Dear Editor,
It has become a common trend that during the Christmas season we are being 'reminded' that Jesus was not born on December 25. However, I believe that these critics/researchers are missing the point that what Constantine wanted to do was remove the pagan worship. But because it was so entrenched in the people's culture he had to strike a compromise; which worked.
The truth is that he was successful in removing the Saturnalia feast as is evidenced by the popularity of Christmas. How many persons know anything of this pagan feast or who celebrate such today?
Christianity came to replace pre-existing religions and so it is expected that it would be tainted with cultural influences. The apostle Paul, when he visited Athens, saw the numerous idols that were erected and he focused on one, entitled, "to the unknown God", to preach about the Christ. Within the Jamaican context, reggae was considered to be 'worldian' music by many churches, but today there is a proliferation of reggae gospel musicians who are using this genre to spread the gospel of Jesus.
So my advice is, use the celebration of Christmas to bring to persons awareness that, although chronologically incorrect, it is still a historical fact that Jesus came in the Earth. Let us begin to teach and preach the gospel of the Kingdom of God and tell the world that he is no longer a baby in a manger but is the risen and glorified King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the conquering Lion of the tribe of Judah.
Selah!
Daniel Daley
daley_danny@yahoo.com
If it's not Christmas, then what?
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It has become a common trend that during the Christmas season we are being 'reminded' that Jesus was not born on December 25. However, I believe that these critics/researchers are missing the point that what Constantine wanted to do was remove the pagan worship. But because it was so entrenched in the people's culture he had to strike a compromise; which worked.
The truth is that he was successful in removing the Saturnalia feast as is evidenced by the popularity of Christmas. How many persons know anything of this pagan feast or who celebrate such today?
Christianity came to replace pre-existing religions and so it is expected that it would be tainted with cultural influences. The apostle Paul, when he visited Athens, saw the numerous idols that were erected and he focused on one, entitled, "to the unknown God", to preach about the Christ. Within the Jamaican context, reggae was considered to be 'worldian' music by many churches, but today there is a proliferation of reggae gospel musicians who are using this genre to spread the gospel of Jesus.
So my advice is, use the celebration of Christmas to bring to persons awareness that, although chronologically incorrect, it is still a historical fact that Jesus came in the Earth. Let us begin to teach and preach the gospel of the Kingdom of God and tell the world that he is no longer a baby in a manger but is the risen and glorified King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the conquering Lion of the tribe of Judah.
Selah!
Daniel Daley
daley_danny@yahoo.com
If it's not Christmas, then what?
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