Christmas History

Christmas history is very interesting, and when explored, the origins of Christmas reveal many age-old practices that have their roots in religious practices and rituals that pre-date the birth of Christ. While most Christians understand the purpose of the Christmas celebration, a look into our past Church history and the origins of Christmas can help Christians decipher fact from fiction, and sharpen their Biblical skills. Test your knowledge of holiday facts with our Christmas Quiz.

In the Old Testament, God's prophets warned Israel against serving other gods and participating in idolatry worship. God's judgment burned against Israel when the nation failed to uphold her covenant with Him. "And they went and served other gods, and worshipped them, gods whom they knew not, and whom he had not given them. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against this land, to bring it all the curses that are written in this book." (Deuteronomy 29: 26-27) Jeremiah 10: 2-5 explains in detail what one of the idolatry practices included. "For the customs of the people are vain; for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not." (Jeremiah 10:3-4)

Christmas history reveals that during the Pagan practices of Rome, Romans worshipped the sun god, Nimrod. During the beginning winter months of shortened daylight, the Romans believed that this was a "death sign" of the sun god. At the end of the shorter day-span period, usually around December 24, the Pagans would burn a Yule log in the fire, and this log was replaced the very next day with an evergreen, cut from the forest and mounted inside the home. Decorations adorned the tree in worship of the sun god's resurrection through his son, Tammuz. The origins of Christmas trees are in the evergreen tree that was the symbol of life returning to the land through the warmth of the sun.

The origins of Christmas mistletoe are in fertility rituals and mysterious blessings by ancient Celtic priests, or Druids. The Christmas history of holly wreaths are steeped in evergreen boughs that were blessed by catholic priests, promising blessings upon the household and all guests. And, the Yule tide Christmas history equates to the burning of the Yule log, which in Chaldean means "infant log". There are many more origins of Christmas truths to discover and many Christmas history facts surrounding Christmas trees, Santa Clause, and the eight reindeer. Click the link to take a cool quiz on Christmas.

When Christians use the Bible as their ultimate guide to worship and the ultimate guide to the will of God, we find that Christmas history and its origins reveal a mix of Christian beliefs and ancient spiritualisms. The Word of God can guide to the ultimate worship practice of our King, and teach us to separate fact from fiction, truths from lies. "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." (2 Timothy 3: 16,17). This year, sharpen your family's focus and teach the real origins of Christmas to your family, using God's word as the ultimate source of truth.

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