Dec 14, 2010 this teaching will open your eyes to the truth of christmas and what it means in end times. Alexander hislops book the two babylons explores many historical sources showing that the holiday precedes christ by at least 2,000 years, as earlier mentioned 1957, pp. And interestingly, even though the majority of the population believes that jesus p. Tardo scriptural passages edited for sacred name by troy miller who does not agree with all of tardos theology regarding christmas. And few are the voices raised in protest of this paganism, for the honor of jesus christ our only lord and saviour. Dec 12, 2016 christmas is the time to spend with loved ones, reminisce on the past year, and look forward to what is coming. Books listed as good will have the following conditions cover will show some wear but will be intact. Armstrong 18921986 was the founder of the worldwide church of god, and the developer of most of their unique theology. Print it out and bring it with you to this years christmas festivities. The earliest reference to christmas being marked on dec.
Christmas maybe you will not believe the truth, but this precise scene was the first christmas. The truth about christmas ultimate bible reference library. Christmas is the christian celebration of the birth of jesus christ, which, in western churches. The dark history of christmas traditions the independent. Pagan customs centering around the january calends gravitated to christmas. The preachers and radio talk hosts are on the defensive big time and even going on the offensive against those who would condemn christmas or easter as having pagan roots. So if christmas didnt originate with christs birth being on dec.
As shocking as this may sound, jesus christ was not born on or near december 25. Although traditionally a christian holiday, people from all cultures now celebrate. From 1659 to 1681, the celebration of christmas was outlawed in boston, and lawbreakers were fined five shillings. However, since this is a busy time of year we tend to be distracted from what the real meaning of christmas is birth of jesus christ. However, the exact date and month of jesus birth are unknown. I truly hope and pray that you will listen very carefully as i give both scriptural and secular proof as to the true meaning of christmas. Dec 18, 2011 wow, there is so much ruckus in the evangelical community right now about christmas and easter. The shocking truth about christmas faithful word assembly. The truth about christmas and easter new2torah torah. Do you know what the bible says about the christmas tree. Instead, an examination of the history of christmas exposes its roots in pagan religious rites.
Christmas began long before the birth of jesus christ. The truth of the nativity story academic critics of the faith have attacked its historical value for decades. Unfortunately we, too, often let tradition overtake truth. Chrysostom said that christ wasactually born on that day. Christmas is celebrated on december 25 and is both a sacred religious holiday and a worldwide cultural and commercial.
Aside from the christmas tree, the most recognizable symbol of christmas is the nativity scene. We present here excerpts from an article written by herbert w. To slow down and think about ways we can be grateful, help others, and share love. In the ancient times, the christmas tree was the palm tree denoting the pagan messiah as nimrod. And under the heading natal day, we find that the early catholic father, origen, acknowledged this truth.
I think to be of the truth means to love the truth 2 thessalonians 2. And i would like to begin reading at verse 21 and read down through. What is a christians responsibility at this time of the year. Therefore i have revealed to you the truth as god has shown it to me by his word and by history and existing facts. That familiar blend makes us tend to see things we expect, rather than whats actually there. Christmas around the world primary ftfs facts for students. December 25 has become widely accepted as the date of jesus birth. Here are the origins of the christmas tree, santa claus, mistletoe, the holly wreath, and. It is common at christmas to hear experts questioning the gospel accounts. Dec 16, 2008 a message that would open our minds and hearts about the origin of christmas. Christmas was declared as a federal holiday in the united states in 1870. How intriguing it is to trace them to their origins. The barn animals miraculously spoke the night jesus.
It was most recently called saturnalia rome and throughout time it was the celebration of mithra persian and adopted by. We americans take santa claus, presents, holly, trees, carol singing and all the other pleasant christmas. Thus saith the lord, learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven. Children are not mentally scarred by being told the truth about father. Instead, we may discover sinister implications in many christmas practices, and origins heavily steeped in ancient pagan idolatry. While the birth of christ is a special and miraculous event, it isnt the primary focus. There are websites on the internet dedicated to exploring the various kinds of fears that people deal with every day of their lives. Christmas was not among the earliest festivals of the church. The truth about christmas the bible does not give the date of jesus birth, nor does it say that we should celebrate his birthday. This booklet contains four chapters only the first, the plain truth about christmas, was written by armstrong himself in 1952, including jesus birththe untold story and so youre not keeping christmas. Father christmas as a jolly old man with a white beard was indeed thought to be based on st nicholas, who can be traced back to asia minor in about 350. If you are unfamiliar with operation christmas child, the gist is this. Of course, the reason is that they are not from godthey are not part of the way he wants people to worship him.
Did paul, the apostles, and the early church of the new testament celebrated christmas. This description of the modern christmas tree is plain. Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of jesus christ, observed primarily on. If you enjoyed this website, please visit for a similar study. Armstrong founded the worldwide church of god in the late 1930s, as well as ambassador college in 1946, and was an early pioneer of radio and teleevangelism, originally taking to the airwaves in the 1930s from eugene, oregon. By uncovering the truth about christmas origins and customs, we may realize that it is not the innocent christ glorifying celebration that it seems on the surface. Christmas, christian festival celebrating the birth of jesus. Origen, an early christian writer, said this about celebrating birthdays in the bible. Our society today is dominated by materialism and consumerism, and its time that we change that. Further, the original apostles who knew jesus personally never celebrated this holiday. Pages will be intact and easily read but may include light notes, highlighting or underlining. The contrast between gods way and the worlds is very obvious. Would you be surprised to learn that the bible does not even mention christmas. O christmas tree, o christmas tree, your boughs can teach a lesson, that constant faith and hope sublime, lend strength and comfort through all time.
Add to that the commercialization of christmas by marketers and the politicization of christmas in the culture wars, and youre left with one big mess. Yeshua the messiah said to his disciples, if you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. The day marks the beginning of the larger season of christmastide, which lasts 12 days. Writers such as richard dawkins, christopher hitchens, michel onfray and bishop john shelby spong make their pronouncements with something approaching glee. O christmas tree, o christmas tree, your boughs can teach a lesson. For many, christmas is the time to think of jesus christ as a baby in a manger. All pdf booklets are at 150dpi and are text searchable. The word christmas triggers fond memories of family, giftgiving, decorations, music, cherished traditions and sentiments of peace and goodwill toward all. The facts have been blended with tradition and fanciful imagination. The plain truth about christmas herbert w armstrong.
The bible does not give the date of jesus birth, nor does it say that we should celebrate his birthday. The truth about christmas watchtower online library. This included the use of a red robe cardinals robe, a white beard secondcoming of christ, pagan spirit beings called elves altar boys, and was loaded. Letters to malcolm, are only a few of his bestselling works. Whether its a plastic scene set up in a public park or a group of elementary school students. The original celebration is called saturnalia in which they create a feast to sam hein the god of the dead. The concept of the christmas tree originated during the babylonian empire in honor of king nimrod. Tardo we americans take santa claus, presents, holly, trees, carol singing and all the other pleasant christmas customs very much for granted. Dec 23, 2002 unfortunately we, too, often let tradition overtake truth. The plain truth about christmas 3 the plain truth about christmas. The truth behind christmas santa satan christmas, also referred to as christmas day, is an annual holiday celebrated on december 25th.
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free free from the shackles of error, superstition, mythology, and pagan deception. Very few know why we do the things we do, or where our customs came from. Christmas has become the product of an odd mixture of pagan ideas, superstition, fanciful legends, and plain ignorance. The true meaning of christmas often gets lost in the rush of the season. Nearly all aspects of christmas observance have their roots in roman custom and religion. Many of our cherished traditions are buried deep in the pagan past. Dec 26, 2009 thats a good question, heres the truth. The first christmas cards were produced by hallmark in 1915. There is even an official name for the fear of christmas trees, a very real phobia that is a subset of dendrophobia, the fear of trees. Santa claus the roman father of the christmass or father christmas was the figure of thehigh church. In roman times, the christmas tree was the fur tree. Christmas around the world facts for students for teachers for.
Facts about christmas song, santa claus, christmas trees, cards and more 36. The yule log represented the sungod nimrod and the christmas tree. It is the very word of god that gives us the true understanding of the purpose of human existence. God begins the year in the early spring as plant life begins to bud and grow. By uncovering the truth about christmas origins and customs, we may realize that it is not the innocent christglorifying celebration that it seems on the surface. Christmas has also become a secular family holiday that is observed by christians and nonchristians, is marked by the exchange of. Christmas was not among the earliest festivals of the churchthe first evidence of the feast is from egypt. And i have found most of those who know christ as lord and saviour totally unaware of the truth about christmas. The reality of the history and origins of christmas traditions. It does not commemorate the birth of jesus christ, whicis in the spring time, according to luke 2. The shocking truth about christmas the creators calendar.
Stewart december 24th, 2005 traditionally, a yule log was burned in the fireplace on christmas eve and during the night as the logs embers died, there appeared in the room, as if by magic, a christmas tree surrounded by gifts. Dont lie about christmas, warn psychologists the day. The true pagan history behind christmas should have us at the very least question the practice. Most aspects of christmas are not referred to in the bible. Each and every year around this time, thousands of churches around the country participate in an organization called operation christmas child. The christmas holiday has always been less about celebrating the birth of jesus than about commerce, religious dominance, civic power, and. True origins of christmas traditions and real pagan. The plain truth about christmas church of the great god.
The observance of christmas is not of divine appointment, nor is it of nt new testament origin. Every year around this time, americans engage in a cultural battle. But the essence of the season is the greatest gift of all time god gave us jesus christ, his own son. Will you open your bible as we look together to this great, great story of the birth of christ. Some of us lament that the true meaning of christmas has been. We are told that mary rode into bethlehem on a donkey. You may not know the christmas story as well as you think you do. We hope you enjoyed these christmas facts and have a better understanding of the real reason behind christmas. During the time they were out, the shepherds watched them night and day. Audio books mp3 are also available for many booklets. The truth behind christmas christmas today santa satan. Thechristmasstoryisrepeatedtimeandagainonradio,tv,inthepress,inspecialchurchprograms,in socalled bible story books, and is depicted by crib and manger scenes across america. The traditional christmas story isnt always told the way it really happened. Christmas is celebrated on the 25th of decembe r, which marks the birth of jesus christ p.
Here are eight christmas trivia questions that might stump you, your family, or your friends. According to tradition, jesus birth took place on december 25 and is celebrated on that date. The christmas tree, however, is mentioned in the bible. The plain truth about christmas 1974 the plain truth about christmas 1986 rather listen than read. Would you further be surprised to learn that the story of jesus birth, as commonly told, is very different from the inspired text. One is the christmas island, formerly known as kiritimati in the pacific ocean, and christmas island in the indian ocean. The truth about christmas by ferrell jenkins evangelist citrus park church of christ tampa, fl. Christmas day is celebrated all around the world in many different ways. He also wrote some delightful books for children and some science fiction, besides many works of literary criticism.
Dec 27, 2012 truth and christmas by christopher ketcham. Father christmas christmas trees christmas gifts is it wrong. A message that would open our minds and hearts about the origin of christmas. The truth about christmas does christmas really celebrate the birthday of jesus. The babylonian system depicted in revelation 17 rules over the kings and kingdoms of the earth. Consider the following admission from a large american newspaper the buffalo news, nov. If so, then perhaps you have asked these questions. Occult holidays or gods holy days which truth of god. To request literature, browse our library and add items to your basket. Problem of pain, the screwtape letters, mere christianity, the four loves and the posthumous prayer. This teaching will open your eyes to the truth of christmas and what it means in end times. Dec 19, 2016 2016 is coming to an end, and with it comes the christmas season.
202 354 1337 1520 695 673 673 85 1304 1254 622 815 131 1162 670 160 862 7 918 185 1029 420 1246 1348 1430 654 152 298 957 1019 1499 544 928 1102 1422 1046 523