THE HIDDEN HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS

Winter Solstice Celebrations

This section discusses the winter solstice celebrations in the northern countries.

Winter Solstice and its Challenges

• The winter solstice would come about somewhere from December 21st all the way to around January 6th.

• During this time, there is a period where there is no light, and people are literally in darkness for 24 hours of the day.

• People living in Alaska, Canada or Norway without central heating would face extreme cold and disease during this season.

Ceremonies and Holidays

• Different holidays were celebrated based upon the winter solstice in the north.

• The feast of twelve nights was held from December 25th to January sixth.

• In ancient Greece, there was Bacchanalia held for their god Bacchus, while Romans had Saturnalia for their god Saturn.

• Bonfires were burned during these times as fire represents life-giving force for those who worship nature.

Ceremonies Surrounding Mistletoe and Fir Tree

This section discusses how ceremonies developed around mistletoe and fir tree.

Significance of Evergreen Trees

• Despite the cold weather, one tree that remained alive was evergreen trees like fir trees.

• People believed that there were powers of life within these trees.

Use of Fir Trees

• In some cases, they would take this fir tree believing that it had life-giving force within it and put it in their homes set with a light on top or burn them in front.

• They also made mistletoes and put them over their doorways as an amulet hoping that this so-called life-giving force would protect them from danger during winters.

Mithraism: A Mysterious Character

This section discusses the mysterious character of Mithraism.

Who is Mithra?

• Mithra or Mithras was a very mysterious character born on December 25th.

• He was supposed to be the son of the sun god himself and had a special sacrament made up of bread and wine.

Similarities with Christianity

• Supposedly, he died for the sins of people, which sounds familiar to Christianity.

• However, when you try to find Mitra or Mitras in encyclopedias, they erase his name due to state intervention.

Spread of Christianity

• After the time of Jesus, his message began to spread northward.

• Barnabas met Saul or Paul who later called himself Paul but left him when they went into Greece.

• The concepts coming through Paul were related to more than one God and most concepts relating to Christianity today are coming through him.

The History of Gladiators and Early Christian Era

In this section, the speaker talks about the culture of gladiators in ancient Rome and how Christians were fed to hungry animals during these rituals. He also discusses the changes that occurred during the early Christian era in southern Europe.

Gladiators and Feeding Christians to Animals

• Gladiators would look at the emperor for a sign on whether to kill a downed opponent or not.

• During gladiator rituals, Christians were fed to hungry animals like hyenas, wolves, and lions.

• The crowd would cheer as they watched the animals rip apart the bodies of Christians.

Changes During Early Christian Era

• In southern Europe, major ceremonies held by nature-worshipping people were combined with Christian names and ceremonies.

• This resulted in a mixture of pagan ceremonies with monotheistic characters or names.

• This mixture gave rise to present-day holidays.

Birth of Jesus According to Different Religions

In this section, the speaker talks about different beliefs regarding when Jesus was born according to various religions. He also discusses how Mary conceived Jesus without a father according to Islamic belief.

When Was Jesus Born?

• Historical evidence shows that Jesus was born during warm weather rather than cold weather.

• Even in Christian traditions, it is believed that shepherds were tending their flocks outside during his birth which would not have been possible in winter.

• Muslims believe that Mary conceived Jesus through Allah's power without a man's intervention.

Story of Mary According to Islam

• Muslims believe that Mary was a virgin who dedicated her life to worshipping one God through prayer and fasting.

• Allah breathed his spirit into her, and she conceived Jesus without a father.

• When Mary felt the pain of pregnancy, an angel told her to go outside the city where she found a palm tree and water.

The Origins of Christmas

In this section, the speaker talks about the origins of Christmas and how it is related to Saturnalia and Bacchanalia.

Who Was Born in Winter?

• The character associated with winter is Saturn or Bacchus who is usually portrayed as a heavyset man with a white beard.

• He is often depicted being drawn by snakes with wings before performing miracles.

• December 25th was not the birthday of Jesus but rather the time of Bacchanalia and Saturnalia which represented riotous fun, drunken revelry, and other pagan ceremonies.

The History of Christmas

This section discusses the history of Christmas and how it was banned by the Christian Church in England until 1647 due to its association with pagan rituals.

The Origins of Saint Nicholas

• Saint Nicholas originated from ancient Scandinavian writings as a demon known as the "demon of the north" or "evil spirit of the north."

• Germans viewed Saint Nicholas as an evil force and warned their children not to go outside during wintertime because he would capture them and take them away.

• In Isaiah, chapter 14, verse 13, the devil is known as the prince of darkness, and his throne is believed to be in the north.

The Ban on Christmas

• The Christian Church banned Christmas due to its association with pagan rituals such as Saturnalia and Bacchanalia.

• The celebration was shifted to New Year's Eve instead.

Modern-Day Celebrations

• Nowadays, Christmas is associated with materialism and buying presents for friends and family.

• Santa Claus has become a central figure in modern-day celebrations, but historically, he was associated with evil forces.

• Many people get drunk during Christmas season and lose sight of its true meaning.

Understanding the Meaning of Christmas Trees

In this section, the speaker talks about a conversation he had with a brother who had a Christmas tree in his house. The speaker explains the meaning behind the Christmas tree and how it goes against Islamic beliefs.

The Conversation About the Christmas Tree

• One of the brothers said he had a Christmas tree in his house.

• The speaker explained that hanging amulets or making spells is considered shirk and goes against monotheism.

• Going to magicians to put spells on someone is also considered shirk and takes one away from belief in one God.

• All these superstitions are part of another religion and go against Islamic beliefs.

Conclusion

This section concludes the talk by emphasizing that Muslims should understand their beliefs and not follow practices that go against them.

Understanding Islamic Beliefs

• It is important for Muslims to understand their beliefs and not follow practices that go against them.