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     called Senior Member Username: called Post Number: 1751 Registered: 4-2006 Posted From: 222.127.228.8 |
Christ-mass is an abomination from hell A true faithful follower of Christ/Messiah has no business whatsoever celebrating the Roman Catholic pagan holyday Christ-mass, its not only unbiblical its an abomination in the sight of God point blank! God all mighty strictly warns us through the prophet Jeremiah to stay the hell away from any form of paganism and not to even learn the way of the heathen/pagan, for their customs are vain/worthless, Jeremiah 10 1Hear ye the word which the LORD speaketh unto you, O house of Israel: 2Thus 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. 3For 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. 4They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers that it move not. 5They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good. Not only have we spite in Gods face by deliberately ignoring this warning of the prophet Jeremiah , but we turn right around and openly/willing adopt this sun-god worshiping pagan festival, knowing full well that it is 100% against the living word of God and God himself. No where in 27 books of the NT Canon can we find anyone anywhere at anytime celebrating the birth or resurrection of Christ in anyway shape or form, so for you to go along with this man made tradition of the world brought in by the RCC, is to go outside the living word of God which is apostasy in its strongest form because your following another gospel of another Christ the apostle Paul strictly warned us of this in Gal 1:6-12 6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. | ||
| called Senior Member Username: called Post Number: 1752 Registered: 4-2006 Posted From: 222.127.228.8 |
9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. 10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. 11 But I certify you, brethren that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ And you damn sure have not received any little 3 point 2 Christmas sermons from the apostles have you? Mary the mother of Christ almighty himself never ever celebrated the birth of her own son nor did the apostles who ate with him, wept with him, slept with him ever celebrate the birth of their Lord and Master their King their savior, the roman catholic church, the great whore of Babylon brought this man made holyday into the apostate church in the 4th century, the mother whore has no right nor power whatsoever to create a holyday, only God almighty can create something holy, so don’t even think of using Col 2:16 to try and justify yourselves, the apostle Paul commands us in Romans 16:17-19 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. 19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil And celebrating this demandable holiday is 100% contrary to the doctrine we have learned from the apostles themselves, because we are strictly taught by the apostle Paul to celebrate the death of Christ through Passover, 1 Cor 5:7-8 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us: 8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. Not the bith or reseraction of Christ in anyway shape or form, | ||
| called Senior Member Username: called Post Number: 1753 Registered: 4-2006 Posted From: 222.127.228.8 |
So if you want to go along with the world and celebrate its Roman Catholic paganism fine, but don’t insult God by calling yourself a Christian or follower of Christ/Messiah. Call yourself what you truly are and apostate Roman Catholic or one of her little lost daughters a protestant which has nothing whatsoever to do with the true body of Christ or the faith that was birthed out of the book of acts over 2000 years ago. Come out from among them and touch not the unclean thing and I shall receive you!!! Col 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Professing Christians need to seriously start obeying the one and only true gospel of Christ word for word as it is written without going outside of it in anyway shape or form! 2 Thess 7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. 11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: 12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Either follow this apostate worldly church system or follow the living word of God word for word as it is written, you can’t have your cake and eat it to, its either one or the other, chose this day whom you will serve Happy Holidays Pastor Johnny J Christen | ||
| called Senior Member Username: called Post Number: 1754 Registered: 4-2006 Posted From: 222.127.228.8 |
I have a question for all of you ok! Can you find anyone, man or women, Jew or gentile, anywhere at anytime celebrating the birth or resurrection of Christ almighty in the Holy Scriptures {YES OR NO ONLY PLEASE!!!? If {NO} than what the hell are you doing joining in and practicing something that is 100% outside of scripture and brought in by the pagan RCC the Great Whore 400 years after the death of Christ on the birth date of their Sun-gods? Are you Roman Catholic? Are you an apostate pagan Sun-god worshipers? If the apostate RCC didn’t create it and bring it into their false pagan religious system in the fourth century you wouldn’t be celebrating it today would you? Please wake up!!!!!!!!!! | ||
| called Senior Member Username: called Post Number: 1755 Registered: 4-2006 Posted From: 222.127.228.8 |
Should Christians Celebrate Christmas? Charles Halff, Director The Christian Jew Foundation What a Christian Jew has to say about Christmas... Up until 25 years ago, I used to celebrate Christmas as much as - or even more than - any Gentile. You might think that is strange since I was born and raised in a Jewish home. But my family always had a Christmas tree every year because it was the popular thing to do. We had ornaments, mistletoe, holly wreaths, presents and everything else that goes along with the Christmas celebration. You see, Jewish people celebrate Christmas today, not because of Christ's birthday, but because it is popular tradition and part of our present-day culture. It's as American as apple pie and hamburgers. And I observed Christmas for nearly 22 years of my life, until God opened my eyes to see the falseness of this pagan holiday. It's not because I'm a Jew that I don't celebrate Christmas now. That has nothing to do with it. Let me tell you the real reasons why I no longer observe this pagan holiday. http://www.eaec.org/bibleanswers/christmas/christians_and_christmas.htm | ||
| saygoodnightgracie Intermediate Member Username: saygoodnightgracie Post Number: 424 Registered: 5-2005 Posted From: 72.64.222.101 |
Merry Christmas Called!!! | ||
| turtle Senior Member Username: turtle Post Number: 1707 Registered: 9-2005 Posted From: 72.66.229.201 |
Hello Mr. Grinch (called) Let us enjoy it you do not have to, but I would of shared my dinner but I am not having nothing fancy. Merry Christmas. Remember Jesus is the reason for this celebration despite what history says. It is matter of the heart. | ||
| plantseeds New member Username: plantseeds Post Number: 1 Registered: 12-2007 Posted From: 4.158.219.117 |
Luke 2:13-14 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill toward men. | ||
| granite Intermediate Member Username: granite Post Number: 213 Registered: 4-2006 Posted From: 72.24.207.240 |
I was dismayed to see the flagship church of the Pentecostal Church of God, which is next door to me here in Joplin MO, having a midnight 'service' last night. While it is true that the High Protestant churches have been doing these types of Catholic things for a long time (confirmation, Ash Wednesday/Good Friday, baptizing babies, etc.), when you study and begin to understand the sinister nature of the "midnight mass," and the significance of having it at midnight, it is just pathetic to see Baptist or Pentecostal churches behaving in this way. http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False%20Religions/Roman%20Catholicism/ | ||
| easeltine Senior Member Username: easeltine Post Number: 1812 Registered: 5-2005 Posted From: 76.202.193.129 |
Pastor Johnny, Don't be a Scrooge. “If I could work my will, every idiot who goes about with "Merry Christmas" on his lips, should be boiled with his own pudding, and buried with a stake of holly through his heart." - Scrooge The purpose of Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." - John 3:16-17 If you were in my area today we would most certainly would invite you to come to our house for dinner. | ||
| matt_hatter Senior Member Username: matt_hatter Post Number: 4394 Registered: 5-2006 Posted From: 24.214.93.12 |
A very Merry Christmas to you Ebenezer Called. Factnet can be a dreadful place sometimes...the ax grinders make it that way. | ||
| called Senior Member Username: called Post Number: 1756 Registered: 4-2006 Posted From: 124.6.163.187 |
easeltine I respect you because you always had nothing but respect for me, but Roman Catholic Christmas has nothing whatsoever to do with the birth of Christ! You Protestants are nothing more than puppets on a string dancing to the tone of the RCC, what ever was not taught or practiced in the first century church by the apostles themselves damn sure should not be taught or practiced today point blank, its called apostasy because you got to go completely outside the living word of God to do so, And its an abomination in the sight of God, your following another gospel of another Christ why can’t you guys get that in your thick heads! The only reason you celebrate Christ-mass at all is because the RCC {created it} and brought it in the apostate church in the 4th century! The same reason you now rest and worship on pagan Sunday, celebrate Easter and baptize in the trinity, its all straight from Satan himself please wake up! WHY WOULD YOU TEACH OR PRACTICE ANYTHING WHATSOEVER THAT WAS NEVER EVER TAUGHT OR PRACTICED IN THE SCRIPTURES BY THE APOSTLES THEMSELFS! WHAT GOD DO YOU SERVE??? | ||
| called Senior Member Username: called Post Number: 1757 Registered: 4-2006 Posted From: 124.6.163.187 |
The angel came to Mary in the 6th month {June} and told Mary she was pregnant right? Mary went straight to her cousin Elisabeth who was 6 months pregnant already right? Which means john the Baptist would be born exactly 3 months later in Sept right? We know that john the Baptist came into the world to prepare a way for Christ 6 month’s earlier right? Which means Christ would be born exactly 6 months after john which was born in sept, now count 6 months from sept and see what you come up with ok!!! Oct. nov. dec, jan, feb march!!! Christ was born in March that’s why he is associated with the fish Pisces | ||
| mcmstaff78 Senior Member Username: mcmstaff78 Post Number: 2088 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 24.99.130.74 |
The Nativity of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, was born of the Most Holy Virgin Mary in the city of Bethlehem during the reign of the emperor Augustus (Octavian). Caesar Augustus decreed that a universal census be made throughout his Empire, which then also included Palestinian Israel. The Jews were accustomed to be counted in the city from where their family came. The Most Holy Virgin and the Righteous Joseph, since they were descended from the house and lineage of King David, had to go to Bethlehem to be counted and taxed. In Bethlehem they found no room at any of the city's inns. Thus, the God-Man, the Savior of the world, was born in a cave that was used as a stable. "I behold a strange and most glorious mystery," the Church sings with awe, "Heaven, a Cave; the Virgin the Throne of the Cherubim; the Manger a room, in which Christ, the God Whom nothing can contain is laid." (Irmos of the 9th Ode of the Nativity Canon). Having given birth to the divine Infant without travail, the Most Holy Virgin "wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger" (Luke 2:7). In the stillness of midnight (Wisdom of Solomon 18:14-15), the proclamation of the birth of the Savior of the world was heard by three shepherds watching their flocks by night. An angel of the Lord (St Cyprian says this was Gabriel) came before them and said: "Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:10-11). The humble shepherds were the first to offer worship to Him Who condescended to assume the form of a humble servant for the salvation of mankind. Besides the glad tidings to the Bethlehem shepherds, the Nativity of Christ was revealed to the Magi by a wondrous star. St John Chrysostom and St Theophylactus, commenting on St Matthew's Gospel, say that this was no ordinary star. Rather, it was "a divine and angelic power that appeared in the form of a star." St Demetrius of Rostov says it was a "manifestation of divine energy" (Narrative of the Adoration of the Magi). Entering the house where the Infant lay, the Magi "fell down, and worshipped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented Him gifts: gold, and frankincense, and myrrh" (Mt 2:11). The present Feast, commemorating the Nativity in the flesh of our Lord Jesus Christ, was established by the Church. Its origin goes back to the time of the Apostles. In the Apostolic Constitutions (Section 3, 13) it says, "Brethren, observe the feastdays; and first of all the Birth of Christ, which you are to celebrate on the twenty-fifth day of the ninth month." In another place it also says, "Celebrate the day of the Nativity of Christ, on which unseen grace is given man by the birth of the Word of God from the Virgin Mary for the salvation of the world." In the second century St Clement of Alexandria also indicates that the day of the Nativity of Christ is December 25. In the third century St Hippolytus of Rome mentions the Feast of the Nativity of Christ, and appoints the Gospel readings for this day from the opening chapters of St Matthew. (Continued...) | ||
| mcmstaff78 Senior Member Username: mcmstaff78 Post Number: 2089 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 24.99.130.74 |
In 302, during the persecution of Christians by Maximian, 20,000 Christians of Nicomedia (December 28) were burned in church on the very Feast of the Nativity of Christ. In that same century, after the persecution when the Church had received freedom of religion and had become the official religion in the Roman Empire, we find the Feast of the Nativity of Christ observed throughout the entire Church. There is evidence of this in the works of St Ephraim the Syrian, St Basil the Great, St Gregory the Theologian, St Gregory of Nyssa, St Ambrose of Milan, St John Chrysostom and other Fathers of the Church of the fourth century. St John Chrysostom, in a sermon which he gave in the year 385, points out that the Feast of the Nativity of Christ is ancient, and indeed very ancient. In this same century, at the Cave of Bethlehem, made famous by the Birth of Jesus Christ, the empress St Helen built a church, which her mighty son Constantine adorned after her death. In the Codex of the emperor Theodosius from 438, and of the emperor Justinian in 535, the universal celebration of the day of the Nativity of Christ was decreed by law. Thus, Nicephorus Callistus, a writer of the fourteenth century, says in his History that in the sixth century, the emperor Justinian established the celebration of the Nativity of Christ throughout all the world. Patriarch Anatolius of Constantinople in the fifth century, Sophronius and Andrew of Jerusalem in the seventh, Sts John of Damascus, Cosmas of Maium and Patriarch Germanus of Constantinople in the eighth, the Nun Cassiane in the ninth, and others whose names are unknown, wrote many sacred hymns for the Feast of the Nativity of Christ, which are still sung by the Church on this radiant festival. During the first three centuries, in the Churches of Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria and Cyprus, the Nativity of Christ was combined together with the Feast of His Baptism on January 6, and called "Theophany" ("Manifestation of God"). This was because of a belief that Christ was baptized on anniversary of His birth, which may be inferred from St John Chrysostom's sermon on the Nativity of Christ: "it is not the day on which Christ was born which is called Theophany, but rather that day on which He was baptized." In support of such a view, it is possible to cite the words of the Evangelist Luke who says that "Jesus began to be about thirty years of age" (Luke 3:23) when He was baptized. The joint celebration of the Nativity of Christ and His Theophany continued to the end of the fourth century in certain Eastern Churches, and until the fifth or sixth century in others. The present order of services preserves the memory of the ancient joint celebration of the Feasts of the Nativity of Christ and Theophany. On the eve of both Feasts, there is a similar tradition that one should fast until the stars appear. The order of divine services on the eve of both feastdays and the feastdays themselves is the same. (Continued...) | ||
| mcmstaff78 Senior Member Username: mcmstaff78 Post Number: 2090 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 24.99.130.74 |
The Nativity of Christ has long been counted as one of the Twelve Great Feasts. It is one of the greatest, most joyful and wondrous events in the history of the world. The angel said to the shepherds, "Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Then suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly hosts, glorifying God and saying: Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Those who heard these things were astonished at what the shepherds told them concerning the Child. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen" (Luke 2:10-20). Thus the Nativity of Christ, a most profound and extraordinary event, was accompanied by the wondrous tidings proclaimed to the shepherds and to the Magi. This is a cause of universal rejoicing for all mankind, "for the Savior is Born!" Concurring with the witness of the Gospel, the Fathers of the Church, in their God-inspired writings, describe the Feast of the Nativity of Christ as most profound, and joyous, serving as the basis and foundation for all the other Feasts. Christ is Born! Glorify Him!} | ||
| called Senior Member Username: called Post Number: 1758 Registered: 4-2006 Posted From: 124.6.163.187 |
The angel said to the shepherds, "Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Then suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly hosts, glorifying God and saying: Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Those who heard these things were astonished at what the shepherds told them concerning the Child. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen" (Luke 2:10-20). Ya but they didn’t run onto the woods and start cutting down evergreen trees and decorating them with silver and gold screaming marry CHRIST-MASS and handing out gifts to each other did they? This is all 100% Roman Catholic pagan Sun-god worshiping traditions which is an abomination in the sight of God. You can not add or take away from the scriptures and that’s exactly the Pagan RCC is doing here just as she has always done Brother, | ||
| called Senior Member Username: called Post Number: 1759 Registered: 4-2006 Posted From: 124.6.163.187 |
Hi Brother granite You can clearly see that NONE of the denominations Sects or splinter groups of then are of God, their nothing more than daughters of the great whore! But people will never ever accept that!!! | ||
| called Senior Member Username: called Post Number: 1760 Registered: 4-2006 Posted From: 124.6.163.187 |
Hi Brother granite You can clearly see that NONE of the denominations Sects or splinter groups of then are of God, their nothing more than daughters of the great whore! But people will never ever accept that!!! | ||
| lc_20 Advanced Member Username: lc_20 Post Number: 847 Registered: 9-2005 Posted From: 64.12.117.202 |
Hi Called. I think the tree decorating issue came up prior to the catholic religion. Maybe you should just celebrate christmas without a tree. There is much to celebrate! Jeremiah 10:2-4 Thus says the LORD, "Do not learn the way of the nations, And do not be terrified by the signs of the heavens Although the nations are terrified by them; For the customs of the peoples are delusion; Because it is wood cut from the forest, The work of the hands of a craftsman with a cutting tool. "They decorate it with silver and with gold; They fasten it with nails and with hammers So that it will not totter. | ||
| called Senior Member Username: called Post Number: 1761 Registered: 4-2006 Posted From: 124.6.163.187 |
lc_20 was the bith or Resurrection of christ Celebrated by anyone anywhere at anytime in the scriptures??? before the RCC came in??? | ||
| called Senior Member Username: called Post Number: 1762 Registered: 4-2006 Posted From: 124.6.163.187 |
lc_20 was the bith or Resurrection of christ Celebrated by anyone anywhere at anytime in the scriptures??? before the RCC came in??? | ||
| lc_20 Advanced Member Username: lc_20 Post Number: 848 Registered: 9-2005 Posted From: 64.12.117.202 |
Called - Did you read mcmstaff78's post? Sounds like the wisemen and the angels had a big party. Have you ever celebrated your own birthday? It would be fairly hypocritical to slam someone for celebrating Jesus's birthday if you are running around looking for cake and gifts on your own birth day? Honestly, I don't really care who started the celebration. Party on. | ||
| called Senior Member Username: called Post Number: 1763 Registered: 4-2006 Posted From: 124.6.163.187 |
You do what you want but ill stick to pure scripture as it is written! Christ-mass Easter and Sunday rest and worship is pure Paganism point blank!!! | ||
| called Senior Member Username: called Post Number: 1764 Registered: 4-2006 Posted From: 124.6.163.187 |
mcmstaff78 is a Roman Catholic which has nothing whatsoever to do with true biblical christianity! | ||
| lc_20 Advanced Member Username: lc_20 Post Number: 850 Registered: 9-2005 Posted From: 64.12.117.202 |
You didn't answer my question? Do you celebrate your own birthday? | ||
| granite Intermediate Member Username: granite Post Number: 214 Registered: 4-2006 Posted From: 72.24.207.240 |
Bro Johnny: I agree with you 100%!! Christ-massacre, or the killing of Christ at midnight on his purported birthday, is a feast originating in sinister idolatry, and should be ignored, abhorred, and detested by all true Christians. The very name carries the same spirit as Herod, who attempted to kill him as soon as he was born. Just one thing though -- June is the 6th month on our calendar, but June is NOT the 6th month in the Bible because their New Year does not start at the same as our "New Year's Day." The best information I have seen agrees that Yahshua's birth took place in early October, probably corresponding to the time of the Feast of Tabernacles, when "the Word became flesh and dwelt (tabernacled) among us." (John 1:14) One thing we know for sure is that Dec. 25 could not possibly have been his birthday. Some have speculated that Christ may have been CONCEIVED on Dec. 25, and this is entirely within the realm of Scriptural possibility. Speculation, however, is not important because if God had wanted us to observe Christ's birth He would have commanded us to do it. He not only did not do that, but also concealed that date from us because He never wanted the church to adopt a pagan holiday and heathen customs to celebrate the nativity. The Feast of Tabernacles covers it well! "After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall ye not do: NEITHER SHALL YE WALK IN THEIR ORDINANCES." - Lev. 18:3 X-mass is a forbidden ordinance of the heathen, with all of its sundry accouterments. Deut. 12:30, 2 Kings 17:15, Jer. 10:2, Ezek. 20:39, Eph. 4:17 - Les tracts@juno.com | ||
| called Senior Member Username: called Post Number: 1765 Registered: 4-2006 Posted From: 124.6.163.187 |
Yes Brother I totally agree and I was only using June according to our roman catholic calendar, but your point is definitely taken, I am a very sick man Brother with Lupus, COPD, hipper active thyroid, among other things but I am slowly building a church house in a village that has running water phone lines for my computer and its near the police station, the hospital and market, it should be finished sometime between feb and march God willing! By that time I will open up my new website and message board, I would love to have you join me and for you to share your ideas with me, ill be working fulltime ministry out of my office their praise God because I wont have to come out in the hot sun to computer cafes anylonger! Ill let you know step by step ok brother Please continue to pray for my Health, Family and Ministry as am praying for yours Yours in Messiah Johnny pastorchristen@yahoo.com | ||
| called Senior Member Username: called Post Number: 1766 Registered: 4-2006 Posted From: 124.6.163.187 |
No one knows what day Jesus Christ was born on. From the biblical description, most historians believe that his birth probably occurred in September, approximately six months after Passover. One thing they agree on is that it is very unlikely that Jesus was born in December, since the bible records shepherds tending their sheep in the fields on that night. This is quite unlikely to have happened during a cold Judean winter. So why do we celebrate Christ’s birthday as Christmas, on December the 25th? The answer lies in the pagan origins of Christmas. In ancient Babylon, the feast of the Son of Isis (Goddess of Nature) was celebrated on December 25. Raucous partying, gluttonous eating and drinking, and gift-giving were traditions of this feast. In Rome, the Winter Solstice was celebrated many years before the birth of Christ. The Romans called their winter holiday Saturnalia, honoring Saturn, the God of Agriculture. In January, they observed the Kalends of January, which represented the triumph of life over death. This whole season was called Dies Natalis Invicti Solis, the Birthday of the Unconquered Sun. The festival season was marked by much merrymaking. It is in ancient Rome that the tradition of the Mummers was born. The Mummers were groups of costumed singers and dancers who traveled from house to house entertaining their neighbors. From this, the Christmas tradition of caroling was born. In northern Europe, many other traditions that we now consider part of Christian worship were begun long before the participants had ever heard of Christ. The pagans of northern Europe celebrated the their own winter solstice, known as Yule. Yule was symbolic of the pagan Sun God, Mithras, being born, and was observed on the shortest day of the year. As the Sun God grew and matured, the days became longer and warmer. It was customary to light a candle to encourage Mithras, and the sun, to reappear next year. Huge Yule logs were burned in honor of the sun. The word Yule itself means “wheel,” the wheel being a pagan symbol for the sun. Mistletoe was considered a sacred plant, and the custom of kissing under the mistletoe began as a fertility ritual. Hollyberries were thought to be a food of the gods. The tree is the one symbol that unites almost all the northern European winter solstices. Live evergreen trees were often brought into homes during the harsh winters as a reminder to inhabitants that soon their crops would grow again. Evergreen boughs were sometimes carried as totems of good luck and were often present at weddings, representing fertility. The Druids used the tree as a religious symbol, holding their sacred ceremonies while surrounding and worshipping huge trees. In 350, Pope Julius I declared that Christ’s birth would be celebrated on December 25. There is little doubt that he was trying to make it as painless as possible for pagan Romans (who remained a majority at that time) to convert to Christianity. The new religion went down a bit easier, knowing that their feasts would not be taken away from them. Christmas (Christ-Mass) as we know it today, most historians agree, began in Germany, though Catholics and Lutherans still disagree about which church celebrated it first. The earliest record of an evergreen being decorated in a Christian celebration was in 1521 in the Alsace region of Germany. A prominent Lutheran minister of the day cried blasphemy: “Better that they should look to the true tree of life, Christ.” The controversy continues even today in some fundamentalist sects. | ||
| called Senior Member Username: called Post Number: 1767 Registered: 4-2006 Posted From: 124.6.163.187 |
December 25th instituted as a Christian holy day A star cult, sun-worship, became (in the third century A.D.) the dominant official creed, paving the road for the ultimate triumph of Judaeo-Christian monotheism. So strong was the belief in the Invincible Sun (Sol Invictus) that for example Constantine I (d. 337), himself at first a devotee of the sun cult, found it, indeed perfectly compatible with his pro-Christian sympathies to authorize his own portrayal as Helios. And in 354 the ascendant Christian church in the reign of his pious but unsavory son, Constantius II, found it prudent to change the celebration of the birth of Jesus from the traditional date (January 6) to December 25, in order to combat the pagan Sun god’s popularity—his “birthday” being December 25. Source: Frederick H. Cramer, Astrology in Roman Law and Politics, p. 4. Copyright 1954 by the American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Why is Christmas celebrated on December 25th? Although Christmas is celebrated on the 25th day of December each year, the exact date of Jesus' birth is unknown. Most biblical scholars agree that the birth, in fact, did not take place in December at all, but probably occurred during the spring of the year. The Gospel of Luke states that the shepherds to whom the announcement of the birth was made were watching theirs sheep by night (Luke 2:8) which would suggest the lambing time (the spring). Only then did shepherds bother to guard their flocks around the [p. 206] clock. In winter, for example, the sheep would have been kept in the corral. Why, then, the 25th of December? Actually, the date was chosen not by the Christians, but by Romans, the traditional antagonists of the Early Church. Each year as the days became noticeably shorter in November and December, the Roman citizens feared that the earth may be "dying". With the "return of the sun" at the end of December resulting in longer days, the Romans celebrated the "Feast of the Sol Invictus" (Unconquerable Sun") on December 25. Bishop Liberius of Rome ordered in 354 that all Christians celebrate the birth of the Christ child on that day. Scholars believe that the bishop chose this date so that Christians, still members of an "outlaw religion" in the eyes of the Romans, could celebrate the birth of their Savior without danger of revealing their religious conviction, while their Roman neighbors celebrated another event. | ||
| called Senior Member Username: called Post Number: 1768 Registered: 4-2006 Posted From: 124.6.163.187 |
The Winter Solstice - Day of the Sun's birth [p. 89] A very general observance required that on the 25th of December the birth of the “new Sun” should be celebrated, when after the winter solstice the days began to lengthen and the “invincible” star triumphed again over darkness. It is certain that the date of this Natalis Invicti was selected by the Church as the commemoration of the Nativity of Jesus, which was previously confused with the Epiphany. In appointing this day, universally marked by pious rejoicing, which were as far as possible retained,—for instance the old chariot-races were preserved,—the ecclesiastical authorities purified in some degree the customs which they could not abolish. This substitution, which took place at Rome probably between 354 and 360, was adopted throughout the Empire, and that is why we still celebrate Christmas on the 25th of December. The pre-eminence assigned to the dies Solis also certainly [p. 90] contributed to the general recognition of Sunday as a holiday. This is connected with a more important fact, namely, the adoption of the week by all European nations. Source: Franz Cumont, Astrology and Religion Among the Greeks and Romans (reprint; New York: Dover Publications, Inc., 1960), pp. 89, 90. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Origin of the word. The word for Christmas in late Old English is Cristes Maesse, the Mass of Christ, first found in 1038, and Cristes-messe, in 1131. [Christ's Mass is conducted at midnight of the eve of December 25th, which is the only instance of a midnight Mass in the Catholic calendar.] Dies Natalis Invicti Solis (birthday of the unconquered sun) The well-known solar feast, however, of Natalis Invicti, celebrated on 25 December, has a strong claim on the responsibility for our December date. Source: The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume III, Christmas, Copyright © 1908 by Robert Appleton Company, Online Edition Copyright © 1999 by Kevin Knight, Nihil Obstat, November 1, 1908. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York. | ||
| called Senior Member Username: called Post Number: 1769 Registered: 4-2006 Posted From: 124.6.163.187 |
Christmas, a "Pagan" feast? The reasons for celebrating our major feasts when we do are many and varied. In general, however, it is true that many of them have at least an indirect connection with the pre-Christian feasts celebrated about the same time of year — feasts centering around the harvest, the rebirth of the sun at the winter solstice (now Dec. 21, but Dec. 25 in the old Julian calendar), the renewal of nature in spring, and so on. Source: The New Question Box - Catholic Life for the Nineties, copyright 1988 by John J. Dietzen, M.A., S.T.L., ISBN 0-940518-01-5 (paperback), published by Guildhall Publishers, Peoria Illinois, 61651., page 554. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The above information may come as something of a shock to some people, but not to others, I am sure. As you can see, December 25th has absolutely no biblical foundation as a day of Christian worship. In fact the evidence from the Bible tends to eliminate December (it being the dead of winter) as a possible month for the birth of Christ. Just as Sunday keeping is commanded only by Catholic Tradition, so Christmas (Christ's Mass) is founded solely on the authority of Catholicism, which picked the day so as to coincide with the pagan Sun worshipping observance of the Winter Solstice. Protestants who observe Christmas, and have Christmas eve midnight services, are keeping a holy day of obligation decreed by the Papacy, a Roman Catholic Tradition, just as they are doing with Sunday keeping. The Bible says nothing of celebrating the birth of Christ, and does not even give us the specific day of the year of the event. Why then, is it one of the most celebrated days of the "Bible Only" Protestant Christian calendar? Every year you will hear people, even pastors, bemoaning the paganization of Christmas - how Santa Claus and greed have taken over this most solemn and holy day. Little do they apparently know, the 25th of December was never holy to God, but has long been a pagan festival season celebrating the birth of the Sun. In keeping Christ's Mass, nominal "Bible Only" Protestants are, in practice, tacitly acknowledging the authority of Roman Catholic Tradition, which in principle they reject. | ||
| called Senior Member Username: called Post Number: 1771 Registered: 4-2006 Posted From: 124.6.163.187 |
WHY THE CHURCH PICKED DEC-25 FOR JESUS' BIRTHDAY http://www.religioustolerance.org/xmas_sel.htm | ||
| mcmstaff78 Senior Member Username: mcmstaff78 Post Number: 2091 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 24.99.130.74 |
Called, you don't have your facts straight, either about me or the origins of Christmas. I am not "Roman Catholic" and hold no allegiance to the Pope of Rome. I will say, however, that the whole anti-christmas phenomena stems out of the rabid anti-catholicism of the mid-19th century here in America. Just about all of what you wrote is sheer myth, "urban legend" in today's vernacular, with almost no true historic foundation. I just pray the Incarnate Lord Whom we celebrate this season has mercy on all who reject following the example of the magi in celebrating and worshiping His brith! Christ is born! Glorify Him!!} | ||
| called Senior Member Username: called Post Number: 1772 Registered: 4-2006 Posted From: 124.6.174.141 |
Your 100% right I am externally anti catholic and passionately hate Christmas Good Frieday and Easter Sunday or anything the pagan RCC brought in!!! | ||
| mcmstaff78 Senior Member Username: mcmstaff78 Post Number: 2092 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 24.99.130.74 |
Which demonstrates that you are also ignorant (of history and the facts) and full of the spirit of anti-Christ. You should let your hatred go, repent and let God truly fill you with the Grace of the New Born, Incarnate God - our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. | ||
| granite Intermediate Member Username: granite Post Number: 217 Registered: 4-2006 Posted From: 72.24.207.240 |
MCM, What could be more Anti-Christ and against Jesus/Yahshua than killing him? Dec. 25 is about Christ-Massacre and what Herod tried to do to our precious Lord when he was just a baby. That is the true spirit of the blasphemous RCC "mass"! How DARE Bible-believing Christians participate in such an observance? Colonial Americans were 100% right to make Christ-mass illegal, because to do otherwise would have confounded themselves, and undermined the very freedom they fled Europe to seek, after the millions Rome killed during the Dark Ages. I too am filled with wonderment and awe at the incarnate WORD of God (John 1:14, not "God incarnate", Acts 14:11) and all of the events associated with the nativity, but those took place during the time of the Feast of Tabernacles (Lev. 23). Dec. 25, however, is all about Nimrod and Tammuz (Ezek. 8) and heathen customs which have been handed down to our generation from Babylon through compromising Protestant religious systems! Jer. 16:19, "O Yahweh, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit." www.toolong.com/christmas.htm www.fossilizedcustoms.com | ||
| mcmstaff78 Senior Member Username: mcmstaff78 Post Number: 2094 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 24.99.130.74 |
Where does such ignorance come from? "Mass" has nothing to do with "massacre". The word "mass" comes from the Latin word missa (dismissal), which is used at the conclusion of the Old Latin Rite liturgy, "Ite, missa est" ("Go; it is the dismissal"). It took on the meaning to go out in mission to the world. The use of the word "Mass" in reference to a Eucharistic liturgical service is still used among not only Roman Catholics, but Anglo-Catholic Anglicans and High Church Lutherans. While one might disagree with sacramental theology, one should at least have one's facts straight. As for "incarnate Word" versus "Incarnate God", it is scripturally a distinction without a difference but, pragmatically illustrates the decline of many (most) Protestant sects into Nestorianism. You might wish to read Isaiah 9:6 along with Matthew 1:23. Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, hath shined upon the world the light of knowledge; for thereby, they that worshipped the stars were taught by a star to worship Thee, the Sun of Righteousness, and to know Thee, the Dayspring from on high. O Lord, glory be to Thee. Today the virgin giveth birth to Him Who is above all being, and the earth offereth a cave to Him Whom no man can approach. Angels with shepherds give glory, and magi journey with a star. For our sake is born a Young Child, the Pre-eternal God! Christ is Born! Glorify Him!!} | ||
| granite Intermediate Member Username: granite Post Number: 218 Registered: 4-2006 Posted From: 72.24.207.240 |
Whether you agree that 'mass' is short for massacre or not, I am sure you are aware of the nature of the RCC mass. In the sense in which it is used by Roman Catholicism, from whence is the source of the popular Dec. 25 observance, the words "Christ" and "mass" should NEVER be connected! The Catholic "mass" refers to the unbloody sacrifice of Christ, re-enacted daily on their idolatrous altars. This is contrary to Heb. 9:24-28. It is a no-brainer why Catholic translations of the Bible have altered or even entirely omitted that passage. Exodus 32 and Psalm 106 show us how riled God gets when His professed people observe the rites, ceremonies, feasts, and ordinances of the heathen. If we partake in their unScriptural celebrations, then we must imbibe their lies and to do so is to partake of the filthy golden cup of Rev. 17:4! tracts@juno.com | ||
| mcmstaff78 Senior Member Username: mcmstaff78 Post Number: 2095 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 24.99.130.74 |
More ignorance regarding what the Eucharist is about. You really ought to study what the Latins actually teach rather than get your theology lessons from Chick tracts. | ||
| mcmstaff78 Senior Member Username: mcmstaff78 Post Number: 2096 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 24.99.130.74 |
Oh, and it's not a matter of "agreeing" regarding what words mean, it's a matter of what is. You might as well write about "agreeing" that the sky is blue or fire burns. Agree or not, it is what it is. To "disagree" is simply to demonstrate obdurateness. May God have mercy on us all. Christ is Born! Glorify Him!! | ||
| easeltine Senior Member Username: easeltine Post Number: 1831 Registered: 5-2005 Posted From: 76.204.16.216 |
"Isaiah 9:6 along with Matthew 1:23. Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, hath shined upon the world the light of knowledge; for thereby, they that worshipped the stars were taught by a star to worship Thee, the Sun of Righteousness, and to know Thee, the Dayspring from on high. O Lord, glory be to Thee. Today the virgin giveth birth to Him Who is above all being, and the earth offereth a cave to Him Whom no man can approach. Angels with shepherds give glory, and magi journey with a star. For our sake is born a Young Child, the Pre-eternal God! Christ is Born! Glorify Him!!" These are good words. Theological differences we may have, though I will agree with you! Glory to God in the Highest! Peace and Goodwill towards those on whom His favor rest! | ||
| called Senior Member Username: called Post Number: 1773 Registered: 4-2006 Posted From: 222.127.245.209 |
The Cult of Sol Invictus http://www.sabbatarian.com/Paganism/SolInvictus.html A Christmas Story http://qumran.com/Holiday_Files/a_christmas_story.htm Should Christians Celebrate Christmas? http://www.sovereigngrace.net/should.htm I pray your blessed and enlightened by these messages We have all been deceived in one way or another, but now its time to learn the truth and hold onto it no matter what the cost Brother Yours in Christ/Messiah P/J | ||
| called Senior Member Username: called Post Number: 1774 Registered: 4-2006 Posted From: 222.127.245.209 |
The Truth is out there! http://behindtheveiloflies.blogspot.com/2007/12/re-merry-nimrodmass-to-all-my-friends.html easeltine this is fot you brother!!! Isaiah 9:5-6 – Historic Events or Messianic Prophecy? http://www.messiahtruth.com/isa9.html Jesus is not God or Yahushua is not Elohim | ||
| suzuki New member Username: suzuki Post Number: 5 Registered: 12-2007 Posted From: 68.156.159.10 |
This is a first for me... I have never heard of a Christian who would not celebrate Christmas. | ||
| easeltine Senior Member Username: easeltine Post Number: 1834 Registered: 5-2005 Posted From: 76.229.134.166 |
Called, I am at my mom's house on vacation, though I do have the Massoretic Text at home: This would be the Christian perspective from the following name of the verse given by the website you reference. For the record, (whoever doesn't know), in the Massoretic Text our Isaiah 9:6 is their Isaiah 9:5: "Therefore, the literal translation of (avi-ad) would be advisor of eternity, or counselor of eternity, or patron of eternity. In terms of the passage and its context, perhaps the most appropriate translation of this name/title (avi-ad) is Eternal Patron. Most Jewish translations render it Everlasting Father, and the KJV renders it The everlasting Father." The prophecy is a double prophecy. Not only is it a child in Isaiah's time, it is also referring to the Messiah, for it can only refer to the Messiah if the Messiah is called the Everlasting Father, or Eternal Patron. Handel's Messiah sings this verse to is from hundreds of years ago, and Handel is still correct. The verse is talking about Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Pastor, you still believe He is the Messiah. Your idea of what Jesus is a bit different, you would say He is the Son of God. He is more than just a man, He is God. In Rev. 1:8, the Alpha and Omega, Jesus Christ, calls Himself, "Almighty." The doctrine of the Trinity is called, "incomprehensible", in The Athanasian Creed. That means we cannot completely understand the Godhead, Trinity, with our puny little minds. It takes faith. | ||
| granite Intermediate Member Username: granite Post Number: 224 Registered: 4-2006 Posted From: 72.24.207.240 |
E/T & MCM: I am not trying to say that the word "mass" MEANS massacre -- I am saying that the "mass" IS a massacre! It is a massacre not by etymology but by definition. These diabolical idolaters will tell you that they have the power to literally bring Christ down from above, re-crucify him again and again through their daily worldwide ceremonies, and then serve his literal body and blood to their parisioners via "transubstantion." In ages past, dissenters favoring the symbolic view or even favoring "consubstantiation" were summarily hunted down and executed simply for their views alone! If you don't think that is a fiendish, dastardly, antichrist religious ritual, then you can follow the rest of Christ-mass worshipping Protestants en masse into the ecumenical, one-world church movement, because that is where it is all headed. Or you can choose to truly honor Christ by recognizing his person and work through the feast days of Leviticus 23, which are fraught with rich and deep meaning of the full scope of God's plan of redemption for fallen man. http://www.thecogmi.org/tabernacles.htm | ||
| granite Intermediate Member Username: granite Post Number: 225 Registered: 4-2006 Posted From: 72.24.207.240 |
E/T & MCM: I am not trying to say that the word "mass" MEANS massacre -- I am saying that the "mass" IS a massacre! It is a massacre not by etymology but by definition. These diabolical idolaters will tell you that they have the power to literally bring Christ down from above, re-crucify him again and again through their daily worldwide ceremonies, and then serve his literal body and blood to their parisioners via "transubstantion." In ages past, dissenters favoring the symbolic view or even favoring "consubstantiation" were summarily hunted down and executed simply for their views alone! If you don't think that is a fiendish, dastardly, antichrist religious ritual, then you can follow the rest of Christ-mass worshipping Protestants en masse into the ecumenical, one-world church movement, because that is where it is all headed. Or you can choose to truly honor Christ by recognizing his person and work through the feast days of Leviticus 23, which are fraught with rich and deep meaning of the full scope of God's plan of redemption for fallen man. http://www.thecogmi.org/tabernacles.htm | ||
| mcmstaff78 New member Username: mcmstaff78 Post Number: 8 Registered: 12-2007 Posted From: 167.193.134.61 |
Granite, Thank you for your response. I would suggest you do some additional research. May our Incarnate God and Savior Jesus Christ illumine both heart and mind! Have a Joyous Nativity (there are still two more days in the season) and a Blessed Epiphany!! |
