I am going to get bad reviews from this I know but it is true! Christmas has NOTHING to do with Jesus of Nazereth. When the Christians decided to conquer Britain they decided not to merely raze paganism, the religion existing at that time, but to diffuse it out. Christmas was originally the pagan celebration for winter solstice (the shortest day of the year), Yule. This was a huge celebration, one simple reason is that it was in the middle of the harshest time of the year so in order to keep everyone's spirits up they had a huge party. I have heard it be said that they also celebrated the birth of the devine child on this occasion which would explain why the Christians chose this celebration to be the one that celebrates the birth of 'Jesus'. The celebration was there before Jesus, not the other way round. There are plenty of celebrations that are 'Christian' celebrations, like Easter, that have nothing to do with Christianity. Easter is the pagan celebration Ostara, which celebrates Vernal equinox (the time of year when day and night have the same length of time, in spring). The symbols for this celebration are: Eggs, chicks & rabbits because it's all about rebirth! The time of year when the Earth is reborn. What do the Christians say this celebration is: The ressurection/rebirth of Jesus.

This may sound like a controversial issue, but since Jesus was with God when the universe and the worlds were created, how can He possibly have a birthday? I have another question...when did birthday celebrations actually begin? If I was to offer an answer to the question, I would say that Jesus does not have a birthday. The Creator of the heaven and earth could not possibly have a birthday, since He existed way before the concept of birthday celebrations even came about. But as to the actual day that He was manifested in the flesh and given a name and had earthly parents, I do not believe that anyone knows the exact day He was manifested in the flesh as a child.

I'm not sure in what spirit you ask this question, but I will do my best to give you an answer. This is a complex cultural and historical situation. It is perhaps pragmatic to celebrate Christmas at a pre-determined time rather than spend the rest of eternity arguing over when the actual date was. Date-wise, Christmas happens to coincide with other religious festivals, belonging to other religions. Sometimes, combining major festivals can foster kinship (at least, on the surface) and ease tension between different religious groups. The practice of two religions simultaneously while incorporating ideas, beliefs, and practices of both is called syncretism (I am not sure I've spelled this right, as spell check doesn't recognize it). So when Christian armies conquered other lands, or when Christians were under the control of other governments both could celebrate their religion, even if they had to hide normally. Hope this was helpful.

The "Christianization" of the celebration dedicated to the pagan god Saturn, as well as others. This accounts for the lights and other trappings. Source: http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761556859/Christmas.html#s2

the ten commandments: god is one the torah: god is one how come in the old testament god is refered to as one! the new testament: then suddenly you have the trinity which came about - the father, son and holy spirit - how can god have a son and be god at the same time? who controls the affairs of the universe when 'God' supposedly died by crucifiction. Why would god need to die when He is the Almighty Lord, the absolute power. Also how low can you go when you compare god to man and that he was born from virgin mary? so does that mean mary is the Godmother? - it just doesnt make sense. Then you have the quran which makes things plain and clear: Jesus(pbuh) was born from the chaste and virgin mary(maryam)by gods permission (gods word). God said be and it became through his power - the miraculous birth if Jesus(pbuh) - he was sent as a messenger to the lost children of israel. He was not killed nor was he crucified but raised whole body and spirit back to the heavens and that he is due to return... by the way the holy ghost was infact Gibrael(gabriel)- the angel that god sends to prophets and messengers. Gabriel is not God. We have evidence clear revelation, read it - the Glorious Qur'an. Peace, hope you understand.