tomtom55
1348
26
3
1. Date
The bible does not record a birth date of Jesus. On december 25, the Romans celebrated the birthday of their sun god Sol Invictus. Besides, shepherds with their flocks were out on the fields, which is not the case in december because of the low temperatures in Israel.
2. Three kings
According to the bible they were magi or astrologers of unknown number (Matthew 2:1). The three kings originate in 3rd century lore.
3. Star of Bethlehem
The star lead the magi to king Herod before showing them the way to Jesus (Matthew 2:1-2, 7-8), who at the time already lived in a house with his parents since the magi arrived but months after Jesus' birth (Matthew 2:11).
4. Christmas tree
In old times, many evergreen plants and trees were attributed magical or healing powers and people expected positive effects by putting up such a tree inside the house.
5. Christmas presents
The custom of exchanging presents on christmas originates in the saturnalia, a festival honouring the Roman god Saturn, where it was customary to endow each other with presents.
DrClaww
To be fair, my father always forgot my birthday and just chose a random day to celebrate, I could see how this could happen in the past.
MrMantastic
Nonchristians should turn Christmas into a nonreligious celebration. Take out god, leave the good times and presents and booze.
wadenelson1
Go help some folks in a homeless camp. Volunteer at a soup kitchen. For God's sake THIS Christmas do something Christ-like!
theuniverseissoup
This is probably why I love it so much. Because I pretty much loathe religion.
Balthezar
3th?
tomtom55
*fixed
Zedhairy
All hail Saturn
LegacyMuse
Sunt Saturnalia! and with that, I have exhausted all the knowledge retained from my latin class.