What is the History of Christmas?

There are differing opinions as to the origins of celebrating on December 25th. Some believe that the date of Christmas corresponded with the winter solstice.

Another thought is that December 25th corresponds with the Roman solar holiday Dies Natalis Solis Invicti (birthday of the unconquered Sun).

Others connect it with the Roman holy day Saturnalia, which was marked by gift giving, eating and drinking. Yule logs and trees are remnant from pagan traditions of Northern Europe.

Santa Claus is the beloved figure who visits homes on Christmas Eve and leaves presents for children. It is believed that this legend originated from St. Nicholas, a real person who lived in a Greek area, now located on the southern coast of Turkey. He was orphaned as a child and dedicated his life to serving God and is remembered for his care and concern for children and the poor.

Given the pagan origins of the Christmas holiday, what should a thoughtful Christian response be?

Nowhere in the Bible is it mentioned that we should remember the birth of Jesus. Instead, we are told to remember His death with communion. We also know that his birthday probably wasn’t December 25th. It is thought by some that his birth may have coincided with The Feast of Tabernacles, when He came to “tabernacle” with men.

Nonetheless, Christmas is a favorite holiday among many Christians. Glorious hymns and carols have been written to commemorate the birth of the Savior. Many families try to eschew the commercialism of the holiday and have meaningful celebrations focused on Jesus, with acts of love and service to family and community. Others celebrate the Feast of the Three Kings on January 6. Still others forgo Christmas entirely and choose to focus on the Biblical Holidays.

However you choose to celebrate Christmas, let the warmth of the season be a time inspired by Jesus. Prayerfully seek out ways your family can serve God and help the needy. Make it a goal to change focus with the upcoming Christmas holiday from presents, parties, and food, to what really matters; family, friends, and giving.

Updates on new Posts Subscribe in a Reader · Subscribe by Email

December 1, 2009 | Filed Under Home Sweet Home, Recent Posts | 1 Comment

Homeschool Week #2

Well the first week of homeschool went fabulous. The only frustrating day was when we introduced handwriting to my 4 year old and 5 year old last Thursday. Since then handwriting has gotten a lot less stressful. My 5 year old is on it with the handwriting, which I am so grateful for. However, for some reason, my 4 year old has always had an issue with handwriting. I’m thinking it has something to do with her fine motor skills. Although I’m very happy to say just within the last four days her handwriting has already improved. I think we just need to allow more time for her to practice.

One thing I’m really excited about is my 4 year old is doing very well with the K-5 curriculum. I wasn’t sure if she would do well or not, but she really is a smart little cookie. So I think we will teach my 4 year old one grade ahead until she shows signs that it might be getting to difficult for her. But for right now, I just can’t see teaching K-5 again next year when she is thriving with the curriculum so well this year. We will just have to take it one year at a time. One thing I LOVE about homeschooling is that we have this option to teach ehr one grade ahead. In public school she would simply need to be placed in Kindergarten next year because she is required to fit in with their structured system. At least with homeschooling she can learn at her own pace and level.

My 11 year old has been doing great with getting up in the early morning and getting ready for school. Last year this was a bit of a struggle, I’m glad to see she has grown out of being difficult when it comes to waking up early, lol. She loves getting done with school early in the day, so I think that’s what motivates her. She is having a bit of a difficult time getting back into the groove of things when it comes to Math, so a little extra time will be spent on refreshing her memory.