A Series of
Questions and Answers
Compiled by
Anne Wilde
December 1986
Contents
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . .
3
What does the word Christmas mean,
and where did it come
from? . . . . 4
Was Jesus really born on December 25th?
Why was that date selected as Christmas
Day? . 7
What is the origin and history of the
Christmas
tree?. . . . . . . 12
Where did the idea of kissing under the
mistletoe
originate? . . . . . 14
Where did we get the Christmas symbols
of holly, the wreath, the yule log, and
the poinsettia
plant? . . . . . 15
What about Santa Claus? . . . . . . 17
Where did the custom of Christmas gift
giving
originate? . . . . . . 19
What can we conclude from these references? . . 21
What is the real story of the birth of Jesus? . 24
EPILOGUE . . . . . . . . .
29
Bibliography . . . . . . . . 31
* * * * *
INTRODUCTION
Since
the holiday of Christmas plays such an important role in the lives of Americans
today, it is interesting--even important--to know where and when the many
Christmas traditions and symbols originated. A little research reveals that
Christ had little or nothing to do with these pagan customs.
There
is a myriad of information available on the beginnings of the holiday we now
celebrate as Christmas. Most of the printed references, however, go back no
further than the 4th century A.D. With more extensive investigation, another
story unfolds that goes back to the days of the Tower of Babel, built during
the reign of Nimrod.
Nimrod
was the grandson of Ham, Noah's son, and was a very wicked man--going so far as
to marry his own mother. He built "the foundation for a great heathen
culture which would be the curse of civilization for more than 4,000 years.
"He was referred to as a "warlike giant," "mighty in
sin," "a murder of innocent men," "a rebel before the
Lord." He belittled God and set himself up as a god, even building a
magnificent throne where people came to pay him homage. He declared to the people,
"Depart from the religion of Shem and cleave to the institutes of
Nimrod."
This
despicable ruler elevated animals above humanity and taught that a man's
destiny depended on the stars and their configuration at the time of his birth.
Many fiendish practices, too morbid to mention, were initiated and perpetuated
by Nimrod. Such was the man to whom the origin of many Christmas tradition can
be traced.
The
format of this pamphlet is arranged by question and answer--all answer being
direct quotes. A list of publication from which this information was taken is
included at the end.
The
purpose of this compilation, then, is to present a synopsis of information so
the reader can decide for himself "the true origin behind Christmas."
[4]
What does the word Christmas mean, and where did it come from?
"The
word `Christmas' means `Mass of Christ,' or, as it came to be shortened,
`Christ-Mass.' It came to non-Christians and Protestants from the Roman
Catholic Church. And where did they get it? Not from the New Testament--not
from the Bible--not from the original apostles who were personally instructed
by Christ--but it gravitated in the fourth century into the Roman Church from
paganism."
"Christmas
was not earliest festivals of the church. ... It was not instituted by Christ
or the apostles, or by Bible authority. It was picked up afterward from
paganism."
"Christmas
was not earliest festivals of the church. ... the first evidence of the feast
is from Egypt. ... In the scriptures, no one is recorded to have kept a feast
or held a great banquet on his birthday. It is only sinners (like Pharaoh and
Herod) who make great rejoicing over the day in which they were born into this
world."
"A
reputable Protestant encyclopedia adds: `the observance of Christmas is not of
Divine appointment, nor is it of New Testament origin ... The fathers of the
first three centuries do not speak of any special observance of the
nativity.'"
"No
one has ever come forward with even one verse of scripture admonishing
believers to observe any such `celebration' of `the birthday of Christ,' nor is
there any. Although such Hebrew holy day as the Passover, the Sabbath, and the
annual giving of the tithes are mentioned in both Old and New Scriptures, God
has left NO INSTRUCTION about Jesus' `birthday'."
[5]
"It (Christmas) was, according to many authorities, not celebrated in the
first centuries of the Christian church, as the Christian usage in general was
to celebrate the death of the remarkable person rather than their birth. ...
(The `Communion,' which is instituted by New Testament Bible authority, is a
memorial of the death of Christ.) A feast was established in memory of this
event (Christ's birth) in the fourth century. In the fifth century the Western
Church ordered it to be celebrated forever on the day of the old Roman feast of
the birth of Sol, as no certain knowledge of the day of the day of Christ's
birth existed."
"In
the Christianized Roman Empire, Christmas was first proclaimed and kept as a
Christian church festival by Pope Liberius in 354 A.D.--357 years after the
birth of Christ. Before this time, only the heathen segment of the Roman
population celebrated December 25."
"But
if we got Christmas from the Roman Catholics, and they got it from paganism,
where did the pagans get it? Where, when, and what was its real origin?
It is a chief custom of the corrupt system denounced all through Bible
prophecies and teaching under the name of Babylon. And it started and
originated in the original Babylon of ancient Nimrod! Yes, it stems from roots
whose beginning was shortly this side of the flood!
Nimrod, son of Cush, grandson of Ham, son of Noah, was the real founder
of the Babylonish system that has gripped the world ever since--the system of
organized competition--of man-ruled governments and empires, based upon the
competitive and profit-making economic system. Nimrod built the tower of Babel,
the original Babylon, ancient Nineveh, and many other cities. He organized this
world's first kingdom. The name Nimrod, in Hebrew, is derived from `Marad,'
meaning `he rebelled.'
From many ancient writings, considerable is learned of the man, who
started the great organized worldly apostasy from God that has dominated this
world until now. Nimrod was so evil, it is said he married his own mother,
whose name was Semiramis."
[6] "Nimrod,
together with his wife Semiramis, who was also his mother, established a system
of holidays with religious observances of the most high God unto the worship
themselves. (Easter and Valentines Day, for example) The first of these
holidays of Nimrod was known as the Feast of the Nativity (birth)...."
"Through
her scheming and designing, Semiramis became the Babylonian `Queen of Heaven,'
and Nimrod, under various names, became the `divine son of Heaven.' Through the
generations, in this idolatrous worship, Nimrod also became the false Messiah,
son Baal the Sun-god. In this false Babylonish system, the `Mother and Child'
(Semiramis and Nimrod reborn) became chief objects of worship. This worship of
`Mother and Child' spread over the world. The names varied in different
countries and languages. In pagan Rome, Fortuna and Jupiteruer. Even in Greece,
China, Japan, Tibet is to be found the counterpart of the Madonna, long before
the birth of Christ!"
"The
Romans called the period between December 17 and the 24th the Saturnalia, and
December 25 was the Brumalia, this whole period being devoted to the worship of
Nimrod through drunken parties, orgies, etc. At this time, greeting cards and
gifts were exchanged."
* * * * *
[7]
Was Jesus born on December 25th? Why was that date selected as Christmas day?
"December
25th is not the birthday of Jesus the true Christ! The apostles and early true
Church never celebrated Christ's birthday at any time. There is no command or
instruction to celebrate it in the Bible--rather, the celebrating of birthdays
is a pagan, not a Christian custom, believe it or not!"
"Jesus
was not even born in the winter season! When the Christ-child was born `there
were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over
their flock by night' (Luke 2:8). This never could have occurred in Judaea in
the month of December. The shepherds always brought their flocks from the
mountainsides and fields and corralled them not later than October 15, to
protect them from the cold, rainy season that followed that date. Notice that
the Bible itself proves, in song of Solomon 2:11 and Ezra 10:9, 13, that winter
was a rainy season not permitting shepherds to abide in open fields at
night."
"Prior
to that time no one knew the precise date (of Christ's birth). Authorities
conceded, however, that December 25th was not celebrated as Christmas until the
Fourth Century A.D. and it was established on that date simply for convenience.
December 25th was chosen because at that time it was celebrated as a national
holiday honoring the birth of Roman god, Sol. It was fitting that the true date
of the Savior's nativity should be affirmed though divine revelation."
"Having
found out that there is an error in regard to the year of Christ's birth, now
let us inquire if the day observed by the Christian world as the day of his
birth, the 25th of December, is or is not the real Christmas day? A great many
authors have found out from their researches that it is not. I think that there
is scarcely an author at the present day that believes that the 25th day of [8]
December was the day that Christ was born on. Still it is observed by certain
classes, and we, whether we make any profession or not, are just foolish enough
to celebrate the 25th day of December as the birthday of Jesus. It will do for
a holiday, so you might select any other day for that purpose. It is generally
believed and conceded by the learned, who have investigated the matter, that
Christ was born in April." (Orson Pratt, J.D 15:255-256)
"The
rise of the Church of Christ in these last days, being one thousand eight
hundred and thirty years since the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
in the flesh, it being regularly organized and established agreeable to the
laws of our country, by the will and commandments of God, in the fourth month,
and on the sixth day of the month which is called April." (Doc. & Cov.
20:1)
"December
25th was the birthday of Nimrod."
"Emperor
Aurelian made the Babylonian Baal chief god of the empire, under the name of
`Sol Invictus' (the unconquerable sun), in 273 A.D. His festival was on
December 25. Notice in particular that this heathen sun festival was celebrated
on December 25, the very same day on which a Christian world celebrates the
birth of Jesus Christ."
"The
only religion which ever threatened to displace new-born Christianity was the
religion of Mithras with its Natalis Solis Invicti (Birthday of the Unconquered
sun). At Christ's Birth and for several centuries preceding it, the worship of
Mithras was widespread throughout the ancient world. The legend of mithras was
similar to that of other solar-deities. He was born on December 25th, in a
cave, of a virgin mother. He had 12 devoted companions (representing the 12
months). At his death he was placed in a tomb from which he arose in the
spring. The seasonal festivals devoted to his honor were at the winter
solstice, December 25th, and the spring equinox, Easter."
[9] "All
of the solar-deities were born on or within a few weeks of our modern Christmas
day. Most were believed to be sons of virgin mother and were born in a cave or
humble underground chamber. They were said to have conquered the powers of
darkness, died or were put to death, arose from the dead and ascended into
higher worlds."
"Certain
Latins, as early as 354, may have transferred the birthday from January 6th to
December 25, which was then observed it on which was then a Mithraic feast ...
or birthday of the unconquered SUN ... The Syrians and Armenenians, who clung
to January 6th, accused the Romans of sun worship and idolatry, contending ...
that the feast of December 25th had been invented by disciples of Cerinthus.
..."
"Christians
began to celebrate Christmas about 200. But they observed it on varying dates,
because the exact date of Christ's birth was unknown. In 354 December 25 was
declared to be the birthday of Christ, and in 440 the pope declared that
Christmas should be celebrated on that date. The church at Constantinople,
however, observed it for some years on January 6th, and that date is still used
in some Eastern Orthodox churches.
December 25 comes only a few days after the winter solstice (about
December 22), the shortest day after of the year in the Northern
Hemisphere. This season had long been a period of celebration among pagans in
many parts of the world because it symbolized the beginning of a new year in
nature. Christmas thus replaced a pagan holiday with a Christian one, while
keeping the same symbolism--the birthday of Christ corresponds to the birth of
a new year. Many of the pagan customs became part of the Christmas
celebration."
"But
remember, these people had grown up in pagan customs, chief of which was this
idolatrous festival of December 25th. It was a festival of merrymaking, with
its special spirit. They enjoyed it! They didn't want to give it up! Now this
same article in the New Schaff-Herzog [10] Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge
explains how the recognition by Constantine of Sunday, which had been the day
of pagan sun worship, and how the influence of the pagan Manichaeism, which
identified the Son of God with the physical sun, gave these pagans of the
fourth century, now turning over wholesale to `Christianity,' their excuse for
calling their pagan-festival date of December 25th [birthday of the Sun-god],
the birthday of the Son of God!"
"But
why did the pagan Romans worship the sun on this one particular day --December
25? Here is why!
In the Julian calendar the twenty-fifth of December was reckoned the
winter solstice, and it was regarded as the nativity of the sun, because the
sun begins to lengthen and the power of the sun to increase from that turning
point of the year.
That turning point of the year was a time of great jubilation, a time of
idolatrous, heathen merrymaking. The masses enjoyed it. Often, however, it
would degenerate into a drunken debauchery and unrestrained sensual
pleasures."
"Not
being able to abolish the customs of the heathen, the Church tried to `purify'
those customs and festivals the pagans enjoyed so much. But how were they going
to `purify' the December 25 celebration?
The Church decided to counteract the pagan's celebration of the sun-god
on December 25 by adopting it as its own!
History records for us that `there can be little doubt that the Church
was anxious to distract the attention of Christians from the old heathen feast
days by celebrating Christian festivals on the same day.'
This is exactly what happened in 354 A.D. when--for the very first time
the Church celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25, the exact date
the pagans were still using in keeping their idolatrous festival to their
sun-god. The Church felt that in this way she would be able to persuade the
pagans to worship `the true Sun,' Jesus Christ, instead of the literal sun.
[11] Thus we see that the Church--to get the heathen to forsake their
idolatrous ways--felt compelled to employ their customs and manners in
worshipping Christ. No longer were the pagans to observe a December 25
celebration to honor the sun-god baal. Now they were to honor and worship God's
Son on that day, using their own heathen customs and methods."
* * * * *
[12]
What is the origin and history of the Christmas tree?
"When
Nimrod was killed by Esau the son of Isaac (cf. Writings of Abraham 159:6),
Semiramis perpetuated his worship by claiming that a full-grown evergreen tree
had sprung forth overnight from a dead stump as a testimony that Nimrod yet
lived as a spirit being with power to help those who would worship him and his
mother. She more-over declared that on 25 December, the anniversary of Nimrod's
birth, he would visit the evergreen tree and leave gifts upon it. It is easy to
see in this myth the origin of the idea of a Santa Claus who brings gifts and
leaves them under the evergreen tree."
"Other
Christmas customs were just as heathen in their origins. Ancient followers of
Nimrod hung round ornaments representing eggs on their evergreen trees, to
symbolize the fertility which came to them from their god. The worship of
Nimrod and Semiramis was very much a fertility cult with all the perverted
sexual rites and imagery which always accompany such cults. From these round
balls developed the modern Christmas tree ornaments."
"For
the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree 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."
(Jer. 10:3-4)
"One
of the earliest of our Christmas customs is the Christmas tree. It was
introduced to America during the Revolutionary War by a homesick Hessian
soldier who decorated a tree in his native German way near Trenton, New Jersey
in 1776."
"In
The Two Babylons, we read, `The Christmas tree, now so common among us, was
equally common in Pagan Rome and Pagan Egypt. In Egypt that tree was the palm
tree; in Rome it was fir.'"
[13] "The
origin of the Christmas tree is uncertain. Decorated tress were part of pagan
ceremonies in pre-Christian times, and the custom of decorating small evergreen
trees at Christmas time seems to have begun in Germany. One legend suggests
that St. Boniface, the English missionary to Germany in the 8th Century,
started the custom. He is said to have replaced the pagan worship of a sacred
oak with a young evergreen tree, adorned to symbolize the new faith. Another
legend has it that Martin Luther introduced the tree lighted with candles,
representing the dark and starry heavens from which Jesus came. The Christmas
tree arrived in American before it reached England. Hessian soldiers in the
employ of George III decorated tree during the American Revolution. And even earlier,
German settlers in Pennsylvania were decorating Christmas trees with lights,
sweets, and the traditional English celebration only after the marriage of the
German Prince Albert to Queen Victoria. Today it is still a custom most widely
observed in Germany, England, and the United States."
"The
`Christmas tree' is but the modern version of the pagan custom of offering
gifts to idols. ... It is not Christian."
* * * * *
[14]
Where did the idea of kissing under the mistletoe originate?
"Mistletoe,
with the practice of kissing under it, was an item used in the rites of nimrod
to get the sexual promiscuity which accompanied this festival started. It is
interesting that mistletoe is a parasite, hardly a fitting symbol of Jesus
Christ?"
"Mistletoe
was once thought to cure disease, neutralize poisons, confound witchcraft and
cause fertility in humans and animals."
"Now
where did we get this mistletoe custom? Among the ancient pagans the mistletoe
was used at this festival of the winter solstice because it was considered
sacred to the sun, because of its supposed miraculous healing power. The pagan
custom of kissing under the mistletoe was an early step in the night of revelry
and drunken debauchery--celebrating the death of the "old sun" and
the birth of the new at the winter solstice. Mistletoe, sacred in pagan
festivals, is a parasite!"
* * * * *
[15]
Where did we get the Christmas symbols of holly, the wreath, the yule log, and
the poinsettia plant?
"Holly
berries were also considered sacred to the sun god. The yule log is in reality
the `sun log.' `Yule' means `wheel,' a pagan symbol of the sun. Yet today
professing Christmas speak of the `sacred yule-tide season'!
Even the lightning of fires and candles as a Christian ceremony is merely
a continuation of the pagan custom, encouraging the waning sun-god as he
reached the lowest place in the southern skies! The Encyclopedia America says:
`the holy, the mistletoe, the Yule log ... are relics of pre-Christian times.'
Of paganism!
The book Answers to Questions, compiled by Frederic J. Haskins, found in
public libraries, says: `the use of the Christmas wreath is believed by
authorities to be traceable to the pagan custom of decorating buildings and
places of worship at the feast which took place at the same time as our
Christmas,' also, `the Christmas tree is from Egypt, and it's origin dates from
a period long anterior to the Christian Era.'"
"Following
British custom, in America, halls are decked with boughs of holly for the sake
of beauty and tradition. In the Middle Ages, holly was thought to have
protective powers, and young maidens attached sprigs of holly to their beds on
Christmas Eve to protect themselves from evil during the coming year. Some
people believe that holly's significance at Christmas time is its symbolic
relationship to the crown of thorns worn by Christ, with the red berries
representing his blood. In keeping with this belief, in Denmark holly is called
`Christ-thorn.'"
"Holly,
so reminiscent of modern Christmas, was used by the ancient Romans to decorate
their homes when celebrating the pagan Saturnalia, a festival of wild abandon
and debauchery which lasted from December 17th to the 24th. The early
Christians sorely persecuted and frequently put to death for their beliefs,
camouflaged their homes, wherein they held sacred Christmas rites by decorating
door and windows with holly. Thus today, in the ancient tradition, we gaily
deck our halls with holly."
[16] "The
burning of the Yule (Hioul) Log is an ancient tradition among the Celtic and
Teutonic races. Centuries before the birth of Christ these peoples marked both
the summer and winter solstice by lighting the great wood fires. At the winter
celebration, or Hioul Season, the Yule log was lighted with superstitious
ceremony. The Yule log also was part of the mystic ceremonies of the ancient
Druids."
"The
Poinsettia, our most popular Christmas plant, was first brought to this country
in 1828 by Dr. Joel R. Poinsett, our first minister to Mexico, and named here
in his honor. As to the origin of the plant, the Mexicans tell of an old custom
in a certain village of placing gifts before the church's creche on Christmas
Eve. Once, a small boy, having nothing to give, knelt in prayer outside in the
snow. In the spot where he knelt, so goes the legend, a beautiful plant with
scarlet leaves sprang up, and he presented it as his gift to the Christ-child.
The Mexicans have ever since called the plant `Flor de la Noche Buena' or
`Flower of the Holy Night,' and it is thought to resemble the Star of
Bethlehem."
"While
Joel R. Poinsett was serving as United States minister to Mexico, he discovered
the gay red-and-green tropical plant that has since been named for him. In 1828
he sent a cutting of the plant to a friend in the United States. Interested
growers helped start the poinsettia in the United States, where it now
flourishes as the favorite houseplant of the Christmas season."
* * * * *
[17]
What about Santa Claus?
"The
name `Santa Claus' is a corruption of the name `St. Nicholas,' a Roman Catholic
bishop who lived in the 4th century. * * * St. Nicholas, bishop of Myra, a
saint honored by the Greeks and Latins on the 6th of December. ..."
"The
idea of a kindly man bringing presents to children at Christmas apparently goes
back to St. Nicholas in the 4th century. When only a boy, he was made bishop of
Myra in southwest Turkey and became the patron of children. Generous, wealthy
St. Nicholas is said to have secretly given three bags of gold to the daughters
of a poor nobleman who could not afford to provide dowries for them."
"Santa
Claus, the symbol of Christmas fun today, is founded upon the life of Nicholas,
bishop of the City of Myra in Asia Minor. Nicholas delighted in giving rich
dowries to the impoverished peasant girls when they married. Also, on the eve
of St. Nicholas Day, he left gifts at the homes of the poor. Of course, he soon
became a great favorite with the children. But because of such unprecedented
generosity, the local authorities frequently hounded and arrested him and all
during his life he was persecuted for behaving in a manner which could only be
regarded as irrational by the more materialistic minded."
"St.
Nicholas, the Bishop of Myra whom we know as Santa Claus, is the patron saint
and protector of many picaresque (shady) vocations. Among others he is the
patron saint of thieves and gangsters. The `Knights of St. Nicholas' is another
name for the light-fingered gentry. He is the patron saint of pawnbrokers and
their emblem is traced to him. Pirates emblazoned his likeness on their flags.
Other wards of St. Nicholas are spinsters, sailors, etc."
[18] "The
portly gentlemen with his bag full of toys for good little boys and girls did
not become a popular American folk figure until 1822 when Dr. Clement Clarke
Moore, a professor at New York's General Theological Seminary, wrote `A Visit
from St. Nicholas' for his children. Moore was the first to describe St.
Nicholas, or Santa Claus as a `right jolly old elf ... with a round belly that
shook when he laughed like a bowl full of jelly.' Four decades later,
cartoonist Thomas Nast, a German immigrant, used Moore's popular description as
the basis for a drawing of Santa Claus that appeared in Harper's Weekly."
(pictures of Nimrod and Santa Claus)
"In
the ancient Babylonian drawing of Nimrod, 2000 BC, (left) the similarity to
`Santa Claus' can be seen in the long flowing, white beard, the ornate dress,
the `reindeer,' the fir tree (the `Christmas' tree), and the wings, giving him
power to `fly through the air'!"
* * * * *
[19]
Where did the custom of Christmas gift giving originate?
"She
<Semiramis> moreover declared that on 25 December, the anniversary of
Nimrod's birth, he would visit the evergreen tree and leave gifts upon
it."
"The
fact is, this custom fastened upon people of exchanging gifts with friends and
relatives at the Christmas season has not a single trace of Christianity about
it, strange though that may seem! This does not celebrate Christ's birthday nor
honor it or Him! Suppose someone you love has a birthday. You want to honor
that person on his or her birthday. Would you lavishly buy gifts for everyone
else, trading gifts back and forth with all your other friends and loved ones,
but ignore completely any gift for the one whose birthday you are honoring?
Rather absurd, when viewed in that light, isn't it?"
"A
legend of his <St. Nicholas's> surreptitious bestowal of dowries on the
three daughters of an impoverished citizen ... is said to have originated the
old custom of giving presents in secret on the Eve of St. Nicholas (Dec. 6),
subsequently transferred to Christmas Day."
"Now
consider what the Bible says about the wise men giving gifts when Christ was
born. It is in Matthew 2:1-11. `Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea
in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to
Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? ... And when they
were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and
fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they
presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.'
Notice, they inquired for the child Jesus, who was born King of the Jews!
Now why did they present gifts to Him? Because it was His birthday? Not at all,
because they came several days or weeks <or months> after the date of His
birth! Was it to set an example for us, today, to trade gifts back and forth
among ourselves? No, notice [20] carefully! They did not exchange gifts among
themselves, but `they presented unto Him gifts.' They gave their gifts to
Christ, not to their friends, relatives, or one another!
Why? Let me quote from the Adam Clarke Commentary, volume 5, page 46:
`Verse 11. (They presented him gifts.) The people of the east never approach
the presence of kings and great personages, without a present in their hands.
The custom is often noticed in the Old Testament, and still prevails in the
east, and in some of the newly discovered South Sea Islands.'
There it is! They were not instituting a new Christian custom of
exchanging gifts with friends to honor Christ's birthday. They were following
an old and ancient eastern custom of presenting gifts to a king when they came
into his presence. They were approaching Him, born King of the Jews, in person.
Therefore custom required they present gifts--even as the Queen of Sheba
brought gifts to Solomon--even as many people today take a gift along when they
visit the White House for an appointment with the President.
No, the custom of trading gifts back and forth does not stem from this
scriptural incident at all, but rather, as quoted from history above, it is the
continuance of an ancient pagan custom. Instead of honoring Christ, it
invariably retards His Work, often sets it back, at the Christmas season every
year."
* * * * *
[21]
What can we conclude from these references?
"Our
modern Christmas draws on all mankind for certain elements of its observance.
As a result, it has become a strange medley of religious and pagan rites."
"Through
the year, parents punish their children for telling falsehoods. Then, at
Christmas time, they themselves tell their little children this `Santa Claus'
lie! Is it any wonder many of them, when they grow up and learn the truth,
begin to believe God is a myth, too?
One little fellow, sadly disillusioned about `Santa Claus,' said to a
playmate, `Yes, and I'm going to look into this Jesus Christ business, too!' Is
it Christian to teach children myths and falsehoods? God says, `Thou shalt not
bear false witness!' It may seem right, and be justified by human reason, but
God says, `There is a way that seemeth right to a man, but the end thereof are
the ways of death!' `Old Nick' also is a term for the devil! Is there a
connection? Satan appears as an `angel of light,' to deceive! (II Cor. 11:14;
Rev. 12:9)
And so when we examine the facts, we are astonished to learn that the
practice of observing Christmas is not, after all, a true Christian practice,
but a pagan custom--one of the ways of Babylon our people have fallen
into!"
"...
I have wondered if Jesus is really pleased with the way we celebrate His birth.
I don't want to lose the spirit of giving, sharing, and the anticipation of the
unexpected, but to be caught in the grip of a Santa Claus commercialism that
pressures us into debt and heartache and the feeling of `I must get you
something because you got something for me' is quite another thing. Christmas
carol music is beautiful and tells us about the Savior, but a flying red-nosed
reindeer has nothing to do with Jesus.
Is the Lord happy with the frustration, tension, and doubt that we have
let creep into the celebration of the anniversary of His birth?
[22] I
don't feel that another personage should be sharing the birth of Jesus, even
though he is pictured as generous and kind. Most important of all, I don't
think children should be faced with any kind of myth that would in any way
cause them to doubt the reality of Jesus Christ."
"Christmas
has become a commercial season. It's sponsored, kept alive, by the heaviest
retail advertising campaigns of the year. You see a masqueraded `Santa Claus'
in many stores. Ads keep us deluded and deceived about the `beautiful Christmas
spirit.' The newspapers, who sell the ads, print flowery editorials exalting
and eulogizing the pagan season, and its `spirit.' A gullible people has become
so inoculated, many take offense when told the truth. But the `Christmas
spirit' is created each year, not to honor Christ, but to sell merchandise!
Like all Satan's delusions, it appears as an `angel of the light,' is made to
appear good. Billions of dollars are spent in this merchandising spree every
year, while the cause of Christ must suffer! It's part of the economic system
of Babylon!"
"It
must be argued that these customs are harmless as long as their observance is
centered in Christ. This would seem like a reasonable argument, but it is
contrary to the word of God. Remember that he says, `My thoughts are not your
thoughts,' (Isaiah 55:8) and this case is a classic example. What seem like
harmless Christmas observances to the minds of men are abominations in the eyes
of God."
"Is
it possible ... to toy with the observance of Christmas while still claiming to
be a Christian? Worst of all is to observe these days to accommodate relatives
and friends. Such a watering down of our Christian witness can only make us
guilty if they do not embrace the gospel of Christ. Far better to bear a
positive witness of the name of our Lord. To honor Nimrod at this season by the
sending of greeting cards, gifts, the decorating of homes with pagan symbols,
etc., is an abomination in the eyes of God and cannot be accepted by Him from
those professing to bear His name before the nations."
[23] "My
Christian friend, leave this pagan ritual--you will be amazed and delighted at
the serenity and rest that emotions of `Christmas.' And teach your children the
truth. You will see the new respect they have for you, and for Christ. God will
honor those who honor Him. God will prove in your children and grandchildren
his promise, `Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he
will not depart from it.'"
* * * * *
[24]
What is the real story of the birth of Jesus?
"It
was early in April, in the year of the Romans, 753, that Joseph and Mary came
to Bethlehem. * * *
The
exact date of these events was not certainly known until 1830 when the Lord
affirmed that April 6th of that year marked one thousand eight hundred and
thirty years since the Savior was born in the flesh. (See. Doc. & Cov.
20:1) * * *
In
Palestine, however, the Jews were allowed to follow their ancient custom of
returning to the region of their forefathers to be registered. For this reason
Mary and Joseph had come to Bethlehem.
Being
of modest circumstance and because Mary's delicate condition required that they
travel slowly, Joseph and Mary did not arrive in the vicinity of Bethlehem
until long after that notable city had begun to overflow with large crowds from
much less distant regions. Jerusalem itself was only six miles away, and
unaccommodated crowds from the national capital added to the congestion at
Bethlehem. In fact, this was also the season for the feast of the passover.
This alone would bring tens of thousands to Jerusalem and nearby communities like
Bethlehem. * * *
As
Joseph and Mary neared the end of this long journey, they passed flocks of
sheep grazing upon the hills. Here their great ancestor, David, had tended
flocks in his youth. Here Ruth, their maternal ancestor, had gleaned the fields
of grain. * * *
But
the City of David did not welcome them. As they threaded their way among the
teeming crowds of Bethlehem, Joseph must have felt increasing apprehension.
Where would they stay? Everywhere they met with the same rebuff: `No room!' * *
*
[25] Overwhelmed
with anxiety, Joseph was finally forced to accept what he normally would have
rejected with disgust. A stable. His souls must have been harrowed to the quick
as he led his trembling young wife into this humble abode made for cattle. In
haste he prepared for her the most meager semblance of comfort. No doubt he
secured what help he could from the nearby inn, but at least it would have been
grossly inadequate. No other king was ever born into the world under so humble
a circumstance. * * *
Only
a mile distant, hovering near the outskirts of the city, certain angels
prepared to make their presence known. Shepherds, abiding in the fields and
watching their flocks by night, were chosen to be the recipients of a
magnificent vision. It commenced the very moment mary's precious infant was
born. Immediately the shepherds saw the veil of mortality sheared back, and an
angel stood before them with a glory which enveloped the scene in a radiant
light. * * *
At
such a moment the hosts of heaven could be held back on longer. The majestic
choir of former-day saints burst into song. the shepherds heard them sing:
`Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'
When
the vision closed, the shepherds left immediately to go into the town and seek
out the location of `the child lying in a manger.' Perhaps the flickering flame
of a tallow lamp sent its rays into the night to guide them to the stable's
portals. And when they had gathered round, they found the babe truly wrapped in
swaddling clothes and cradled in a manger. * * *
When
the Shepherds finally left the stable, they ran swiftly to awaken their friends
and neighbors. To all who would listen they related the wonderful night vision
and the things they had been told concerning this newborn child. But the people
were not impressed. The scripture [26] says they merely `wondered.'
Nevertheless, this did not dampen the ardor of the shepherds. They returned to
their flocks `glorifying and praising God for all the thing they had head and
seen.' * * *
And
where were the Wise Men? Although Christmas pageants have it otherwise, there
were no Wise Men present on the night of nativity. In fact, their homeland was
far away to `the East.' During the early hours of this first Christmas morning
they, like the Nephites, were in their own country rejoicing at the sudden
appearance of a great new star in the heavens. The prophets had said this star
was the sign by which they would know that the Savior was born.* {* Interesting
Note: "An ancient writing by a scribe known only as `Seth' tells of a
succession of 12 learned Men of the East who watched for centuries for the
appearance of the beneficent star. When one of them died, a son was appointed
to his place. Night after night they watched in shifts with eyes anxiously
scanning the heavens, generation after generation, lest they fail to see the
rise of the prophesied Star of the East. Although church tradition names only
three wise men, both St. Augustine and St. Chrysostom states that there were
12."} Therefore, the Wise Men promptly prepared to depart for the land of
Palestine. They wanted to see this wonderful child and give him their gifts of
devotion. But it was a long journey. As we shall see in a moment, the scripture
is plain that it was weeks or perhaps even months before the Wise Men arrived
in Bethlehem.
Meanwhile
Mary and Joseph prepared to fulfill the laws and ordinances prescribed for a
newborn child. When the baby was eight days old, he was taken to the priest for
naming. The name which they gave him was `Joshua.' This was a common name among
the Jews, but it was the name the angel had designated. In later life the
people called him `Joshua of Nazareth' to distinguish him from all [27] other
men bearing the same name. Today we call him `Jesus.' But `Jesus' is simply the
modified Greek equivalent for the name of Joshua. * * *
Following
this, Mary waited and rested for thirty-two days until the prescribed period of
`purification' was accomplished. Then Joseph and Mary made the six-mile journey
into Jerusalem to present Jesus in the temple. Dedicating this first-born son
to the service of God was one of the requirements of the law of Moses. <Both
Simeon and Anna beheld the infant Savior on this occasion.> * * *
Following
the ceremony, Joseph and Mary returned with Jesus to Bethlehem. By this time
they had obtained residence in `a house' which Matthew specifically mentions.
Now
it was sometime after this that wise men came to Jerusalem seeking the newborn
King of the Jews. * * *
Speedily
and at night they made their way to Bethlehem. Enroute they rejoiced to behold
once again the same brilliant star which they had previously seen in their own
country marking the date of the Savior's birth. They seemed to be led to the
place where he was, but it did not turn out to be a stable. Joseph and Mary had
long since found better accommodations. Matthew says the Wise Men went into
`the house' and there they knelt before the child and worshipped him. Then they
opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and
myrrh. * * *
We
know nothing more about them, neither their names, their number nor their
nationality. All else that has been said about them is fiction. Their only mark
left on the pages of history comprises less than a dozen verses of scripture. *
* *
[28] Since
Herod had specifically asked the Wise Men when the star first appeared which
signified the Savior's birth, it is significant that he ordered all children to
be slain who were under two years of age. <Herod must have been convinced
Jesus was possibly nearly two years old when the Wise Men arrived, otherwise
the killing of two-year-olds would make no sense.> * * *
Here,
then, we conclude the known history of `Christmas.' All else that is added is
man's homemade invention. . . . But with it all, the most important thing still
survives--the spirit of peace on earth, good will toward men. * * *
Not
far from us and surrounded by His legions of heavenly hosts, this same Jesus
works today toward the time when He will come back to the earth. It will be a
glorious day, perhaps much nearer than we think, and when it arrives, men will
call it the Millennium--a season of peace on earth that will last a thousand
years."
<Taken
from The Real Story of Christmas by Cleon Skousen.>
* * * * *
[29]
EPILOGUE
What,
then, is the true origin behind Christmas? Christianity or paganism? By now,
the answer must be obvious!
To
most readers, however, this information will make no difference in the
celebration of their Christmas holiday. There will still be the decorated tree,
greeting cards, expensive gift-giving, etc. But hopefully some will give all
this a second thought before getting so carried away with the commercial
"Christmas spirit." (This 1986 season, over $32 billion was spent by
Americans for Christmas!)
Does
the Savior even wish us to recognize His birth on a certain day every year?
Apparently birthdays were not important during the time He was on earth, as the
writers of the New Testament made no mention of them. Maybe a special
celebration on the actual day (whether in December or April) is not required or
even approved.
So,
then, how can we as Christians honor and show our love for Christ? Certainly it
would not be by the things we do one day out of the year! The Savior Himself
gave us an answer:
Verily
I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my
brethren, ye have done it unto me.
For
I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat;
I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink;
I was a stranger, and ye took me in;
Naked, and ye clothed me;
I was sick, and ye visited me;
I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
Verily
I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it NOT to one of the least of these, ye did
it NOT to me.(Matthew 25:35,36,40,45)
[30] The
search is not difficult to find some of our fellowmen that need attention and
help. The opportunity for loving and serving others is there on a DAILY basis.
What better way to show our love for the Savior than to help our "brothers
and sisters" here on earth--especially in the ways mentioned in Matthew;
for when we do this, we have done it unto Him.
* * * *
[31]
BIBLIOGRAPHY
The
quotations included in this pamphlet have been taken from the following
publications:
The
Plain Truth about Christmas, Herbert W. Armstrong
Pagan
Holidays or God's Holy Days--Which?, Herbert W. Armstrong
"Answers
to Short Questions," The Plain Truth Magazine, Dec. 1968, pp. 29-31
Nimrod
versus Christ--Which god do you worship? (author unknown)
The
First 2,000 Years, Cleon Skousen
The
Real Story of Christmas, Cleon Skousen
"The
Mysteries of Christmas," Fate Magazine, Jan. 1960, pp. 38-44 "What
Shall We Do with Santa Claus?", Gordon S. Hinckley, Ensign Magazine, Dec. 1976, pp.
39-42
Is
Christmas Christian?, Sheldon Emry
Ripley's
Believe It or Not, 2nd series
A
large variety of current encyclopedias.
* * * * *
* * *
*
--
"But we ask, does it remain for a people who never had faith enough to
call down one scrap of revelation from heaven, and for all they have now are
indebted to the faith of another people...does it remain for them to say how
much God has spoken and how much He has not spoken?" Joseph Smith
