S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

Christmas is a popular December holiday celebrated by large numbers of people all around the world. It has long been known as the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, which occurred over 2,000...

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July 01 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Tom Huntford

Before 200 AD, Irenaeus calculated the date of the Annunciation, based on the date of Yom Kippur of the year Christ was born, which was September 23. His birth was 9 months (270 days) later, June 24. The Annunciation of Christ's conception to Mary was 6 months prior, based on Luke 1:26-27, which is March 25. Nine months later--when Christ would have been born--is December 25. At that time the focus was on celebrating the Annunciation, not the birth of Christ.

In 202 AD, Hippolytus, using a different method, came to the same conclusion and stated the date of Christ's birth was December 25. This is found in his commentary on Daniel 4:23.

Sextus Julius Africanus, in his "Chronology of the World" written in 221 AD, had the same date of December 25.

The Christmas tree goes as far back as 512 AD, a church built in Syria by Emperor Anastasios 1, as recorded in manuscript in the British Museum: "Each tree had one hundred and eighty lamps and fifty silver chains from top to bottom. On these hung small objects of gold, silver or copper, as well as red eggs, vases, animals, birds, crosses, wreaths, bells, carved grape bunches, discs..."

Later, during the days where the calendar was filled with religious holidays, there was a festival on December 24, where a play about Adam and Eve was presented, and a similar decorated "Paradise Tree" was used as part of the play. As the celebration of Christmas progressed through the years, the Paradise Tree was kept during Christmas, and became the "Christmas Tree".

The Encyclopedia Britannica puts it this way: "The Germans set up a paradise tree in their homes on December 24, the religious feast day of Adam and Eve. They hung wafers on it (symbolizing the eucharistic host, the Christian sign of redemption); in a later tradition the wafers were replaced by cookies of various shapes. Candles, symbolic of Christ as the light of the world, were often added. In the same room was the “Christmas pyramid,” a triangular construction of wood that had shelves to hold Christmas figurines and was decorated with evergreens, candles, and a star. By the 16th century the Christmas pyramid and the paradise tree had merged, becoming the Christmas tree."

Other, minor traditions have been added here and there. But the date goes all the way back to just before 200 AD, and has nothing to do with any pagan rituals. The decorated tree goes way back to the 500's.

BTW: The shepherds being in the fields is exactly what you find today in that area of the world, when the fall rains have produced grass in the fields away from the towns in early winter. Multiple observers have reported seeing shepherds out in the fields with their flocks in Israel during the Christmas season.

Personally, I love the Christmas tree because it makes me think of so many aspects of our salvation: He is the vine and we are the branches. The little lights are like Christians--points of light connected to a common power source. I put the titles of Christ on the shiny ball decorations. It is a special time of year for me to think about and celebrate the Messiah who is my Savior.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

July 03 2020 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

John Appelt

The origin of Christmas is usually thought of as a pagan observance, linked with the winter solstice, so Christians should not observe it. But Christmas is based on history of the coming and birth of Christ. It is right to observe Christmas as will be shown. 

In the old British and Irish calendars there were two holidays that figured in the birth of Christ. They were Christmas Day and Michaelmas Day.

The “mas” part of the word “Christmas” is mistakenly thought as a church mass or worship service on a holy day as observed by some churches. It does not mean “mass” but actually means “sent.” Christmas is literally, “Christ sent.” This day always fell on December 25. Then there was another day called “Michaelmas Day,” which fell on September 29. It was not a mass day, but it means “Michael sent.”

Although the significance of these days has been forgotten, these days actually fit with the Bible. In Luke 2:7-14 is the account of shepherds in the field keeping watch over their flocks by night when an angel of the Lord stood before them. Although the angel’s name is not given, he may have been Michael. Tradition says it was. So, this may be “Michaelmas” or “Michael - sent.” If the angel is Michael, Jesus was likely born on September 29.

At this time, the Jewish holiday, the Feast of Tabernacles began. This is appropriate because Jesus the Word “became flesh and dwelt [tabernacled] among us,” John 1:14. Also, the Feast of Tabernacles was known as “Feast of Ingathering,” Exodus 23:16, and the “Season of our Joy,” from the words “you shall rejoice in your feast…” Deuteronomy 16:14. This is a remarkable coincidence, or better yet, a God-planned event.

But the most fantastic thing is that 280 days or 9 months before September 29 is December 25. This means Christ was born on Michaelmas day, September 29, but was conceived on December 25, Christmas day. Luke 1:26-38 explains Mary being visited by an angel with this very message. Mary must have been overwhelmed with what God had told her. 

Matthew 1:18-21 explains Joseph’s side of the story. Betrothal was like an engagement but was binding like marriage. It could only be broken by divorce. This is what Joseph was contemplating because it was obvious Mary was with child. But Joseph being a just or righteous man wanted to divorce her in a secret way, so as not to be scandalous. But God let him know what was really going on, showing him Mary was indeed a pure virgin chosen by God to bear His Son. There was no need for Joseph to divorce her. Joseph must have been astonished and relieved.

Christ came into the world into the womb of Mary, exactly fitting the meaning of “Christmas,” that is, “Christ – sent.” If this is true, then Christmas celebrates the incarnation on December 25. This was the day He came, being sent from God, I Timothy 1:15, John 3:16.

December 10 2023 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report