Did you all know that Christianity ripped off the Idea / "Holiday" of Christmas? Interesting huh?
What is now known colloquially as "Christmas" was originally called Yule. A Germanic Pagan Celebration / Holiday.
It was the celebration of the winter solstice and an offering to the Norse God Odin!!
Until, Christianity came along and ripped that shit right off.........changed the meaning of what it was so it suited their narrative....and called it "Christmas."
super super funny......cause....yah know....THIS VERSE from the christian bible.....
"1 Hear the word which the LORD speaks to you, O house of Israel. 2 Thus says the LORD: Do not learn the way of the Gentiles; do not be dismayed at the signs of heaven, for the Gentiles are dismayed at them. 3 For the customs of the peoples are futile; for one cuts a tree from the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the ax. 4 They decorate it with silver and gold; they fasten it with nails and hammers so that it will not topple. 5 They are upright, like a palm tree, and they cannot speak; they must be carried, because they cannot go by themselves. Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, nor can they do any good.”
Seems that their "god" didn't want them decorating trees...and whatnot ....since this is the "way of the heathen." However it looks like they did it anyways......very interesting.
Furthermore ...there is absolutely NO EVIDENCE to suggest that your "jesus" character was born on DEC 25.....or at all.......so...there's that.
So christians.....next time you say "Merry Christmas" to someone ....and profess this to be "Christs bday" remember the story of Yule and how your religion stole yet ANOTHER thing....from another culture / religion.
SashaSmiles: At first glance, it might seem that verses 3 and 4 are referring to Christmas trees, cut from the forest and decorated with gold and silver trimmings. But a more careful look at the entire section makes it clear that God is talking about making a carved image—or idol—from the trunk of a tree. He speaks of a craftsman shaping the wood, "the work of the hands of the workman" (verse 3). This is made clear in the context of the following verses, specifically verse 8:
"8 But they are altogether dull-hearted and foolish; a wooden idol is a worthless doctrine."
Later in the chapter the contrast is drawn between the false gods that have not made the earth and the true God, the Creator (see verses 9-11). Verses 14 and 15 speak of worthless idols and images that are only objects of mockery.
The practice of making an idol from the trunk of a tree is also referred to in Isaiah 40:19, 20 and 44:14-17. Both Isaiah and Jeremiah declare the futility and absurdity of making and worshiping idols.
When looking at the verses of Jeremiah, we must remember that Christmas, of course, came into being long after Christ’s death and resurrection—years after the Bible was written—as a day to honor His birth. And the practice of decorating Christmas trees originated even later. Therefore, these Bible verses are not referring to Christmas trees, but idolatry.
Keep in mind, however, that although Jeremiah 10:1-5 is not referencing Christmas trees, it would be valuable to look into the origin of the Christmas tree and the celebration of Christmas on December 25 since neither are mentioned in the Bible.
Plus the "TREE" wasn't a "CHRISTMAS TREE" lol......
Furthermore ....that is one SUBJECTIVE INTERPRETATION .....however ....ultimately flawed......for a very simple reason......
THE TREE WAS THE "FALSE IDOL!!" Hence......"Christians" are committing IDOLATRY when decorating a tree.....for "CHRISTMAS!!" As it said very clearly in the bible that ....."IT WAS THE PRACTICE OF HEATHENS!!"
SashaSmiles: lol, let me try again, I had written a lot in reply and my dog hit the keyboard, do you think that was a sign???
I only put that because I thought you liked facts, not just misused Bible quotes. Maybe I misread what you wrote? Cause it seemed like you were using Jeremiah to show that decorating a tree was against God's word? So my point was that although it didn't say that in the bible, Jeremiah is old testament WAY before Christ, so definitely not about a CHRISTmas tree, Christians have absorbed (stolen) pagan rituals and I was told (by Christians) that it was so they could bring the pagans to Christ. The end justified the means. I am not so sure it should.
Besides the Christmas tree, I know Christians incorporated Christmas cards from the god Saturnalia, giving gifts, Christmas carols, Easter eggs, Halloween is definitely not Christian based but churches have things for it too, and Valentine's Day. Origins in paganism seems to not be an obstacle. And like you sort of pointed out, as far as they can tell, Christ was born more toward the spring months.
My sister asked our preacher about Christmas when she started going on a regular basis, he said "there is no basis for it in the bible, we do it cause everyone wants to at home". They did not celebrate it in the church. This is a church that claimed to be based ONLY on what it said in the bible and prided themselves on not adding to or taking from in their worship service and I assumed in their daily lives. Evidently not.
SashaSmiles: I am a little hurt that you did not think I could have written my first message by myself...lol...I googled it. I don't remember ever reading that in Jeremiah, I don't actually remember reading Jeremiah, so i wanted to see what it 'really' said...lol...it said what you said plus more. Never too old to learn.
Crash: My basic point is that in Christianity ....is it WIDELY believed and professed that "Christsmas" is soley a christian holiday.....with roots ONLY in christianity.....an "Original christian idea!!" Which it clearly isn't and when christians say it is ...they are either ignorant or dishonest.
SashaSmiles: I do not think it is WIDELY believed anymore, Crash,that Christmas is solely a Christian belief, there are books about the pagan origins, shows, movies, etc and now the internet where it is very easy to 'google' something. I think it is more likely, that like our preacher, Christmas has been in our homes so long, and accepted as a Christian holiday, despite having kids write Santa Claus (praying), and warning them that Santa Claus is watching them (not God) , that people just WANT to believe that it is Christ sanctioned. Otherwise, why would good Christians celebrate it? People SAY that Christ is the reason for the season, but what part does he really play in it? Sure there are nativity scenes and plays, but as you pointed out this is not even when he was born. The gifts are not for him that we give to one another. If you wanted to celebrate Christ as a Christian, we should really put more emphasis on when he was killed, not when he was born. I know you don't want to celebrate anything about Christ, I am just saying...
So in conclusion...lol...I think most people celebrate Christmas because our society tells us that is what we are supposed to do. It is commercialized to the point of ridiculousness, and it is NOT about Christ, in my opinion. It is so commercialized that the people (including Christians, maybe mostly not sure about the statistics) demand to celebrate it.
Merry Christmas, happy Yule, etc etc etc...I have seen where some religions besides Christians celebrate both Christmas AND their holiday at this time of year. Who does not like pretty lights and music?
Did you all know that Christianity ripped off the Idea / "Holiday" of Christmas? Interesting huh?
What is now known colloquially as "Christmas" was originally called Yule. A Germanic Pagan Celebration / Holiday.
It was the celebration of the winter solstice and an offering to the Norse God Odin!!
Until, Christianity came along and ripped that shit right off.........changed the meaning of what it was so it suited their narrative....and called it "Christmas."
super super funny......cause....yah know....THIS VERSE from the christian bible.....
"1 Hear the word which the LORD speaks to you, O house of Israel. 2 Thus says the LORD: Do not learn the way of the Gentiles; do not be dismayed at the signs of heaven, for the Gentiles are dismayed at them. 3 For the customs of the peoples are futile; for one cuts a tree from the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the ax. 4 They decorate it with silver and gold; they fasten it with nails and hammers so that it will not topple. 5 They are upright, like a palm tree, and they cannot speak; they must be carried, because they cannot go by themselves. Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, nor can they do any good.”
Seems that their "god" didn't want them decorating trees...and whatnot ....since this is the "way of the heathen." However it looks like they did it anyways......very interesting.
Furthermore ...there is absolutely NO EVIDENCE to suggest that your "jesus" character was born on DEC 25.....or at all.......so...there's that.
So christians.....next time you say "Merry Christmas" to someone ....and profess this to be "Christs bday" remember the story of Yule and how your religion stole yet ANOTHER thing....from another culture / religion.
"8 But they are altogether dull-hearted and foolish; a wooden idol is a worthless doctrine."
Later in the chapter the contrast is drawn between the false gods that have not made the earth and the true God, the Creator (see verses 9-11). Verses 14 and 15 speak of worthless idols and images that are only objects of mockery.
The practice of making an idol from the trunk of a tree is also referred to in Isaiah 40:19, 20 and 44:14-17. Both Isaiah and Jeremiah declare the futility and absurdity of making and worshiping idols.
When looking at the verses of Jeremiah, we must remember that Christmas, of course, came into being long after Christ’s death and resurrection—years after the Bible was written—as a day to honor His birth. And the practice of decorating Christmas trees originated even later. Therefore, these Bible verses are not referring to Christmas trees, but idolatry.
Keep in mind, however, that although Jeremiah 10:1-5 is not referencing Christmas trees, it would be valuable to look into the origin of the Christmas tree and the celebration of Christmas on December 25 since neither are mentioned in the Bible.
Plus the "TREE" wasn't a "CHRISTMAS TREE" lol......
Furthermore ....that is one SUBJECTIVE INTERPRETATION .....however ....ultimately flawed......for a very simple reason......
THE TREE WAS THE "FALSE IDOL!!" Hence......"Christians" are committing IDOLATRY when decorating a tree.....for "CHRISTMAS!!" As it said very clearly in the bible that ....."IT WAS THE PRACTICE OF HEATHENS!!"
Nice try sash.
I only put that because I thought you liked facts, not just misused Bible quotes. Maybe I misread what you wrote? Cause it seemed like you were using Jeremiah to show that decorating a tree was against God's word? So my point was that although it didn't say that in the bible, Jeremiah is old testament WAY before Christ, so definitely not about a CHRISTmas tree, Christians have absorbed (stolen) pagan rituals and I was told (by Christians) that it was so they could bring the pagans to Christ. The end justified the means. I am not so sure it should.
Besides the Christmas tree, I know Christians incorporated Christmas cards from the god Saturnalia, giving gifts, Christmas carols, Easter eggs, Halloween is definitely not Christian based but churches have things for it too, and Valentine's Day. Origins in paganism seems to not be an obstacle. And like you sort of pointed out, as far as they can tell, Christ was born more toward the spring months.
My sister asked our preacher about Christmas when she started going on a regular basis, he said "there is no basis for it in the bible, we do it cause everyone wants to at home". They did not celebrate it in the church. This is a church that claimed to be based ONLY on what it said in the bible and prided themselves on not adding to or taking from in their worship service and I assumed in their daily lives. Evidently not.
So in conclusion...lol...I think most people celebrate Christmas because our society tells us that is what we are supposed to do. It is commercialized to the point of ridiculousness, and it is NOT about Christ, in my opinion. It is so commercialized that the people (including Christians, maybe mostly not sure about the statistics) demand to celebrate it.
Merry Christmas, happy Yule, etc etc etc...I have seen where some religions besides Christians celebrate both Christmas AND their holiday at this time of year. Who does not like pretty lights and music?