The idea that Christmas is an appropriation of the ancient Roman winter solstice has a lot less to it than you might expect. In fact calculating from specific information in the New Testament (like the fact that Zechariah, father of John the Baptist served in the Abijah division of the priesthood) it is fairly probable that Jesus Christ …
The idea that Christmas is an appropriation of the ancient Roman winter solstice has a lot less to it than you might expect. In fact calculating from specific information in the New Testament (like the fact that Zechariah, father of John the Baptist served in the Abijah division of the priesthood) it is fairly probable that Jesus Christ was born in late fall/early winter, likely even December. Early Christian writings (from before emperor Constantine affirm this. In short, the church was celebrating Christmas at that time of year well before Constantine made it a legal, official holiday.
The idea that Christmas is an appropriation of the ancient Roman winter solstice has a lot less to it than you might expect. In fact calculating from specific information in the New Testament (like the fact that Zechariah, father of John the Baptist served in the Abijah division of the priesthood) it is fairly probable that Jesus Christ was born in late fall/early winter, likely even December. Early Christian writings (from before emperor Constantine affirm this. In short, the church was celebrating Christmas at that time of year well before Constantine made it a legal, official holiday.