CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS Are They Christian? -A Closer Look at Nativity Traditions

A Closer Look at Nativity Traditions

Concerning the Christmas celebrations as it is generally known all over the world, The Encyclopedia Americana says:  "Most of the customs now associated with Christmas were not originally Christmas customs but rather were pre-Christian and non -Christian customs taken up by the Christian church.  (meaning it is not a Christian holiday) Saturnalia, a Roman feast celebrated in mid-December, provided the model for many of the merry-making customs of Christmas.   From this celebration, for example, were derived the elaborate feasting, the giving of gifts, and the burning of candles."

In Latin American, those basic Nativity customs may be followed along with additional ones.  'From what source,' you might wonder.  Frankly, many who want to adhere to the Bible recognize that some customs are nothing but Aztec rites.  El Universal, a newspaper  in Mexico City, commented:  "Friars from different orders took advantage of the fact that festivities of the Indian ritual  calendar coincided with the Catholic liturgical calendar, so they used this to support their evangelizing and missionary work.  They replaced the commemorations to the pre-Hispanic divinities with festivities to Christian divinities, introduced European festivities and activities, and also took advantage of the Indian festivities, which resulted in a cultural syncretism from which authentically Mexican expression have arisen." 

The Encyclopedia American explains:  "Nativity plays early became a part of the Christmas celebration . . . The representation in church of the creche [the manger scene] is said to have been begun by Saint Francis."   These plays featuring the birth of Christ were performed in the churches during the beginning of the colonization of Mexico.  They were organized by Franciscan monks in order to teach the Indians about the Nativity. Later  the posadas became more popular. Whatever the original  intention behind them, the way the posadas are help today speaks for itself.  if you are in Mexico during this season, you can see or sense something that a writer for El Universal highlighted in his comment:  "The posadas, which were a way to remind us of the pilgrimage of Jesus' parents looking for shelter where the Child God could be born, are today only days of drunkenness, excesses,m gluttony, vanities,, and more and more crime."

The idea of the nacimiento emerged during  Colonial times from the original live representations in churches.  While some find it attractive, does it correctly represent what the Bible says?  That is a valid question.  When the so-called three wise men-who in fact were astrologers - visited Jesus and his family were no longer living in a stable.  Time had passed, and the family was living in a house.   You will find it interesting to note this detail in the inspired record at Matthew 2:1, 11.  You can also note that the Bible does not say how many astrologers there were.

Next time: Conclusion of Christmas Customs - Are They Christian? -A Closer Look at Nativity Traditions

The Watchtower, 2000