Roman History - Happy Saturnalia

hello and welcome to the history of Rome hello and welcome to the history of Rome for as far back as I can remember for as far back as I can remember for as far back as I can remember Christmas has been celebrated on the Christmas has been celebrated on the Christmas has been celebrated on the 25th of December I'm sure this is true 25th of December I'm sure this is true 25th of December I'm sure this is true for most of you and in fact unless one for most of you and in fact unless one for most of you and in fact unless one of you out there is 1700 years old I'd of you out there is 1700 years old I'd of you out there is 1700 years old I'd wager that this was true for all of you wager that this was true for all of you wager that this was true for all of you Christmas as we all know is officially Christmas as we all know is officially Christmas as we all know is officially the birth date of Jesus Christ but how the birth date of Jesus Christ but how the birth date of Jesus Christ but how was it that the 25th of December was was it that the 25th of December was was it that the 25th of December was chosen from all the dates on the chosen from all the dates on the chosen from all the dates on the calendar when there is no mention in the calendar when there is no mention in the calendar when there is no mention in the Bible as to the exact date of his birth Bible as to the exact date of his birth Bible as to the exact date of his birth the 25th of December pretty random where the 25th of December pretty random where the 25th of December pretty random where did that come from did that come from did that come from I guess we'd be pretty far off topic if I guess we'd be pretty far off topic if I guess we'd be pretty far off topic if the Romans didn't have something to do the Romans didn't have something to do the Romans didn't have something to do with it so I suppose it won't come as a with it so I suppose it won't come as a with it so I suppose it won't come as a shock when I say the Romans had shock when I say the Romans had shock when I say the Romans had something to do with it but we have to something to do with it but we have to something to do with it but we have to go back a little further than the Romans go back a little further than the Romans go back a little further than the Romans even and work out a little astronomy even and work out a little astronomy even and work out a little astronomy first to really understand the first to really understand the first to really understand the significance of the date for as long as significance of the date for as long as significance of the date for as long as there has been civilization there have there has been civilization there have there has been civilization there have been holidays and festivals days or been holidays and festivals days or been holidays and festivals days or weeks where work was put aside in honor weeks where work was put aside in honor weeks where work was put aside in honor of this or that God and to celebrate of this or that God and to celebrate of this or that God and to celebrate this or that seasonal transition the this or that seasonal transition the this or that seasonal transition the particulars change over time and place particulars change over time and place particulars change over time and place but there are a few constants that seem but there are a few constants that seem but there are a few constants that seem to pop up over and over again not just to pop up over and over again not just to pop up over and over again not just in Western civilization but everywhere in Western civilization but everywhere in Western civilization but everywhere for example some sort of holiday or for example some sort of holiday or for example some sort of holiday or festival is invariably found at the festival is invariably found at the festival is invariably found at the beginning of spring in celebration of beginning of spring in celebration of beginning of spring in celebration of the return of life from its long winter the return of life from its long winter the return of life from its long winter dormancy in agricultural societies there dormancy in agricultural societies there dormancy in agricultural societies there is inevitably some sort of harvest

is inevitably some sort of harvest is inevitably some sort of harvest festival with communities feasting on festival with communities feasting on festival with communities feasting on the recently Halden bounty and of course the recently Halden bounty and of course the recently Halden bounty and of course across time and space back to the across time and space back to the across time and space back to the earliest tribes of mankind there has earliest tribes of mankind there has earliest tribes of mankind there has been some sort of midwinter festival and been some sort of midwinter festival and been some sort of midwinter festival and the midwinter festival whatever the the midwinter festival whatever the the midwinter festival whatever the particular rituals or traditions is particular rituals or traditions is particular rituals or traditions is always amongst the most popular and most always amongst the most popular and most always amongst the most popular and most anticipated waxing somewhat anticipated waxing somewhat anticipated waxing somewhat philosophical on the subject I believe philosophical on the subject I believe philosophical on the subject I believe the midwinter festival is omnipresent the midwinter festival is omnipresent the midwinter festival is omnipresent and omnipotent art for months and it and omnipotent art for months and it and omnipotent art for months and it will be cold and dark for months to come will be cold and dark for months to come will be cold and dark for months to come without some kind of pleasant break without some kind of pleasant break without some kind of pleasant break people are liable to despair so people are liable to despair so people are liable to despair so community started gathering around fires community started gathering around fires community started gathering around fires and throwing week-long feasts and throwing week-long feasts and throwing week-long feasts giving each other presents and giving each other presents and giving each other presents and decorating everything in sight all in an decorating everything in sight all in an decorating everything in sight all in an effort to break up the dreary months effort to break up the dreary months effort to break up the dreary months these days December is marked by an these days December is marked by an these days December is marked by an explosion of colored lights in windows explosion of colored lights in windows explosion of colored lights in windows doorways and rooftops I can't help but doorways and rooftops I can't help but doorways and rooftops I can't help but think that this is a psychological think that this is a psychological think that this is a psychological reaction to the dull gray colorless reaction to the dull gray colorless reaction to the dull gray colorless winter I always saw midwinter winter I always saw midwinter winter I always saw midwinter festivities as a prime example of humans festivities as a prime example of humans festivities as a prime example of humans throwing a party just because it's the throwing a party just because it's the throwing a party just because it's the middle of winter for crying out loud middle of winter for crying out loud middle of winter for crying out loud let's have some fun but there was always let's have some fun but there was always let's have some fun but there was always a harsh undercurrent as well in early a harsh undercurrent as well in early a harsh undercurrent as well in early societies that lived on the razor's edge societies that lived on the razor's edge societies that lived on the razor's edge between survival and extinction the between survival and extinction the between survival and extinction the winter was known as a time of famine any

winter was known as a time of famine any winter was known as a time of famine any excess livestock had to be killed off excess livestock had to be killed off excess livestock had to be killed off before the truly hard months set in the before the truly hard months set in the before the truly hard months set in the meat could be saved there was no point meat could be saved there was no point meat could be saved there was no point in having an excess number of mouths to in having an excess number of mouths to in having an excess number of mouths to feed feed feed accompanying this slaughter and the accompanying this slaughter and the accompanying this slaughter and the copious amounts of meat it produced were copious amounts of meat it produced were copious amounts of meat it produced were the communal feasts sort of a last the communal feasts sort of a last the communal feasts sort of a last blowout before the rationing set in but blowout before the rationing set in but blowout before the rationing set in but midwinter partying for its own sake is midwinter partying for its own sake is midwinter partying for its own sake is of course only part of the story just as of course only part of the story just as of course only part of the story just as humans have always been finding excuses humans have always been finding excuses humans have always been finding excuses to have holidays we have also always had to have holidays we have also always had to have holidays we have also always had a strange fixation with astronomy I am a strange fixation with astronomy I am a strange fixation with astronomy I am NOT going to bore you with my thoughts NOT going to bore you with my thoughts NOT going to bore you with my thoughts on the root causes of that particular on the root causes of that particular on the root causes of that particular obsession but let's just say that humans obsession but let's just say that humans obsession but let's just say that humans love staring at the sky it did not take love staring at the sky it did not take love staring at the sky it did not take long for early astronomers who of course long for early astronomers who of course long for early astronomers who of course doubled as early priests and shaman to doubled as early priests and shaman to doubled as early priests and shaman to know cyclical patterns and the movements know cyclical patterns and the movements know cyclical patterns and the movements of celestial objects and begin to attach of celestial objects and begin to attach of celestial objects and begin to attach significance to a few of the more significance to a few of the more significance to a few of the more noteworthy points in those patterns they noteworthy points in those patterns they noteworthy points in those patterns they watched as the day's grew longer and watched as the day's grew longer and watched as the day's grew longer and longer through the summer until there longer through the summer until there longer through the summer until there was a period when the day reached some was a period when the day reached some was a period when the day reached some kind of maximum length and then began to kind of maximum length and then began to kind of maximum length and then began to shorten later there was a moment when shorten later there was a moment when shorten later there was a moment when the day and night were exactly the same the day and night were exactly the same the day and night were exactly the same length and then as winter came the night length and then as winter came the night length and then as winter came the night began to last longer than the day until began to last longer than the day until began to last longer than the day until it reached some sort of peak length and it reached some sort of peak length and it reached some sort of peak length and contracted back to a day and night of contracted back to a day and night of contracted back to a day and night of equal length equal length equal length people began to wrap up all kinds of people began to wrap up all kinds of people began to wrap up all kinds of religious and philosophical meaning in religious and philosophical meaning in religious and philosophical meaning in these days what we now call the summer these days what we now call the summer these days what we now call the summer solstice the autumnal equinox the winter

solstice the autumnal equinox the winter solstice the autumnal equinox the winter solstice and the vernal equinox they had solstice and the vernal equinox they had solstice and the vernal equinox they had no idea about solar systems and tilted no idea about solar systems and tilted no idea about solar systems and tilted axes and revolving spheres floating in axes and revolving spheres floating in axes and revolving spheres floating in space but they knew something was up and space but they knew something was up and space but they knew something was up and wanted to get in on the action wanted to get in on the action wanted to get in on the action so they started surrounding these so they started surrounding these so they started surrounding these important days with rituals ceremonies important days with rituals ceremonies important days with rituals ceremonies and you guessed it festivals and you guessed it festivals and you guessed it festivals so now we'll narrow our focus a bit and so now we'll narrow our focus a bit and so now we'll narrow our focus a bit and zoom in on the winter solstice in zoom in on the winter solstice in zoom in on the winter solstice in particular if humans didn't need a particular if humans didn't need a particular if humans didn't need a reason to party in the middle of winter reason to party in the middle of winter reason to party in the middle of winter in the first place it certainly wasn't in the first place it certainly wasn't in the first place it certainly wasn't going to bother anyone that now there going to bother anyone that now there going to bother anyone that now there was here the astronomer priests were was here the astronomer priests were was here the astronomer priests were telling them that on this one particular telling them that on this one particular telling them that on this one particular day the darkness that had been spreading day the darkness that had been spreading day the darkness that had been spreading for the last six months bumming everyone for the last six months bumming everyone for the last six months bumming everyone out had reached its maximum ebb and now out had reached its maximum ebb and now out had reached its maximum ebb and now the light would be ascendant the worst the light would be ascendant the worst the light would be ascendant the worst was behind them and from here on out was behind them and from here on out was behind them and from here on out every day would be a little bit lighter every day would be a little bit lighter every day would be a little bit lighter and a little bit warmer rather than a and a little bit warmer rather than a and a little bit warmer rather than a little darker and a little colder and if little darker and a little colder and if little darker and a little colder and if that isn't a reason to invent that isn't a reason to invent that isn't a reason to invent distillation I don't know what is distillation I don't know what is distillation I don't know what is so the midwinter festivities began to so the midwinter festivities began to so the midwinter festivities began to occur on and around the winter solstice occur on and around the winter solstice occur on and around the winter solstice just as as spring festivals began to just as as spring festivals began to just as as spring festivals began to hinge on the vernal equinox and by the hinge on the vernal equinox and by the hinge on the vernal equinox and by the time the Romans came along then there time the Romans came along then there time the Romans came along then there was already a rich tradition of was already a rich tradition of was already a rich tradition of festivities surrounding the winter festivities surrounding the winter festivities surrounding the winter solstice they didn't invent anything but solstice they didn't invent anything but solstice they didn't invent anything but they did have their own holiday calendar they did have their own holiday calendar they did have their own holiday calendar which became the conduit through which which became the conduit through which which became the conduit through which these ancient celebrations passed into these ancient celebrations passed into these ancient celebrations passed into our own modern era a long-standing Roman our own modern era a long-standing Roman our own modern era a long-standing Roman winter tradition dating to the early

winter tradition dating to the early winter tradition dating to the early republic was called Saturnalia a feast republic was called Saturnalia a feast republic was called Saturnalia a feast commemorating the founding of the temple commemorating the founding of the temple commemorating the founding of the temple of Saturn at first the celebration took of Saturn at first the celebration took of Saturn at first the celebration took place on December 17 but as time passed place on December 17 but as time passed place on December 17 but as time passed Saturnalia grew to encompass a whole Saturnalia grew to encompass a whole Saturnalia grew to encompass a whole week generally ending on December 23rd week generally ending on December 23rd week generally ending on December 23rd but by the middle Imperial period but by the middle Imperial period but by the middle Imperial period sometimes extending as far as our date sometimes extending as far as our date sometimes extending as far as our date of inquiry December 25th Saturnalia was of inquiry December 25th Saturnalia was of inquiry December 25th Saturnalia was by far the most popular of Roman by far the most popular of Roman by far the most popular of Roman holidays and came complete with large holidays and came complete with large holidays and came complete with large public feasts and a complete abandonment public feasts and a complete abandonment public feasts and a complete abandonment of traditional morality of traditional morality of traditional morality always a must for the really good always a must for the really good always a must for the really good parties gambling was encouraged where parties gambling was encouraged where parties gambling was encouraged where for the rest of the year was frowned for the rest of the year was frowned for the rest of the year was frowned upon and it was encouraged not just for upon and it was encouraged not just for upon and it was encouraged not just for citizens but for slaves as well who were citizens but for slaves as well who were citizens but for slaves as well who were treated for the week as real actual treated for the week as real actual treated for the week as real actual people in fact in many cases a sort of people in fact in many cases a sort of people in fact in many cases a sort of role reversal game was played where the role reversal game was played where the role reversal game was played where the slaves were treated as master and the slaves were treated as master and the slaves were treated as master and the master slave Roman citizens delighted in master slave Roman citizens delighted in master slave Roman citizens delighted in the novelty of serving food and running the novelty of serving food and running the novelty of serving food and running errands while the slaves enjoyed a brief errands while the slaves enjoyed a brief errands while the slaves enjoyed a brief moment on the couch humorously ordering moment on the couch humorously ordering moment on the couch humorously ordering their owners about and those crazy their owners about and those crazy their owners about and those crazy Romans what will they think of next Romans what will they think of next Romans what will they think of next as for its connection to Christmas as for its connection to Christmas as for its connection to Christmas Saturnalia was also accompanied by Saturnalia was also accompanied by Saturnalia was also accompanied by gift-giving gift-giving gift-giving the hanging of pine boughs inside the the hanging of pine boughs inside the the hanging of pine boughs inside the home and singing in the streets which home and singing in the streets which home and singing in the streets which corresponds roughly to our caroling corresponds roughly to our caroling corresponds roughly to our caroling though the Romans apparently did this though the Romans apparently did this though the Romans apparently did this while drunk and naked which I'm thankful while drunk and naked which I'm thankful while drunk and naked which I'm thankful to say is a tradition that died with the to say is a tradition that died with the to say is a tradition that died with the Empire but for all its importance and

Empire but for all its importance and Empire but for all its importance and obvious similarities to Christmas obvious similarities to Christmas obvious similarities to Christmas Saturnalia was not the true reason Saturnalia was not the true reason Saturnalia was not the true reason Christmas is celebrated on December 25th Christmas is celebrated on December 25th Christmas is celebrated on December 25th that honor goes to an imported Syrian that honor goes to an imported Syrian that honor goes to an imported Syrian feast called sol invictus or the feast feast called sol invictus or the feast feast called sol invictus or the feast of the Unconquered Sun in the middle of the Unconquered Sun in the middle of the Unconquered Sun in the middle late Imperium the Romans began to late Imperium the Romans began to late Imperium the Romans began to embrace Eastern Sun cults and adopted embrace Eastern Sun cults and adopted embrace Eastern Sun cults and adopted many of their corresponding rituals and many of their corresponding rituals and many of their corresponding rituals and holidays and when we're talking about holidays and when we're talking about holidays and when we're talking about worshipping Sun gods the winter solstice worshipping Sun gods the winter solstice worshipping Sun gods the winter solstice is obviously going to be seen as a date is obviously going to be seen as a date is obviously going to be seen as a date of great importance Sol Invictus of great importance Sol Invictus of great importance Sol Invictus honoured the Sun God for holding fast honoured the Sun God for holding fast honoured the Sun God for holding fast against the encroaching darkness and against the encroaching darkness and against the encroaching darkness and celebrated the day he turned the tables celebrated the day he turned the tables celebrated the day he turned the tables on his eternal enemy Knight and began to on his eternal enemy Knight and began to on his eternal enemy Knight and began to retake the sky the Syrian born Emperor retake the sky the Syrian born Emperor retake the sky the Syrian born Emperor Elagabalus introduced the Romans to the Elagabalus introduced the Romans to the Elagabalus introduced the Romans to the feast around 220 ad and held it every feast around 220 ad and held it every feast around 220 ad and held it every year on December the 25th which year on December the 25th which year on December the 25th which according to the Roman calendar at the according to the Roman calendar at the according to the Roman calendar at the time was the date of the all-important time was the date of the all-important time was the date of the all-important winter solstice fifty years later the winter solstice fifty years later the winter solstice fifty years later the Emperor aurelion whose patron God was Emperor aurelion whose patron God was Emperor aurelion whose patron God was Sol one of the various Sun gods hanging Sol one of the various Sun gods hanging Sol one of the various Sun gods hanging around at the time popularized the feast around at the time popularized the feast around at the time popularized the feast and made it an empire-wide holiday 20 and made it an empire-wide holiday 20 and made it an empire-wide holiday 20 odd years after aurelion Constantine odd years after aurelion Constantine odd years after aurelion Constantine came along came along came along and I think that we all know what and I think that we all know what and I think that we all know what happened next seized with either a happened next seized with either a happened next seized with either a mystical vision of Christ or a rather mystical vision of Christ or a rather mystical vision of Christ or a rather practical understanding that Christian practical understanding that Christian practical understanding that Christian bureaucrats were the only ones who could bureaucrats were the only ones who could bureaucrats were the only ones who could be trusted with the Imperial Treasury be trusted with the Imperial Treasury be trusted with the Imperial Treasury Constantine officially ended the Constantine officially ended the Constantine officially ended the persecution of Christians and on his

persecution of Christians and on his persecution of Christians and on his deathbed converted himself and the deathbed converted himself and the deathbed converted himself and the Empire to Christianity in the beginning Empire to Christianity in the beginning Empire to Christianity in the beginning of the Christian era the leaders of the of the Christian era the leaders of the of the Christian era the leaders of the church attempted to stamp out the old church attempted to stamp out the old church attempted to stamp out the old pagan holidays but ran into a great deal pagan holidays but ran into a great deal pagan holidays but ran into a great deal of resistance from the citizens of Rome of resistance from the citizens of Rome of resistance from the citizens of Rome who continued to follow their old who continued to follow their old who continued to follow their old holiday calendar holding fast to Sol holiday calendar holding fast to Sol holiday calendar holding fast to Sol Invictus in particular the church elders Invictus in particular the church elders Invictus in particular the church elders realizing they were fighting a losing realizing they were fighting a losing realizing they were fighting a losing battle changed their strategy and rather battle changed their strategy and rather battle changed their strategy and rather than attempting to stamp out the pagan than attempting to stamp out the pagan than attempting to stamp out the pagan holidays simply co-opted them and holidays simply co-opted them and holidays simply co-opted them and refashion them as Christian celebrations refashion them as Christian celebrations refashion them as Christian celebrations the first official connections between the first official connections between the first official connections between Christmas and December 25th began to Christmas and December 25th began to Christmas and December 25th began to appear around 332 358 D Jesus was often appear around 332 358 D Jesus was often appear around 332 358 D Jesus was often depicted during these years with a depicted during these years with a depicted during these years with a radiating solar crown and was often used radiating solar crown and was often used radiating solar crown and was often used interchangeably with the various pagan interchangeably with the various pagan interchangeably with the various pagan solar deities by a citizen body solar deities by a citizen body solar deities by a citizen body transitioning between religions by 400 transitioning between religions by 400 transitioning between religions by 400 December 25th was firmly established as December 25th was firmly established as December 25th was firmly established as a celebration of the birth of Jesus and a celebration of the birth of Jesus and a celebration of the birth of Jesus and all mention of the old gods was gone as all mention of the old gods was gone as all mention of the old gods was gone as the Empire fell taking the last vestiges the Empire fell taking the last vestiges the Empire fell taking the last vestiges of paganism with it of paganism with it of paganism with it Roman Catholicism stood as the last Roman Catholicism stood as the last Roman Catholicism stood as the last bulwark of civilization and despite the bulwark of civilization and despite the bulwark of civilization and despite the many past claims by other deities to many past claims by other deities to many past claims by other deities to December 25th and the winter solstice December 25th and the winter solstice December 25th and the winter solstice it was now a date for Jesus and Jesus it was now a date for Jesus and Jesus it was now a date for Jesus and Jesus alone though the importance of Christmas alone though the importance of Christmas alone though the importance of Christmas Day itself as a holiday has waxed and Day itself as a holiday has waxed and Day itself as a holiday has waxed and waned over the years it was always waned over the years it was always waned over the years it was always considered the birthday of Jesus just it

considered the birthday of Jesus just it considered the birthday of Jesus just it as is today when as a holiday it now as is today when as a holiday it now as is today when as a holiday it now dominates the Christian holiday calendar dominates the Christian holiday calendar dominates the Christian holiday calendar so there you have it for those of you so there you have it for those of you so there you have it for those of you who are celebrating Christmas remember who are celebrating Christmas remember who are celebrating Christmas remember that when you sit down and exchange that when you sit down and exchange that when you sit down and exchange presents beneath the tree on December presents beneath the tree on December presents beneath the tree on December 25th even though you may not be in Rome 25th even though you may not be in Rome 25th even though you may not be in Rome you are doing exactly as the Romans did you are doing exactly as the Romans did you are doing exactly as the Romans did as I mentioned at the end of last week as I mentioned at the end of last week as I mentioned at the end of last week the show will be on hiatus next week as the show will be on hiatus next week as the show will be on hiatus next week as I am traveling for the holidays but when I am traveling for the holidays but when I am traveling for the holidays but when I return I hope to bring back with me a I return I hope to bring back with me a I return I hope to bring back with me a fancy new hosting server as many of you fancy new hosting server as many of you fancy new hosting server as many of you have noted with frustration over the have noted with frustration over the have noted with frustration over the last few weeks there have been many last few weeks there have been many last few weeks there have been many problems downloading episodes at first I problems downloading episodes at first I problems downloading episodes at first I didn't quite know what the problem was didn't quite know what the problem was didn't quite know what the problem was but a dawned on me that the thousands but a dawned on me that the thousands but a dawned on me that the thousands and thousands of download requests were and thousands of download requests were and thousands of download requests were overwhelming my poor little free hosting overwhelming my poor little free hosting overwhelming my poor little free hosting account when I started the history of account when I started the history of account when I started the history of realm I never imagined I would need more realm I never imagined I would need more realm I never imagined I would need more than hobbyist great hosting but the than hobbyist great hosting but the than hobbyist great hosting but the audience has now officially outgrown the audience has now officially outgrown the audience has now officially outgrown the venue and I plan on spending a good venue and I plan on spending a good venue and I plan on spending a good chunk of my downtime getting all the chunk of my downtime getting all the chunk of my downtime getting all the bugs worked out of what I hope to be a bugs worked out of what I hope to be a bugs worked out of what I hope to be a server with more than enough bandwidth server with more than enough bandwidth server with more than enough bandwidth to accommodate everyone out there now to accommodate everyone out there now to accommodate everyone out there now and anyone who wants to hop on board in and anyone who wants to hop on board in and anyone who wants to hop on board in the future so I will see you next year the future so I will see you next year the future so I will see you next year hopefully fully upgraded so we can hopefully fully upgraded so we can hopefully fully upgraded so we can launch unobstructed into the Punic Wars launch unobstructed into the Punic Wars launch unobstructed into the Punic Wars by far Rome's greatest test and a time by far Rome's greatest test and a time by far Rome's greatest test and a time of very real peril and then begin to of very real peril and then begin to of very real peril and then begin to trace the long slow decline of the trace the long slow decline of the trace the long slow decline of the Republic until the whirlpool begins to

Republic until the whirlpool begins to Republic until the whirlpool begins to suck furiously downward in the middle of suck furiously downward in the middle of suck furiously downward in the middle of the first century BC until then I wish the first century BC until then I wish the first century BC until then I wish you all a happy feast of the Unconquered you all a happy feast of the Unconquered you all a happy feast of the Unconquered Sun Sun Sun [Music] [Music] [Music] you you you [Music] [Music] [Music] in the northern hemisphere during late in the northern hemisphere during late in the northern hemisphere during late December the days are at their shortest December the days are at their shortest December the days are at their shortest lengths and the nights are at their lengths and the nights are at their lengths and the nights are at their longest for those of the pagan world longest for those of the pagan world longest for those of the pagan world this has always been the greatest time this has always been the greatest time this has always been the greatest time of the year to celebrate and practice of the year to celebrate and practice of the year to celebrate and practice the works of darkness the pagan calendar the works of darkness the pagan calendar the works of darkness the pagan calendar identifies this period as the winter identifies this period as the winter identifies this period as the winter solstice it was during the pre-christian solstice it was during the pre-christian solstice it was during the pre-christian midwinter pagan celebrations of midwinter pagan celebrations of midwinter pagan celebrations of Scandinavia's Norseman where today's Scandinavia's Norseman where today's Scandinavia's Norseman where today's christmas traditions began as a means of christmas traditions began as a means of christmas traditions began as a means of honoring the pagan sex and fertility honoring the pagan sex and fertility honoring the pagan sex and fertility guard Yule a 12 days celebration during guard Yule a 12 days celebration during guard Yule a 12 days celebration during the month of December was inaugurated a the month of December was inaugurated a the month of December was inaugurated a large single log considered to be a large single log considered to be a large single log considered to be a phallic Idol was lit on fire and kept phallic Idol was lit on fire and kept phallic Idol was lit on fire and kept burning for 12 days animal or human burning for 12 days animal or human burning for 12 days animal or human sacrifices were offered in the fire on sacrifices were offered in the fire on sacrifices were offered in the fire on each of those days wild delirious each of those days wild delirious each of those days wild delirious reveling accompanied the daily reveling accompanied the daily reveling accompanied the daily sacrifices as drunken participants

sacrifices as drunken participants sacrifices as drunken participants defiantly strove to make contact with defiantly strove to make contact with defiantly strove to make contact with spirits a thousand miles away in spirits a thousand miles away in spirits a thousand miles away in pre-christian Rome celebrants were pre-christian Rome celebrants were pre-christian Rome celebrants were paying homage to their own gods during paying homage to their own gods during paying homage to their own gods during the winter solstice which craft the winter solstice which craft the winter solstice which craft traditions hold that a number of pagan traditions hold that a number of pagan traditions hold that a number of pagan gods were given birth during this period gods were given birth during this period gods were given birth during this period including Dionysus Attis and Baal chief including Dionysus Attis and Baal chief including Dionysus Attis and Baal chief male guard of fertility and male guard of fertility and male guard of fertility and licentiousness another pagan guard from licentiousness another pagan guard from licentiousness another pagan guard from Persia identified as Mithra was said to Persia identified as Mithra was said to Persia identified as Mithra was said to have been born specifically on December have been born specifically on December have been born specifically on December 25th 25th 25th Mithra was the god of the Unconquered Mithra was the god of the Unconquered Mithra was the god of the Unconquered Sun the god of the light between heaven Sun the god of the light between heaven Sun the god of the light between heaven and earth worshipped at that time by an and earth worshipped at that time by an and earth worshipped at that time by an influential Roman cult his birth influential Roman cult his birth influential Roman cult his birth symbolized an end to the long nights and symbolized an end to the long nights and symbolized an end to the long nights and a return to the dominance of the Sun a return to the dominance of the Sun a return to the dominance of the Sun during the month-long winter solstice during the month-long winter solstice during the month-long winter solstice celebration courts in Rome were closed celebration courts in Rome were closed celebration courts in Rome were closed any and all crimes were allowed any and all crimes were allowed any and all crimes were allowed homosexuality cross-dressing homosexuality cross-dressing homosexuality cross-dressing and uncontrolled debauchery reigned and uncontrolled debauchery reigned and uncontrolled debauchery reigned supreme supreme supreme Rome's order was turned upside down even Rome's order was turned upside down even Rome's order was turned upside down even children were allowed to join in the children were allowed to join in the children were allowed to join in the drunken orgies drunken orgies drunken orgies as part of the juvenilia celebration by as part of the juvenilia celebration by as part of the juvenilia celebration by 270 ad the Roman Emperor Aurelian had 270 ad the Roman Emperor Aurelian had 270 ad the Roman Emperor Aurelian had made it official setting aside a made it official setting aside a made it official setting aside a seven-day period from December the 17th seven-day period from December the 17th seven-day period from December the 17th through the 24th culminating in an through the 24th culminating in an through the 24th culminating in an exchange of gifts on December the 25th exchange of gifts on December the 25th exchange of gifts on December the 25th to celebrate the birth of the Sun God

to celebrate the birth of the Sun God to celebrate the birth of the Sun God this Roman orgy to end all orgies later this Roman orgy to end all orgies later this Roman orgy to end all orgies later became known as Saturnalia in honor of became known as Saturnalia in honor of became known as Saturnalia in honor of the god Saturn the god of excess Roman the god Saturn the god of excess Roman the god Saturn the god of excess Roman soldiers invading Britain brought with soldiers invading Britain brought with soldiers invading Britain brought with them their pagan or gistic traditions them their pagan or gistic traditions them their pagan or gistic traditions upon taking root in England Saturnalia upon taking root in England Saturnalia upon taking root in England Saturnalia became known as the festival of fools became known as the festival of fools became known as the festival of fools reigned over by the Lord of misrule by reigned over by the Lord of misrule by reigned over by the Lord of misrule by the 4th century the influential the 4th century the influential the 4th century the influential government-sanctioned - church of rome government-sanctioned - church of rome government-sanctioned - church of rome unable to outlaw the growing number of unable to outlaw the growing number of unable to outlaw the growing number of pagan practices chose instead to adopt pagan practices chose instead to adopt pagan practices chose instead to adopt them into their so-called official them into their so-called official them into their so-called official Christianity the church believed this Christianity the church believed this Christianity the church believed this would attract more pagans to their fold would attract more pagans to their fold would attract more pagans to their fold up until this time the birthday of Jesus up until this time the birthday of Jesus up until this time the birthday of Jesus Christ the Jewish Messiah had not been Christ the Jewish Messiah had not been Christ the Jewish Messiah had not been celebrated at all ignoring Scriptures celebrated at all ignoring Scriptures celebrated at all ignoring Scriptures however indicating that the birth however indicating that the birth however indicating that the birth probably did not occur during the winter probably did not occur during the winter probably did not occur during the winter the church nevertheless confused the church nevertheless confused the church nevertheless confused biblical history and made Jesus's biblical history and made Jesus's biblical history and made Jesus's birthday coincide with the pagan god birthday coincide with the pagan god birthday coincide with the pagan god Mithra the birth date of the Sun God had Mithra the birth date of the Sun God had Mithra the birth date of the Sun God had now become the birth date of the Son of now become the birth date of the Son of now become the birth date of the Son of God it was hoped for the pagan God it was hoped for the pagan God it was hoped for the pagan celebrations of Saturnalia would merge celebrations of Saturnalia would merge celebrations of Saturnalia would merge into this new legally sanctioned form of into this new legally sanctioned form of into this new legally sanctioned form of Christianity Christianity Christianity the Church's practice of changing the the Church's practice of changing the the Church's practice of changing the dates of Christian events to coincide dates of Christian events to coincide dates of Christian events to coincide with pagan festivals continued and by with pagan festivals continued and by with pagan festivals continued and by the seventh century Pope Gregory the the seventh century Pope Gregory the the seventh century Pope Gregory the first had ordered Augustine of first had ordered Augustine of first had ordered Augustine of Canterbury to incorporate any and all

Canterbury to incorporate any and all Canterbury to incorporate any and all pagan practices and customs into the pagan practices and customs into the pagan practices and customs into the expanding Roman Catholic Church during expanding Roman Catholic Church during expanding Roman Catholic Church during the Middle Ages the debased Mardi Gras the Middle Ages the debased Mardi Gras the Middle Ages the debased Mardi Gras atmosphere of what was now known as atmosphere of what was now known as atmosphere of what was now known as Christ's mass had reached a fevered Christ's mass had reached a fevered Christ's mass had reached a fevered pitch common practices included open sex pitch common practices included open sex pitch common practices included open sex in the streets rioting murder and a in the streets rioting murder and a in the streets rioting murder and a number of pagan druidic Halloween number of pagan druidic Halloween number of pagan druidic Halloween rituals this blood-drenched celebration rituals this blood-drenched celebration rituals this blood-drenched celebration got so out of hand that by 1652 got so out of hand that by 1652 got so out of hand that by 1652 following the execution of King Charles following the execution of King Charles following the execution of King Charles the first Christ's mass was finally the first Christ's mass was finally the first Christ's mass was finally outlawed in England a religious reform outlawed in England a religious reform outlawed in England a religious reform movement began sweeping the country led movement began sweeping the country led movement began sweeping the country led by Puritan Oliver Cromwell the Puritans by Puritan Oliver Cromwell the Puritans by Puritan Oliver Cromwell the Puritans took the biblical mandate seriously took the biblical mandate seriously took the biblical mandate seriously which commanded that Christianity which commanded that Christianity which commanded that Christianity remained pure and separate from paganism remained pure and separate from paganism remained pure and separate from paganism despite their noble efforts the despite their noble efforts the despite their noble efforts the celebration simply went underground and celebration simply went underground and celebration simply went underground and by 1656 by 1656 by 1656 after only four short years under the after only four short years under the after only four short years under the ban the public's demand for the ban the public's demand for the ban the public's demand for the legalization of Christ's mass had become legalization of Christ's mass had become legalization of Christ's mass had become insurmountable the appointment of insurmountable the appointment of insurmountable the appointment of charles ii to the throne restored charles ii to the throne restored charles ii to the throne restored England's monarchy and with it the England's monarchy and with it the England's monarchy and with it the celebration of Christ's mass the celebration of Christ's mass the celebration of Christ's mass the Puritans had lost England but they held Puritans had lost England but they held Puritans had lost England but they held high hopes for the new world when the high hopes for the new world when the high hopes for the new world when the first settlers came from England they first settlers came from England they first settlers came from England they were for the most part Puritans they were for the most part Puritans they were for the most part Puritans they came here for religious freedom they came here for religious freedom they came here for religious freedom they came here to be free to worship God

came here to be free to worship God came here to be free to worship God without a hierarchy and without the without a hierarchy and without the without a hierarchy and without the corruption of the organized church that corruption of the organized church that corruption of the organized church that they had known before and when they came they had known before and when they came they had known before and when they came they came with the clear knowledge of they came with the clear knowledge of they came with the clear knowledge of the danger of these pagan practices that the danger of these pagan practices that the danger of these pagan practices that had become so dear to the hearts of had become so dear to the hearts of had become so dear to the hearts of their ancestors following England's lead their ancestors following England's lead their ancestors following England's lead in 1659 the colonies of America had in 1659 the colonies of America had in 1659 the colonies of America had likewise outlawed Christmas for 200 likewise outlawed Christmas for 200 likewise outlawed Christmas for 200 years the clergy in New England battled years the clergy in New England battled years the clergy in New England battled to keep the riot - celebrations honoring to keep the riot - celebrations honoring to keep the riot - celebrations honoring the pagan god Saturn from infiltrating the pagan god Saturn from infiltrating the pagan god Saturn from infiltrating the New World the New World the New World the Reverend Cotton Mather had warned in the Reverend Cotton Mather had warned in the Reverend Cotton Mather had warned in a Christmas Day sermon in 1712 can you a Christmas Day sermon in 1712 can you a Christmas Day sermon in 1712 can you in your conscience think that your holy in your conscience think that your holy in your conscience think that your holy Saviour is honored by hard-drinking Saviour is honored by hard-drinking Saviour is honored by hard-drinking lured reveling and by a mass fit for lured reveling and by a mass fit for lured reveling and by a mass fit for none but borkus or Saturn but the none but borkus or Saturn but the none but borkus or Saturn but the public's taste for sin and revelry public's taste for sin and revelry public's taste for sin and revelry persisted in 1828 gang rioting during persisted in 1828 gang rioting during persisted in 1828 gang rioting during the Saturnalia like Christmas the Saturnalia like Christmas the Saturnalia like Christmas celebrations got so bad that cities such celebrations got so bad that cities such celebrations got so bad that cities such as New York were forced to institute a as New York were forced to institute a as New York were forced to institute a professional police force for the first professional police force for the first professional police force for the first time in order to control the savagery time in order to control the savagery time in order to control the savagery Christmas was not only not widely Christmas was not only not widely Christmas was not only not widely celebrated in many cases as many places celebrated in many cases as many places celebrated in many cases as many places Christmas celebrations were actually Christmas celebrations were actually Christmas celebrations were actually outlawed and this was because of the outlawed and this was because of the outlawed and this was because of the attitude of many of the churches who attitude of many of the churches who attitude of many of the churches who regarded it as primarily as a pagan regarded it as primarily as a pagan regarded it as primarily as a pagan celebration and as a reproach to the

celebration and as a reproach to the celebration and as a reproach to the Lord by the mid 19th century American Lord by the mid 19th century American Lord by the mid 19th century American churches were the last remaining holdout churches were the last remaining holdout churches were the last remaining holdout in the war against the validation of in the war against the validation of in the war against the validation of Christmas however they too finally Christmas however they too finally Christmas however they too finally succumbed as a result of the efforts of succumbed as a result of the efforts of succumbed as a result of the efforts of the American Sunday School Society who the American Sunday School Society who the American Sunday School Society who began advocating Christmas programs for began advocating Christmas programs for began advocating Christmas programs for children as a method of filling the pews children as a method of filling the pews children as a method of filling the pews the society argued that children could the society argued that children could the society argued that children could be taught about the birth of Christ be taught about the birth of Christ be taught about the birth of Christ through the reenactment of the Nativity through the reenactment of the Nativity through the reenactment of the Nativity they also offered candy and treats to they also offered candy and treats to they also offered candy and treats to the children as a means of enticing the children as a means of enticing the children as a means of enticing families into accepting the holiday families into accepting the holiday families into accepting the holiday despite its notorious history and despite its notorious history and despite its notorious history and blatantly pagan roots the successful blatantly pagan roots the successful blatantly pagan roots the successful technique of bribing children with candy technique of bribing children with candy technique of bribing children with candy would later be used on an unsuspecting would later be used on an unsuspecting would later be used on an unsuspecting American American American populace in the effort to promote the populace in the effort to promote the populace in the effort to promote the acceptance of the pagan rituals of acceptance of the pagan rituals of acceptance of the pagan rituals of Halloween however it was the work of Halloween however it was the work of Halloween however it was the work of England's most popular writer Charles England's most popular writer Charles England's most popular writer Charles Dickens whose ghostly 1843 book a Dickens whose ghostly 1843 book a Dickens whose ghostly 1843 book a Christmas carol cemented the Christmas Christmas carol cemented the Christmas Christmas carol cemented the Christmas holiday in the hearts of Americans holiday in the hearts of Americans holiday in the hearts of Americans forever dickens world love story made forever dickens world love story made forever dickens world love story made the pagan christmas feasts shining trees the pagan christmas feasts shining trees the pagan christmas feasts shining trees glittering shops and family warmth glittering shops and family warmth glittering shops and family warmth irresistible to those wanting to irresistible to those wanting to irresistible to those wanting to experience the holiday coming to America experience the holiday coming to America experience the holiday coming to America in 1867 to promote his work Charles in 1867 to promote his work Charles in 1867 to promote his work Charles Dickens packed theatres as he read his Dickens packed theatres as he read his Dickens packed theatres as he read his story - cheering audiences around the story - cheering audiences around the story - cheering audiences around the country a Christmas carol gripped

country a Christmas carol gripped country a Christmas carol gripped America and destroyed any final attempt America and destroyed any final attempt America and destroyed any final attempt to stop the evolution of Christmas to stop the evolution of Christmas to stop the evolution of Christmas by 1875 the Puritans had been beaten and by 1875 the Puritans had been beaten and by 1875 the Puritans had been beaten and by 1890 all American states had voted to by 1890 all American states had voted to by 1890 all American states had voted to make Christmas a legal holiday make Christmas a legal holiday make Christmas a legal holiday [Music] today's tradition of the Christmas Yule today's tradition of the Christmas Yule Log stems directly from the worship of Log stems directly from the worship of Log stems directly from the worship of the pre-christian Scandinavian fertility the pre-christian Scandinavian fertility the pre-christian Scandinavian fertility guard Yule the burning of this phallic guard Yule the burning of this phallic guard Yule the burning of this phallic Idol is also responsible for the concept Idol is also responsible for the concept Idol is also responsible for the concept of the 12 days of Christmas which of the 12 days of Christmas which of the 12 days of Christmas which represented the 12 daily sacrifices represented the 12 daily sacrifices represented the 12 daily sacrifices offered up in the Yule logs flames offered up in the Yule logs flames offered up in the Yule logs flames another good example of the pagan another good example of the pagan another good example of the pagan elements of Christmas is the whole elements of Christmas is the whole elements of Christmas is the whole concept of Yule and the Yule Log concept of Yule and the Yule Log concept of Yule and the Yule Log the very term is derived from a Norse the very term is derived from a Norse the very term is derived from a Norse God God God Yule spell ju l and every year around Yule spell ju l and every year around Yule spell ju l and every year around Christmastime a huge log was cut down Christmastime a huge log was cut down Christmastime a huge log was cut down and fashioned into a fertility symbol and fashioned into a fertility symbol and fashioned into a fertility symbol and then burned for 12 days and on each and then burned for 12 days and on each and then burned for 12 days and on each successive day a new sacrifice to the successive day a new sacrifice to the successive day a new sacrifice to the god Yul was performed in the fire and a god Yul was performed in the fire and a god Yul was performed in the fire and a new sacrificial victim was was burned to new sacrificial victim was was burned to new sacrificial victim was was burned to death sometimes but not always these death sometimes but not always these death sometimes but not always these sacrificial victims were human beings sacrificial victims were human beings sacrificial victims were human beings and the whole notion of the 12 days of

and the whole notion of the 12 days of and the whole notion of the 12 days of Christmas also comes to us from this Christmas also comes to us from this Christmas also comes to us from this Norse pagan tradition in an attempt to Norse pagan tradition in an attempt to Norse pagan tradition in an attempt to blur the origins of this horrific ritual blur the origins of this horrific ritual blur the origins of this horrific ritual the Church of Rome placed the first day the Church of Rome placed the first day the Church of Rome placed the first day of the mass of Christ on December 25th of the mass of Christ on December 25th of the mass of Christ on December 25th and the twelfth day on January the 6th and the twelfth day on January the 6th and the twelfth day on January the 6th despite no scriptural references for despite no scriptural references for despite no scriptural references for January the 6th it was selected as the January the 6th it was selected as the January the 6th it was selected as the day the wise men supposedly arrived to day the wise men supposedly arrived to day the wise men supposedly arrived to offer gifts to the newborn Christ this offer gifts to the newborn Christ this offer gifts to the newborn Christ this day then has become known as Epiphany day then has become known as Epiphany day then has become known as Epiphany during the Dark Ages the European custom during the Dark Ages the European custom during the Dark Ages the European custom of putting an oil lighted wick lamp in of putting an oil lighted wick lamp in of putting an oil lighted wick lamp in the windows during the 12 days of the windows during the 12 days of the windows during the 12 days of Christmas signified to neighbors that Christmas signified to neighbors that Christmas signified to neighbors that the occupants were participating in the the occupants were participating in the the occupants were participating in the pagan worship of the phallic idol Yule pagan worship of the phallic idol Yule pagan worship of the phallic idol Yule in today's commercialism this is where in today's commercialism this is where in today's commercialism this is where we get the tradition of decorating our we get the tradition of decorating our we get the tradition of decorating our houses with houses with houses with most lights the you log custom was most lights the you log custom was most lights the you log custom was originally brought over to America by originally brought over to America by originally brought over to America by Scandinavian immigrants during the 1600s Scandinavian immigrants during the 1600s Scandinavian immigrants during the 1600s and despite attempts to ban the and despite attempts to ban the and despite attempts to ban the tradition it has stayed with us to this tradition it has stayed with us to this tradition it has stayed with us to this very day today when we wish someone very day today when we wish someone very day today when we wish someone Yuletide greetings we are in a sense Yuletide greetings we are in a sense Yuletide greetings we are in a sense invoking the power of the fertility god invoking the power of the fertility god invoking the power of the fertility god yer upon that person during the yer upon that person during the yer upon that person during the Saturnalia celebrations Holi and other Saturnalia celebrations Holi and other Saturnalia celebrations Holi and other greens were hung over doorways as part

greens were hung over doorways as part greens were hung over doorways as part of a pagan ritual to ward off evil to of a pagan ritual to ward off evil to of a pagan ritual to ward off evil to deck the halls with boughs of holly was deck the halls with boughs of holly was deck the halls with boughs of holly was to acknowledge the powers of the nature to acknowledge the powers of the nature to acknowledge the powers of the nature gods gods gods according to Wiccan rituals placing according to Wiccan rituals placing according to Wiccan rituals placing holly or other greens in the shape of a holly or other greens in the shape of a holly or other greens in the shape of a circle or wreath accentuated its magical circle or wreath accentuated its magical circle or wreath accentuated its magical power power power similarly mistletoe when used in the similarly mistletoe when used in the similarly mistletoe when used in the casting of Wiccan or do it expels could casting of Wiccan or do it expels could casting of Wiccan or do it expels could render a woman helpless and open to render a woman helpless and open to render a woman helpless and open to sexual exploitation this is where we get sexual exploitation this is where we get sexual exploitation this is where we get our custom of hanging mistletoe in our custom of hanging mistletoe in our custom of hanging mistletoe in doorways today and if a woman is caught doorways today and if a woman is caught doorways today and if a woman is caught underneath she may be kissed and must underneath she may be kissed and must underneath she may be kissed and must not resist the fir tree the mistletoe not resist the fir tree the mistletoe not resist the fir tree the mistletoe all of these things typically come from all of these things typically come from all of these things typically come from overtly pagan traditions in typically in overtly pagan traditions in typically in overtly pagan traditions in typically in from Northern Europe German Norse from Northern Europe German Norse from Northern Europe German Norse in English likewise evergreen trees have in English likewise evergreen trees have in English likewise evergreen trees have always represented sex and fertility in always represented sex and fertility in always represented sex and fertility in pagan cultures during the winter pagan cultures during the winter pagan cultures during the winter solstice trees would be chopped down solstice trees would be chopped down solstice trees would be chopped down brought inside set up and decorated as brought inside set up and decorated as brought inside set up and decorated as idols for worship the Christmas tree was idols for worship the Christmas tree was idols for worship the Christmas tree was regarded as a as a sacred tree the the regarded as a as a sacred tree the the regarded as a as a sacred tree the the pagans of Northern Europe typically pagans of Northern Europe typically pagans of Northern Europe typically worshipped trees the regarded trees and worshipped trees the regarded trees and worshipped trees the regarded trees and groves as sacred so the bringing of the groves as sacred so the bringing of the groves as sacred so the bringing of the tree into the house would be a way of tree into the house would be a way of tree into the house would be a way of bringing this supernatural source of

bringing this supernatural source of bringing this supernatural source of blessing into your home that was that blessing into your home that was that blessing into your home that was that was the whole idea that there were there was the whole idea that there were there was the whole idea that there were there were spirits who raised were spirits who raised were spirits who raised in the trees in the middle-ages the in the trees in the middle-ages the in the trees in the middle-ages the tradition of the winter solstice tradition of the winter solstice tradition of the winter solstice Christmas tree primarily took root in Christmas tree primarily took root in Christmas tree primarily took root in Germany during his reign King George the Germany during his reign King George the Germany during his reign King George the first himself of German extraction first himself of German extraction first himself of German extraction brought the custom to Victorian England brought the custom to Victorian England brought the custom to Victorian England German immigrants settling in German immigrants settling in German immigrants settling in Pennsylvania did the same in America Pennsylvania did the same in America Pennsylvania did the same in America during the early 1800s in 1848 the during the early 1800s in 1848 the during the early 1800s in 1848 the London Illustrated news published this London Illustrated news published this London Illustrated news published this famous engraving depicting Queen famous engraving depicting Queen famous engraving depicting Queen Victoria and her royal family beside a Victoria and her royal family beside a Victoria and her royal family beside a decorated Christmas tree and within a decorated Christmas tree and within a decorated Christmas tree and within a few years nearly every English household few years nearly every English household few years nearly every English household had their own tree in allegiance to the had their own tree in allegiance to the had their own tree in allegiance to the monarchy by 1900 the u.s. Forest Service monarchy by 1900 the u.s. Forest Service monarchy by 1900 the u.s. Forest Service estimated that at least one in five estimated that at least one in five estimated that at least one in five homes in America had adopted the homes in America had adopted the homes in America had adopted the Christmas tree tradition thousands of Christmas tree tradition thousands of Christmas tree tradition thousands of years earlier God speaking through the years earlier God speaking through the years earlier God speaking through the Prophet Jeremiah warned against this Prophet Jeremiah warned against this Prophet Jeremiah warned against this pagan practice in the Old Testament thus pagan practice in the Old Testament thus pagan practice in the Old Testament thus saith the Lord no not the ways of the saith the Lord no not the ways of the saith the Lord no not the ways of the heathen for the customs of the people of heathen for the customs of the people of heathen for the customs of the people of vain for one cut of the tree out of the vain for one cut of the tree out of the vain for one cut of the tree out of the forest they deck it with silver and with forest they deck it with silver and with forest they deck it with silver and with gold they fasten it with nails and gold they fasten it with nails and gold they fasten it with nails and hammers that it move not be not afraid hammers that it move not be not afraid hammers that it move not be not afraid of them for they cannot do evil neither of them for they cannot do evil neither of them for they cannot do evil neither also is it in them to do good

santa claus is another good example of a santa claus is another good example of a pagan element of christmas santa claus pagan element of christmas santa claus pagan element of christmas santa claus as we know him today is an amalgamation as we know him today is an amalgamation as we know him today is an amalgamation of several different traditions but in of several different traditions but in of several different traditions but in most cultures throughout the world you most cultures throughout the world you most cultures throughout the world you will find the existence of what is known will find the existence of what is known will find the existence of what is known as hearth gods gods who guard the hearth as hearth gods gods who guard the hearth as hearth gods gods who guard the hearth and the chimney and keep the fires and the chimney and keep the fires and the chimney and keep the fires burning and make sure the food cooks burning and make sure the food cooks burning and make sure the food cooks properly and the people were warm and properly and the people were warm and properly and the people were warm and what-have-you and at a certain time of what-have-you and at a certain time of what-have-you and at a certain time of year in the middle of winter year in the middle of winter year in the middle of winter typically the hearth God dressed in red typically the hearth God dressed in red typically the hearth God dressed in red will come down the chimney to reward will come down the chimney to reward will come down the chimney to reward those who have pleased him during the those who have pleased him during the those who have pleased him during the course of the previous year and to lay course of the previous year and to lay course of the previous year and to lay crushes or hexes or other forms of crushes or hexes or other forms of crushes or hexes or other forms of punishment upon people who have punishment upon people who have punishment upon people who have displeased him the concept of Santa displeased him the concept of Santa displeased him the concept of Santa Claus has had a long and winding history Claus has had a long and winding history Claus has had a long and winding history with a number of diverse cultures with a number of diverse cultures with a number of diverse cultures contributing to the composite character contributing to the composite character contributing to the composite character we have today beginning once again in we have today beginning once again in we have today beginning once again in Scandinavia Santa's original incarnation Scandinavia Santa's original incarnation Scandinavia Santa's original incarnation was in the form of Odin the pagan god of was in the form of Odin the pagan god of was in the form of Odin the pagan god of thunder a tall fellow with a long thunder a tall fellow with a long thunder a tall fellow with a long flowing beard who inhabited the spirit flowing beard who inhabited the spirit flowing beard who inhabited the spirit infested Nordic forests Odin would infested Nordic forests Odin would infested Nordic forests Odin would travel the sky during the winter travel the sky during the winter travel the sky during the winter solstice deciding who would die and who solstice deciding who would die and who solstice deciding who would die and who would prosper most believers were would prosper most believers were would prosper most believers were frightened of this particular time of frightened of this particular time of frightened of this particular time of year in England Odin eventually evolved year in England Odin eventually evolved year in England Odin eventually evolved into father Christmas who crowned with into father Christmas who crowned with into father Christmas who crowned with sprigs of Holly travels the countryside sprigs of Holly travels the countryside sprigs of Holly travels the countryside gettin roaring drunk as part of the gettin roaring drunk as part of the gettin roaring drunk as part of the festival of full celebration frequently

festival of full celebration frequently festival of full celebration frequently he would be accompanied by a horned goat he would be accompanied by a horned goat he would be accompanied by a horned goat ironically the biblical symbol of those ironically the biblical symbol of those ironically the biblical symbol of those who reject the salvation of Jesus Christ who reject the salvation of Jesus Christ who reject the salvation of Jesus Christ according to the traditions of the according to the traditions of the according to the traditions of the Church of Rome Church of Rome Church of Rome there was a Turkish bishop named there was a Turkish bishop named there was a Turkish bishop named Nicholas who hailed from Myra in Asia Nicholas who hailed from Myra in Asia Nicholas who hailed from Myra in Asia Minor during the fourth century he was Minor during the fourth century he was Minor during the fourth century he was known as the patron saint of seafaring known as the patron saint of seafaring known as the patron saint of seafaring men over the centuries as the legend men over the centuries as the legend men over the centuries as the legend began to unfold it was rumoured that began to unfold it was rumoured that began to unfold it was rumoured that Saint Nicholas had actually captured the Saint Nicholas had actually captured the Saint Nicholas had actually captured the devil himself put him in Chains and made devil himself put him in Chains and made devil himself put him in Chains and made him his personal servant him his personal servant him his personal servant recognized in various cultures as recognized in various cultures as recognized in various cultures as Krampus Beelzebub or Zwarte Piet black Krampus Beelzebub or Zwarte Piet black Krampus Beelzebub or Zwarte Piet black Peter this assistant of Sinterklaas is Peter this assistant of Sinterklaas is Peter this assistant of Sinterklaas is best known by his German name necked best known by his German name necked best known by his German name necked rupprecht described as a hideous horned rupprecht described as a hideous horned rupprecht described as a hideous horned creature the servant Ruprecht was a dark creature the servant Ruprecht was a dark creature the servant Ruprecht was a dark and sinister figure who stood in stark and sinister figure who stood in stark and sinister figure who stood in stark contrast to the saintly Nicholas somehow contrast to the saintly Nicholas somehow contrast to the saintly Nicholas somehow father Christmas's companion the horned father Christmas's companion the horned father Christmas's companion the horned goat had metamorphosized into the goat had metamorphosized into the goat had metamorphosized into the foreboding Horned devil called Ruprecht foreboding Horned devil called Ruprecht foreboding Horned devil called Ruprecht acent Nicholas travelled from house to acent Nicholas travelled from house to acent Nicholas travelled from house to house inquiring about the behavior of house inquiring about the behavior of house inquiring about the behavior of children Ruprecht would drop candy and children Ruprecht would drop candy and children Ruprecht would drop candy and gifts down the chimney into the good gifts down the chimney into the good gifts down the chimney into the good children's shoes which had been placed children's shoes which had been placed children's shoes which had been placed there it was from this story that we get there it was from this story that we get there it was from this story that we get our tradition of hanging stockings on our tradition of hanging stockings on our tradition of hanging stockings on the mantel at Christmas time if able to the mantel at Christmas time if able to the mantel at Christmas time if able to recite a verse or demonstrate a skill recite a verse or demonstrate a skill recite a verse or demonstrate a skill for scent Nicholas the child would for scent Nicholas the child would for scent Nicholas the child would receive a gift if unable to remember a

receive a gift if unable to remember a receive a gift if unable to remember a verse or if the child had been bad he or verse or if the child had been bad he or verse or if the child had been bad he or she would receive a switch or a whip she would receive a switch or a whip she would receive a switch or a whip Ruprecht also carried a large sack which Ruprecht also carried a large sack which Ruprecht also carried a large sack which he would frequently use to haul away the he would frequently use to haul away the he would frequently use to haul away the really bad boys and girls as more and really bad boys and girls as more and really bad boys and girls as more and more Christian churches began combining more Christian churches began combining more Christian churches began combining the pagan rituals of the winter solstice the pagan rituals of the winter solstice the pagan rituals of the winter solstice with the celebration of the birth of with the celebration of the birth of with the celebration of the birth of Christ Christ Christ emphasis on st. Nicholas's role began to emphasis on st. Nicholas's role began to emphasis on st. Nicholas's role began to shift some cultures began to downplay shift some cultures began to downplay shift some cultures began to downplay the role of sint-niklaas but the role of sint-niklaas but the role of sint-niklaas but surprisingly retained Ruprecht surprisingly retained Ruprecht surprisingly retained Ruprecht eventually necked Ruprecht was made the eventually necked Ruprecht was made the eventually necked Ruprecht was made the companion and servant to the Christ companion and servant to the Christ companion and servant to the Christ child himself in this scenario the devil child himself in this scenario the devil child himself in this scenario the devil is actually given the title V Knox Minh is actually given the title V Knox Minh is actually given the title V Knox Minh or Santa Claus 19th century writer or Santa Claus 19th century writer or Santa Claus 19th century writer Theodore Storm in his story about nectar Theodore Storm in his story about nectar Theodore Storm in his story about nectar ooh pricked even goes so far as to ooh pricked even goes so far as to ooh pricked even goes so far as to describe the switch's given to the describe the switch's given to the describe the switch's given to the children by rupprecht as tools to be children by rupprecht as tools to be children by rupprecht as tools to be used in sadomasochistic rituals soon the used in sadomasochistic rituals soon the used in sadomasochistic rituals soon the image of Ruprecht would fade from the image of Ruprecht would fade from the image of Ruprecht would fade from the Christmas tradition but not his sadistic Christmas tradition but not his sadistic Christmas tradition but not his sadistic influence many of the early depictions influence many of the early depictions influence many of the early depictions of Santa Claus portrayed him not as a of Santa Claus portrayed him not as a of Santa Claus portrayed him not as a jolly gift giver but of an unfriendly jolly gift giver but of an unfriendly jolly gift giver but of an unfriendly disciplinarian complete with a ready disciplinarian complete with a ready disciplinarian complete with a ready switch or with switch or with switch or with one of the problems with the Christmas one of the problems with the Christmas one of the problems with the Christmas gift thing for children is that it gift thing for children is that it gift thing for children is that it really is a religious teaching a wrong really is a religious teaching a wrong really is a religious teaching a wrong religious teaching because it teaches religious teaching because it teaches religious teaching because it teaches them that if they're nice they get the them that if they're nice they get the them that if they're nice they get the gifts if they're naughty they don't or gifts if they're naughty they don't or gifts if they're naughty they don't or in my case I was taught that he would

in my case I was taught that he would in my case I was taught that he would leave us a bundle of switches isn't that leave us a bundle of switches isn't that leave us a bundle of switches isn't that interesting interesting interesting it's a Salvation by my own personal it's a Salvation by my own personal it's a Salvation by my own personal virtue but but there's a second thing virtue but but there's a second thing virtue but but there's a second thing wrong with it and that is that they're wrong with it and that is that they're wrong with it and that is that they're going to get those gifts whether they're going to get those gifts whether they're going to get those gifts whether they're naughty or nice because most parents naughty or nice because most parents naughty or nice because most parents love their children and and wilt love their children and and wilt love their children and and wilt wouldn't dream of quote ruining their wouldn't dream of quote ruining their wouldn't dream of quote ruining their Christmas and they're not going to ruin Christmas and they're not going to ruin Christmas and they're not going to ruin Christmas they're going to give those Christmas they're going to give those Christmas they're going to give those children the gifts anyway and some children the gifts anyway and some children the gifts anyway and some sooner or later those thinking children sooner or later those thinking children sooner or later those thinking children are going to realize I wasn't very nice are going to realize I wasn't very nice are going to realize I wasn't very nice but I got the gift anyway so it isn't but I got the gift anyway so it isn't but I got the gift anyway so it isn't important to be nice it isn't important important to be nice it isn't important important to be nice it isn't important to do what is right and avoid what is to do what is right and avoid what is to do what is right and avoid what is wrong German immigrants coming to wrong German immigrants coming to wrong German immigrants coming to America during the 1620s tried to America during the 1620s tried to America during the 1620s tried to influence the new world with the stories influence the new world with the stories influence the new world with the stories of Sinterklaas and his gift-giving of Sinterklaas and his gift-giving of Sinterklaas and his gift-giving companion necked rupprecht but somehow companion necked rupprecht but somehow companion necked rupprecht but somehow the idea just didn't take hold until the idea just didn't take hold until the idea just didn't take hold until almost 200 years later in 1819 America's almost 200 years later in 1819 America's almost 200 years later in 1819 America's best-selling author Washington Irving best-selling author Washington Irving best-selling author Washington Irving used his influence to promote sin used his influence to promote sin used his influence to promote sin nicholas in a popular Christmas story nicholas in a popular Christmas story nicholas in a popular Christmas story titled Bracebridge Hall consulting titled Bracebridge Hall consulting titled Bracebridge Hall consulting Irving's writings Episcopalian minister Irving's writings Episcopalian minister Irving's writings Episcopalian minister Clement Clarke Moore penned a decidedly Clement Clarke Moore penned a decidedly Clement Clarke Moore penned a decidedly secular tale called a visit from st.

secular tale called a visit from st. secular tale called a visit from st. Nicholas in 1822 later retitled the Nicholas in 1822 later retitled the Nicholas in 1822 later retitled the night before Christmas Moore's poem was night before Christmas Moore's poem was night before Christmas Moore's poem was based on the tales of German and Dutch based on the tales of German and Dutch based on the tales of German and Dutch immigrants who had come to America immigrants who had come to America immigrants who had come to America intended originally only for his own intended originally only for his own intended originally only for his own children more story was published in the children more story was published in the children more story was published in the Troy Sentinel in New York and became an Troy Sentinel in New York and became an Troy Sentinel in New York and became an overnight sensation gone were the overnight sensation gone were the overnight sensation gone were the bishops remnant of Saint Nicholas bishops remnant of Saint Nicholas bishops remnant of Saint Nicholas he was now a jolly old elf imbued with he was now a jolly old elf imbued with he was now a jolly old elf imbued with supernatural powers Moore had also supernatural powers Moore had also supernatural powers Moore had also replaced Nicholas's companion the horned replaced Nicholas's companion the horned replaced Nicholas's companion the horned necked Ruprecht with eight horned necked Ruprecht with eight horned necked Ruprecht with eight horned magical reindeer magical reindeer magical reindeer as the popularity of the night before as the popularity of the night before as the popularity of the night before Christmas grew more became increasingly Christmas grew more became increasingly Christmas grew more became increasingly concerned that the stories emphasis on concerned that the stories emphasis on concerned that the stories emphasis on the supernatural and its disregard for the supernatural and its disregard for the supernatural and its disregard for Christ would reflect poorly on his Christ would reflect poorly on his Christ would reflect poorly on his position as a minister as a result he position as a minister as a result he position as a minister as a result he refused to take credit for its creation refused to take credit for its creation refused to take credit for its creation until the story became so popular that until the story became so popular that until the story became so popular that he could no longer resist 40 years later he could no longer resist 40 years later he could no longer resist 40 years later illustrator Thomas Nast political illustrator Thomas Nast political illustrator Thomas Nast political cartoonist for Harper's Weekly seared cartoonist for Harper's Weekly seared cartoonist for Harper's Weekly seared the image of Santa Claus into the minds the image of Santa Claus into the minds the image of Santa Claus into the minds of the world by creating a drawing which of the world by creating a drawing which of the world by creating a drawing which combined Moore's jolly old elf with combined Moore's jolly old elf with combined Moore's jolly old elf with images of Saint Nicholas taken from his images of Saint Nicholas taken from his images of Saint Nicholas taken from his own native Bavaria by 1880 Santa was a own native Bavaria by 1880 Santa was a own native Bavaria by 1880 Santa was a thoroughly secularized folk hero who had thoroughly secularized folk hero who had thoroughly secularized folk hero who had become increasingly irresistible to become increasingly irresistible to become increasingly irresistible to retailers worldwide has contributed to

retailers worldwide has contributed to retailers worldwide has contributed to the pagan ization the pagan ization the pagan ization of Christmas the complete pagan ization of Christmas the complete pagan ization of Christmas the complete pagan ization that Christmas has been the element of that Christmas has been the element of that Christmas has been the element of commercialism and it may seem odd to commercialism and it may seem odd to commercialism and it may seem odd to think of it in that context but remember think of it in that context but remember think of it in that context but remember that Christ himself identified the love that Christ himself identified the love that Christ himself identified the love of money as a spiritual force in and of of money as a spiritual force in and of of money as a spiritual force in and of itself and where it comes into play it itself and where it comes into play it itself and where it comes into play it has a kind of naturally hostile effect has a kind of naturally hostile effect has a kind of naturally hostile effect on the gospel and the Christian faith so on the gospel and the Christian faith so on the gospel and the Christian faith so the commercialization of Christmas has the commercialization of Christmas has the commercialization of Christmas has helped to highlight the pagan elements helped to highlight the pagan elements helped to highlight the pagan elements and to drive the overly Christian what's and to drive the overly Christian what's and to drive the overly Christian what's further underground to me the most further underground to me the most further underground to me the most obscene thing about Christmas obscene thing about Christmas obscene thing about Christmas celebrations and customs as we know them celebrations and customs as we know them celebrations and customs as we know them is that as a result of these things is that as a result of these things is that as a result of these things Jesus is displaced in the hearts of Jesus is displaced in the hearts of Jesus is displaced in the hearts of children by Santa Clause the law of children by Santa Clause the law of children by Santa Clause the law of affection appreciation trust the the affection appreciation trust the the affection appreciation trust the the desire to emulate these things that they desire to emulate these things that they desire to emulate these things that they should have in their hearts and minds as should have in their hearts and minds as should have in their hearts and minds as growing children for Jesus himself to growing children for Jesus himself to growing children for Jesus himself to whom they owe everything instead this whom they owe everything instead this whom they owe everything instead this has been stolen this has been raped out has been stolen this has been raped out has been stolen this has been raped out of their hearts in a sense and displaced of their hearts in a sense and displaced of their hearts in a sense and displaced by the myth of Santa Claus he takes the by the myth of Santa Claus he takes the by the myth of Santa Claus he takes the place of God orgy place of God orgy place of God orgy Christ in the special world that is Christ in the special world that is Christ in the special world that is Christmas Christmas Christmas he has supernatural knowledge of your he has supernatural knowledge of your he has supernatural knowledge of your history a supernatural knowledge of your history a supernatural knowledge of your history a supernatural knowledge of your present of your attitudes he's keeping a

present of your attitudes he's keeping a present of your attitudes he's keeping a list he knows who's naughty and nice list he knows who's naughty and nice list he knows who's naughty and nice your parents don't even know that he's your parents don't even know that he's your parents don't even know that he's obviously got some some conduit to obviously got some some conduit to obviously got some some conduit to knowledge that is beyond the human and knowledge that is beyond the human and knowledge that is beyond the human and he flies through the air he capable of he flies through the air he capable of he flies through the air he capable of visiting every place on the globe in the visiting every place on the globe in the visiting every place on the globe in the course of a single night in many many course of a single night in many many course of a single night in many many ways sanity exhibits supernatural ways sanity exhibits supernatural ways sanity exhibits supernatural qualities that provide a kind of qualities that provide a kind of qualities that provide a kind of surrogate deity or a substitute for for surrogate deity or a substitute for for surrogate deity or a substitute for for God or for Christ myths by definition God or for Christ myths by definition God or for Christ myths by definition evolve and change and things are added evolve and change and things are added evolve and change and things are added we we used to have a Santa Claus figure we we used to have a Santa Claus figure we we used to have a Santa Claus figure that was confused with Saint Nicholas that was confused with Saint Nicholas that was confused with Saint Nicholas and confused with other pagan figures and confused with other pagan figures and confused with other pagan figures and then somehow he evolved through the and then somehow he evolved through the and then somehow he evolved through the drawings of Thomas Nast and others into drawings of Thomas Nast and others into drawings of Thomas Nast and others into what we see today but he had a sleigh what we see today but he had a sleigh what we see today but he had a sleigh with eight supernatural reindeer that with eight supernatural reindeer that with eight supernatural reindeer that can fly and so the the Christmas can fly and so the the Christmas can fly and so the the Christmas traditions that are pagan continued to traditions that are pagan continued to traditions that are pagan continued to change but the truth of Jesus the truth change but the truth of Jesus the truth change but the truth of Jesus the truth of the Incarnation the truth that the of the Incarnation the truth that the of the Incarnation the truth that the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us Word was made flesh and dwelt among us Word was made flesh and dwelt among us never changes never will never changes never will never changes never will [Music] [Music] [Music] various scriptures in the Bible various scriptures in the Bible various scriptures in the Bible including the second chapter of Luke including the second chapter of Luke including the second chapter of Luke record the events surrounding the birth record the events surrounding the birth record the events surrounding the birth of the Messiah a decree from Caesar of the Messiah a decree from Caesar of the Messiah a decree from Caesar Augustus had gone out requiring all Augustus had gone out requiring all Augustus had gone out requiring all people to return to the city of their people to return to the city of their people to return to the city of their origin for taxation purposes Mary who

origin for taxation purposes Mary who origin for taxation purposes Mary who was pregnant with a child conceived by was pregnant with a child conceived by was pregnant with a child conceived by the Holy Spirit made the difficult the Holy Spirit made the difficult the Holy Spirit made the difficult journey to Bethlehem along with her journey to Bethlehem along with her journey to Bethlehem along with her husband Joseph both Joseph and Mary were husband Joseph both Joseph and Mary were husband Joseph both Joseph and Mary were of the lineage of King David upon of the lineage of King David upon of the lineage of King David upon arrival they found all the Inns to be arrival they found all the Inns to be arrival they found all the Inns to be full but were provided with a stable full but were provided with a stable full but were provided with a stable where Mary could have her baby at the where Mary could have her baby at the where Mary could have her baby at the same time an angel announcing the birth same time an angel announcing the birth same time an angel announcing the birth of the Messiah appeared to Shepherds of the Messiah appeared to Shepherds of the Messiah appeared to Shepherds tending their flocks in a field nearby tending their flocks in a field nearby tending their flocks in a field nearby for stunned Shepherd's hurried to for stunned Shepherd's hurried to for stunned Shepherd's hurried to Bethlehem and found the baby Jesus lying Bethlehem and found the baby Jesus lying Bethlehem and found the baby Jesus lying in a manger just as the angel had in a manger just as the angel had in a manger just as the angel had declared although traditional nativity declared although traditional nativity declared although traditional nativity scenes placed three wise men at the scenes placed three wise men at the scenes placed three wise men at the stable at the time of Jesus Christ's stable at the time of Jesus Christ's stable at the time of Jesus Christ's birth according to Scripture these wise birth according to Scripture these wise birth according to Scripture these wise men visited Jesus later at his home men visited Jesus later at his home men visited Jesus later at his home because three gifts are named gold because three gifts are named gold because three gifts are named gold frankincense and myrrh tradition says frankincense and myrrh tradition says frankincense and myrrh tradition says three men gave them but exactly how many three men gave them but exactly how many three men gave them but exactly how many wise men visited Jesus is not known wise men visited Jesus is not known wise men visited Jesus is not known the birth of Jesus Christ miraculously the birth of Jesus Christ miraculously the birth of Jesus Christ miraculously fulfilled a number of Old Testament fulfilled a number of Old Testament fulfilled a number of Old Testament prophecies about the coming Messiah prophecies about the coming Messiah prophecies about the coming Messiah including that he would be born in including that he would be born in including that he would be born in Bethlehem that he would be born of a Bethlehem that he would be born of a Bethlehem that he would be born of a virgin and that he would be a descendant virgin and that he would be a descendant virgin and that he would be a descendant of King David's the the concept or the of King David's the the concept or the of King David's the the concept or the idea of celebrating the birth of Jesus idea of celebrating the birth of Jesus idea of celebrating the birth of Jesus once a year had apparently never once a year had apparently never once a year had apparently never occurred to the church fathers in the occurred to the church fathers in the occurred to the church fathers in the first three centuries of the church's first three centuries of the church's first three centuries of the church's history there was no such thing and I history there was no such thing and I history there was no such thing and I think God perhaps very carefully avoided think God perhaps very carefully avoided think God perhaps very carefully avoided telling us in the scriptures when he was

telling us in the scriptures when he was telling us in the scriptures when he was born we can be sure of one thing it born we can be sure of one thing it born we can be sure of one thing it wasn't in late December and because in wasn't in late December and because in wasn't in late December and because in the first place shepherds don't abide by the first place shepherds don't abide by the first place shepherds don't abide by their flocks in the fields by night in their flocks in the fields by night in their flocks in the fields by night in late December it's too cold they take late December it's too cold they take late December it's too cold they take them out in the morning to pasture them out in the morning to pasture them out in the morning to pasture protect them while they eat all day and protect them while they eat all day and protect them while they eat all day and then bring them back in at night so it then bring them back in at night so it then bring them back in at night so it wasn't in late December it's an wasn't in late December it's an wasn't in late December it's an interesting thing and perhaps an interesting thing and perhaps an interesting thing and perhaps an intellectually tantalizing thought to intellectually tantalizing thought to intellectually tantalizing thought to try to figure out when he was born and try to figure out when he was born and try to figure out when he was born and it can be done within limits and if it it can be done within limits and if it it can be done within limits and if it mattered and apparently it doesn't mattered and apparently it doesn't mattered and apparently it doesn't matter to God it probably he was matter to God it probably he was matter to God it probably he was probably born in late September probably born in late September probably born in late September some scholars point out that according some scholars point out that according some scholars point out that according to Scripture the birth of Jesus may have to Scripture the birth of Jesus may have to Scripture the birth of Jesus may have taken place in the first day of the taken place in the first day of the taken place in the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles or September 29th Feast of Tabernacles or September 29th Feast of Tabernacles or September 29th ironically this would have placed his ironically this would have placed his ironically this would have placed his conception right around December 25th conception right around December 25th conception right around December 25th the timing of other events such as the the timing of other events such as the the timing of other events such as the temple service of Zacharias and the temple service of Zacharias and the temple service of Zacharias and the pregnancy of Mary's cousin Elizabeth pregnancy of Mary's cousin Elizabeth pregnancy of Mary's cousin Elizabeth lend credence to December 25th as being lend credence to December 25th as being lend credence to December 25th as being the date of Jesus's conception the date of Jesus's conception the date of Jesus's conception since Christians believe that life since Christians believe that life since Christians believe that life begins at conception anyway and not at begins at conception anyway and not at begins at conception anyway and not at birth as pro abortionists believe this birth as pro abortionists believe this birth as pro abortionists believe this may be a more appropriate reason to may be a more appropriate reason to may be a more appropriate reason to remember this time of the year as the remember this time of the year as the remember this time of the year as the period in which God came to earth in period in which God came to earth in period in which God came to earth in human form for some Christmas today human form for some Christmas today human form for some Christmas today simply means the time to get together as simply means the time to get together as simply means the time to get together as a family a family a family for pagans it is a deeply religious time for pagans it is a deeply religious time for pagans it is a deeply religious time to celebrate the winter solstice

to celebrate the winter solstice to celebrate the winter solstice retailers of course view it with eyes retailers of course view it with eyes retailers of course view it with eyes towards making huge profits others use towards making huge profits others use towards making huge profits others use this time to reflect on the birth or this time to reflect on the birth or this time to reflect on the birth or conception of Jesus Christ conception of Jesus Christ conception of Jesus Christ while many parents use Christmas to while many parents use Christmas to while many parents use Christmas to perpetuate the myth of Santa Claus to perpetuate the myth of Santa Claus to perpetuate the myth of Santa Claus to their children in order to carry on this their children in order to carry on this their children in order to carry on this myth of Santa Claus we must lie to our myth of Santa Claus we must lie to our myth of Santa Claus we must lie to our children we must deceive them we children we must deceive them we children we must deceive them we literally must lie to our children and literally must lie to our children and literally must lie to our children and one of the wonderful things about one of the wonderful things about one of the wonderful things about children is that they naturally believe children is that they naturally believe children is that they naturally believe everything that we tell them when everything that we tell them when everything that we tell them when they're small they trust us to tell them they're small they trust us to tell them they're small they trust us to tell them the truth and if we deceive them in this the truth and if we deceive them in this the truth and if we deceive them in this way it has to be destructive because at way it has to be destructive because at way it has to be destructive because at some point in their future lives they're some point in their future lives they're some point in their future lives they're going to wonder if other things we told going to wonder if other things we told going to wonder if other things we told them were true the things we told them them were true the things we told them them were true the things we told them about the Lord were they really true it about the Lord were they really true it about the Lord were they really true it plants the seeds of doubt and any way it plants the seeds of doubt and any way it plants the seeds of doubt and any way it creates disappointment it creates creates disappointment it creates creates disappointment it creates disillusionment to my mind the question disillusionment to my mind the question disillusionment to my mind the question is not so much whether to celebrate is not so much whether to celebrate is not so much whether to celebrate Christmas or even how to celebrate Christmas or even how to celebrate Christmas or even how to celebrate Christmas but to be able to make any Christmas but to be able to make any Christmas but to be able to make any decision knowledgeably whether you decision knowledgeably whether you decision knowledgeably whether you celebrate it or you don't celebrated you celebrate it or you don't celebrated you celebrate it or you don't celebrated you should know why you're doing so you should know why you're doing so you should know why you're doing so you should understand what the pagan roots should understand what the pagan roots should understand what the pagan roots of Christmas are and with that knowledge of Christmas are and with that knowledge of Christmas are and with that knowledge you can discount them or ignore them if you can discount them or ignore them if you can discount them or ignore them if you choose to do so you choose to do so you choose to do so it is not the purpose of this film to it is not the purpose of this film to it is not the purpose of this film to tell you which Christmas rituals should tell you which Christmas rituals should tell you which Christmas rituals should and should not be practiced by you and and should not be practiced by you and and should not be practiced by you and your family this is between you and the your family this is between you and the your family this is between you and the Lord what Christians should be most

Lord what Christians should be most Lord what Christians should be most concerned about however are the growing concerned about however are the growing concerned about however are the growing pagan influences infiltrating every area pagan influences infiltrating every area pagan influences infiltrating every area of our rapidly degenerating society of our rapidly degenerating society of our rapidly degenerating society recently we took our cameras to the recently we took our cameras to the recently we took our cameras to the Nevada desert where we witnessed 35,000 Nevada desert where we witnessed 35,000 Nevada desert where we witnessed 35,000 pagans from around the country pagans from around the country pagans from around the country participating in a week-long celebration participating in a week-long celebration participating in a week-long celebration of sex drugs and hedonism of sex drugs and hedonism of sex drugs and hedonism here everything was permissible and here everything was permissible and here everything was permissible and encouraged except for the adoration of encouraged except for the adoration of encouraged except for the adoration of Jesus Christ in nearly every ritual Jesus Christ in nearly every ritual Jesus Christ in nearly every ritual performed Christianity was mercilessly performed Christianity was mercilessly performed Christianity was mercilessly mocked and despised each year the mocked and despised each year the mocked and despised each year the numbers of participants continues to numbers of participants continues to numbers of participants continues to grow its attraction is expanding grow its attraction is expanding grow its attraction is expanding worldwide as it recruits through the worldwide as it recruits through the worldwide as it recruits through the internet it is sobering to witness what internet it is sobering to witness what internet it is sobering to witness what could be the wave of the future could be the wave of the future could be the wave of the future unfolding before our eyes it is not only unfolding before our eyes it is not only unfolding before our eyes it is not only permitted in the public schools in the permitted in the public schools in the permitted in the public schools in the government schools to celebrate holidays government schools to celebrate holidays government schools to celebrate holidays it is encouraged and in some instances it is encouraged and in some instances it is encouraged and in some instances required but with this with this required but with this with this required but with this with this condition condition condition they must be pagan they must not be they must be pagan they must not be they must be pagan they must not be Christian and Christmastime they are Christian and Christmastime they are Christian and Christmastime they are they're certainly encouraged to put on they're certainly encouraged to put on they're certainly encouraged to put on Christmas programs and Christmas plays Christmas programs and Christmas plays Christmas programs and Christmas plays but all references to Jesus all but all references to Jesus all but all references to Jesus all references to the gospel all references references to the gospel all references references to the gospel all references to the Incarnation all references to God to the Incarnation all references to God to the Incarnation all references to God must be omitted they sing about Santa must be omitted they sing about Santa must be omitted they sing about Santa Claus they sing about Rudolph the Claus they sing about Rudolph the Claus they sing about Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer and god only knows red-nosed reindeer and god only knows red-nosed reindeer and god only knows what else they sing about that isn't what else they sing about that isn't what else they sing about that isn't scriptural since the pagan elements in

scriptural since the pagan elements in scriptural since the pagan elements in Christmas are so strong and they provide Christmas are so strong and they provide Christmas are so strong and they provide virtually the entirety of the structure virtually the entirety of the structure virtually the entirety of the structure and the content of the holiday there is and the content of the holiday there is and the content of the holiday there is no Christian element in the holiday no Christian element in the holiday no Christian element in the holiday therefore becomes the ideal politically therefore becomes the ideal politically therefore becomes the ideal politically correct culturally diverse multicultural correct culturally diverse multicultural correct culturally diverse multicultural holiday for everyone holiday for everyone holiday for everyone in the 17th chapter of John Jesus taught in the 17th chapter of John Jesus taught in the 17th chapter of John Jesus taught that it was appropriate for his that it was appropriate for his that it was appropriate for his followers to be in the world but not of followers to be in the world but not of followers to be in the world but not of the world meaning that we should be the world meaning that we should be the world meaning that we should be involved in our world so as to have a involved in our world so as to have a involved in our world so as to have a positive influence but not become positive influence but not become positive influence but not become corrupted by it corrupted by it corrupted by it the mighty Joshua in challenging his the mighty Joshua in challenging his the mighty Joshua in challenging his people said now therefore fear the Lord people said now therefore fear the Lord people said now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in truth and serve him in sincerity and in truth and serve him in sincerity and in truth and put away the other gods which your and put away the other gods which your and put away the other gods which your father's served choose you this day whom father's served choose you this day whom father's served choose you this day whom you will serve but as for me and my you will serve but as for me and my you will serve but as for me and my house we will serve