Quote:
Originally Posted by JSWolf
Christmas is coming earlier and earlier. Eventually it will get to the point where stores will be pushing Christmas all year long.
But one thing wrong with Christmas is that it's not supposed to be celebrated in December. It's supposed to be in July.
|
I'd have to disagree with you. Since the shepherds were in fields with their flocks, that would give a birth date from spring to the end of October. Playing number games with the dates for the conception/birth of John the Baptist and biblical messages suggesting that in the 6th month of the pregnancy, Gabriel talked to Mary about becoming pregnant. This would place the birth of Jesus in Tishri (mid to late September).
Sadly doing accurate dating for an event that did not get recorded in Roman records is a guessing game at best.
I tend to agree with the suggestions that December 25th was likely selected to match the dates for Saturnalia or Sol Invictus set around the winter solstice.
Haven't had this much fun since I audited a friend's comparative religion courses in university.
On a more secular note, the Christmas in July sales haven't hit your area yet?