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spedteacherita
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It’s that time of year again when many Christians encounter claims that pagan deities predating Jesus Christ were born on December 25. In popular films, Internet videos, and other media you can find long lists of gods who were supposedly born on the same day.
This idea is not limited to unbelievers. I have heard many Christians claim that the date of Christmas was intended to provide an alternative to pagan celebrations. In some ways it has become a pious legend. On the other hand, some Fundamentalist denominations refuse to celebrate Christmas for this reason.
I just saw a History Channel program (pretty sure anyways) that went into great lengths about the god Mithras and that Constantine and his advisers did combine Christian calendar with pagan worship customs. The gentleman who did the “research” said that the initial writings of Eusebius did not have anything written about Constantine and the dream or vision of the cross but that later ones have Constantine’s description of what happened to him.
Does anyone know if it’s true that Constantine waited till his deathbed to get baptized? Not sure where I heard that either.
I have done no further research following up with what this man was relating but this should be a very interesting topic and thread to follow.
Blessed Advent, all!
Rigta
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GKC
Guest
Constantine was baptised shortly before his death, by Eusebius of Nicomedia (q.v.).I just saw a History Channel program (pretty sure anyways) that went into great lengths about the god Mithras and that Constantine and his advisers did combine Christian calendar with pagan worship customs. The gentleman who did the “research” said that the initial writings of Eusebius did not have anything written about Constantine and the dream or vision of the cross but that later ones have Constantine’s description of what happened to him.
Does anyone know if it’s true that Constantine waited till his deathbed to get baptized? Not sure where I heard that either.
I have done no further research following up with what this man was relating but this should be a very interesting topic and thread to follow.
Blessed Advent, all!
Rigta
K
KathleenGee
Guest
History Channel is dedicated to denying any validity to the Catholic Church and delves into ‘lost’ gospels, which have all been exposed as frauds.
I strongly recommend Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger’ ‘Spirit of the Liturgy’ that gives us the background as to why we celebrate Christmas Dec 25 and it has nothing to do with paganism or Constantine.
I strongly recommend Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger’ ‘Spirit of the Liturgy’ that gives us the background as to why we celebrate Christmas Dec 25 and it has nothing to do with paganism or Constantine.
L
Larryk113
Guest
Could you please provide a link to this, I would love to read it.History Channel is dedicated to denying any validity to the Catholic Church and delves into ‘lost’ gospels, which have all been exposed as frauds.
I strongly recommend Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger’ ‘Spirit of the Liturgy’ that gives us the background as to why we celebrate Christmas Dec 25 and it has nothing to do with paganism or Constantine.
P
phil19034
Guest
I suggest the eBook God’s Birthday: Why Christ Was Born on Dec 25 and Why It Matters by Dr. Taylor Marshall
You can download it here from his blog at: taylormarshall.com/2014/12/3-reasons-christ-was-born-on-december-25.html
NOTE: this book is based on Dr. Marshall’s independent research. The date of Jesus’s birth is NOT dogma, doctrine nor disciple. It is liturgical tradition. However, Dr. Marshall addresses the points which hint that Dec 25th actually is His birthday, and that it wasn’t simply made up nor pagan.
God Bless
You can download it here from his blog at: taylormarshall.com/2014/12/3-reasons-christ-was-born-on-december-25.html
NOTE: this book is based on Dr. Marshall’s independent research. The date of Jesus’s birth is NOT dogma, doctrine nor disciple. It is liturgical tradition. However, Dr. Marshall addresses the points which hint that Dec 25th actually is His birthday, and that it wasn’t simply made up nor pagan.
God Bless
G
GKC
Guest
If you use Google Books on that title, and search within the book for “Christmas”, you should find a few pages, around 103-108 that address it.Could you please provide a link to this, I would love to read it.
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KathleenGee
Guest
Thanks for providing your link.
I would have to look at my text…and I want to have it studied in my parish, so right now it is with our faith formation director and pastor. Problem with book is that it was printed in 2000 by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger and if I get permission, we would have to use the updated one where he is entitled, Pope.
The reason and background of our feasts are found in the chapter, ‘Sacred Time’.
I would have to look at my text…and I want to have it studied in my parish, so right now it is with our faith formation director and pastor. Problem with book is that it was printed in 2000 by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger and if I get permission, we would have to use the updated one where he is entitled, Pope.
The reason and background of our feasts are found in the chapter, ‘Sacred Time’.
P
prodromos
Guest
The feast day of the Annunciation of Mary is on March 25 and had been celebrated in the Church long before celebration of the Nativity began. December 25 just happens to be exactly nine months after we celebrate Mary conceiving Christ. We also celebrate the birth of Mary nine months after we celebrate her mother Anna conceiving and the same with the Elizabeth conceiving John the Forerunner and his subsequent birth, also nine months.
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Medawlinno
Guest
@ prodromos -
Yes, but the human gestation period is actually typically 10 months, not nine as most people believe.
Yes, but the human gestation period is actually typically 10 months, not nine as most people believe.
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prodromos
Guest
It’s actually 38 weeks.@ prodromos -
Yes, but the human gestation period is actually typically 10 months, not nine as most people believe.
K
KathleenGee
Guest
Prodomos yes…that is how we see the feast…
And in ancient Judaism, March 25 was the feast of Life, and then the Feast of Abraham…who was told by the Angel Gabriel to sacrifice the ram stuck in the bush instead.
And Christ was born in the constellation of Aries the Ram to become the Lamb of God for us.
And in ancient Judaism, March 25 was the feast of Life, and then the Feast of Abraham…who was told by the Angel Gabriel to sacrifice the ram stuck in the bush instead.
And Christ was born in the constellation of Aries the Ram to become the Lamb of God for us.
P
prodromos
Guest
It’s actually 38 weeks, but for the purpose of the liturgical calendar, nine months was chosen.@ prodromos -
Yes, but the human gestation period is actually typically 10 months, not nine as most people believe.
P
phil19034
Guest
Read the eBook… It’s a quick read, only approx 50 booklet sized pages. I read it in one evening. Very informative.I suggest the eBook God’s Birthday: Why Christ Was Born on Dec 25 and Why It Matters by Dr. Taylor Marshall
You can download it here from his blog at: taylormarshall.com/2014/12/3-reasons-christ-was-born-on-december-25.html
NOTE: this book is based on Dr. Marshall’s independent research. The date of Jesus’s birth is NOT dogma, doctrine nor disciple. It is liturgical tradition. However, Dr. Marshall addresses the points which hint that Dec 25th actually is His birthday, and that it wasn’t simply made up nor pagan.
God Bless
K
KathleenGee
Guest
Phil, thanks again! Will use this.
L
Larryk113
Guest
Thanks!If you use Google Books on that title, and search within the book for “Christmas”, you should find a few pages, around 103-108 that address it.
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