Origins

There's a big sign on a local church that suggests we put Christ back in Christmas. First, maybe we could take a little look into its history and origins. Unfortunately, the Bible doesn't mention a date for Jesus's birth but spring would've been a more likely season. Shepherds generally wouldn't be out herding in the middle of winter.

Early Christians focused on Easter and did not celebrate the birth at all. Eventually, the church got around to creating Christmas in the fourth century. Pope Julius I chose December 25. It is commonly believed that the church chose this date in an effort to adopt and absorb the traditions of the pagan winter festivals. If you can't beat 'em then join them. Although celebration of the Feast of the Nativity had reached Egypt by 432, the folks in Scandinavia weren't observing it until the eighth century. More recently, due to Puritan forces, celebrating Christmas was outlawed in England and some of the American colonies in the 17th century.

Yet, we have now instituted and accepted this as a Christian holiday. And frankly, I'm a bit tired of the politically-correct proclamation of Season's Greetings. In the local stores, I could only find cute winter decorations and Santa Claus ornaments. I vowed that if I ever saw a creche for sale that I'd buy it. I did, so I did.