Joseph, Mary, and every other Jew would have been celebrating Hanukkah. Why would Christians prefer pagan symbols like Santa Claus and Christmas trees to a religious symbol actually used at the time?
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2006-12-11 03:56:09 · 11 answers · asked by Hatikvah 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Hanukkah is a celebration of the world's first victory for religious freedom. The Maccabees fought and won against the Romans.
The Temple was rededicated to G-d, and the oil lasted for 8 days, when there was enough for only 1 day. We celebrate the victory and G-d letting the oil last till more could be gotten.
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2006-12-11 03:58:24 · update #1
Most Christians have NO IDEA that almost everything about Christmas (religious or not) actually BEGAN as something/someone pagan. They don't read anything other than religious materials that support their beliefs, so they are ignorant - "Forgive them for they know not what they do" - ha ha
2006-12-11 04:00:32 · answer #1 · answered by teacherhelper 6 · 0⤊ 4⤋
Jesus DID celebrate what we now call Hanukkah (see John 10:22), but those under the New Covenant aren't required to do so. A Temple built with hands no longer means anything to God's true believers; we are His Temples, since we hold His Holy Spirit within us.
As for "pagan symbols," Jesus is the reason for the season -- any of us who forget that should be ashamed.
Peace.
EDIT: "Sylvia," Messianic Jews believe Jesus is the Messiah.
2006-12-11 04:10:25 · answer #2 · answered by Suzanne: YPA 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The baby Jesus is depicted in a stable because that is where He was born - they were not in a house with menorahs.
As a Christian, I don't prefer pagan symbols (Santa Claus is not Pagan - the idea of Santa comes from Saint Nicholas and has been secularized since). Although I like Christmas tress because they are pretty, it's not a symbol to me - just a nice decoration.
2006-12-11 04:00:35 · answer #3 · answered by padwinlearner 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Short answer...most Christians don't think about the fact that Mary and Joseph were Herbrew. Many don't even realize that fact and considering the general opinion that most Christinas have of the Jewish people it is understandable, sad, but understandable. Plus, most Christians are unaware of the pagan origins of the Christmas tree or Santa Clause and many refuse to accept any information that reinforces those origins.
2006-12-11 04:11:51 · answer #4 · answered by kveldulf_gondlir 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am Christian and do not prefer Santa Claus. I love the idea with the spirit of giving. Jesus tells us it is better to give than receive.
Not everyone celebrates the birth of Jesus...and since He was born in a stable, they didn't have any menorahs burning brightly that night.
Remember not all Jews accepted Jesus.
2006-12-11 04:00:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The baby Jesus is in a stable. The menorah would have been in a house or in the inn. (they weren't at home and couldn't find a place to sleep--I don't think menorahs would have been kept with the animals.)
2006-12-11 04:04:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Umm...I may get a million thumbs down's for this, but isn't the Jewish faith based on the principle that the Messiah has not yet been born?
With that said, I can't imagine the Jesus pictured anywhere in Jewish iconography.
2006-12-11 04:04:22 · answer #7 · answered by sylvia 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am a Christian, and that is a perfectly logical question. Although I am guilty of what you list, I have wondered about it. I would like to learn more about Jewish tradition and ways, I am slowly reading about it.
2006-12-11 04:00:26 · answer #8 · answered by Gardener for God(dmd) 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
excuse me, but most christians have nativity and jesus id the real meaning of Christmas
2006-12-11 04:00:02 · answer #9 · answered by i totally agree with you!! not 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because jews worship power, influence and money above all. Dont be fooled...
2006-12-11 03:59:53 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋