Märk wrote:- What fluffy said is correct, for one. Watch 'Zeitgeist'. (It's available for free download, just google it)
- Also, *if* Jesus of Nazareth was a real person (oddly enough, there is not one single bit of historical evidence to lend credence to his existence... other than the bible, of course. Google that, too), then he was almost certainly not born in December. Shepherds were out with their flocks at night, remember? Pretty cold to be out camping at that time of year.
- This Jesus guy, if he existed, said something to the effect of "Don't remember my birth, because a baby knows nothing. Remember my sacrifice instead." (paraphrased, of course) So why do you celebrate his birth? You're disobeying him!
- All that aside, what does the birth of your Christ have to do with decorated trees, exchanging gifts, holly, (pagan fertility rituals) and Santa Claus? (old German demon folklore)
Yeah it occurs at the same time as the pagan festival, there's no denying that.
Your second point (*if* jesus existed) is a load. He's as well documented as pretty much any other historical figure. Hitting up google won't necessarily give you the facts - go check your local library or online database.
I'd like to see the Book/Chapter/Verse of where Jesus said that. And Christians celebrate the sacrifice (easter, which is easily as commercialized as christmas), so I don't see why that matters.
The birth of Christ doesn't have much to do with any of this stuff, but a lot of Christians don't take part in the trees, gifts, holly or santa traditions.
Not that I really care about the details though - I love the Christmas season, and don't worry too much about its origins. What does it mean in the present time? Gifts, trees, holly, merry times with family ... and for some people - a time to remember the birth of christ.
