Christmas - An Ancient Holiday

by ricknight | December 24, 2007 at 10:29 am | 344 views | add comment

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The middle of winter has long been a time of celebration around the world. Centuries before the arrival of the man called Jesus, early Europeans celebrated light and birth in the darkest days of winter. Many peoples rejoiced during the winter solstice, when the worst of the winter was behind them and they could look forward to longer days and extended hours of sunlight.

Cristmas traditions have ebbed and flowed over the past two thousand years. Once Pagan, now Christian; Once about Mithras, now about Christ; Once a drunken party; now a family affair; Once largely ignored or even outlawed; now a center piece of our cultural and commercial lives.

However you choose to celebrate your Christmas you should remember that the traditions held so dear and unchanging are fluid in the march of history.