Is Christmas a Christian (or Catholic) Holiday?

[evenifigoalone]

Strike three boyo.

 

[frigidweirdo]

When did the term "Christian" come about? I don't believe they thought of themselves as "Christians" way back then, did they? I mean, even today people use terms such as "Stalinist" and "Maoist". They are (more or less) declarations of cult followers within an established entity. So, it is my assumption that followers of Christ were simply mainstream break-away Jews.

I don't know. I guess they've always had a word to describe themselves, in other languages. In English it seems to have come from the 1500s

christian | Etymology, origin and meaning of the name christian by etymonline

CHRISTIAN Meaning: "a believer in and follower of Christ;" 1550s as an adjective, "professing the Christian religion,… See origin and meaning of christian.

www.etymonline.com

But I'd assume that "Christians" knew they were different from other things way, way before that.

 

[GLASNOST]

I won't be taking my instructions from you or any other godbotberer.
I refuse to allow delusional hypocrits to belch their lies on here they have no evidence for. I won't be letting it go as if it is responsible chatter. It's completely false ....

Understood.

It's completely false and you know it.

Are you sure that he does?

 

[GLASNOST]

I don't know. I guess they've always had a word to describe themselves, in other languages. In English it seems to have come from the 1500s

christian | Etymology, origin and meaning of the name christian by etymonline

CHRISTIAN Meaning: "a believer in and follower of Christ;" 1550s as an adjective, "professing the Christian religion,… See origin and meaning of christian.

www.etymonline.com

Thank you. That supports my theory by default. I mean, one and a half centuries "after the event". It doesn't prove that Jesus followers still considered themselves Jews but it is a good indication that they might have. Probably did?

But I'd assume that "Christians" knew they were different from other things way, way before that.

Different, yes, but I have an intuition that tells me they probably thought of themselves as "enlightened" Jews.

Jehova's Witnesses believe that they understand the life and teachings of Christ in a way that none of the other Christians do. I don't know VERY MUCH about Jehova's Witness but I do know that they do not celebrate certain holidays and that they most emphatically disagree about the crucifixion of Christ. In short, they think of themselves as better, or true, Christians above all the others. So .... I strongly think that the early followers of Christ saw themselves as better or true Jews. It's only my theory but I can motivate my thoughts on the matter.

 

[zaangalewa]

He came to punch heretics

?

and give out presents and he's all out of presents

?

In Germany we celebrate "Santa Claus" (="Nikolaus") on 6th of December. His pagan body guard is called "Krampus". The children get little presents for their good deeds from Santa Claus. And they fear to be punished for their bad deeds from the Krampus. The game is a little show in sense of "heaven" and "hell". Sure heaven dominates and our children get only sweets and little presents - because they are all nice.

 

[zaangalewa]

Definitely pagan with a lot of Hokuspokus as well. Listen to the camels "clop-clop" in the sand! No one can "clop-clop" in the sand and camels don't have shoes anyway. They don't "clop-clop" ... even on stones!

 

[GLASNOST]

In Germany we celebrate "Santa Claus" (="Nikolaus") on 6th of December. His pagan body guard is called "Krampus". The children get little presents for their good deeds from Santa Claus. And they fear to be punished for their bad deeds from the Krampus. The game is a little show in sense of "heaven" and "hell". Sure heaven dominates and our children get only sweets and little presents - because they are all nice.

That is from the Slavik, Mikulas and Cert, meist orthodox.

 

[zaangalewa]

That is from the Slavik, Mikulas and Cert, meist orthodox.

It's a very old custom - we forgot how old it is - I guess it is older than the eldest Slaws.

 

[GLASNOST]

More contradiction! Biblischer Scheiß.

* “We are all given something, a gift”

¤ “What was your gift?”

* “Nothing.”

 

[zaangalewa]

The process is call delusions. There's nothing dynamic about that rubbish regardless of how many fancy words you use to describe it.
It's bullshit.

We spoke about your belief. Read again what I wrote about it to you then you had a chance not to have to stay to be such an unbelieveable idiot as you had been the biggest part of your life until today.

 

[zaangalewa]

More contradiction! Biblischer Scheiß.

* “We are all given something, a gift”

¤ “What was your gift?”

* “Nothing.”

Don't try to speak German with me. And the text which you quote in a wrong way without any understanding is by the way not from the bible.

 

[GLASNOST]

Don't try to speak German with me.

OK.

And the text which you quote in a wrong way without any understanding is by the way not from the bible.

The bible is full of s ... sc .. sch ... sche ... schei ... shit.

 

[GLASNOST]

The process is call delusions. There's nothing dynamic about that rubbish regardless of how many fancy words you use to describe it.
It's bullshit.

We spoke about your belief. Read again what I wrote about it to you then you had a chance not to have to stay to be such an unbelieveable idiot as you had been the biggest part of your life until today.

"unbelievable idiocy" is in believing in delusions, dynamic rubbish and bullshit. Ganz Einfach.

 

[evenifigoalone]

?



?

In Germany we celebrate "Santa Claus" (="Nikolaus") on 6th of December. His pagan body guard is called "Krampus". The children get little presents for their good deeds from Santa Claus. And they fear to be punished for their bad deeds from the Krampus. The game is a little show in sense of "heaven" and "hell". Sure heaven dominates and our children get only sweets and little presents - because they are all nice.

(Oh hey, woke up from my sleep after two hours due to an acid reflux attack.)
It was a joke. St Nikolas was a real person, and apparently he punched a heretic or two. Maybe more idk, I haven't studied his life that deeply.

 

[evenifigoalone]

Don't try to speak German with me. And the text which you quote in a wrong way without any understanding is by the way not from the bible.

Pretty sure homeboy is either Jewish or an atheist. (Which, no hate for either of those things.)

 

[frigidweirdo]

Thank you. That supports my theory by default. I mean, one and a half centuries "after the event". It doesn't prove that Jesus followers still considered themselves Jews but it is a good indication that they might have. Probably did?

Different, yes, but I have an intuition that tells me they probably thought of themselves as "enlightened" Jews.

Jehova's Witnesses believe that they understand the life and teachings of Christ in a way that none of the other Christians do. I don't know VERY MUCH about Jehova's Witness but I do know that they do not celebrate certain holidays and that they most emphatically disagree about the crucifixion of Christ. In short, they think of themselves as better, or true, Christians above all the others. So .... I strongly think that the early followers of Christ saw themselves as better or true Jews. It's only my theory but I can motivate my thoughts on the matter.

I'd doubt they thought of themselves as Jews. Jews were persecuted by Christians by this period.

Christian Persecution of Jews over the Centuries - United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

"The drastic change came in 380. At this time Theodosius I decreed Christianity to be the official state religion. By then, the earlier imbalance of population of Jews over Christians was a matter of distant memory, even if pagans in the empire still far outnumbered the favored newcomer. But the Jewish position became precarious with this declaration. Political measures against the Jews did not immediately follow, but the circumstance did not bode well for Judaism or any religion other than Christianity."

"The popularly elected Ambrose, bishop of Mediolanum, opposed the efforts of Theodosius to acknowledge the civil rights of Jews, pagans, and heretics as equal to those of Christians."

 

[zaangalewa]

I'd doubt they thought of themselves as Jews. ...

You doubt Jews thought about themselves as Jews? ... Do it. ...

 

[CarlinAnnArbor]

I find this piece interesting and tellworthy, because nowadays many denie the christian roots of Christmas they just equal it with ancient pagan roots, and consumerism. They want to erase the Christ out of Christmas. Many just say "But Christmas is pagan not Christian."

Read Catholic Roots of Christmas


Catholic Roots of Christmas
December 19, 2020
Christmas honors the pivotal day which altered all of history. Christians around the world celebrate Christmas as the birthday of Christ Jesus. On this day, God Incarnate departed the hidden tabernacle of Mary’s womb into the blissful embrace of His mother’s arms. And she, in turn, presented this unblemished child, this Divine Gift, to all the world that we might adore Him as “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

As with any child’s arrival, there are many preparations to be made before welcoming the new family member; an expecting family gathers bathing items, blankets, and a collection of cozy outfits. Faithful members of the Catholic Christian family prepare for Christ’s coming by observing the season of Advent.

Advent is a time of joyful anticipation in which the faithful prepare their hearts for the most special arrival of the Divine Infant. Formally introduced by the Council of Tours in 567 AD, the Advent season begins four Sundays prior to Christmas Day. This period provides a precursor to the special holy day when the Light of the World shines amidst the darkness, the Sign of Hope dispels all despair.

One Catholic tradition orienting believers toward Christ’s coming is the Nativity Scene. This practice harkens back to Medieval times when in 1223, St. Francis of Assisi directed a live nativity scene as a form of public remembrance honoring Christ’s birth. St. Francis wanted to bring the Gospels to life, assigning parts for Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and others so that in witnessing this reenactment, all people would learn the extraordinary story of God’s love for mankind. Often the nativity creche remains empty until Christmas Eve as a reminder that the faithful eagerly await the Christ child. And when the Divine Infant arrives, how much greater is the joy during the Christmas vigil when Baby Jesus joins the Holy Family and all humanity!

When the faithful prepare their hearts properly, the blessings of Christmas may be appreciated in full. “We Christians are called to safeguard and spread the joy of waiting,” Pope Francis declared in a Vatican address. Additionally, much as the faithful await Christ’s birth in remembrance of the first Christmas, the Catholic liturgical readings point the faithful toward awaiting Christ’s ultimate return upon Judgement Day.

According to Catholic tradition, the rejoicing of Christ’s coming lasts considerably longer than one great day. Rather, it stretches from the Christmas vigil Mass until the Feast of the Epiphany, sometimes called Three Kings’ Day.

Why did the Church choose to celebrate Christ’s birth on December 25? The most direct answer is that according to the Roman calendar, this day marked the winter solstice. Saint Augustine explained the significance of this day in remembering Christ’s coming, writing, “on the day which is the shortest in our earthly reckoning and from which subsequent days begin to increase in length. He, therefore, who bent low and lifted us up chose the shortest day, yet the one whence light begins to increase.”

The most excellent Catholic tradition of celebrating Christmas as a family is attending Holy Mass together. Even young adults who may have strayed from observing other tenets of their Catholic faith will often return to Mass with their families in order to observe the sacred Feast of the Nativity.

Christmas is a rare time when the Mass readings differ according to the order in which the Mass is offered. There are four distinct Christmas Masses. The Vigil Mass is offered at the start of Christmas Eve. The Mass of the angels is a popular celebration, offered at midnight. The Dawn Mass is called the Mass of the Shepherds; it is offered early morning. Finally, on Christmas Day, the priest offers the Mass of the Divine Word.

The Christmas octave is punctuated with a feast that originally honored Christ’s circumcision. In present times, the Catholic Church commemorates the first day of the year as the Feast of Mary, Mother of God. This holy day respects Mary’s unique human privilege of forming Christ physically and spiritually before releasing Him into the world to fulfill His divine salvific work.

The end of the Christmas season points toward this extraordinary mission for which God entered the world. According to Catholic tradition, the Magi, called the Three Kings, spent 12 days following a star. The brilliant star led them to Bethlehem, where Jesus had just been born. The Wise Men—Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar—presented three symbolic gifts to the Holy Family for their newborn son. The kings presented to the Divine Child gold to honor His kingship, frankincense to honor His priesthood, and myrrh to honor His humanity.

Many families around the world present gifts to one another either in celebration of Christmas Day or in commemoration of the Three Kings. The faithful fulfill the Christmas spirit when offering their own hearts to the Divine Messiah who humbled Himself to enter the world as a small child.

Article written by Myriah C. Boudreaux for Christian Catholic Media

Myriah C. Boudreaux graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville with a BA in Psychology. Soon after, she left her native Southern California home to marry a FUS alumnus, start a family, settle in Bayou Country with her Cajun husband, and begin a career homeschooling their ever-growing family. With seven children ranging from ages 21 – 2, her practical understanding of Heavenly Father's patience, love, and mercy is continually expanding.

It was borrowed from the Roman pagan holiday Saturnailia.

The Catholic Church wanted converts and was willing to allow pagans to keep their festivals as long as they "do it for Christ" Some call this the "sin of mixtures." Allowing people to keep their pagan way, but doing it for Christ.

That church did the same In replacing the Sabbath observed by the prophets, Christ and His apostles with SUNDAY. The daughter Protestant churches never corrected these errors but 8nstead EMBRACED them. This is why they are called the Daughters of the Great Whore"

 

[zaangalewa]

"unbelievable idiocy" is in believing in delusions, dynamic rubbish and bullshit. Ganz Einfach.

You have absolutelly not any idea what I spoke about with Colin norris. And let it be to use the German language. I'm a German. I don't have to learn it.

 

[zaangalewa]

It was borrowed from the Roman pagan holiday Saturnailia.

The Catholic Church wanted converts and was willing to allow pagans to keep their festivals as long as they "do it for Christ" Some call this the "sin of mixtures." Allowing people to keep their pagan way, but doing it for Christ.

That church did the same In replacing the Sabbath observed by the prophets, Christ and His apostles with SUNDAY. The daughter Protestant churches never corrected these errors but 8nstead EMBRACED them. This is why they are called the Daughters of the Great Whore"

Why do you think have the names for the days of the Jewish seven days week the names of pagan gods?