The Truth Behind Christmas and Easter: A Closer Look at Their Origins
The Truth Behind Christmas and Easter: A Closer Look at Their Origins
Many people celebrate Christmas and Easter with great joy, believing they commemorate significant events in the life of Jesus Christ. However, these holidays have a complex history that many may not be aware of. This article aims to explore the actual origins of these celebrations and their connection to Christianity.
Introduction to the Controversy
Contrary to popular belief, Jesus did not celebrate His birthday or resurrection. In fact, the celebration of Christmas and Easter as we know them today has deep roots in pagan traditions. This article delves into the historical context and examines whether these celebrations truly honor Scripture and the teachings of Jesus.
Christmas: The December 25th Celebration
The widespread belief that Jesus was born on December 25th is a widespread misconception. This date was not chosen based on any historical records but rather centuries after the Gospels were written. Moreover, December 25th is the winter solstice, a pagan celebration of the shortest day of the year and the return of longer days. The term 'holiday' itself is derived from 'Holy Day,' yet Christmas is not a 'holy day' in the true sense of the word. Romans 10:17 highlights, 'So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.'
Easter: The Resurrection on Sunday
Easter, celebrated as the resurrection of Jesus, is often conflated with pagan festivals. Originally, this holiday marked the spring equinox, a time associated with fertility symbols like bunnies and eggs. This mislabelling of pagan rituals as Christian celebrations is a testament to the syncretism that occurred during the rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire. Acts 12:4 mentions that Herod wanted to delay Peter’s judgment to enjoy Passover, emphasizing that these festivals predate their association with Jesus.
The Romans and Pagan Traditions
The Roman Church, aiming to unify its followers, added Christ's name to these festivals. Additionally, the Church began worshiping on Sunday, the day of the sun, in contrast to God's holy Sabbath on Friday sunset to Saturday sunset (Exodus 20:8-11). This move represented a significant departure from Mosaic law and the Sabbath, which are integral parts of Jewish and Christian tradition.
Core Principles and Warnings
Revelation 22:18-19 warns, 'And if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the book of life, and from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.'
Hebrews 6:18 emphasizes God's inerrancy, stating, 'That by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong encouragement, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us.'
Conclusion: Proving Our Faith Through the Word
The Gospel of Christ is grounded in the righteousness of God. It is crucial to adhere to the truth and avoid adding to or taking away from the Word of God. Christmas and Easter, when examined in light of these historical and scriptural facts, appear as derived from pagan celebrations, not as intrinsic parts of the Christian faith.
As believers, we are commanded to 'prove all things' (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and hold fast to the good (Philippians 4:8). We must be careful not to commit the sin of the Israelites, who 'turned away their ears from the truth and shall be turned unto fables' (2 Timothy 4:4). Instead, we should strive to align our traditions with the teachings of Scripture.
Ultimately, while we can certainly celebrate the birth and resurrection of Jesus, we should do so with facts and not lies. TheGetName method serves as a reminder that while Santa and the Easter Bunny entertain, they are not part of the true celebration of Christ's birth and resurrection.