Some interesting factoids....
The Idea to celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25th originated in the 4th century.
The Catholic Church wanted to eclipse the festivities of a rival pagan
religion that threatened Christianity's existence. The Romans celebrated
the birthday of their sun god, Mithras, during this time of year. Although
it was not popular, or even proper, to celebrate people's birthdays in those
times, church leaders decided that in order to compete with the pagan
celebration they would themselves oversee a festival in celebration of the
birth of Jesus Christ. Although the actual season of Jesus' birth is
thought to be in the spring, the date of December 25 was chosen as the
official birthday celebration as Christ's Mass so that it would compete head
on with the rival pagan celebration. Christmas was slow to catch on in
America. The early colonists considered it a pagan ritual. The celebration
of Christmas was even banned by law in Massachusetts in colonial days.
Xmas, this abbreviation for Christmas is of Greek origin. The word for
Christ is the Greek is Xristos. During the 16th century, Europeans began
using the first initial of Christ's name, "X" in place of the word Christ in
Christmas as a shorthand form of the word. Although the early Christians
understood the X stood for Christ's name, later Christians, as I, who did
not understand the Greek language, mistook "Xmas" as a sign of disrespect.
So, now you know some Greek!
I loved Wirt's post and am forwarding it to all my friends who are afflicted
with political correctness.
Peace.
Cary
-----Original Message-----
From: HP-3000 Systems Discussion [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of Tracy Pierce
Sent: Friday, December 20, 2002 1:19 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [HP3000-L] OT: Season's Greetings
Xmas is the Christian (and thus popular in this largely Christian country)
version of a much longer-standing (than the 2000 years of the existence of
Christianity) annual celebration of the winter solstice.
I really don't care a hoot which of your mythical events you consider more
important.
I really do care a hoot about your advocating your beliefs as if they were
fact when they're quite obviously items of faith.
Enjoy your holiday, whatever that might be, was basically what Wirt's
greeting said; let's leave it at that, ok?
Tracy
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Friday, December 20, 2002 1:17 PM
> To: Tracy Pierce; [log in to unmask]
> Subject: RE: [HP3000-L] OT: Season's Greetings
>
>
> if he believes evolution as strongly as he does, then he rejects the
> biblical account of creation and other 'things' (from private
> emails that I
> will leave private), then it is hard for me to comprehend how
> anyone (not
> just Wirt) can celebrate one of the two greatest gospel
> holidays for what it
> truly stands for.....
>
> Here is a good debate question: Which is more important, the birth of
> Christ, or the death and resurection ? Christmas or Easter ?
> and why ?
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Tracy Pierce [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Friday, December 20, 2002 3:59 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: [HP3000-L] OT: Season's Greetings
>
>
> your assumptions re Wirt are rude, and your comments oppose
> the teachings of
> the religion you defend. shame!
>
> Tracy Pierce
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Kim Borgman [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> > Sent: Friday, December 20, 2002 12:53 PM
> > To: [log in to unmask]
> > Subject: Re: OT: Season's Greetings
> >
> >
> > I find it hard to think that Wirt even celebrates Christmas
> > as it is the
> > Biblical based celebration of the birth of Christ.....
> >
> > The giving of gifts comes from the 3 wise men from the East
> > bearing gifts
> > for the Christ child. Gold, Myrrh, frankincense. Gold for
> > royalty (King),
> > one of the spices is used for burial and symbolizes the future
> > death/resurrection (Easter), and alas, I cannot remember
> the third...
> >
> > Google here I come......
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Wirt Atmar [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> > Sent: Friday, December 20, 2002 3:09 PM
> > To: [log in to unmask]
> > Subject: Re: [HP3000-L] OT: Season's Greetings
> >
> >
> > Larry writes:
> >
> > > I think Wirt's other job is that of a lawyer :-)
> >
> > Or a plagiarist. That posting just appeared on SU-TALK, the
> > Summit Credit
> > Union's list, and I thought it was too good to pass up.
> >
> > Merry Christmas to all,
> >
> > Wirt Atmar
> >
> > * To join/leave the list, search archives, change list settings, *
> > * etc., please visit http://raven.utc.edu/archives/hp3000-l.html *
> >
> > * To join/leave the list, search archives, change list settings, *
> > * etc., please visit http://raven.utc.edu/archives/hp3000-l.html *
> >
>
> * To join/leave the list, search archives, change list settings, *
> * etc., please visit http://raven.utc.edu/archives/hp3000-l.html *
>
* To join/leave the list, search archives, change list settings, *
* etc., please visit http://raven.utc.edu/archives/hp3000-l.html *
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