An impudent meditation on the pagan roots of Christmas
2007-12-28It’s that time of the year again. The snow is falling, the bells are ringing, and the Internet is buzzing with arguments about the pagan origins of Christmas. The claim is that Christians stole a winter celebration from the pagans, suppressing their religion and turning the celebration into a Christian celebration worshiping Jesus.
There are a number of possible responses to this line of argumentation. This article is one of them, approaching the discussion in a rational, scholarly fashion. Good for him!
That’s not how I’m answering. Instead, here’s my response to the claim that Christians stole Christmas from you.
So what?
For the sake of the argument, let’s grant that you’re right. So what? Christianity is in the process of spreading the kingdom of God across the entire world. By the time we’re done, we won’t just own Christmas and Easter.
We will own it all.
Just so we’re all clear on that.
Merry Christmas, everyone!