Who Invented Christmas?

The Christmas holiday used to be a time of celebration, family and friendship, but as of late it has become a political weapon of sorts. Lately I've even seen statements referring to "The War On Christmas". Far be it for me to put a damper on anyone's tradition or celebration, but it seems no one has ever bothered to research the origins of Christmas. Someone said that it celebrates the birth of Jesus, which should be celebrated daily, so that is fine and dandy except:

The holiday itself though, does not come from the Bible, or any of the teachings of either Jesus or the apostles. McClintock and Strong's Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature says: "The observance of Christmas is not of divine appointment, nor is it of New Testament origin. Also, The New Catholic Encyclopedia acknowledges: The date of Christ's birth is not known. "The Gospels indicate neither the day nor the month."

The day of Christ's birth cannot be ascertained from the New Testament, or indeed, from any other source. As a matter of fact; The term Christmas is derived from the original Catholic term "Christ's Mass." The date December 25th, was selected by the Catholic Church over 300 years after Jesus' death. The book Celebrations: The Complete Book of American Holidays by Robert J. Myers says: "Prior to the celebration of Christmas, December 25th in the Roman world was the Natalis Solis Invicti, the Birthday of the Unconquerable Sun. This feast, which took place just after the winter solstice of the Julian calendar, was in honor of the Sun God, Mithras."

The Encyclopedia Americana informs us: "The reason for establishing December 25th as Christmas is somewhat obscure, but it is usually held that the day was chosen to correspond to pagan festivals that took place around the time of the winter solstice, when the days begin to lengthen, to celebrate the rebirth of the sun". The Roman Saturnalia (a festival dedicated to Saturn, the god of agriculture, and to the renewed power of the sun), also took place at this time, and some Christmas customs are thought to be rooted in this ancient pagan celebration.

If we look to the scriptures for guidance, according to Biblical evidence surrounding his birth, Jesus could not have born in the wintertime, but is thought to have born in the fall, perhaps October. Luke 2:8 tells us that; "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night." From historical evidence, it is bitterly cold in that region in December, with the temperture dropping to 29 degrees F or below, and the shepherds always brought their flock in from the mountain slopes and fields no later than October 15th, because in December there is no pasturage."

Furthermore, the practice of Christmas gift giving is not based on what was done by the Magi (or wise men). Furthermore, they did not arrive at the time of Jesus' birth. The scriptures indicate that Jesus was a young child, possibly as much as two years old; living in a house by the time they arrived. Furthermore, they gave gifts, not to one another, but to the child Jesus, which was the custom of the day when visiting notable persons. The Encyclopedia Americana states: "During the Saturnalia feasting prevailed, and gifts were exchanged."

So Christmas comes from the Pagan festivals to the sun god that occurred on and near December 25th. In an attempt to persuade pagans to accept the Catholic faith, the church took the celebration of the Saturnalia and other festivals, renamed it "Christ's Mass," and declared it "Christian."

Within the scriptures there is not a mention of the "Christmas Tree", wreaths, or mistletoe, but each of these have origins within pagan religions as symbols of fertility and life.

So in actuality, in answer to the question, "Who invented Christmas?" the answer would be that the Pagans invented the holiday, with all of its customs, and the early Catholic Church renamed it, so that today it is called "Christmas."

For those who find joy in the season, no one should put a damper on that joy, but, to call it a "Chistian Holiday" is to not be informed. Give gifts throughout the year. Give praise for the birth, death and ressurrection of Jesus without falling prey to the commericalism and false teachings that man has assoiciated with the most glorious coming of our Lord and Savior.