The Date of Jesus's Birth

Essay # 45947

Religion and Theology > Christianity
Religion and Theology > The Bible

A look at the early history of Christmas from a religious point of view.

1,516 words () | 8 sources | MLA | 2003 United States

Paper Summary:

A lot of people have forgotten the purpose of celebrating Christmas. Children and adults alike seem to always get caught up in the atmosphere of presents and Santa Claus. Christmas has become another materialistic holiday. The paper argues that what a lot of people have forgotten is that the birth of Jesus is the true "reason for the season". The paper argues, too, that instead of worshiping Santa Claus, we should be praising Jesus on His birthday. The paper examines early Christmas celebrations and traditions in comparison to today's Christmas practices. It also reviews the events surrounding Jesus's birth.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Jesus's Background
Early Christmas
Christmas Traditions Today
Conclusion
Bibliography

From the Paper:

"In the 17th century, Christmas was a time to enjoy all of pagan pleasures that were discouraged during the rest of the year. These pleasures included feasting, dancing, gambling, and singing. King James I even insisted that theatrical plays be performed on Christmas night. The celebrating had reached a point where the Puritans felt they had to put a stop to it. "Defying the decision of the Anglican Convocation of 1562 to maintain the church calendar, the Puritans struck Christmas, along with all saint's days, from their own list of holy days". (Restad, Christmas in America, pg.7). One Puritan, William Prynne, believed Christmas should be a day of mourning, not rejoicing. As a result, Parliament outlawed seasonal plays in 1642, and declared Christmas a day penance. Christmas' observance was "strongly prohibited" after 1652."