About That Yulelog...

In my last post I shared some information I found on a website
www.holidays.net.
In the spirit of truth, I thought I would print some more interesting
information from that site. Of course anyone who wants to read the whole
article for themselves can do so by visiting
www.holidays.net/Christmas/story.htm

On the origins of Yuletide...

"In Scandinavia during the winter months the sun would disappear for
many days. After thirty-five days scouts would be sent to the mountain
tops to look for the return of the sun. When the first light was seen
the scouts would return with the good news. A great festival would be
held, called the Yuletide, and a special feast would be served around a
fire burning with the Yule log. Great bonfires would also be lit to
celebrate the return of the sun. In some areas people would tie apples
to branches of trees to remind themselves that spring and summer would
return."

On the origins of gift giving and decked halls...

"The ancient Greeks held a festival similar to that of the Zagmuk/Sacaea
festivals to assist their god Kronos who would battle the god Zeus and
his Titans.

The Roman's celebrated their god Saturn. Their festival was called
Saturnalia which began the middle of December and ended January 1st.
With cries of "Jo Saturnalia!" the celebration would include masquerades
in the streets, big festive meals, visiting friends, and the exchange of
good-luck gifts called Strenae (lucky fruits).

The Romans decked their halls with garlands of laurel and green trees
lit with candles. "

It is most interesting to note how Christmas came to fruition...

"Jo Saturnalia!" was a fun and festive time for the Romans, but the
Christians though it an abomination to honor the pagan god. The early
Christians wanted to keep the birthday of their Christ child a solemn
and religious holiday, not one of cheer and merriment as was the pagan
Saturnalia.

But as Christianity spread they were alarmed by the continuing
celebration of pagan customs and Saturnalia among their converts. At
first the Church forbid this kind of celebration. But it was to no
avail. Eventually it was decided that the celebration would be tamed and
made into a celebration fit for the Christian Son of God."

Hmmm...fascinating...especially when you consider the warnings of Paul
in Acts 20:28-31. You can do your own search for the clarity in the
existence of Christmas. The above excerpts were taken from
www.holidays.net , but there are many sites that provide the documented
history of Christmas.

May your holiday be observed in spirit and in truth!

Blogging from my mobile phone!