Saturday, December 17, 2011

Origins of the Date of Christmas

I just read a wonderful and well researched account on how December 25th (or January 6 for old calendarists) came to be celebrated as the day of Christ's birth.  It's well worth the read and instead of getting permission to reprint it, here's the link to it from BAR Magazine, Biblical Archaeological Review.  Looks like they have lots of interesting articles and even some free e-books.
The picture above is an Orthodox icon for the Nativity of Christ.  It is a more modern one.  The one below is the more ancient one.
And remember, the 12 Days of Christmas begin on Christmas Day.

5 comments:

Debra Dixon said...

Wonderful images! I've changed the theme of my winter wallhanging to the Nativity.

Debra Dixon said...

Wonderful images!

I've changed the theme of my winter wallhanging to the Nativity.

Judy S. said...

Interesting article, thanks!

Lord Wellbourne said...

An interesting read. But really, does it truly matter when he was born? Would we be any saner or less commercial if he'd been born in April or August? The important thing is that he was born and that we should live as though it happened every day so as to keep our hearts filled with peace and good will towards one another.

Recycled Cottage & Garden said...

Well said LW!

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