Could there be Christmas without Christ or Christ without Christmas?

1. 64

   giopskiposted 13 years ago

   Could there be Christmas without Christ or Christ without Christmas?
   
   What do you think? Let's theologize and philosophize this season.

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2. 69

   glenn wallaceposted 13 years ago

   Just to play devil's advocate: There were pagan festivals (such as the celtic winter solstice celebration) around this time of year, before Christmas came along, that Christians just kind of co-opted in building up the Christmas tradition. So in a sense, there was a Christmas before Christ. 
   Other religions, most notably Judaism, also have festivities during the month of December. They might call if something different, but they still get their holiday boogie on.
   Also, I'd say there is a large, large number of people who annually partake in the egg nog, tree decorating, and present giving who aren't particularly religious.
   
   As for the second part of your question, I'd have to say that the son of God can probably exist quite well without Christmas. Christian fundamentalists sometimes call for an outright abolishment of the holiday, based on it's pagan roots, and fuzzy evidence that Dec. 25 really was Christ's birthday.

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3. 59

   MickSposted 13 years ago

   There was a festival at the time of the mid winter solstice long before the Christians stole the festival.
   The birth of christ was celebrated in several months, the most common being March (28th)
   Christianity was failing so the celebrations were moved to coincide wiith those of the Pagan Sun King. (At the conference of Popes at Nicea, 2nd or 5th century, sorryI've forgot the dates, 2nd I think, about 339)
   The Sun King died on the shortest day (winter solstice)
   A few days later when the observers could see the day lengthening he was reborn (25/12)
   12 days later he was armed and named (The Epiphany)
   On 25/03 ( Lady Day) he impregnates his mother the earth so he can be reborn 9 months later ( 25/12)
   We can have the mid winter festival without Christ (I celebrate it every year) but we can't have the Mass of Christ without the  Christian figure head, from whence the festival was named.

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4. 60

   nightwork4posted 13 years ago

   originally i doubt it but these days, obviously there is. even for myself, i know christ is a myth but i still celebrate christmas, just for different reasons. to me it's about the kids, happiness , giving and just spending time with people you care about.

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5. 59

   engelfantasydreamposted 13 years ago

   CHRIST IS CHRISTMAS AND CHRISTMAS IS CHRIST..!!!

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