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The historical trajectory of Christmas observance reveals a complex interplay of religious doctrine, cultural adaptation, and scholarly debate. Early in its development, the holiday faced significant opposition from Protestant reformers, particularly the Puritans in the 17th century. Viewing Christmas as a remnant of Catholic tradition and little better than paganism, figures like Oliver Cromwell in England enacted bans on its celebration, a sentiment echoed in New England, where Christmas was illegal for approximately 25 years. This historical aversion highlights an enduring tension surrounding the holiday’s origins and its perceived connection to pre-Christian practices, a connection that continues to be a subject of academic inquiry. Central to this academic inquiry is the widely held belief that December 25th, the traditional date for Christ’s birth, was strategically chosen by early Christians to coincide with and eventually supplant existing pagan winter solstice festivals. Historical accounts, such as those presented by Werner Keller in *The Bible as History*, note that December 25th was first formally recognized as Christmas Day in A.D. 324 and later established as an official holiday under Roman Emperor Justinian (A.D. 527-565). Keller posits that this date was significantly influenced by established Roman festivals, specifically the *Dies Natali Invictus* (“the birthday of the unconquered”)—a celebration of the winter solstice—and the concluding day of the Saturnalia, an ancient Roman carnival. Further challenging the traditional narrative of an actual December birth, climatological and historical evidence suggests an alternative timing for Jesus’s arrival. Keller references meteorological data for Bethlehem, indicating that December is typically characterized by frost and substantial rainfall. Such conditions would make it highly improbable for shepherds to be “abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night,” as described in the Gospel of Luke. Supporting this, the Talmud, a central text of Jewish law, indicates that flocks in the region were pastured from March to early November, being brought under cover during the winter months. This evidence thus implies that Jesus’s birth likely occurred before the onset of winter, further suggesting that the December 25th date was an ecclesiastical assignment rather than a reflection of historical timing. The choice of December 25th is further illuminated by the powerful cultural and religious landscape of the Roman Empire, as detailed by historians like Michael Grant in *History of Rome*. Grant highlights the significant influence of the cult of the Sun, or *Sol Invictus*, which was revered by millions and for a time achieved state worship status. Emperor Aurelian, in 274 AD, notably established a major temple for the Unconquerable Sun, designating December 25th as the god’s birthday. Grant explicitly states that this pagan festival date, “transformed into Christmas Day, was one of the inheritances that Christianity owed to his cult.” While some scholars, such as Professor William Tighe, propose that the notion of pagan origins for Christmas may be a myth, the convergence of historical, climatological, and cultural evidence presented by figures like Keller and Grant provides a compelling argument for the strategic adoption and Christian reinterpretation of a pre-existing pagan festival date, underscoring the complex cultural evolution of one of Christianity’s most significant holidays.
Varnel Watson
some food for brains Isara Mo Joe Absher Jim Price Puritans in the English Parliament eliminated Christmas as a national holiday in 1645, amid widespread anti-Christmas sentiment. Settlers in New England went even further, outlawing Christmas celebrations entirely in 1659. Anyone caught shirking their work duties or feasting was forced to pay a significant penalty of five shillings. Christmas returned to England in 1660, but in New England it remained banned until the 1680s, when the Crown managed to exert greater control over its subjects in Massachusetts. In 1686, the royal governor of the colony, Sir Edmund Andros, sponsored a Christmas Day service at the Boston Town House. Fearing a violent backlash from Puritan settlers, Andros was flanked by redcoats as he prayed and sang Christmas hymns.
Jim Price
Somethings gain such momentum that it’s counter productive to resist them. I keep my observance and participation to a very minimum.
Varnel Watson
Jim Price Ricky Grimsley in New England it was illegal to celebrate Christmas for about 25 years in the 1600s – The Puritans hated the holiday and if the Catholic Church gradually came to embrace Christmas, the Protestant Reformation gave the holiday a good knock on the chin. In the 16th century, Christmas became a casualty of this church schism, with reformist-minded Protestants considering it little better than paganism. In England under Oliver Cromwell, Christmas and other saints’ days were banned, and in New England it was illegal to celebrate Christmas for about 25 years in the 1600s.If you want to look at a real ‘War on Christmas,’ you’ve got to look at the Puritans – They banned it!
Tom Williams
Jim Price isn’t it interesting, how the pendulum swings from one extreme to the other in many issues in Christianity today ? Certainly the truth of Gods word rings true , there is nothing new under the sun !
Christmas Eve , I though wouldn’t it be nice if I could find some biblical songs and worship about what I celebrate ! Jesus birth ?
So going from the many listings on Roku ? Nope not one Christian broadcaster has even one song of worship and praise about the birth of Jesus ? Not only there , but you would be hard pressed to find any worship glorifying the birth of Jesus on the secular channels as well !
Now attending the public schools Christmas concerts , not one single song mentioning the birth of Jesus Christ the Son of God ?
But well then why should the church complain about Christ being driven out of our society ! The church is the greatest offender and was given an opportunity under the most hated , to do something to bring Glory and honor to God ? But because of blind hatred and demonic oppression, the church is going further to sleep ?
How dare any minister raise his voice to complain about the Lords standing in this republic ?????
The church sinks deeper into witchcraft and demonic hatred ???? Now what just close your eyes , close your Bible , close down the opportunity given by God to lift up his name ?????
Isn’t it really only about hating perfectly the miracle God has given to bring a change to a nation lost and sliding towards Hell ? Really what ever they ask or say is reputed and we prove our pure hatred by our actions ????
Time is evaporating , we are at the tipping point for the end of all things are at hand ! Still the church squirrels away opportunity for real revival ,for a real move of God ! Lol mean time the Church builds witchcraft to stop what God wants to do ?
Here is what God has put on my heart , we need to fall on our face , for the wicked rule , only God could rescue you if they decide to permanently destroy you ! Let us cry to God for Elijah to now come on this earth ! His last days miracle ministry is one last gasp of breath for this church and world sliding into eternity ! Amen praying ???????????????????????????????????????????????????
Jim Price
Tom: I experienced Christmas very different than you. All week my wife and I viewed several Christmas specials with many songs about Jesus birth included. On Christmas eve we watched a TBN special that mainly celebrated Christ’s birth. ” there is nothing new under the sun ! ” That holds true only in a certain context; otherwise there is so much much new over the last 100 years that it would be impossible to name them all. ” Time is evaporating , we are at the tipping point for the end of all things are at hand ! ” I used to feel that way when I was in my late teens but now that I am 85 I sense that the end of me is at hand but I think that the world will keep right on turning and struggling with an never ending fight for what is right.. May you and your family experience a Happy New Year in Christ!
Varnel Watson
Jim Price not much different than me oldtimer 🙂
Troy Day
ALL @followers should take a SHOT and enjoy convincing Philip Williams Jared Cheshire Ricky Grimsley of their wrong feelings about this bright Christian holiday 🙂
Troy Day
DONT thinks SO Jared Cheshire dont think SO Jared Cheshire what is your argument with Michael Chauncey
Jared Cheshire
Troy Day well, you finally admitted you don’t think, so we at last have progress.
Troy Day
Jared Cheshire you stated Troy Day Why do You always think everything is a competition. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been studying this for twice as long as I have, if you’re studying from the wrong perspective you’re going to get the wrong conclusions. Pointing out that you’ve been studying it for so much longer so you must be smarter is a point of pride and what does Solomon say about pride and a haughty spirit? Zig Ziglar used to say that if a thousand people say a stupid thing it’s still a stupid thing. The same thing goes with longevity. It doesn’t matter how long you say something that’s stupid is still stupid. Now I’m not calling you stupid I’m quoting a brilliant man referencing a principle. The first thing you think Christmas is about your Christ because it has the word Christ in it and that’s what is in your English Bible. You haven’t stopped to think how every sun God worshiping cult called their sun deity Christos and that the word Christmas (the death of the sun god) was used prior to Yeshua walking this earth, You don’t even understand that mass in Christmas It’s all about death because the sun according to ancient pagans was dying and being reborn at the solstice. You don’t understand that they were venerating the Queen of Heaven who resurrected her son/husband who died as an evergreen tree. The symbolism goes all the way back to Mesopotamia and the cult worship around the tower before it fell. You’re too wrapped up in the trappings and the illusion and the smoke and the mirrors to look behind the curtain.
NO — I dont think always anything is anything I am just reading your take on it and I am reading your proof but Deficient at best You cite 15 years of study but dont present even enough for a term paper, if you were my student If you really have sufficient research proof – present it SO we can discuss Just saying the pope is bad is OK of course but it is not enough to even convert Philip Williams from his popish dreams
WHERE do you stand on the pagan Christmas theory John Mushenhouse Terry Wiles William DeArteaga
Troy Day
Jared Cheshire there is ONLY ONE guy who I know would agree with you on this – – – Ray E Horton used to post for us on this page BUT he was much about finished work which thou art not