Debunking 10 Common Myths about Christmas
Christmas is the most amazing time of year. It highlights one of the most exquisite lessons found in the Bible i.e., the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. Your life will undoubtedly change when you come to know the amazing fact that God came and lived among us. Furthermore, it serves as a powerful reminder that God fulfilled His promises to bring a Messiah to set His people free from sin.
But since then, a lot more myths have been added to the best story ever.
We are sharing 10 common myths about Christmas that Christians frequently believe:
December 25th is the day that Jesus Christ was born
The Holy Bible does not specify the birth date of Jesus Christ. According to many scholars, it probably didn't happen in the winter because shepherds wouldn't have been caring for their flocks at that time. The selection of December 25 may have been inspired by pagan festivities commemorating the winter solstice that were eventually Christianized.
Three Wise Men Were Present
The Bible describes the guests as "magi," or wise men, but it doesn't say how many of them there were. Their three offerings i.e., gold, frankincense, and myrrh—led to the presumption of three. It's more likely that they went to see Jesus shortly after he was born than at the manger.
Mary traveled to Bethlehem on a donkey
Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem. The Bible doesn't say that she rode a donkey there. Scripture doesn't support this information, which was added later to the nativity account.
There was an innkeeper who refused them
There is no reference to an innkeeper in the Bible, even though the nativity myth is invariably about the innkeeper telling Mary and Joseph to find another place. The inference is that they stayed in a structure close to the animals, but it couldn't have been an inn.
The Magi followed the Christmas star to their destination
Contrary to popular belief, any star depicted in a nativity scene or painting is fictitious because there is no one citation in the Holy Bible indicating its existence at the birth of Jesus Christ. According to the Gospel of Matthew, the wise men first observed the star after Christ was born, leading them to Jerusalem before locating Christ.
Calling ‘Xmas’ is not disrespectful
Many people find the word "Xmas" disparaging, it has been used all over the world since the time of the ancestors. The term originated with the Greeks, who worshipped Christ, represented by the letter "X" in the Greek script. So calling Christmas "Xmas" is not offensive.
Coca-Cola played a big role in shaping the character of Santa Claus
Santa Claus in red was first depicted in the 19th century by German American cartoonist Thomas Nast, though the American soft drink company Coca-Cola was largely responsible for promoting the jolly figure in a red cloak with white trimming around Christmastime in the 1930s. Since Santa Claus is associated with a number of customs, including St. Nick, he had been based in America.
Trees for Christmas Are a New Tradition
People believe that Christmas trees have always existed, yet they were popularized in America by German immigrants in the mid-18th century. They were first contentious but gradually became a Christmas tradition.
The Christmas Poinsettia is deadly
Poinsettias are not poisonous but they might cause minor irritation if consumed. They are generally safe for both pets and humans.
Christmas is merely a Christian holiday
While Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, many cultural traditions and secular components have grown over time, making it a holiday celebrated by a wide range of people.
