them of their worst features, and finally incorporated them into the
christian observance of christmas." (Herbert H. Wernecke from Christmas
Around the World) Among these incorporations from paganism was the date of
the feast. "The reason for establishing December 25 as christmas is
somewhat obscure, but it is usually held that the day was chosen to correspond
to pagan festivals that took place around the time of the winter solstice,
when the days begin to lengthen, to celebrate the 'rebirth of the sun.'"
(Encyclopedia Americana) It is said that in the 4th century Julius
I, Bishop of Rome, proclaimed December 25th as Christ's birthday.
This date coincidentally was the same as the birthday of Sol, the Roman sun
God.
The truth is that no one really knows the actual date of Christ's birth. The
Catholic Encyclopedia states: "There is no month in the year to which
respectable authorities have not assigned Christ's birth." Since they
did not know the actual date of Christ's birth, the catholics found it
convenient to establish the celebration on a date which would help them in
their attempts to convert Europe. This is the real reason christmas is
celebrated on December 25th.
An excerpt from The World Book Encyclopedia shows that some of the customs
presently associated with christmas were part of these pagan festivals.
"The ancient Romans held year-end celebrations to honor Saturn, their
harvest god; and Mithras, the god of light. Various peoples in northern
Europe held festivals in mid-December to celebrate the end of the harvest
season. As part of all these celebrations, the people prepared special foods,
decorated their homes with greenery, and joined in singing and gift giving.
These customs gradually became part of the Christmas celebration."
Another excerpt from Mr. Wernecke's book sums up the history of christmas
very well. "Although at first Christians were expected to observe the
day of nativity as a religious holiday exclusively, gradually secular, even
pagan, elements were added. Therefore, our modern christmas draws on all
mankind for certain elements of it's observance, but at the same time it is in
danger of becoming, and often has become, a strange medley of christian and
pagan rites." Mr. Wernecke, as well as many other authors whose works I
have read, all favor christmas. They are not trying to discredit it, but
rather be truthful about it's origin.
It has already been mentioned that during these pagan festivals the people
would decorate their homes with greenery. Evergreens such as the fir and
spruce were considered to be signs of fertility because they remained green
while everything else lost their leaves. In some cultures trees such as these
were even worshipped. What does God think about all of this? Fortunately His
word tell us. "Hear ye the word which the Lord speaketh unto you, O
house of Israel: 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.
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. They deck it with
silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it
move not." (Jeremiah 10:1-4)
It seems that here God is speaking of the very festivals we are concerned
with. He tells His people to "be not dismayed at the signs of heaven."
This means not to be concerned with the heavenly bodies which were often
worshipped by the heathen. A large part of the heathen's life would be built
around the heavenly bodies, especially the sun. And the tree referred to here
was one part of the pagan festival held in honor of the sun god. God
instructs His people to be different from the heathens. Not to participate in
their vain customs. Customs such as cutting a tree from the forest, then
bringing it home and decorating it. Certainly this was no christmas tree,
because it was centuries before Christ, but it is doubtless an ancestor of
the christmas tree. How then can it be proper for God's people today to
follow this custom when it was condemned as being a vain custom of heathens
over 2500 years ago?
Other traditions such as the lighting of candles, and the burning of the yule
log can all be directly traced back to paganism. The people would light huge
bonfires to honor their sun god. The candles and yule log are just modern
scaled down versions of this custom. Or as Mr. Wernecke put it, these are
"christianized" versions.
The word "yule" is often used to describe the christmas season.
Terms such as yuletide are often heard. But the meaning of the word yule is
interesting. It comes from the word "rol" which is a wheel used by
the ancient pagans to follow the changing of the seasons. It is, of course,
directly tied to their sun god.
With all of it's paganistic roots I am amazed at how easily the whole
festival of christmas has swept the world. I believe it's commercial importance,
especially in this century, has been a major factor. But did you know that
christmas has not always been so readily accepted by everyone? "By 1100,
Christmas had become the most important religious festival in Europe. During
the reformation, many christians began to consider Christmas a pagan
celebration because it included nonreligious customs. During the 1600's,
because of these feelings, Christmas was outlawed in England and in part of
the English colonies in America. However, people continued to exchange
Christmas gifts and soon started to follow the other old customs again."
(The World Book Encyclopedia) In this country it wasn't until 1856 that
Massachusetts finally recognized christmas as a holiday.
Even beyond all of these pagan additions to christmas, the biblical account
seems to have been embellished by tradition. Everyone has heard of the three
wise men, and the host of angels singing "glory to the Highest, peace on
earth, good will toward men." But the bible gives no indication as to how
many wise men there were. And no where in the bible can we find where any of
the angels have ever sang. In this case we are told that they
"said" the phrase. The world has managed to corrupt even the small
part of christmas that does have a biblical basis.
What about ole Santa Claus? Is he really a bad guy? The name Santa Claus is a
verbal corruption of the name Saint Nicholas. There were some discrepancies
in the details of Saint Nicholas in different sources I consulted, but the
general story was consistent. He was a man who lived sometime in the 4th
century in Asia Minor, the area known as Turkey today. For centuries the
Feast of Saint Nicholas has been celebrated in Europe on December 6th.
Although the feast is still celebrated in some places in Europe most people
have simply combined it with christmas. Thus the origin of Santa Claus.
But who is the central figure in christmas today? Although I disagree with
naming churches after men, there are denominations which have this practice.
It is said that more churches are named after Saint Nicholas than any of the
apostles! What kind of message does that send the world? Christmas is
supposed to be a celebration of Christ's birth, but Santa Claus seems to have
taken over. This is especially true for children. Why should children care
about Jesus, after all He isn't the one who brings them toys. He isn't the
one they visited at the mall and who talked so kindly to them. In fact, they
have never even seen Jesus.
This brings me to a point which I know causes problems for many people. I
believe that Santa Claus is nothing more than a puppet of Satan! And that
christmas is Satan's day, not Christ's! You can even see it in Santa's name.
It's nothing more than a rearrangement of Satan.
I believe this is but one of many instances of what Paul spoke of in II
Corinthians 11:14-15 "And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed
into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also
be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be
according to their works." Jolly ole Santa is considered to be one
of the nicest people around. He certainly would qualify as an angel of light
in most peoples eyes. But I think the scriptures paint an entirely different
picture. Jesus said "Why do ye not understand my speech? Even because
ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of
your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not
in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he
speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it." (John
8:43- 44)
What other person or event has ever caused so many people to lie? Especially
to their own family? People lie about what they got you for christmas. People
lie about what they want for christmas. When you examine it closely maybe
christmas should be called the "lying season." My own parents, as
well as the rest of the world, lied to me when I was a child. They taught me
the story of Santa Claus. They probably spent more time teaching me about
Santa, than they did teaching me about Jesus. I don't hold this against them,
they were simply doing what all "good" parents were supposed to do.
Most well meaning parents consistently lie to their children about Santa Claus
with his reindeer and elves, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and other
mythical creatures.
I know we tend to laugh all of this off and say "Well they're just kids.
They'll know better when they grow up." But have you ever seriously
considered this? At the same time they are learning these fables they are
also learning about Jesus. He's tied to Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny
through christmas and easter. Later in life when they suddenly "know
better," how are they to know which is mythical and which is real. Why
shouldn't they also assume that the story of Jesus is just another fable.
Even if we tell them that this part is really true and the rest is false why
should they believe us? We have lied to them about these things all of their
lives, why should they think we have suddenly changed? Do you now see the
possible damage of associating Christ with these mythical creatures? It
compromises His reality in the minds of our children. And just perhaps it's
things like this which are causing so many of our kids to lose faith today
and leave the Church today!
Can anyone deny that Santa Claus is a fable? Can anyone deny that christmas
is a fable? (I speak not of Christ's birth, but of the world's celebration of
it). Paul instructed the young man Timothy to "refuse profane and old
wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness."
(I Timothy 4:7) Again to Timothy Paul said "As I besought thee to
abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge
some that they teach no other doctrine, neither give heed to fables
and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying
which is in faith: so do." (I Timothy 1:3-4) Aren't we following
fables today?
Paul was very concerned about the church at Galatia. It appears he had the
same problem the catholics would later have in trying to convert people of
that area. These people were certainly accustomed to participating in the
festivals which have been previously mentioned which are the forerunners of
christmas. After being converted they apparently still wished to celebrate
these occasions. Paul records "Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye
did service unto them which by nature are no gods. But now, after that ye
have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and
beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe
days, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have
bestowed upon you labor in vain." (Galatians 4:8-11) Paul was very
concerned because these brethren were still observing days, months, times,
and years. He was wondering if maybe all the work he had done in converting
them had been wasted. What would he say of us with our observance of
christmas today?
I have found that people today are generally not receptive, some even
antagonistic, to my message about christmas. But I believe it is a serious
evil facing the Church today. I believe Satan is the mastermind behind the
whole thing. This is a prime example of a warning Paul gave. "For the
time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own
lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they
shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."
(II Timothy 4:3-4) Christmas is certainly a beautiful fable, but that's all
it is, a fable. Christmas is one of Satan's most beautiful plans. He has
managed to cloud and distort the life of man's savior with myth and legend.
What about presents? Is it wrong to give a christmas present? Certainly
giving is not wrong. That is one of the most important parts of Christianity.
But giving a present simply because there is a pagan festival going on
certainly is not for Christians. And why should gift giving be confined to
christmas. Our love should prompt us to give year round.
Some would justify giving gifts at christmas as the continuance of something
initiated at the birth of Christ. An excerpt from the Encyclopedia Americana
says "Everyone knows the story of the first Christmas, when the three wise
kings traveled from afar to offer gifts to the Christ Child. They brought
gold coins, the sweet spice frankincense, and aromatic myrrh. Shepherds and
peasants offered gifts at the manger too: a lamb, some doves, a flute, and
food for the parents of the new-born baby. Today we carry on this custom of
gift giving at Christmas, sometimes in simple ways, sometimes
extravagantly." I have no idea how the presents from the shepherds found
their way into the story. They are never mentioned in the bible! But the gifts
of the wise men are. But what of it. It was customary in those days to bring
a present when visiting someone of importance. The Old Testament is full of
such examples. The giving here is nothing like what we see today. Gifts were
only given to Christ. No one "exchanged" presents as is the
tradition today.
God meant for us to remember Christ's death. He gave very clear instructions
as to how this was to be done. But He never said a word about remembering
Christ's birth. Had He wanted us to do so, wouldn't He have given us
instructions? Paul said "All scripture is given by inspiration of
God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly
furnished unto all good works." (II Timothy 3:16) I believe this
passage leaves little doubt that we have instructions for everything God
wants us to do. Why is it that men who will staunchly defend the Church
against the introduction of things not scripturally authorized are often the
first one to put up a christmas tree? Brethren these things ought not to be.
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