Free Republic

On December 25, Christians around the world will gather to celebrate Jesus’ birth. Joyful carols, special liturgies, brightly wrapped gifts, festive foods—these all characterize the feast today, at least in the northern hemisphere. But just how did the Christmas festival originate? How did December 25 come to be associated with Jesus’ birthday? The Bible offers few clues: Celebrations of Jesus’ Nativity are not mentioned in the Gospels or Acts; the date is not given, not even the time of year. The biblical reference to shepherds tending their flocks at night when they hear the news of Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:8)...

While speaking on the British radio show "Thought for the Day," the future King of Britain, Prince Charles, said that Christians should be more mindful of Islam and Muhammad during the holidays. . . . Whichever religious path we follow, the destination is the same – to value and respect the other person, accepting their right to live out their peaceful response to the love of God," he said.

Luke 2: 1-20 The Story of Christ's Birth And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem (because he was of the house and lineage of David), to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being with...

At the time of Jesus birth, people who attended sheep were considered the least significance to the human race by other people. They lived quiet and humble lives, often spending their days, and nights, with their flocks. The sheep that they tended were probably bred as sacrifice animals for the temple in near-by Jerusalem. These shepherds were probably just doing their usual job when the angel appeared to them—and with a multitude behind him. I think I would be shaking in my sandals too.

Christmas is quite simply the most significant holiday in the world. It would be difficult to come up with a single day or event that is more celebrated globally than Christmas. And, in a way, every single human being celebrates Christmas every single day whether they like it or not, as our very calender is a recognition of that day when Christ came to the world: Anno Domini Nostri Iesu (Jesu) Christi ("In the Year of Our Lord Jesus Christ"). But what is it about this day? Why do people all over the world give gifts to one another? Is...

Sick, sick, sick, sick, sick! Nothing to dampen the Christmas cheer like a free bloody fetus! “People are making really tough decisions about putting gas in their car and food on their table, so we know that many women especially put healthcare at the bottom of their list to do,” said Chrystal Struben-Hall, Vice President of Planned Parenthood of Indiana… “They can be seen for sexually transmitted disease screenings, HIV tests and general prostate exams and those kinds of things,” said Struben-Hall. Some Hoosiers 24-Hour News 8 talked to asked if the gift certificates could be used towards abortions. The...

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Gift certificates have become a popular holiday gift option, but a controversial new one, already has people talking. For the first time, Planned Parenthood in Indiana is offering gift certificates. The organization said a big increase in calls and visits from newly unemployed and uninsured Hoosiers prompted what it calls the unusual, yet practical gift option. "People are making really tough decisions about putting gas in their car and food on their table, so we know that many women especially put healthcare at the bottom of their list to do," said Chrystal Struben-Hall, Vice President of Planned...

These days its routine to hear from multiple sources the almost flipant dismissal that "of course Jesus wasn't born on Christmas!" or "everyone knows Jesus must have been born in August." or "He had to have been born in the Spring" or any number of speculative prognostifications serving to spoil the season. I've even heard this from the pulpit ... in evangelical churches no less "we know that Jesus wasn't born in December, but its a time to celebrate Advent anyway..." The fact of the matter though, the historical record is anything but clear when Jesus "had to be born."...