The Origin of Christmas

The following are some fascinating tidbits that I picked up from books at my public library:

Why do so many Christians celebrate the birth of Christ on the same day as the winter solstice? Why do they go to church on SUNday and not SONday?

During the fourth century A.D., the emperor Constantine ruled the Roman Empire. "Yeah, so what?" you ask? Well, let me tell you: he legalized monotheism (the practice of worshiping one god). As a result, several religious cults were now free to practice their beliefs out in the open.

Up until this point in time, followers of these various cults were often covered with pitch, lit on fire, and served as torches that lit the coliseum at night during the gladiator games. On other occasions, they were devoured by lions, and their women were raped by baboons to amuse the mob watching the games.

These cults consisted of Jews, Christians, the followers of Mithras and Sol Invictus. Constantine worshiped the sun god Sol Invictus. (It is contended by many that he later converted to Christianity.)

Constantine believed, as did others of his cult, that the sun god was born every year on December 25th (the winter solstice) and died every year during the summer solstice. The day of worship was the first day of the week, which was called Sunday to honor the sun god Sol Invictus.

Up to this point in time, the Christians celebrated the birth of Christ on January 5th. They, like the Jews, worshiped on Saturday the seventh day. They were so grateful to Constantine for setting them free from persecution, they regarded him as a savior.

To gain more acceptance in Rome and to show their appreciation, Christians started celebrating the birth of Christ on December 25th and made their day of worship on Sunday. As a result, many followers of Sol Invictus converted to Christianity.

Another cult, the cult of Mithras, has an interesting legend I would like to share with you: Mithras was a demi-god (half man, half god) born of an immaculate conception. He was later executed and rose from the dead three days later. Sound familiar?