December 25 was once celebrated under the Roman Emperor Aurelian as Dies Natalis Solis Invicti, the Birthday of the Invincible Sun. Christians, calculating forward 9 months from March 25 (The Feast of the Annunciation) figured that December 25 was the likely birthday for Jesus, and appreciated the opportunity to sneak in a Christian holiday under cover of a pagan one. Because at the time, Christianity was forbidden under Roman rule. It is an irony of history that the the remnant of the culture that once forbade the practice of Christianity, that once executed Christ himself, now lives only in the Church Latin of Catholic worship.
Indeed, the little child born in a barn has overcome so much. Fear not the present danger.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
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