The True Origin of Christmas and other holidays

More info also at http://www.bbie.org/english/Study09TheWorkofJesus/D29WasJesusBornOnDec25.html 

A very detailed and lengthy treatise of Christmas can be found at http://www.remnantofgod.org/xmas.htm#colors 

A Parable

Once upon a time there was a wonderful King that ruled a Kingdom. The King was always doing fine and wonderful things for His people. The people desired in their hearts to worship and glorify the King and His wonderful deeds. So the King planned appointed times each year: special times for celebrations to tell the stories of His deeds to the people's children and to glorify the King. The King wrote the instructions of how to observe the celebrations in a book called the Book of Wisdom. For many years the people enjoyed these celebrations. Each year they would learn more about their King and feel closer to Him. They realized the King's celebrations were not only to tell stories of the things the King had done for His people in the past, but also foreshadows of more fine things the King was planning to do for them in the future.

There was another kingdom that did not worship the King. They worshiped objects such as statues, animals, trees, and the sun. In this other kingdom, the people practiced several different annual parties that glorified the people and the objects instead of the King. Each party had a different theme. In some they dressed up like animals and other beings. In some they decorated their homes and gave gifts to each other.

Then a man from this other kingdom visited the King's kingdom and told the people the annual parties were much more fun than the King's celebrations. Some of the people wanted to continue celebrating the ceremonies that worshiped the King. Other people wanted to replace the special celebrations with the new celebrations. Through the years people started to combine both sets of celebrations. They would practice the annual parties, meant to worship objects such as statues, animals, trees, and the sun, but they would say that they were worshipping the King, not the object, so everyone would be happy. They changed the appointed times of the King's celebrations to new times that coincided with the annual parties. The people of both kingdoms were combining so many traditions that no one could tell that there were two kingdoms. The kingdoms blended into each other. This continued for many years until the most recent generations forgot the celebrations that the King planned that glorified the King and His wonderful deeds for the people.

One day a man was reading the Book of Wisdom. He came across a little known chapter that told about the King's appointed times each year: special times for celebrations to tell the stories of His deeds to the people's children and to glorify the King. He was so excited! He went to tell the people about the wonderful celebrations. This made the people very angry. They felt that the man was condemning them for traditions that they had innocently done all their lives. They did not understand.

The man was sad, but he decided to keep the King's celebrations in his own family. The man's family learned much about the King. In fact, each year the man and his family grew closer and closer to the King because of the wonderful stories they learned about during the celebrations. The man and his family learned that the King had special secrets that revealed foreshadows of more fine things the King was planning to do for them. That man wanted so much to share these stories with others. Even though the man was continually rejected, he continued to tell about the King's celebrations. After a while, a few other families (who had always felt uncomfortable about the annual parties they kept) listened to the man. They read the chapter in the Book of Wisdom and also got excited. Soon many people returned to celebrating the King's appointed times, worshipping and telling stories about the King. This made the King very happy!

http://biblicalholidays.com/Excerpts/parable.htm

"Only when you see the Light will you notice the shadows."

The truth about easter

http://www.gilead.net/bible/toc.htm

Table of Contents:

1) Important History About Ancient Babylon

http://gilead.net/bible/christmas.htm#Important History 

2) Who Was Really Born on December 25?

http://gilead.net/bible/christmas2.htm

3) Are Christmas Day and Halloween Related to Sun Worship?

http://gilead.net/bible/christmas3.htm

4) What About Santa Claus and Christmas Trees?

http://gilead.net/bible/christmas4.htm

5) Was Christ Really a Winter Baby?

http://gilead.net/bible/christmas5.htm

6) When Was Christ Really Born?

http://gilead.net/bible/christmas6.htm

7) How Many Wise Men Visited Christ?

http://gilead.net/bible/christmas7.htm

8) What About Celebrating Easter?

http://gilead.net/bible/christmas8.htm

9) What Should We Do Now?

http://gilead.net/bible/christmas9.htm

Important History About Ancient Babylon

FOR MANY years Christmas and other major holidays, such as Easter, Halloween, etc., have been portrayed as having a Christian origin. But is this true? Is it possible that we have been deceived into believing that pagan customs and traditions of the past have their roots in the Christian church? Is it possible that many well-known Christian holidays or so-called "holy days" have their origins in something or someone other than Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life? Are innocent believers giving life to ancient satanic practices? In other words, are many faithful but misinformed Christians paying homage to false gods by honoring pagan holidays and customs, but at the same time thinking that they are pleasing the true and living God?

As we continue in this presentation, let us do so with open minds. While most Christian holidays have many advocates in support of them. However this does not make them right or authentic. Again and again history has proven that even if the majority supports something, that does not necessarily make the thing right. On the contrary, time has shown that on most occasions the majority is wrong while the minority is right. Said Christ while still here on earth with His disciples:

"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." Matt. 7:13-14.

As always, the true and sincere children of the Lord are required to be open-minded and humble under all circumstances, including instances like this where they may be brought in contact with views that may differ from their own. None of us can afford to be prejudiced or proud, but instead, in harmony with the instructions of our beloved Master, we should seek to always display the humility, faith, and willingness to learn "as little children" (Matt. 18:3).

Therefore, neither the overwhelming number of supporters nor the apparent sacredness of the holidays herein discussed are any real basis for them to be considered true and acceptable in the sight of God. The sacred writings declare that the beliefs, doctrines, principles, and practices upheld and promoted by the true followers of Jesus Christ must always find their origin and basis in the Word of God; otherwise they are not true but erroneous, and therefore cannot be pleasing and acceptable in God's sight.

"To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." Isa. 8:20.

After the great Flood of biblical history, the children of God settled down in the region of "the mountains of Ararat" where the ark had "rested" (Gen.

8:4). With time, as the families of Noah multiplied, some sought other places to live. Many descendants of Noah who sought to avoid the company of the righteous decided to settle in Mesopotamia, the land between the rivers Euphrates and Tigris. This location was chosen largely due to the obvious fertility of the land. As a result, Babylon, or modern-day Iraq, was built.

And it is still recognized by many today as being one of the most ancient kingdoms established by man.

The Bible speaks of the ancient people of Babel (the Babylonians) as having a great leader by the name of Nimrod. Nimrod was one of the ringleaders, if not the main ringleader, in the apostasy that led up to the building of the tower of Babel, which was eventually destroyed by God. Of this notorious man, the Scriptures declare:

"And Cush [one of Noah's grandsons] begat Nimrod: he began to be a mighty one in the earth. He was a mighty hunter before the Lord: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the Lord. And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar." Gen. 10:8-10.

In light of the Hebrew word used in the original translation, the phrase "before the Lord," in reference to Nimrod in the above text, is really to be understood as meaning "against the Lord." In other words, Nimrod was not really a mighty hunter in God's favor or a friend of God, but instead this grandson of Ham was a proud and sinful man whose mighty prowess and skills enabled him to achieve great things. Regarding the biblical phrases, "a mighty one" and "before the Lord" we read:

"The expression [a mighty one] denotes a person renowned for bold and daring deeds. It may also include the connotation of 'tyrant'. . . The LXX renders this phrase [before the Lord] 'against the Lord.' Although the hunter Nimrod acted in defiance of God, his mighty deeds made him famous among his contemporaries, and in future generations as well." SDA Bible

Commentary, Vol. 1, p. 275.

Nimrod became more and more famous among the people. He was highly regarded by the people who separated themselves from the true God and settled in the plains of Shinar. There he later established many different kingdoms, including Babylon. Nimrod's accomplishments led him to choose his own will above that of God. Thus he became a great rebel "against" the Creator, even in a public or open manner.

This notorious leader, Nimrod, had a wife by the name of Semiramis. Semiramis was a beautiful woman, but she was very vile and evil-minded like her husband Nimrod. The influence of these two people (Nimrod and Semiramis) led many to turn away from the good example of Shem (one of the three sons of Noah). Thus many people fell into great apostasy.

As a result of this apostasy many pagan customs and traditions were introduced. In Babylon temples called Ziggurats were erected for idol worship. Through these means many pagan customs were nurtured and promoted far and wide. Some of these practices are still observed today, including the recognition of December 25 (Christmas) as a special day. Yet most of these practices date as far back as the time following the fall of the tower of Babel.

What About Celebrating Easter?

Even the practice of celebrating Easter, as it is done today, consists of many similarities to certain ancient pagan customs. While many make reference to the word "Easter," as found in Acts 12:4, it is important to note that this text is not speaking of the time of the resurrection of Christ as some seek to interpret it.

The word "Easter" in this text is specifically referring to the time of the Jewish Passover. This can be easily observed when viewed in its proper context. The previous verse states, "Then were the days of unleavened bread" (Acts 12:3). Careful biblical research will prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that this is speaking about the time of the Passover. (See: Lev. 23:5-6; Ex. 12:11, 17-18; 23:15; 34:18.)

Christ never told His disciples to observe His death or resurrection on any particular day. Instead, the holy Scriptures makes reference to how Christians are to observe the death and resurrection of Christ; and that is by showing everyone's need to go into the watery grave of baptism and resurrect into a new life, a sinless life, through the grace and power of Christ. (Read: Rom. 6:3-4; Col. 2:10-12.)

Furthermore, modern-day Easter falls right after the observance of the forty days of Lent. In ancient Babylon when Tammuz died, the followers of Semiramis joined her in mourning over the death of her son, Tammuz, for forty days. Thus the practice of mourning for the loss of this so-called "son of god" was adopted by many for centuries thereafter. This act was later "Christianized" under the name of Lent. But long before Christianity came into existence, even the children of Israel became victims of this pagan practice of mourning for Tammuz. Hence we read:

"Then he brought me to the door of the gate of the Lord's house which was toward the north; and, behold, there sat women weeping for Tammuz." Ezek. 8:14.

By following this pagan practice anciently, God's chosen people invoked the displeasure of the Almighty. Therefore, why should this practice be even considered by Christians today? And why should Lent be preceded by the revelry involved in Carnival, which is still observed in some cultures today? Can Christians afford to uphold practices other than that which the Bible condones, especially when they are so directly linked with things that God did not want His people to recognize in any way?

Some say that the name Easter comes from the name "Eostre" (the Saxon goddess), while others believe that it is derived from the name "Ishtar" or "Astarte" (the Assyrian counterpart for Semiramis). Nonetheless, it is quite evident that in both of these views the origin of the name Easter comes from a pagan deity that can easily be identifiable with the wife of Nimrod.

The practice of using dyed eggs (Easter eggs) and buns (hot cross buns) during this festival was observed in certain pagan festivities of antiquity as well. In different ancient pagan rituals these items were offered up unto false gods. In China dyed or painted eggs are used during sacred festivals, and the Druids of Britain used an egg as the sacred emblem of their order.

As far as the buns are concerned, in ancient Greece on the festival of Astarte, buns were offered unto the queen of heaven. But the biblical record shows that Jehovah was sore displeased with His people, Israel, when they sought to follow this apparently innocent practice of the heathens in their day. In this regard we read:

"The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough, to make cakes to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto other gods, that they may provoke me to anger." Jer. 7:18.

None of these practices were endorsed by Jesus Christ, and were not therefore adopted by the early Christian church. But today many of these pagan practices have become so widespread that they are now accepted with open arms by many in the Christian faith. Yes, Easter has now been changed from the Passover celebration in the Bible usage of the word, and in its place the new application of the word Easter has given rise to a revival of many ancient pagan customs in a Christian setting.

What Should We Do Now?

In light of all that has been considered, it should be quite clear to the true children of God what their stand should be in the face of all the "Christianized" pagan customs and practices observed today. All should be able to answer such questions as, Why can't we celebrate the birth of our blessed Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, on December 25, or on any other day that is set aside to honor Him? How could it be wrong for me or my children to celebrate Halloween, Easter, or any other pagan custom, since today it may not be done for the very same reason that others celebrated it anciently? And why should anyone deprive themselves or their children from having "innocent" fun?

First of all, the origin and basic principle underlying all false worship needs to be understood. In order to identify this we need to remember the history surrounding Cain and Abel, the first two children of Adam and Eve.

When Cain and Abel were required to offer a sacrifice unto their Creator they were both fully aware of God's holy will. It was up to each of them to choose his own or God's will in this matter, and so they did. Concerning their eventual choices it is written:

"And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering: but unto Cain and to his offering He had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell." Gen. 4:4-5.

It is easy to understand why Christians consider Abel as being good and faithful, but Cain as being evil and unfaithful. Although both of these brothers offered up sacrifices unto God, only one was respected and accepted.

Abel's offering was in harmony with God's will, but Cain's was not. Cain's offering was really unto Satan and not unto God, for he knowingly offered up his sacrifice in direct opposition to God's will; and as a result, God could not accept Cain's offering. Thus Cain introduced false worship to the human race, but Nimrod's wife, Semiramis, introduced pagan customs and traditions, none of which could be accepted by God because they were all contrary to His will. In like manner today, those who do as Cain or Semiramis did are really presenting their offerings unto Satan instead of unto God. We are told:

"Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." James 4:17.

"As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) but to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by Him." 1 Cor. 8:4-6.

Thus the worshipping of Nimrod, the leader of the rebellion in Babel, was in actuality the worshipping of Satan, the leader of the rebellion in heaven, for Satan was really the mastermind behind all these things. Satan not only inspired the minds of the Babylonians with all their false doctrines, but he also helped to promote their erroneous views by giving his satanic support to the magical feats and spiritualistic rituals of the priests and worshippers of the sun. This he still does in behalf of false teachers today through miracles and supernatural manifestations. We are therefore admonished:

"And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." Isa. 8:19-20.

Christ's prayer to His Father in behalf of His children is: "Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth." John 17:17.

God's true children cannot afford to follow after false teachings and practices, but instead only the principles and doctrines found in God's Word.

Both in Christ's and the disciples days all were warned against following the customs and traditions of men, and today the true children of God are warned against this same danger in its present and varied forms.

"This people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honoureth Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me. But in vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." Matt. 15:8-9.

"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." Col. 2:8. (Read also: 1 Tim. 4:1, 7, 16.)

Yes, dear reader, we should realize that just as in the case of Cain and Abel, God will not honor or accept offerings that are contrary to His holy will (which is clearly outlined in His inspired Word). He is always seeking to promote truth instead of men's ideas, customs, or traditions. Thus, through the prophet Malachi He declares, "For I am the Lord, I change not."  Mal. 3:6.

Therefore, even if men's offerings or forms of worship appear to be innocent or even if they provide great joy and pleasure to men, women, and children, it is God's will that His true followers always seek after truth, for it is only truth that sanctifies the soul. Error never sanctifies but instead defiles. Like the Psalmist David we too, therefore, must always be able to declare unto the Lord God:

"I will worship toward Thy holy temple, and praise Thy name for Thy loving-kindness and for Thy truth: for Thou hast magnified Thy word above all Thy name." Ps. 138:2.

http://gilead.net/bible/christmas.htm#Table of Contents

http://www.gilead.net/

The Planet Saturn played a part in the origins of Christmas also.
In Rome, over 300 years AFTER the resurrection of our Lord, there was a yearly feast celebrated by the Romans who worshipped the god Saturn. This was a carry over from Babylon. This time of celebration was always situated around the December 17-24 time frame, coinciding with the winter solstice and the time when Saturn was close to earth. The Pagan Romans called this celebration "The Feast of Saturnalia." It was always celebrated with gifts on the last two days, then on the 25th of December they began the new celebration of "The Birth of the Unconquerable Sun," as the days of light would begin to lengthen and the sun would begin to regain its dominance. They believed the sun would die during the winter solstice then arise again from death as the solstice ended by the revolving of the earth in nature. This festival was one of drunkenness, revelry and debauchery. When the Roman Catholic Church had been born in Rome they incorporated this day of celebration so these Pagans would become a part of this Catholic (means universal or one world) church. The Catholic priests told the Christians that God had reveled to them that Dec. 25 was really Christ's birthday and that is how this fable started. I will enjoy seeing the wonders that God has created in this planet Saturn, but not fall for this Pagan celebration that goes with it.

Santa & The Tammuz Tree

CHRISTIAN MEDIA - December 1, 2002

Every year as the world honors the holidays (holy days), Christians continue to follow the ancient Babylonian ritual of placing an evergreen tree in their home and decorating it. Clearly, many believers are aware the Christmas tree is associated with Pagan religious idolatry, but they continue to rationalize their involvement because they claim that God has now "sanctified" the holiday and somehow redeemed it. This is, of course, apostasy of the worst kind for the practice of convincing oneself of the acceptability of anything they desire to do when the Bible clearly instructs them not to places them in deadly spiritual peril.

The Lord says "my spirit will not always strive with a man," so we should be earnest in our efforts to submit everything to God -- lest we eventually cross some undesirable spiritual threshold. The Old Testament book of Jeremiah explicitly tells us "Learn not the wav of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain; for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the ax; They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not." (Jeremiah 10:2-4).

In ancient Babylon, the goddess figure Semiramus was the mother of the Sumerian deity Tammuz. Other surrounding cultures have differing names for Tammuz. He is Attis to the Phoenicians, and Adonis to the Greeks, etc. In each legend, he dies young and his birth and death are honored on his birthday which coincided with the Winter Solstice. This was celebrated on December 25th. Part of the religious ritual involved cutting down a young green evergreen tree (which kills the tree) as a way of commemorating the premature death of Tammuz.

This tree is then decorated in the fashion Jeremiah described. A corollary to the Tammuz tree was the rite in which the women cried for the dead god. Shortly after Jeremiah's time, we find the idolatry has penetrated the Jewish temple where we see Sun worship and "women weeping for Tammuz" (Ezekiel 16: 14). The sun worship is closely related to the end of the Winter Solstice when the sun begins to stay in the sky longer.

The boughs of holly and related accouterments are descended from Celtic and Druidic rituals associated with the Wiccans -- in short, witchcraft. Even the Yule log that's placed on the fire is a Babylonian word. Obviously, the concept of a jolly immortal fellow dressed in red leaving gifts under the tree has a serious occultic flavor, but naming him a saint seems to make him acceptable with worldly Christians.

By the way, Christmas is but one of the pagan holy days that have infiltrated the Christian calendar and replaced the holy days that God ordained. Easter, which is derived from the name Ishtar, is actually closely related to the Tammuz tree. Indeed, the common Christian practice of a sunrise service originates with an early morning worship service in which the penitents face East at the dawn — precisely what was seen during Ezekiel's time when the women wept for Ishtar's son Tammuz.

"Christians" routinely defend the sunrise Easter service as honoring the discovery of the resurrection of JESUS that occurred 3 days after Passover -- with many of them not realizing they are honoring the ancient pagan holy day of Easter that predated Christianity by many centuries. In fact, the New Testament clearly shows the Apostles honored Passover while the evil king Herod honored the Easter celebration (Acts 12:2).

State churches and World Christians refuse to repent of this pagan practice even as they assign the label of cultist to the various groups that seek to tell them the truth. Satan Claus continues to cast his spell as churches across the country produce pageants & programs like The Singing Christmas Tree. These extravaganzas are commercially marketed through seemingly respectable Christian organizations. Some churches, such as the Wesleyan Church, produce a variation. In San Diego, the Skyline Wesleyan has a pageant called The Living Christmas Tree. Tickets are available by calling 619/462/TREE.

Even without a formal choir program, literally thousands of Christian churches actually place Christmas trees right in their sanctuary every year. In our area, we have the Festival of Trees wherein every charitable group in the county gets involved as a community effort. At the Festival of Trees, they follow the druidic ceremonies and even name each tree.

Christmas Trees reign in so-called American "Christian" culture. Sacramentalist & scriptural renegade Chuck Colson's Prison Fellowship sponsors the Angel Tree program. Top Christian musician & Prison Fellowship spokesman Steven Curtis Chapman represents the practice to Christian youth through his music. Even the Salvation Army has an Angel Tree program. Indeed, virtually every form of Christian media seems to get immersed in the Tammuz tree every year. 

I've got examples of Christian T-Shirts, greeting cards, and even sheet music of Gospel songs incorporating the evergreen paganism. I have examples of Christian musician's newsletters decorated with boughs of holly. I've collected expensive print ads running in national Christian magazines that feature Christmas trees behind the printed pitch. I have seasonal catalogs from Christian book publishers with holiday titles that show manger like scenes in groves of Christmas trees.

In a Christmas drama catalog put out by Lillenas (the Nazarene church media arm), 3 of the 5 book covers shown features Christmas trees. Sandi Patty's Word book (released by Thomas Nelson, the largest Christian publisher) Merry Christmas With Love features a boy dragging a tree into his house on the cover. Let's Keep Christmas published by NavPress & written by revered pastor Peter Marshall has the whole family dragging the abomination to their house.

Children's ministry figure Rob Evans has a Christmas tree on the cover of his video from Integrity Press. Praise Banners has a 40" banner of a Christmas Tree that is marketed specifically to churches. Top Christian music artist Brian Duncan is pictured in front of his tree on his new Christmas CD. Even the print ads for the farewell version of the Young Messiah tour featured the evergreen motif in the form of boughs of holly while a drama produced by the Lamb's Players has the same Babylonian artifacts. There are literally hundreds of other examples -- but the question du jour is, What's Wrong With This Picture?

The refusal of Christians to recognize the importance of relinquishing such demonic associations is a powerful indicator the church has gone astray. Following a pagan practice is sin, but the more dangerous sin is the steadfast refusal to recognize the Bible tells us to present our bodies as "a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is (our) reasonable service" (Romans 12:1). This conflict illustrates the very real problem of how we interpret works versus grace.

Most "Christians" continue to buy the lie they can routinely choose their own path & the Lord will honor these ungodly choices under grace. These have been mesmerized into believing that if they even try to keep any day holy they are somehow being legalistic. They continue to reject the leading of the Holy Spirit & accordingly they have quietly become "the children of disobedience" (Colossians 3:6). The Bible tells us for this cause God will send them a strong delusion because they love not the truth. That delusion has now inundated the "church" with the mystery of iniquity. 

But the Word of God is pure and always true. God is not mocked, thus we would do well do take to heart the already cited passage concerning the Tammuz Tree and what will happen to those that refuse to hear His warning: "Learn not the way of the heathen...in the time of their visitation they shall perish" (Jeremiah 10:2,15).


The True Meaning Of Christmas...by Mike Douglass

It is not now, nor has it ever been my intention to attack people's beliefs.

I only wish to present the truth and offer factual information for

consideration. When it comes to the subject of religion, well, I've found

that it's a very touchy subject. People in general do not want to hear

anything that may challenge what they already think they know. I've found

that overwhelmingly, the vast majority of people who cling to particular

religious beliefs are for the most part completely ignorant of the origins of

those beliefs or how those beliefs evolved into the customs and traditions we

observe today. The majority of religious followers rarely engage in any study

outside of the particular scriptures or doctrines of their chosen religion.

So few ever bother, or dare to ask questions that just may challenge the

authenticity of their beliefs. For the most part, when information is

presented that raises questions, it is simply rejected without further

investigation. It is this attitude of "my way is right and all others are

wrong," that has created so much division and suffering among humanity for

thousands of years.

I was born into a Catholic family, and my brothers and I had the beliefs of

our parents imposed upon us. They weren't very strict with it, as so many

families are, but nonetheless we were indoctrinated into their Christian

beliefs, often to the exclusion of other possibilities. I would suggest, that

this is the chief reason why so many people never engage in serious study,

and simply just beLIEve what they have been conditioned to believe. They've

been brought up to believe that it's right and true, and that to challenge or

question is wrong or bad. They grow up with these beliefs, and in turn,

impose those same beliefs upon their children, thus the vicious cycle

continues on. The idea of a god of love, punishing its creations forever, for

asking questions or doubting, is to me the most ridiculous, ludicrous and

self-destructive doctrine one could adhere to. Yet so many do, out of fear

that some loving god will burn them for all eternity, for not worshipping a

certain way. What a load of utter bullshit, and yet, these superstitious and

limiting beliefs have controlled billions of human sheep for thousands of

years, and to a large extent, still do.

 

It wasn't until my 29th year that I seriously began to challenge the

religious beliefs I grew up with, however, since I was very young, I

questioned those beliefs. It just never felt quite right. I'm 34 now, and I'd

say that over the past 5 years, at least 2 of them were devoted almost

exclusively to the study of the origins of our modern religions, especially

Christianity. What I've discovered has had an enormous impact on me, and

instilled within me the desire to share this info with any and all that may

be ready to hear it. It didn't take long to realize that so many aren't ready

to hear it. If you are one of those who aren't ready, then just push it

aside, or perhaps pass it along to someone who is questioning.

 

Religion has been perhaps the most effective tool for control, dividing man

against man, and anchoring people's hearts, minds and indeed spirits within

superstitious nonsense for a long, long time. To me this was the most

shocking revelation. We have been lied to..Big time.

 

The true meaning of Christmas

 

The Christian faith celebrates December the 25th as the birth date of their

savior god, Jesus Christ. However, what remains widely unknown to adherents

of the faith is that this time of year, and specifically, the 25th has been a

time of year honored and revered since the beginning of recorded history.

December twenty fifth marks the time of the winter solstice, and there have

been numerous savior gods throughout history, who were said to have been 

born
on or near the 25th of December. These savior gods, Mithra, Dionysus,

Bacchus, Horus, Krishna, etc. were not actual people who came to the Earth,

they are mythological personifications of the sun, presented or personified

as actual people. The name of the Phoenician solar god "Bacchus" literally

means, "the sun personified." It is no different with Jesus of Nazareth,

Christ is nothing more than a symbolic representation of the sun, a solar

deity, the sun personified. As with countless cultures that came before

Christianity, Christ has been represented as an actual man who came to Earth

to atone for the sins of mankind. I realize the reaction this stirs in

Christians, and I can almost hear the threats of eternal damnation for saying

this, but Christ is nothing more than a mythological, non-existent god-man.

He is a fantasy, and just as the dozens of savior gods that came before him,

he has been represented as an actual person, and the solar symbolism

surrounding the contrived events attributed to his life have been taken

literally, the esoteric meanings lost and distorted along the way.

 

During the time of the winter solstice, the ancients that paid adoration to

the sun claimed that from the 22nd of December to the 25th, the sun had died

for three days. This is because on the 22nd, the sun reaches its lowest point

in the sky, stays there for about three days, and then on the 25th, it begins

its journey northward again. For this reason, the ancient cultures that

celebrated the solstice said that on the 25th, the sun was "born again." This

is also the reason that so many savior gods were said to have been born on

the 25th of December. The days begin to get longer again at the time of the

winter solstice, and at the spring equinox, the sun is resurrected. (Easter.)

What a coincidence, that many of the savior gods that came centuries before

Jesus, were also said to have been resurrected at the time of the spring

equinox. Actually, It's not a coincidence at all, when you understand that

the vast majority of the world's religions are based upon the most ancient

living science, astrology. The "holy bible" is a giant book of astrotheology,

mythology, legend and parable, and the words "holy bible" are derived from

the words helio bibilia, which means "sun book!" One common misconception is

that the ancients worshipped the sun as God, when in truth; the people of

antiquity saw the sun as a symbolic representation of God. God's SUN. The

light of the world.

 

The son of God is the SUN of God!

There have been literally dozens of crucified savior gods that supposedly

came to Earth, far before Christ, that have the same, if not stunningly

similar attributes, such as; being born of a virgin, having 12 disciples,

being crucified as an atonement for mankind's sins, dying and rising in 3

days, changing water to wine, healing the sick, teaching in parables, being

born in a cave or manger, and on and on it goes. Among those savior gods are:

 

The Egyptian sun god Horus, born of the virgin Isis.

 

The Greek savior god Dionysus.

 

Krishna, the Indian savior god spoken of in the Vedas.

 

The Hindu god Buddha, born of the virgin Maya, (Mary.)

 

Mithra of Persia, born of a virgin on December 25th.

 

Quexalcote, the Mayan savior god, born of a virgin and crucified on a cross

for the sins of man.

 

The Tibetan Indra, born of a virgin.

 

Prometheus, crucified for the sins of man and resurrected.

 

Zoroaster, crucified for the sins of man.

 

Bali, crucified for the sins of man and recognized as the second in the

trinity.

 

Thammuz, crucified for the salvation of mankind.

 

Wittoba, crucified as an atonement for the sins of mankind.

 

Bedru of Japan.

 

Balder of Scandinavia.

 

This list could literally go on and on. The idea of a crucified savior god,

born of a virgin, incarnating on Earth to redeem mankind is an ancient motif,

it is an old story, stretching back into the farthest recesses of ancient

history.

 

Why are all the savior gods born of a virgin? This is symbolic representation

of the astrological sign of Virgo. Most ancient calendars began the first

month in Virgo; hence the sun is born of a virgin, Virgo the virgin. The

ancients devised measuring tools to keep track of the sun's heavenly journey.

They divided the year into 4 groups of 3 and each was given a heavenly

symbol. This became known as the Mazzaroth, or Zodiac. This is why so many 

of
the savior gods were said to have 12 disciples, the 12 helpers are symbolic

representations of the zodiac signs! The symbol used to represent the

division of the year was the cross, and the sign of the cross can be found

far back in the ancient world, well before Christianity was ever heard of.

 

"Can you bring fourth the Mazzaroth in their season, or guide the bear with

its train?" Job 38:32 this is reference to the zodiac, and to the

constellation of Ursa Minor.

 

We could write off one or two of the savior gods that came before Christ as

coincidence, but when you study the origins of religions, and discover that

it occurs over and over, again and again, the truth becomes obvious. There is

so much solar symbolism in the bible that literally volumes could be written

about the subject, and have been.

 

"For the lord your God is a consuming fire." - Deuteronomy: 4:24

 

The Birthday of the Unconquerable Sun

 

During the early stages of Christianity, Mithraism was the most widely

practiced solar cult in ancient Rome. The solar god Mithra was known as the

"unconquerable sun" and midwinter celebrations culminated on the 25th of

December, the birth date attributed to Mithra. Incidentally, Mithra was said

to have been; born of a virgin, have 12 disciples, perform miracles, be

buried and risen in 3 days, referred to as the "good shepherd," and put to

death by crucifixion, as an atonement for the sins of man. I believe I've

heard that somewhere before. Followers of Mithra would begin the midwinter

celebrations on Dec. 17th and the pagan practices would culminate on Dec.

25th, Mithra's birthday. These celebrations became known as the Saturnalia

and involved public orgies, often involving children, pagan rituals, public

disorder and drunkenness, and basically mass chaos, as all Roman law was

suspended during the Saturnalia celebrations, all courts were closed, and the

exchange of gifts took place on the 25th, and all slaves were freed on that

one day.

 

The Saturnalia celebrations were so widespread, that the Catholic Church

could do nothing to stop them, so instead, they merely incorporated the

abounding pagan beliefs into their own, hoping to pull in pagan converts. As

the Roman Empire spread throughout Western Europe, the customs and 

traditions
of the Saturnalia midwinter festivals also spread. The government 

sanctioned
church could do nothing to stop the widespread celebrations, which 

became
known as "the festival of fools," so they infused the pagan traditions 

with
their own, making the birth date of Christ coincide with the birth date of

Mithra. In those times, different churches celebrated the birthday of Christ

on different days, or not at all because they simply did not know the actual

date. The Romans of the time simply saw Christ as just another solar deity,

which is exactly what he is. Dates were changed to coincide with pagan

customs and rituals. By the 7th century, Pope Gregory I ordered all pagan

rituals to be adopted into the expanding church. Saturnalia became "Christ's

Mass," and these yearly midwinter festivals often consisted of murder,

rioting, open sex in public, and the practice of pagan and Druidic rituals.

 

In 1652, "Christ's Mass" was outlawed in England, but overwhelming public

demand brought it back, and in 1656, King Charles II made the celebrations

officially legal once again. In fact, the church never attributed a birth

date to Jesus, and it wasn't until 354 AD that the 25th of December was

adopted as his birth date, to coincide with Mithra. Indeed, the Vatican, the

"holy city," is actually built upon the ruins of the temples of Mithra. I'll

bet you never learned that in Sunday school. These are the secrets the church

would rather you not know about, and Pope Leo X once stated; "how well we

know what a profitable superstition this fable of Christ has been for us."

(Emphasis added.)

 

Most of the Christmas traditions held so dear actually originated in

Scandinavia among the Norse people. Each year during the midwinter festivals,

the Norse would set fire to a huge tree or log, a phallic symbol, and keep it

burning for 12 days. Each day, either a human or animal sacrifice was offered

into the flames and burned to death. The 12 days of sacrifices were to honor

the sex and fertility god Jul. (Yule.) This is where the tradition of the

burning of the Yule log originates from, and the "12 days of Christmas." The

tradition of burning a Yule log in the fireplace was brought to America by

Scandinavian immigrants in the 1600's. Throughout the dark ages, worshippers

of the god Jul would place a lighted oil lamp in their windows during the

solstice to signify that the occupants were participators in the custom. This

is where the custom of decorating our houses with lights originated.

 

The ancient Norse would fashion holly into a circle, (wreath) because the

belief held that the formation of holly into a circle could ward off evil

spirits. Evergreen trees, were believed to possess magical powers, and served

as symbols of sex and fertility. The Norse would cut down Evergreens, place

them in their homes and adorn them with decorations to honor the nature

spirits. At the midnight hour, on the 25th of December, followers of the

Hindu sun god Krishna would decorate their houses with garland, and exchange

gifts. The Greeks also celebrated this time of year, as the birth of

Hercules, son of Zeus. The Chinese also held celebrations on the 25th, as did

so many cultures before Christianity. What so many don't seem to realize, is

that many of the Christian traditions attributed to Christ, and Christmas,

were borrowed from many differing cultures that most followers would consider

pagan.

 

King George I, of German descent, brought the custom of the Christmas tree to

Victorian England, which in turn was brought to America by German immigrants

settling in Pennsylvania. By 1900, 1 in 5 homes in America had adopted the

tradition.

 

The origins of the Santa Claus myth

 

The statement that "Jesus is the reason for the season" is nonsense. Jesus

was never the reason for the season, and again, the church simply changed

dates so that their savior god coincided with the abounding pagan beliefs and

solar cults of the time that celebrated the midwinter festivals. The winter

solstice is the reason for the season, as it has always been since centuries,

even millennia before Christ. The winter solstice marks the time of year when

the days begin to get longer, and the sun is "born again" to conquer the

darkness. During the 3rd and 4th centuries, the Romans could not

differentiate between Jesus and Mithra; so striking were their similarities.

 

People love to perpetuate mythology. Most teach their children to believe

that legends, or mythologies are actual truth. Just look at Easter. The

Christians commemorate the death and resurrection of their messiah, by

convincing their children, that a giant bunny-rabbit delivers chocolate eggs

and candy in the middle of the night! But such is human nature.

 

As with Jesus, Santa Claus is a composite character, an amalgamation of sever

al other mythological characters all rolled into one. The earliest historical

depictions of Santa, were represented as Odin, the Norse god of thunder who

would travel the skies during the winter solstice, deciding who would die and

who would prosper. In England, the mythology of Odin evolved into Father

Christmas, who traveled the countryside getting rip-roaring drunk as part of

the "festival of fools" celebration. Father Christmas had a traveling

companion, a horned goat. Roman legend had it that St. Nicholas, a Turkish

bishop, who was the patron saint of sea faring men, had captured the devil

himself, placed him in chains and made him his personal servant. Different

cultures gave different names to the horned goat creature such as; Krampus,

Beelzebub, and Zwarte Piet, (Black Peter.) But he was best known by his

German depiction, Knecht Ruprecht, who had evolved from a horned goat, into a

sinister horned demon creature.

 

Legend held that Ruprecht would drop candy and other goodies down the

chimney, to the good kids, who were able to recite a verse for St. Nicholas,

or please him in some way, and that the bad kids were given a switch, or

whip. The really bad kids were hauled away in a large sack that Ruprecht

carried with him. Many of the cultures in Scandinavia, and in other parts of

northern Europe, held legends of hearth gods. The hearth gods would watch the

fires, make sure people were warm, food was cooking properly, etc. and during

the winter solstice, the hearth god dressed in red, would come down the

chimney, with either gifts for the good kids, or a bundle of switches for the

bad kids. The combination of these myths is where we get the tradition of

hanging stockings on the mantle. In some traditions, the devil was given the

name Weihnactsmann. This translates into Santa Claus! So Santa Claus means;

"the devil."

 

In 1822, a minister by the name of Clement Clarke Moore, consulting the

writings of one of America's most popular writers of the time, Washington

Irving, wrote a poem called, "A Visit from St. Nicholas." Later, this famous

poem was renamed "The Night Before Christmas" and was published in the Troy

Sentinel in upstate New York. This well-known poem was based on the

traditions of German and Dutch immigrants. Moore portrayed St. Nicholas as a

jolly old elf, and Knecht Ruprecht was replaced by eight supernatural

reindeer. 40 years later, a cartoonist by the name of Thomas Nast, combined

images of the earlier St. Nicholas, with Moore's depictions of a jolly old

elf, which became the images today that we are so familiar with. By 1880,

Santa Claus had become a folk hero.

 

I'm often puzzled at the way parents manipulate their children during this

time of year, by telling them Santa will only bring presents If they're good.

Mostly, even if their kids are naughty, they still get the gifts anyway. What

began in the early stages of history, as midwinter celebrations, evolved into

the massive commercialism we see today, but for the most part, people have no

idea whatsoever, where the customs and traditions originate from, or how

European mythology has evolved into the holiday celebrations we observe

today.

 

I can tell you, I've heard this before; "well if you're not Christian, why do

you still celebrate Christmas?" How about, because it's fun! My goodness,

that pisses so many people off, because my family has decided to take the

traditions and customs that we like, such as the lights, gift giving,

Christmas tree, etc. And do away with the guilt of "Jesus died for your sins"

stuff, or "this is the birthday of our [mythological] savior." (Who never

existed.) I love showing my individuality, and boy, do people get heated! I

make it a point to eat meat on Good Friday. I'm puzzled by people blindly

following tradition, without even knowing the origins of those traditions,

and then insisting that everyone else, think, believe or act the same way

they do. So this holiday season, my plans are to have fun, spread cheer, be

with my family, eat good food, play with the kiddies, and probably drink a

bit too much wine or beer. I won't be attending any masses to hear the story

about the birth that never was. By the way, my children already understand

where both the mythology of Christ, and Santa Claus come from, and it hasn't

shattered their lives. Quite the contrary, they seem to be very appreciative

that we teach them the truth as best as we understand it.

Is Christmas Baal's Birthday?
"Put the Savior back in Christmas," people cry.But was the true Hebrew Messiah ever there in the first place?
By far the most important celebration in the Western world today is Christmas. Billions of dollars will be spent this year on gifts, gift wrapping, candy, decorations, and greeting cards in a gigantic, annual spending spree that starts in earnest right after Hallowe'en-and shifts into overdrive the day after Thanksgiving.

Merchants of Babylon are hinging their hopes for the entire sales year on
Christmas profits keep the momentum at a fever pitch. A nonstop flood of advertisements and promotions entice an exploitable public to continue spending themselves into debt at this time each year. The more religiously disposed object to the commercialization of the "Savior's birthday." They can see that this annual celebration has little in common with any Biblical observance. On the contrary. Christmas today is little more than a mandatory ritual of gift exchanging done under the guise of family togetherness and pleasing children.

But the Bible believer must stop to ask himself, am I pleasing my Heavenly Father by my Christmas observance? If this is what He wants me to do, then surely I can find in His very Word-the Bible-at least one passage telling me to keep this holiday.

Shocking as it may be, you cannot find even one command in the entire Bible to keep this supposed birthday of the Savior! Furthermore, nowhere in the New Testament is there a single instance where someone observed Christmas. Not one of the Apostles observed December 25, nor did any of them ever in the Savior's 33 years on this earth throw Him a birthday party. Nowhere do we find His apostles giving a gift to Him on December 25. Nor did anyone else. Not even to one another. Unhappy Birthdays One authority notes, "There is no historical evidence that our [Savior's] birthday was celebrated during the apostolic or early post-apostolic times," The New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge, "Christmas," p. 47. Another writer makes this surprising statement, "The day was not one of the early feasts of the Christian church. In fact the observance of birthdays was condemned as a heathen custom repugnant to Christians," The American Book of Days, George W. Douglas, p. 658. As the early believers realized, observing of birthdays is not a Bible practice. In all three instances where birthdays are mentioned in the Scriptures, someone died:

The chief baker was hanged during Pharaoh's birthday party in Genesis 40; Job's sons died from a windstorm while birthday partying in Job 1:19, and John the Baptist was beheaded at Herod's birthday celebration in Matthew 14:6-10. The message is quite clear about birthday celebrations. A man who was formerly into devil worship once commented that the individual's birthday is a witch's most important day. Christmas as a celebration of the Savior's birthday was not widely observed for at least 300 years after His birth. With no Biblical support for it, one needs a good imagination to base this observance on Scripture! If it were a Scriptural commemoration, why doesn't the Bible at least tell us which month, let alone which day, to keep it? The Savior most likely was born in the fall, not in the dead of winter, when flocks of sheep were still abiding in the field, along with the shepherds who guarded them, Luke 2:8. Most Bible scholars realize this. 

Christmas as a pagan holiday is another story altogether. The rites of this observance trace back thousands of years before the Messiah Yahsha to a place called Babylon. Springing from that ancient birthplace of paganis are many of the peculiar customs that make Christmas what it is today. A good share of these practices came to us directly through the Roman Saturnalia festival.

"Christmas" is a contraction for "Christ's Mass," a Roman Catholic observance designed as a compromise with the heathen Roman feast of Saturnalia. The Saturnalia was a seven-day festival in honor of the deity Saturn. It began on December 17. At the Saturnalia "all classes exchanged gifts, the commonest being waxed tapers [candles] and clay dolls. These dolls were especially given to children. Varro thought these dolls represented original sacrifices of human beings to the infernal god," Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Ed., vol. 24, p. 231.

Being that no one knew when the Savior was born, "in [C.E.] 354, Bishop Liberius of Rome ordered the people to celebrate on December 25. He probably chose this date because the people of Rome already observed it as the Feast of Saturn, celebrating the birthday of the sun. Christians honored Christ instead of Saturn, as the Light of the world," The World Book Encyclopedia (1962), "Christmas," p. 416.

We learn, then, that Christmas represents a thinly veiled compromise with the profane worship of pagan peoples, which is why we see so many heathen trappings associated with this winter holiday.  Ask yourself, what do evergreen trees, Yule logs, candles, bells, mistletoe, holly wreaths, ham, cookies, tinsel, lights, and wassail bowls have to do with the birth of the Savior? Each of these Christmas customs has a non-Scriptural source. Most are rooted in fertility rites or in sun worship from a pagan past.

Birthday of the False Messiah - Baal/Tammuz
Very few realize that not very much has changed in the way Christmas is
celebrated from the way pagans observed the day (under a different name) centuries before the birth of Yahshua! Obviously they didn't call it "Christmas." They called this mid-winter festival by its original heathen or pagan name -- the Saturnalia.

The Scriptures do mention the time of Yahshua's birth, but Yahshua's followers were not told to celebrate it - except to observe YAHWEH's feast of tabernacles in the Fall of the seventh moon which is when he was born. (Again, please request, "When was Messiah Born?") So where did millions of modern-day "Christians" get the idea to celebrate it?  In ancient times the winter solstice was celebrated in Babylon as the birth day of Tammuz (Dumuzi), the god of vegetation This was the shortest day of the year, in the latter part of December (today it actually falls on December 21). According to the pagans, the god Nimrod would visit the evergreen tree and leave gifts upon it. This festival became known as the Saturnalia, and friends and family would exchange gifts.

Nativity of the Sun-god Interestingly, the followers of Mithra, as the "nativity" or "birth" of the sun also celebrated the winter solstice. Mithra was the Persian sun god, and his worship was widespread throughout the Roman Empire in the days of the early believers. When the feast was celebrated in Rome, it was called the festival of Saturn and lasted for five days. In both ancient Rome and more ancient Babylon, this festival was characterized by bouts of drunkenness, wild merrymaking, and lascivious orgies, which would begin with an "innocent kiss" underneath the mistletoe and would then lead to justification of all sorts of sexual excesses, perversions and abominations.

Alexander Hislop writes in The Two Babylons: And first, as to the festival in honor of the birth of Christ, or Christmas. How comes it that that festival was connected with the 25th of December? There is not a word in the Scriptures about the precise day of His birth or the time of the year when He was born. What is recorded there, implies that at what time so ever His birth took place, it could not have been on the 25th of December. At the time that the angel announced His birth to the shepherds of Bethlehem, they were feeding their flocks by night in the open fields. Now, no doubt, the climate of Palestine is not so severe as the climate of this country; but even there, though the heat of the day be considerable, the cold of the night, from December to February, is very piercing. It was not the custom for the shepherds of Judea to watch their flocks in the open fields later than about the end of October. It is in the last degree incredible, then, that the birth of Christ could have taken place at the end of December. There is great unanimity among commentators on this point (pp. 91-92).   Hislop continues: Indeed, it is admitted by the most learned and candid writers of all parties that the day of our Lord's birth cannot be determined, and that within the Christian Church no such festival as Christmas was ever heard of until the third century, and that not till the fourth century was far advanced did it gain much observance (pp. 92-93).

If YHWH wanted us to observe Yahshua's birthday, don't you think He would have told us the exact day in Scripture? Since Yahshua and His disciples lived a thoroughly Jewish lifestyle, the Jewish calendar would have reckoned it! Why would He have deliberately hidden the exact day from us? Maybe because Yahsha's birth date is not important - not something for us to dwell upon or focus on or obsess about. It is Yahsha's ministry and His death and resurrection that embody the Good News of Messiah, not his time as a helpless baby.

Why December 25?
Why did the Roman Church fix upon December 25 as the day to honor the
Messiah's birthday? There are many opinions on this. One which seems to be valid is that the early Church, in moving all of its celebrations away from Judaism without denying its followers the holidays they had come to enjoy, took the date of Hanukkah, the Feast of Dedication, and "Romanized" it. Hanukkah occurs on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev, which occurs approximately in December.  Hislop also has an opinion:  Long before the fourth century, and long before the Christian era itself a festival was celebrated among the heathen, at that precise time of the year, in honor of the birth of the son of the Babylonian queen of heaven. It may fairly be presumed that, in order to conciliate the heathen, and to swell the number of the nominal adherents of Christianity, the Roman Church, giving it only the name of Christ adopted the same festival. This tendency on the part of Christians to meet Paganism halfway was very early developed; and we find Tertullian, even in his day, about the year 230, bitterly lamenting the inconsistency of the disciples of Christ in this respect, and contrasting it with the strict fidelity of the Pagans to their own superstition (ibid. p. 93).  Frazier, in The Golden Bough, states without hesitation: "The largest pagan religious cult which fostered the celebration of December 25 as a holiday throughout the Roman and Greek worlds was the pagan sun worship -- Mithraism." He adds, "This winter festival was called 'the Nativity' -- the 'nativity of the sun' " (p. 471).

Mithra was not the only pagan deity said to be born at this time of year. Osiris, Horus, Hercules, Bacchus, Adonis, Jupiter, Tammuz and other sun gods were supposedly born at the time of the winter solstice!  Alexander Hislop confirms this, adding: That Christmas was originally a Pagan festival is beyond all doubt. The time of the year, and the ceremonies, with which it is still celebrated, prove its origin. In Egypt, the son of Isis, the Egyptian title for the queen of heaven, was born at this very time, 'about the time of the winter solstice.' The very name by which Christmas is popularly known among us -- Yule-day -- proves at once its pagan and Babylonian origin. 'Yule' is the Chaldee name for an 'infant' or 'little child'; and as the 25th of December was called by our Pagan Anglo-Saxon ancestors, 'Yule-day,' or the 'Child's-day,' and the night that preceded it, 'Mother-night,' long before they came in contact with Christianity, that sufficiently proves its real character. Far and wide, in the realms of Paganism, was this birthday observed ("The Two Babylons", PP. 93-94).

The festival at Rome, called the feast of "Saturn," lasted five days, and loose reins were given to drunkenness and revelry. This was precisely the way in which the Babylonian midwinter, or December, festival was celebrated. Berosus tells us it also lasted "five days."  Declares Hislop: The wassailing bowl of Christmas had its precise counterpart in the   'Drunken festival' of Babylon; and many of the other observances still kept up among ourselves at Christmas came from the very same quarter. The candles, in some parts of England, lighted on Christmas eve, and used so long as the festive season lasts, were equally lighted by the Pagans on the eve of the festival of the Babylonian god, to do honor to him: for it was one of the distinguishing peculiarities of his worship to have lighted wax-candles on his altars (pp. 96-97).

The Pagan Evergreen Tree

What about that old favorite, the Christmas tree? Surely it wasn't pagan, too, was it? The astonishing answer: "The Christmas tree, now so common among us, was equally common in Pagan Rome and Pagan Egypt. In Egypt that tree was the palm-tree; in Rome it was the fir; the palm tree denoting the Pagan messiah, as Baal-Tamar, the fir referring to him as Baal-Berith. The mother of Adonis, the sun-god and great mediatorial divinity, was mystically said to have been changed into a tree, and when in that state to have brought forth her divine son. If the mother was a tree, the son must have been recognized as the 'Man the branch.' And this entirely accounts for the putting of the Yule Log into the fire on Christmas Eve, and the appearance of the Christmas tree the next morning" (Hislop, p. 97). 

Alexander Hislop makes the symbolism of the Christmas tree, and the Yule
  log plain. He writes: Therefore, the 25th of December, the day that was observed at Rome as the day when the victorious god reappeared on earth, was held at the Natalis invicti solis, 'The birthday of the unconquered Sun.' Now the Yule Log is the dead stock of Nimrod, deified as the sun-god, but cut down by his enemies; the Christmas-tree is Nimrod redivivus -- the slain god come to  life again (p. 98).

Leave the Darkness
If this were the Savior's birthday and acceptable to Yahweh, then why do people give gifts to one another and not to Him? Why does Santa Claus get
all the glory and attention? Who gave Santa Yahweh's right to decide who is naughty and who is nice? Clearly the rituals of the Saturnalia, as well as pure human traditions, are alive and well each December 25.  Saul wrote in 2Corinthians 6:14 and 17: "Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion has light with darkness? Wherefore come out from among them, and be separate, says Yahweh, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you."

Some will argue that Christmas is a harmless holiday for the enjoyment of children. If there is no Creator in heaven, that point may be justified. But the Yahweh of the Bible is very particular about how we must worship Him and He has no tolerance for heathen traditions or man's own ways of worship.  He tells us through the prophet, "To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? says Yahweh...When you come to appear before me, who has required this [human  way of worship] at your hand, to tread my courts? Bring no more vain oblations..." Issiaha 1:11-13.

Almighty Yahweh thunders in the Book of Jeremiah not to observe practices like Christmas tree worship: "Learn not the way of the heathen... For the customs of the people are vain: for one cuts a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not," Yeremyah 10:2-4.

Here is what Yahweh thinks about man-made celebrations: "I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell [accept] in your solemn assemblies. Though you offer Me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept them," Amos 5:21-22.

If we want to please our Creator, who has the power over our eternal lives, then we will give up man-made holidays that He rejects, and we will follow the observances He does command in His Word. http://www.remnantofyhwh.com/ 

 "...only a Remnant will be saved" Romans 9:27

O, Tannenbaum - The evolution of the Christmas tree

In most parts of the world, Winter is cold and harsh; the Christmas tree, with its ornaments and twinkling lights, is a sign of warmth and gaity. The Christmas tree is such a popular symbol of the winter holiday that it has been adopted by people of many faiths in many countries. The custom of decorating an evergreen with lights and ornaments is ostensibly Christian, but its roots lie deep in the Pagan past.


Many ancient cultures perceived trees to be symbols of rebirth and renewal, and trees were often associated with the many pagan solar deities whose birthdays were celebrated during the winter solstices. Evergreen trees in particular were seen as symbols of divinity and immortality, because they do not 'die' as other trees do.
In ancient Greece, the God Attis, the consort of the Mother Goddess Cybele, was believed to have died and been reborn. His birthday was celebrated on December 25th, and decorated evergreens were carried in processions in his honor.

The evergreen tree has also been long associated with gift giving- Roman citizens celebrated the Saturnalia, a week long December festival honoring the God Saturnus, by exchanging gifts attached to evergreen branches. These branches, called strenae, were part of a week long festival that was so popular, it was adopted largely intact by Christianity. Pope Liberius of Rome, in 354 A.D., ordered the date of December 25th be observed from that time on as the birthday of Christ, citing the Pagan festival of Saturn. (incidentally, the image of Saturnus, the Roman God of time, is the origin of the image of 'father time,' meaning that father time and father Christmas are closer than one might expect.)

In an old Norse tradition, evergreens were burned to encourage the return of the sun. A direct descendent of this practice, which is still carried out in remote parts of Europe, is the Yule log. These same Norse traditions also inspired the popular notion of stealthy nocturnal gift giving by sleigh-riding elves!
This custom of burning a tree was eventually replaced with trees or wooden pyramids decorated with burning candle, which are still common in many households in Europe.. A similar practice, which is the ancestor of the modern Christmas tree, took place in Pagan Germany- the twelve 'raunacht,' or wild nights, was commemorated with a decorated tree.


As trees have long been a symbol of rebirth, the Christmas tree became a natural symbol for the resurrected God of Christianity. The first known record of a decorated tree honoring the Christian nativity was a sixteenth century description of a German tree decorated with "roses cut out of many-colored paper, apples, wafers, gold foil and sweets." The idea caught on quickly, and soon Christmas trees were almost universally popular. Strong opposition to Christmas trees by the Puritan settlers kept Christmas trees out of American territory until the nineteenth century, when German settlers popularized the tradition.

• The Tree of Life

Christ HATES x-mass

X-MASS - YULETIDE A PAGAN FESTIVAL

(which is actually condemned by Christ)   CHRIST'S OPINION of SANTA CLAUS
and YULETIDE, as expressed by HIS ANGEL, to HIS APOSTLE JOHN, in THE
APOCALYPSE, Chapter 2.

Xmas has absolutely nothing to do with God. It was originally called
Yuletide, which is a pagan festival from the Babylonian Mystery religion of
SUN worship. The Babylonians were merchants (they were the originators of
the "Market-system" which is condemned by God) and they used Yuletide to
sell their merchandise because, like today, it made them lots of money. Then
in the first century A.D. Simon (the Sorcerer) Pater (NOT Peter) stole the
name christian, mixed it with the Babylonian Mystery religion and formed a
new religion called christianity, that teaches the opposite of what Christ
taught, and has SUNdays as its sabbath days, due to its SUN-god worshipping
origins (Galatians 1:6-9; 2:4). Simon Pater NOT Simon Peter (Cephas) started
the fake religion called "christianity" (Acts 8:9-25). Christ's TRUE
followers or disciples called themselves "Followers of The Way" or "Those
True to The Covenant" (Nazrim ha-Brit), NOT christians.

SUNday is the FIRST day of the week, NOT the Sabbath which is the SEVENTH
day; on which God rested. This "so-called" christianity perverted the
teachings of Christ and incorporated their pagan rituals, in their temples,
which have as their focal point a "Tower of Babel" (from which the word
Babylon is derived) in which were babbling-bells. This is directly opposed
to the true teaching of Christ who says that YOU must NOT go to church
(Matthew 6:5-6 where synagogue means all churches). They also hijacked the
virgin-birth and moved it from April to December 25th to coincide with their
own Yuletide festival, which Christ says he HATES, in the Holy Bible, in
Apocalypse/Revelation 2:6, 15, where the Nicolaitanes, whose doctrine Christ
hates, are the followers of Santa (Ni)-Claus, who celebrate Yuletide (and
Easter [Ishtar] a god of fertility - eggs are the symbol of fertility not
crucifixion).

Verse 6: But this thou hast (in thy favour), that thou hatest the deeds of
the Nicolaitanes which I (Christ) ALSO HATE.

Verse 15: So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes
(the followers of St.Nicholas - Santa Claus), which thing I (Christ) HATE.

The Nicolaitans celebrate Yule-tide (Christmas now) and Santa Claus (st.
Nicholas) and decorate trees with silver, which thing Christ HATES, because
it is Satanic and NOT from God or Christ, as he makes perfectly clear in the
verses above.

SANTA CLAUS WEARS SCARLET which Christ has told us is SATAN'S COLOUR (see
Revelations chapter 12 verses 3+9 - the great RED dragon - SATAN).

  SANTA CLAUS is an anagram for SATAN. SATAN LUCAS/LUCIFER - THE DEVIL.

There is nothing Godly about Christmas and Christ HATES it; so how can
christians celebrate it? Who taught them to do so? Certainly NOT Christ or
his apostles.

A true Christian would be one who follows Christ's Way, does what He did,
loves what He loved and hates what he hates - he would not imagine or
theorize on what Christ would like or not like.

The "Virgin-birth" was in Spring at the time of birth and The Passover, when
"lambs" were being born. It was NOT in December, the seasonal time of death.

The virgin-birth was actually in April, with new-born lambs in the fields,
just like the Second Coming.

The fact that the three kings came to pay homage, and brought gifts of great
wealth, was used by Satan to give, to those who perverted the teaching, the
idea to continue and even increase the sales of their merchandise (a great
marketing-exercise for them). So the virgin-birth was hijacked and corrupted
into a time to make lots of money, using the ultimate in "high-pressure
sales techniques", which was to falsely use God's Son's name, in order to
embarass people, who couldn't afford to buy gifts, to go into debt or steal
in order to buy their merchandise. By doing this the rich merchants ruin the
lives of the poor, driving them further into debt and poverty or crime,
whilst making themselves richer and richer. It is WRONG and EVIL from every
angle. The original gifts were from rich kings to the "supposedly" poor -
from the rich to the Son of God. There is absolutely NO Biblical precedent
or teaching that supports giving gifts to human children. The merchants have
turned it all backwards and made it the opposite, where the poor give money
to the rich. They have done this because it and they are Satanically
inspired. Satan is a Hebrew word that means "the Opposer" - someone who does
and says the OPPOSITE of what God says, telling and teaching others to do
the opposite too, by words, persuasion and example.

Giving presents to human children, instead of them giving their "selves" as
presents to God, feeds their egoes (the "self") and makes them more arrogant
and selfish because people are paying homage to them, bringing them gifts.
This arrogance then causes them to oppress adults (Isaiah 3:12).

Instead of which they should be paying homage to God, and being thankful for
Him having sent His Son to show them The Way, using their money in God's
cause (for good). Children like adults have to lose their egoes and become
unselfish (by daily crucifixion - "self"-sacrifice); humble; polite and
helpful, or they will continue the ruining of the world and cause themselves
to be executed on the Last Day.

So, by giving gifts and celebrating a pagan festival, parents are, IN
REALITY, doing harm to their own children and themselves, whilst making
themselves poorer, and the rich richer and bringing about the ultimate
execution of their children's souls (Beings) and their own, on the now
imminent Last Day.

Children should get only what they need, when they need it and NOT get
expensive useless rubbish that breaks and/or is quickly discarded. They need
you to spend the time, that you spent working to buy presents, with them,
teaching them love and how to behave properly, instead of feeding their
egoes. Less time at work, for you, and more time with your children so that
you are not strangers to each other.

Christ came to bring True Justice for everyone, to put an end to poverty and
make life loving and better EVERY day not one miserable day a year.

The decking of fir trees with silver and gold and placing presents
(offerings) under them is also a pagan ritual condemned by God in the Bible
in Jeremiah 10:2-4. Nimrod/Osiris/Horus is often pictured with wings,
holding reindeer and a fir tree.

Also, if you take the word CONIFER, which is the name given to the family of
trees to which the Christmas (Fir) tree belongs, and split the word in two,
you get:

CON-IFER

CON - Satan is known as the biggest con-artist ever. He invented it.

IFER - The last half of Lucifer's name.

HE'S LAUGHING AT ALL OF US RIGHT NOW!

--------------------------------------

SANTA SATAN by Mr. Normal (Xmas Eve, 2000)

Is it plausible that Santa is really Satan?"

Think about it, folks!  It's not just that "Santa" is an obvious anagram of
Satan; that Santa wears a demonic red suit symbolic of the fires of Hell;
and that his huge hat must conceal horns.  The clincher is that Santa
represents xmas, that time of year when christian greed and phony sincerity
reach their unctuous peak.  It's the season when braindead followers of the
ultimate cult are whipped into frenzies that leave them figuratively drained
-- broke and exhausted.

Understandably, it's also the time of the year when depression and suicides
max out as the futility of achieving happiness sinks in at least
subliminally.  A December, 2000 Gallup poll shows that 85% of us think that
xmas is too commercial, but Santa/Satan wouldn't have it any other way!  Our
most respected institutions are in on the plot too.  Even the law of the
land (U.S.A.) forbids a baby Jesus in the town square, but who's there
instead?  You guessed it!  Santa! - Satan.

Lucifer/Satan once was one of God's angels.   Satan's attempted heavenly
coup failed (Isa. 14:12-15), but he was given his very own place to rule and
called it Hell/Earth (Rev. 12:9)  Satan also got free reign to tempt as many
people as he wanted (even Christ himself!) and lots of fabulous stuff to
tempt them with (like eternal youth and Mercedes Benzes).  However, Satan
still was not satisfied.  He worked hard to make xmas the most important
retail event of the year.  A recent survey showed that 60% of holiday
spending occurs at xmas, and another 20% at Satan's recognized holiday of
Halloween.  Think about it, folks!  Satan has locked up 80% of our holiday
dollars!  Who else could be the "red dragon" of Revelation 12:3, ?.  More
important is that asking Santa for something really is an unwitting pact
with the Devil, and parents are dooming their children's souls to Hell-Fire!
(Coming to your neighbourhood; soon)

"Santa Satan's" devilish temptations have achieved what John Lennon could
only try to claim for the Beatles -- greater popularity than Jesus!  Indeed,
"Santa Satan" truly is the reason for the season!

--------------------------------------

Christ, the Spirit-Being that was placed in-side the body (IN-carnated not
begotten as it has been misinterpreted) called Jesus, was not born 2000
years ago or even 2,000 millennia ago. He is, as he said, older than this
planet and zillions of years old, being the first created by God (His oldest
Son - Prince Michael - Dan. 10:21). It was only the human animal organic
computer (body), that was used by the Son of God, that was born 2000 years
ago. You are not supposed to worship or make graven images of a human
organic computer, similar to the one that you are locked inside of, or even
the spirit (Christ) that was within the body called Jesus, you are supposed
to worship his Perfect Father the Supreme-Being, as Christ himself told you
to do. God is not a human, He is a "Being of Light" (soul). Therefore His
Son (Christ) is not a human either but was the soul (Being) that was inside
the human body from the virgin-birth. God is Spirit (energy/Light) and you
must worship Him in spirit (with your spirit - soul) in TRUTH and love Him,
as He loves you.

True Origin of Easter

Also see  • The Pagan origin of the Easter bunny 

Many Christians are unaware of the origins of Easter, which is actually a pagan festival held in honor of idols. In fact, Easter was celebrated hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus Christ. It wasn't until at least 300 years after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the establishment of his church that the celebration of his resurrection began to be intermingled with the pagan practices of Easter. You should know the truth.

Origins of the Word "Easter" and the Goddess it Represents. "Easter" is derived from "Eostre," the pagan Anglo-Saxon goddess, and/or "Eostare," the Norse pagan festival of spring. When God gave the law to the Israelites in the Old Testament, he clearly instructed them not to even utter the name of other gods (Exodus 23:13). Aphrodite, Asherah, Ashtoreth, Astarte, Diana, Eostre, Ianna, Ishtar, Isis, Ostara, Semiramis, Venus . . . call her what you will, but she is one and the same--a false goddess, an idol, worshiped by pagans. And God declares that she is detestable. Asherah is mentioned in the Old Testament quite frequently (Exodus 34:13; Deuteronomy 7:5; Deuteronomy 12:2-4; Deuteronomy 16:21; Judges 6:25-30; 1 Kings 14:15-23; 1 Kings 15:13; 1 Kings 16:33; 1 Kings 18:19; 2 Kings 13:6; 2 Kings 17:7-16; 2 Kings 18:4; 2 Kings 21:3-7; 2 Kings 23:4-15; 2 Chronicles 14:3; 2 Chronicles 15:16; 2 Chronicles 17:6; 2 Chronicles 19:3; 2 Chronicles 24:18; 2 Chronicles 31:1; 2 Chronicles 34:3-7; Isaiah 17:8; Isaiah 27:9; Jeremiah 17:2; Micah 5:14). Ashtoreth (the Babylonian goddess of the woods and nature) is also mentioned by name in the Bible (Judges 2:11-13; 1 Samuel 7:3; 1 Kings 11:5, 33). In every instance, she is an idol which greatly angers God. Inanna, the Sumerian patron of the temple prostitutes (also considered the merciful mother who intercedes with the gods on behalf of her worshipers), is represented with a star inscribed in a circle. There are several scriptures which clearly show that worship of any of the celestial elements (sun, moon or stars) is forbidden by God (Deuteronomy 17:2-5; 2 Kings 21:3-7; 2 Kings 23:4-15; Ezekiel 8:15-16). Ishtar [pronounced "Aes-tar"] (the Babylonian/Chaldean goddess of love and war) and Semiramis (an Assyrian goddess) were both known as the "Queen of Heaven." And the "Queen of Heaven" is specifically mentioned in the Bible (Jeremiah 7:18; Jeremiah 44:19, 25).

What, other than the obvious connection of the words "Easter" and "Eostre" does this goddess have to do with the modern celebration of Easter? Plenty.

Easter's connection with spring and nature. Diana (the Ephesian goddess of sex, fertility, virginity and motherhood) was said to be the source of nature. Eostre (an Anglo-Saxon/Teutonic goddess) was the goddess of the sunrise and spring. Ostara (a Norse/Saxon goddess) was the maiden goddess of spring.

Origins of Hares (Bunnies) and Eggs. According to Teutonic myth, the hare was once a bird whom Eostre changed into a four-footed creature. Thus, it can also lay eggs. The hare is also the sacred companion and sacrificial victim of Eostre. Astarte (a Phoenician/Syrian goddess), on the other hand, was believed to have been hatched from a huge egg which fell into the Euphrates.

Origins of Good Friday. Did you ever wonder why Good Friday is recognized as the day Jesus died and Sunday as the day he arose but yet had trouble explaining how he could thus be buried for three days and three nights? (Matthew 12:40; Matthew 27:63; Mark 8:31; Mark 9:31; Mark 10:34) The answer is simple: He didn't actually die on "Good Friday." The Chaldeans offered cakes to Ishtar on the equivalent of the day we know as Good Friday. When the established church wanted to appease the paganistic people in order to "convert" them to Christianity, they moved the dates accordingly. Jesus actually died on the day of Preparation of Passover Week, which that year occurred on Wednesday (John 19:14, 31-42). Thursday was the Sabbath of the Passover. Friday, Christ was still in the tomb. Saturday was the "regular" Sabbath. Jesus arose after the Saturday Sabbath was concluded, which was the first day of the week, the day we know as Sunday (Mark 16:9; John 20:1). For further clarification of the days concerning Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, see Matthew 27:50-28:7; Mark 15:25-16:6; Luke 23:44-24:8; John 19:14-20:17. An in-depth study from another author which addresses the timing of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection is also currently available on the Internet at www.thevictor.org/bowen/bowenpp.htm.

Origins of Hot Cross Buns and Fires. Cakes bearing a cross-like symbol representing the pair of cow-horns on the moon goddess, Isis, were offered by ancient Egyptians. The cakes which Greeks offered to Astarte and other divinities were called bous or boun, from which the word "bun" is derived. The Babylonians/Chaldeans offered similar cakes to the "Queen of Heaven." Fires were lit on top of mountains and had to be kindled from new fire, drawn from wood by friction. The fire was then used to bake cakes in sacrifice to Semiramis, the "Queen of Heaven." This practice, along with burning incense, was used in conjunction with baking the cakes and is mentioned specifically in the Bible (1 Kings 11:8; 2 Kings 17:7-16; 2 Kings 18:4; 2 Kings 23:4-15; Isaiah 17:8; Isaiah 27:9; Ezekiel 8:7-12; Jeremiah 7:16-19; Jeremiah 44:19, 25). In addition to the cross imprinted on these cakes representing the horns of the goddess, it also sometimes represented the four seasons or four phases of the moon. Cakes were also offered to or eaten in honor of Apollo, Diana, Hecate, and the moon (also Diana's symbol).

Origins of Lent. The word "lent" is of Anglo-Saxon origin meaning "spring." Lent developed from the pagan celebration of weeping, fasting, and mourning for 40 days over the death of Tammuz (one day for each year of his life). Tammuz (the son/husband of the Babylonian idol Ishtar) was killed by a wild boar and then allegedly resurrected. This mourning of Tammuz is specifically prophesied by Ezekiel in the Bible and is characterized by God Himself as being detestable (Ezekiel 8:13-15).

Origins of the use of the lily. Asherah (a Sidonian goddess) was frequently represented as a nude woman bestride a lion with a lily (symbolizing grace and sex appeal) in one hand and a serpent (symbolizing fecundity) in the other.

Origins of wearing new clothing for Easter. The tradition of wearing new clothing for Easter comes from the superstition that a new garment worn at Easter means good luck throughout the year.

Origins of the timing. The timing of the festival of "Eostar" (the festival of spring) predates the birth of Jesus Christ, and the festival was always celebrated in conjunction with pagan idol worship. In 325 A.D. it was conveniently linked to the full moon on or following the spring or vernal equinox, March 21, when nature is in resurrection after winter. This is also when Easter is celebrated in modern times. The timing of Jesus' resurrection is linked to the Passover rather than to the vernal equinox.

Who celebrates Easter? Witches, who base their celebrations (including Halloween) on the phases of the moon, celebrate Easter. Christians, however, are clearly forbidden from observing this pagan celebration (Deuteronomy 12:30-31; Luke 4:8; 1 Corinthians 10:20-22; Ephesians 5:11). There is a good reason why the early church never spoke of Easter and why there is absolutely no indication of the observance of the Easter festival in the New Testament. (The only exception is a mistranslation in the King James version of Acts 12:4, where it gives the word "Easter" instead of the correction translation "Passover.") It was not an oversight on God's part; Christians simply are not to celebrate Easter, a pagan festival.

Honoring Christ. While there isn't anything wrong with spring, nature, rabbits, eggs, pastries, fires, lilies, or wearing new clothing, doing or observing such things only for "Easter" is either knowingly or unknowingly participating in pagan practices. Christians who do not yet see anything wrong with such practices should prayerfully read and study 1 Corinthians 10:18-11:1.

The intent of most Christians who celebrate "Easter" is actually to remember and honor Jesus Christ. Rather than celebrate His resurrection with worldly traditions, there are biblical ways for Christians.

First, we should call biblical things by Bible names. Rather than using the name of a false goddess, "Easter," Christians should use words which do not dishonor God. Some acceptable terms are "Resurrection Day" and "Resurrection Sunday."

The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus can still be remembered through observance of the Lord's Supper (Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26) and other Christian worship.

Christians should always remember that the focus of the resurrection is Jesus Christ. Surely His sacrifice is enough. Easter eggs, Easter bunnies, and other pagan activities which add worldliness and traditions of men are unnecessary in our observation of Resurrection Day.

A decision to make. You now have a decision to make concerning Easter. In the oft-quoted words of Joshua: "Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:14-15 NIV

 
MYTH:

Easter is the same as Passover.

TRUTH:

Joh 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

THE TRUTH ABOUT EASTER AND THE DAY CHRIST DIED

    Roman Catholicism has dictated the dates of many Christian events and distorted the meanings of others. Baptists who ought to know better continue to celebrate Good Friday without ever questioning why. The fact is that Christ was not crucified on Friday at all, nor did he rise on Sunday morning as Baptists have been taught by Roman Catholics to believe.  Yet in spite of the truth, we continue to cling to the traditions of men and in so doing, miss the tremendous type and symbol contained in the historical accuracy of the Passover. This paper will attempt to correct error while pointing to the Lamb of God as Savior.       "For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." (Matt 12:40) According to tradition, Jesus died on the cross at 3:00 p.m. on Friday and raised very early Sunday morning. Many have wondered how three days and three nights can be compressed into such a short time span, especially since Christ was so clear in His statement in Matthew 12:40 .  Most Christians simply ignore the obvious problem and hold the traditional view.      Most commentators argue that ancient Jews reckoned a fraction of a day as a whole day; so they say that a very small part of Friday, all of Saturday, and a small part of Sunday can be figured this way. Jesus, however, was clearly stating that He would remain in the grave exactly the same length of time that Jonah spent in the whale's belly.      The solution to the problem is clear: Nowhere in the Bible does is say or imply that Jesus was crucified and died on Friday. It is said that Jesus was crucified on "the day before the Sabbath" (Mark 15:42 And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath,)The Jewish weekly Sabbath came on Saturday, commencing at sunset the evening before. But what we forget is that the Jews had other Sabbaths beside the weekly Sabbath. For example, the first day of the Passover week, no matter what day that may be, was always a Sabbath   (Exodus 12:16; Lev 23:7; Num 28:16-18).       Knowing this, ask whether the Sabbath immediately following Christ's crucifixion was the weekly Sabbath (Saturday) or the Passover Sabbath, falling on the 15th of Nisan, which came on Thursday the year that Christ died.       Even though history should cause us to consider that our tradition is wrong, our first hint that something is missing from our tradition is the wonderful symbolism expressed in the Passover lamb. It was not accidental that Christ died during Passover. The Bible Itself tells us clearly when Jesus died. John tells us plainly that the day on which Jesus was tried and crucified as "the preparation of the Passover" (John 19:14). Christ then was not tried and crucified before the weekly Sabbath (Friday), but the day before the Passover Sabbath, in that year falling on Thursday. Therefore, the only conclusion we can make is that Christ was crucified on Wednesday.     John makes this fact crystal clear. John's Gospel was written later than other accounts and seems to clarify (for obvious reasons) areas that may lead to possible error. One false impression that we have accepted by our ignorance of Biblical truth is that Jesus ate the Passover at the regular time of the Passover. To correct this false impression, John clearly states that Jesus ate it the evening before and that He Himself died on the cross at the very moment that the Passover lambs were being killed "between the two evenings" on the 14th Nisan (Exodus 12:6). God's real Paschal Lamb--Jesus--of  Whom  all other paschal lambs offered through the centuries were only types, was therefore slain at the very time appointed of God. He would not therefore eat the Passover Lamb on the Passover day, for He WAS the Passover Lamb on that day.           Everything about the Passover Lamb was a picture of Jesus:   1. He was a Lamb without spot or blemish (Exodus 12:5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:)     2. He was chosen on the 10th day of Nisan (Exodus 12:3  Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:), for it was on the 10th day of the month, the preceding Saturday, that the triumphal entry into Jerusalem was made, and not on "Palm Sunday" as tradition suggests.  This fact is made abundantly clear since Jesus came from Jericho to Bethany six days before the Passover (John 12:1  Then Jesus six days before the Passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.) and that would be six days before Thursday, which would have been Friday that He made the trip from Jericho to Bethany. If the Roman Catholic Palm Sunday is historically correct, it would mean that Jesus made the trip on Saturday (six days before Friday) in violation of the Law(Exodus 16:29) which was interpreted to allow Jews to travel no more than 2,000 cubits on the Sabbath. Bethany however, was a Sabbath's Day Journey from Jerusalem (Acts 1:12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a Sabbath day's journey.   compare Luke 24:50  And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.)     Jesus entered Jerusalem on "the next day" (John 12:12  On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, and following verses).   It was also the same day that Judas went to the chief priests and offered to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matt 26:6-16; Mark 14:3-11). That evening (Friday night) Jesus and His disciples at dinner at Simon the leper's house. That same night (now Saturday, 10th Nisan--remember that the next day begins at sunset) Judas sold Jesus. This was an exact fulfillment of prophecy in Zechariah 11:12  And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver.   Exodus 12:3-6  Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:  And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.  Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats: And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.  3. Jesus was killed on the 14th Nisan between the evens, just before the beginning of the 15th Nisan as sundown (Exodus 12:6  And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.)   We ought to accept what the Bible says: Jesus was not crucified on the Passover day but on "the preparation of the Passover,"  and that he was to be three days and three nights in the grave, and as "the preparation of the Passover" that year would be Wednesday and His resurrection early on the first day of the week, this allows exactly three days and three nights in the grave.       It seems inarguably correct that Jesus died around sunset time on Wednesday.  It seems inarguably correct that exactly 72 hours later, exactly three days and three nights, at the beginning of the first day of the week (Saturday at sunset), He arose from the grave.      When the women came just before dawn on Sunday morning, they found the grave already empty.  There is no need to fumble with fractions of days or to twist our Lord's words to mean something other than what He said. The statements of Jesus were literally true. Three days and three nights His body was dead and lay in the sepulcher. He Himself however went into Paradise and declared that the perfect sacrifice had been made and then led the Old Testament saints out of that place and into the presence of God (1 Peter 3:18-19  For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:  By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;)            If we take exactly what the Bible teaches, we see perfectly the marvelous fulfillment of prophecy and Old Testament typology.  On the other hand, if we accept the Roman Catholic tradition, we rob Christ of essential glory.  In fact, the traditional Good Friday/Easter Morning tradition not only robs Christ, it also neglects the clear teaching of God's Word, thus placing it beneath the traditions of men; a thing Jesus condemned  (Mark 7:8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.)               Some object to this explanation by the Sunday morning statement of those in  Luke 24:21 (But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done) by stating that if the crucifixion took place on Wednesday, Sunday would be the fourth day since these things were done.    The explanation is that "these things" mentioned by the men on the road to Emmaus were concluded on Thursday (Wednesday night). The first day since Thursday would be Friday, the second day, Saturday, and the third day would be Sunday, the first day of the week.   This objection supports the facts.  On the other hand, there is no way that "three days since" could be reckoned if Christ died on Friday.   Some of the Scriptures that prove the facts are:   Matthew 12:40  For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth     Matthew 26:61  And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.   Matthew 27:40  And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.     Matthew 27:63  Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.   Mark 8:31  And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.   Mark 9:31 For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day.     Mark 10:34  And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.     Mark 14:58  We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.     Mark 15:29-30  And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days,  Save thyself, and come down from the cross.     Luke 24:21  But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.     John 2:19-22 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body.  When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.  In conclusion:  There is absolutely nothing in favor of a Friday Crucifixion or any verses whatsoever to support it. On the other hand, everything Scripture offers on the time of our Lord's Crucifixion points to Wednesday.    You may ask, "So What?"   The answer comes when we understand the wonderful picture of the Lamb of God and how He became our Passover. There is nothing in Roman Catholic tradition that can possibly compare with the truth of God's Word.      I urge you to distribute this truth and teach it. I urge you to leave behind the traditions of men which hide the Glory of the Lord, Jesus Christ.  N. Olson, Pastor Freedom Church Wolverine, MI

This is a very wide spread myth among the professing 'christian' community. People say when they celebrate Easter, they are celebrating Jesus' resurrection. But are they? In Exodus Chapter 12 we read about the Jewish celebration of Passover:

And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you. Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house: (Exo 12:1-3)

And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it. (Exo 12:6,7)

And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt. (Exo 12:13)

Here we recognize the prophecy of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the sins of the world.

After passover, there was another week long event called the Feast of Unleavened Bread. We read of this still in Exodus Chapter 12:

In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at even, ye shall eat unleavened bread, until the one and twentieth day of the month at even. Seven days shall there be no leaven found in your houses: for whosoever eateth that which is leavened, even that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he be a stranger, or born in the land. Ye shall eat nothing leavened; in all your habitations shall ye eat unleavened bread.(Exo 12:18-20)

As we can see this feast continued until several days after the passover was finished.

Now, let's turn to Acts Chapter 12. Here we read of Herod's persecution and Peter's arrest:

Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (THEN WERE THE DAYS OF UNLEAVENED BREAD) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him (Acts 12:1-5, emphasis mine)

Let's examine these scriptures carefully. It says that Herod sought after Peter during the days of unleavened bread, which we already know takes place AFTER Passover. He put Peter in prison, but did not want to kill him till AFTER EASTER. Easter hadn't happened yet when Peter was arrested! Pasover was already OVER!

Another point is that we only read of HEROD putting Peter in prison until Easter was over. We don't read of any CHRISTIANS observing Easter. Herod was NOT a Christian, people! He was ROMAN; that is, a PAGAN! He was NOT waiting for a CHRISTIAN holiday to be over, but a PAGAN holiday!

Ask yourself this, people. Why do you celebrate a 'holiday' in Jesus' name that had NOTHING to do with Jesus OR Passover (as scripture clearly shows) and was celebrated by a pagan man who murdered an apostle and fully intended to murder another one? Consider these things carefully and pray about them. Let us all make certain, with fear and trembling, that we worship in spirit and truth.

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