Overview
I started researching the Christmas celebration wanting to
know why we observe this date since many Christians know that Jesus Christ could
not have been born on December 25th.
Early in my research I found out that many early American settlers,
called the Puritans, did not celebrate Christmas because they knew this
celebration was a tradition established by a Pope based on the lie that Jesus
was born on this day. I do agree with
the early Americans and the Puritans that December 25th is not
Jesus’ birthday; Jesus was conceived on January 6th and was born on September 29th on the Day of Atonement. Atone means
‘at one’; therefore this is
the day he was ‘at one’ with us.
The Puritans were part of the Protestant reformation that
wanted to rid themselves of all the traditions that were established by the Popes.
What the Puritans and many other Christians did not realize though is that the
Pope created this story that December 25th was Jesus’ birthday
because he wanted Christians to forget about the Feast of the Dedication. This feast is also called the Festival of
Lights. The Feast of the Dedication was
established in 164 BC by the Maccabees and it was to celebrate the anointing of
the new temple altar. This feast
continued on into during the life of Jesus and Jesus did attend this feast.
“And it
was the feast of the dedication at Jerusalem: and it was winter. And Jesus
walked in the temple, in Solomon's porch.” John 10:22-23
Christmas is actually two words; Christ in Greek means anointed and mas, at
the end of a word, is an old English word that means sacred day.
So in current day English we could call this day ‘anointed sacred day’
or ‘anointed festival’. We use to
celebrate the anointing of the altar during Noah's first day of Winter festival. Epiphany is the celebration of Jesus’s conception and HE was
the Christ or ‘anointed one’.
According to the Laws of Moses, a seven day purification
process was required for a new altar which did include the process of anointing
the altar.
“And thou shalt sacrifice the calf of the sin-offering on the day of
purification, and thou shalt purify the altar when thou dost perform
consecration upon it, and thou shalt anoint it so as to sanctify it. Seven days shalt thou purify the altar and
sanctify it; and the altar shall be most holy, every one that touches the
altar shall be hallowed.” Exo 29:36-37
The Levites were required to make special oil for the
purpose of anointing the holy items including the altar.
“And
thou shalt make
it a holy anointing oil, a perfumed ointment tempered by the art of
the perfumer: it shall be a holy anointing oil. And thou shalt anoint with it the tabernacle of witness, and the ark of the tabernacle of witness, and
all its furniture, and the candlestick and all its furniture, and the altar of
incense, and the altar of whole burnt-offerings
and all its furniture, and the table and all its furniture, and the laver.
And thou shalt sanctify them, and they shall be most holy: every one that
touches them shall be hallowed.” Exo 30:25-29
Many traditions were established at past dedications that are
still part of our Christmas traditions today; therefore I will document each of
the dedications below. I will start
though with Noah’s covenant with our Father in Heaven though since the first
winter festival was started then.
3238 BC – Noah’s Winter Festival
In 3238 BC,
at the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) Noah’s covenant with our Father in Heaven
given stated that Noah’s descendants would celebrate the start of each season
(spring, summer, fall, & winter).
Therefore, Noah’s descendants would hold a Winter Solstice Festival on about December 19th of each year. The day of the Winter Solstice is the
shortest day of the year and Enoch described it as being 6 parts day and 12 parts night. The Winter Solstice marks the beginning of
winter. As Noah’s descendants multiplied and were scattered on the earth they
developed many traditions for celebrating the first day of winter. Some of these traditions are probably still part
of our Christmas season celebration.
Because of calendar changes in the past, the first day of the New Year use to be March 25th was called Lady Day and the first day of winter use to be December 25th was called Christmas. Our current calendar today does not reflect Christmas as a quarter day any longer. Noah’s descendants use to celebrate both the quarter dates shown below and the cross quarter dates (see this page for more info here).
“And on the new moon [sic.. 1st day] of the first
month, and on the new moon [sic.. 1st day] of the fourth
month, and on the new moon [sic.. 1st day] of the seventh
month, and on the new moon [sic.. 1st day] of the tenth month
are the days of remembrance, and the days of the seasons in the four divisions
of the year. These are written and ordained as a testimony for ever. And Noah
ordained them for himself as feasts for the generations for ever, so that they
have become thereby a memorial unto him. And on the new moon [sic.. 1st
day] of the first month he was bidden to make for himself an ark, and on that
(day) the earth became dry and he opened (the ark) and saw the earth. And on
the new moon [sic.. 1st day] of the fourth month the mouths
of the depths of the abyss beneath were closed. And on the new moon [sic..
1st day] of the seventh month all the mouths of the abysses of the
earth were opened, and the waters began to descend into them. And on the new
moon [sic.. 1st
day] of the tenth month the tops of the mountains were seen, and Noah was glad.
And on this
account he ordained them for himself as feasts for a memorial for ever, and
thus are they ordained. And they placed them on the heavenly
tablets, each had thirteen weeks; from one to another (passed) their memorial,
from the first to the second, and from the second to the third, and from the
third to the fourth. And all the days of the commandment will be two and fifty
weeks of days, and (these will make) the entire year complete. Thus it is
engraven and ordained on the heavenly tablets. And there is no neglecting (this commandment)
for a single year or from year to year. And
command thou the children of Israel that they observe the years according to
this reckoning- three hundred and sixty-four days, and (these) will constitute
a complete year, and they will not disturb its time from its days and from its
feasts; for everything will fall out in them according to their testimony, and
they will not leave out any day nor disturb any feasts.” Jubilees 6:22-32
Please see this article that shows the
words ‘new moon’ should not be in the text above and are a translation error. http://kingdomhereamerica.blogspot.com/2016/02/noahs-flood-jubilees-calendar.html
Our seasons are dictated by the circuit
of the sun and not the moon.
Note:
The Enoch calendar and the calendars we purchase do not always agree
regarding the date of the Winter Solstice.
I believe this is because the ancients calculated equinoxes and
solstices based on a sidereal year and today we use a topical year. I have been working on documenting this fact.
Therefore, it was
ordained that we are to celebrate the first day of Winter with gladness.
Since it was a short
day they probably lite many candles and had bonfires at night.
I believe this is where
the tradition of Yule and the Yule log originated.
The English word jolly is derived from
the word Yule.
1446 BC - The First Tabernacle Dedication in the Wilderness
In 1446 BC, on the first day of the first month which was New
Year’s Day, the items built for the tabernacle in the wilderness were completed. On our current day calendar this date would
have been about March 21st that all the required items were completed. Our Father in Heaven told Moses to start the
process of assembling the tabernacle and anointing the holy items.
“And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: The first month, the first day of the month, thou shalt set up the
tabernacle of the testimony, And shalt put the ark in it, and shalt let
down the veil before it: And thou shalt bring in the table, and set upon it the
things that are commanded according to the rite. The candlestick shall stand
with its lamps, And the altar of gold whereon the incense is burnt, before the
ark of the testimony. Thou shalt put the hanging in the entry of the
tabernacle, And before it the altar of holocaust: The laver between the altar
and the tabernacle, and thou shalt fill it with water. And thou shalt encompass
the court with hangings, and the entry thereof. And thou shalt take the oil of unction and anoint the
tabernacle with its vessels, that they may be sanctified: The altar of
holocaust and all its vessels: The laver with its foot: thou shalt
consecrate all with the oil of unction,
that they may be most holy.” DR Exo 40:1-11
“And
Moses took of the anointing oil, and sprinkled of it seven times on the
altar; and anointed the altar, and hallowed it, and all things on it, and
the laver, and its foot, and sanctified them; and anointed the tabernacle and
all its furniture, and hallowed it. And Moses poured of the anointing oil on
the head of Aaron; and he anointed him and sanctified him.” Lev
8:10-12
As soon as the tabernacle, the altar and other holy items
were anointed, the princes of Israel started bringing gifts for the
dedication. They brought lots of gifts
to be used for service at the tabernacle.
This is probably where we get the tradition of gift giving at Christmas
which was the anointing festival.
“And it came to pass in the day in which Moses finished the setting-up
of the tabernacle, that he anointed it, and consecrated it, and all its
furniture, and the altar and all
its furniture, he even anointed them, and consecrated them. And the princes of
Israel brought gifts, twelve princes of their fathers' houses: these
were the heads of tribes, these are they that presided over the numbering. And
they brought their gift before the Lord, six covered waggons, and twelve oxen;
a waggon from two princes, and a calf from each: and they brought them before
the tabernacle. And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, Take of them, and they shall be for the works of the services
of the tabernacle of witness: and thou shalt give them to the Levites, to
each one according to his ministration. And Moses took the waggons and the
oxen, and gave them to the Levites. And he gave two waggons and four oxen to
the sons of Gedson, according to their ministrations. And four waggons and
eight oxen he gave to the sons of Merari according to their ministrations, by
Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest. But to the sons of Caath he gave them not,
because they have the ministrations of the sacred things: they shall bear them
on their shoulders. Sep Num 7:1-9
The dedication of the altar for the tabernacle was a twelve
day festival where our Father in Heaven wanted each tribe to present their
gifts for the altar on their own assigned day.
This is probably where the tradition of the 12 days of Christmas started
and it reminds me of the popular "Twelve Days of Christmas" song.
“And the rulers brought gifts for the dedication of the altar, in the day in which he anointed it, and the rulers brought their gifts before
the altar. And the Lord said to Moses, One chief each day, they shall offer
their gifts a chief each day for the
dedication of the altar.” Sep Num
7:10-11
The tribe of Juda was assigned to bring gifts the first day
and this is because he was the lead tribe from the east. The Old Testament always orders east first
when ordering items and places. These
were the gifts from the tribe of Juda.
“And
he that offered his gift on the first
day, was Naasson the son of Aminadab, prince of the tribe of Juda. And he
brought his gift, one silver charger of
a hundred and thirty shekels was its weight, one silver bowl, of seventy shekels
according to the holy shekel; both full of fine flour kneaded with oil for a meat-offering. One golden censer of ten shekels full of incense.
One calf of
the herd, one ram,
one he-lamb of a year old for a whole-burnt-offering; and one kid of the goats for
a sin-offering. And for a sacrifice of
peace-offering, two
heifers, five rams, five he goats, five ewe-lambs of a year old: this
was the gift of Naasson the son of Aminadab.” Sep Num 7:12-17
For twelve days each tribe brought exactly the same gifts as
the tribe of Juda did above (Num 7:18-83).
First the tribes from the east side of the camp, then the tribes from
the south side of the camp, then the tribes from the west side of the camp and
then ended with the northern camps bringing their gifts. The table below reflects the gifts brought
each day, by each tribe. It also
indicates the order in which the gifts were brought and the approximate date
the gifts were brought. I did skip the Sabbath days since the Levites would not
be expected to receive gifts on their day of rest.
After the twelve days were completed, this summary is given
regarding the dedication of the altar:
“This
was the dedication
of the altar in the day in which Moses anointed it, by the princes
of the sons of Israel; twelve silver
chargers, twelve silver bowls, twelve golden censers: each charger of a hundred and thirty shekels,
and each bowl of seventy shekels: all
the silver of the vessels was two thousand four hundred shekels, the shekels
according to the holy shekel. Twelve golden censers full of incense:
all the gold of the shekels, a hundred
and twenty shekels.” Num 7:84-86
“All the cattle for whole-burnt-offerings, twelve calves, twelve rams,
twelve he-lambs of a year old, and their meat-offerings, and their
drink-offerings: and twelve kids of the goats for sin-offering. All the cattle for a sacrifice of
peace-offering, twenty-four heifers, sixty rams, sixty he-goats of a year old,
sixty ewe-lambs of a year old without blemish: this is the dedication of the altar,
after that Moses consecrated Aaron, and
after he anointed him.” Num 7:87
“When
Moses went into the tabernacle of witness to speak to God, then he heard the
voice of the Lord speaking to him from off the mercy-seat, which is upon the
ark of the testimony, between the two cherubs; and he spoke to him.” Num 7:89
Then our Father in Heaven spoke to Moses he told him to have
Aaron, who was the anointed one to perform this task, to set-up the seven lamps
to light up the tabernacle.
“And the
Lord spoke to Moses, saying, Speak to Aaron, and thou shalt say to him,
Whenever thou shalt set the lamps in order, the seven lamps shall give light
opposite the candlestick. And Aaron did so: on one side opposite the
candlestick he lighted its lamps, as the Lord appointed Moses. And this is the
construction of the candlestick: it is solid, golden--its stem, and its
lilies--all solid: according to the pattern which the Lord shewed Moses, so he
made the candlestick.” Num 8:1-4
Once the seven lamps were lite they were to burn
continually.
“And do thou charge the children of Israel, and let them take for thee
refined pure olive-oil beaten to burn for light, that a lamp may burn continually in the tabernacle of
the testimony, without the veil that is before the ark of the
covenant, shall Aaron and his sons burn it from evening until morning, before
the Lord: it is a perpetual ordinance throughout your generations of the
children of Israel.” Exo 27:20-21
Our Father in Heaven also told Moses to purify the
Levites.
“Take the Levites out of the midst of the children of Israel, and thou
shalt purify them. And thus shalt thou perform their purification: thou shalt sprinkle
them with water of purification, and a razor shall come upon the whole
of their body, and they shall wash their garments, and shall be clean. And
they shall take one calf of the herd, and its meat-offering, fine flour mingled
with oil: and thou shalt take a calf of a year old of the herd for a
sin-offering. And thou shalt bring the Levites before the tabernacle of
witness; and thou shalt assemble all the congregation of the sons of Israel.
And thou shalt bring the Levites before the Lord; and the sons of Israel shall
lay their hands upon the Levites. And Aaron shall separate the Levites for a
gift before the Lord from the children of Israel: and they shall be prepared to
perform the works of the Lord. And the Levites shall lay their hands on the
heads of the calves; and thou shalt offer one for a sin-offering, and the other
for a whole-burnt-offering to the Lord, to make atonement for them. And thou
shalt set the Levites before the Lord, and before Aaron, and before his sons;
and thou shalt give them as a gift before the Lord. And thou shalt separate the
Levites from the midst of the sons of Israel, and they shall be mine. And
afterwards the Levites shall go in to perform the works of the tabernacle of
witness; and thou shalt purify them, and present them before the Lord. For
these are given to me for a present out of the midst of the children of Israel:
I have taken them to myself instead of all the first-born of the sons of Israel
that open every womb. For every first-born among the children of Israel is
mine, whether of man or beast: in the day in which I smote every first-born in
the land of Egypt, I sanctified them to myself. And I took the Levites in the
place of every first-born among the children of Israel. And I gave the Levites
presented as a gift to Aaron and his sons out of the midst of the children of
Israel, to do the service of the children of Israel in the tabernacle of
witness, and to make atonement for the children of Israel: thus there shall be
none among the sons of Israel to draw nigh to the holy things. And Moses and
Aaron, and all the congregation of the children of Israel, did to the Levites
as the Lord commanded Moses concerning the Levites, so the sons of Israel did
to them. So the Levites purified
themselves and washed their garments; and Aaron
presented them as a gift before the Lord, and Aaron made atonement
for them to purify them. And afterwards the Levites went in to minister in
their service in the tabernacle of witness before Aaron, and before his sons;
as the Lord appointed Moses concerning the Levites, so they did to them.” Sep Num 8:6-22
Therefore,
the Israelite’s first Dedication of the Altar and all of the holy items was
started on New Year’s Day, March 21st and was all completed on April
3rd which was the day of Passover.
They had completed the purification process and anointing in time for
the spring holy feast days. It was a huge 12 day Christmas anointing-festival
celebrated with gifts presented daily and lots of food. This festival included Aaron, who was
anointed with oil and purified by the sprinkling of water, to light the seven
lamps that were to burn continually.
961 BC - King Solomon’s Dedication of the Temple & Altar
In 961 BC, king Solomon held a huge feast to dedicate the
altar during the Feast of Tabernacles. Solomon
dismissed the attendees the day after ‘The Last Great Day’ of the Feast of
Tabernacles; ‘The Last Great Day’ was to be a solemn assembly and always to be held on the 22nd
day of the seventh month (Numbers 29:35). Therefore, this feast of the dedication
was held according to our current calendar starting on October 3rd
and ending on October 10th. This
temple contained all the holy items that the tabernacle in the wilderness
contained. As scripture shows below, this was a major festival with lots of
food and music.
“And it came to pass when Solomon had finished building the house of the
Lord and his own house after twenty years, then king Solomon assembled all the
elders of Israel in Sion, to bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of
the city of David, this is Sion, in the month
of Athanin [seventh
month, Athena the Virgin or Virgo]. And
the priests took up the ark, and the tabernacle of testimony, and the holy
furniture that was in the tabernacle of testimony. And the king and all Israel were occupied
before the ark, sacrificing sheep and oxen, without number. And the priests
bring in the ark into its place,
into the oracle of the house, even into the holy of holies, under the wings of the cherubs. For the cherubs
spread out their wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubs covered the
ark and its holy things above.” Sep 1 Ki 8:1-7
“And all Israel assembled themselves to king Solomon on the festival day
in the month of Ethanim, the same is
the seventh month.” DR 1 Kings 8:2
“convenitque ad regem Salomonem universus Israhel in mense hethanim in sollemni die ipse est
mensis [month] septimus [seventh]” Latin Vulgate 1 Kings 8:2
“And the king and all the people were offering sacrifices before the
Lord. And king Solomon offered a sacrifice
of calves twenty and two thousand, of sheep a hundred and twenty thousand:
so the king and all the people dedicated
the house of God. And the priests were standing at their watches, and the
Levites with instruments
of music of the Lord, belonging to
king David, to give thanks before the Lord, for his mercy endures for ever,
with the hymns
of David, by their ministry: and the priests were blowing the
trumpets before them, and all Israel
standing. And Solomon consecrated the
middle of the court that was in the house of the Lord: for he offered there
the whole-burnt-offerings and the fat of the peace-offerings, for the brazen altar which Solomon had made
was not sufficient to receive the whole-burnt-offerings, and the
meat-offerings, and the fat. And Solomon
kept the feast at that time seven days, and all Israel with him, a very
great assembly, from the entering in of Æmath, and as far as the river of
Egypt. And on the
eighth day he kept a solemn assembly: for he kept a feast of seven days as the
dedication of the altar. And on the twenty-third day of the seventh month he dismissed the people to
their tents, rejoicing,
and with a glad heart because of the
good deeds which the Lord had done to David, and to Solomon, and to Israel his
people.” Sep 2 Ch 7:4-10
Since this
anointing festival was held during the Feast of Tabernacles, all of their tents or booths were constructed with tree
branches.
“And on the first day ye shall take
goodly fruit of trees, and branches of palm trees, and thick boughs of trees,
and willows, and branches of osiers from the brook, to rejoice before the
Lord your God seven days in the year.” Sep Lev 23:40
“And you shall take to you on the first day the fruits of the fairest tree, and branches of palm trees, and boughs of
thick trees, and willows of the brook, and you shall rejoice before the
Lord your God.” DR Lev 23:40
“And they found written in the law which the Lord commanded Moses, that
the children of Israel should dwell in booths, in the feast in the seventh
month: and that they should sound with trumpets in all their cities, and in
Jerusalem. And Esdras said, Go forth to the mountain, and bring branches of olive, and branches of cypress trees, and branches of
myrtle, and branches of palm trees, and branches of every thick tree, to
make booths, according to that which was written.” Sep Neh 8:14-15
Therefore,
instruments of music, hymns of David, trumpets and lots of food were part of
this dedication and anointing festival.
Plus they had tree branches that were probably displayed very decorative
as we do at Christmas time.
515 BC - Second Temple Built & Dedicated
In 586 BC, Solomon’s
temple was destroyed and in 538 BC, king Cyrus of Persia issued an edict that
the temple in Jerusalem was to be rebuilt.
Twenty years later, in 515BC, the second temple was completed in the
month of Adar which was the twelfth month of their calendar. The king also
commanded that the gold and silver holy vessels that were sized during the fall
of Jerusalem be placed in the new temple.
These vessels were probably the same ones that the Israelite tribes gave
as gifts at the dedication of the first tabernacle in the wilderness. However,
this second temple did not contain the lamp and the Ark of the Covenant (2
Maccabees, chapter 2).
“But in the first year that king Cyrus reigned over the country of
Babylon Cyrus the king wrote to build up this house. And the holy vessels of gold and of silver,
that Nabuchodonosor had carried away out of the house at Jerusalem, and had set
them in his own temple those Cyrus the king brought forth again out of the
temple at Babylon, and they were delivered to Zorobabel and to Sanabassarus the
ruler, With commandment that he should
carry away the same vessels, and put
them in the temple at Jerusalem; and that the temple of the Lord should be
built in his place.” 1Es 6:17-19
According to the book of Ezra
the temple was completed on the 3rd day of Adar which would be
February 19th on our Gregorian calendar today.
“Then Thanthanai the governor on this side beyond the river,
Satharbuzanai, and his fellow-servants, according to that which king Darius
sent, so they did diligently. And the elders of the Judeans and the Levites
built, at the prophecy of Aggaeus the prophet, and Zacharias the son of Addo:
and they built up, and finished it, by the decree of the God of Israel, and by
the decree of Cyrus, and Darius, and Arthasastha, kings of the Persians. And
they finished this house by the third
day of the month Adar, which is the sixth year of the reign of Darius the
king. And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of
the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of the house of God with gladness. And they offered for the dedication of the house of God a hundred calves, two hundred
rams, four hundred lambs, twelve kids of the goats for a sin-offering for all
Israel, according to the number of the tribes of Israel. And they set the
priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their separate orders, for the
services of God in Jerusalem, according to the writing of the book of Moses.
And the
children of the captivity kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the first
month. For the priests and Levites
were purified, all were clean to a man, and they slew the passover for all
the children of the captivity, and for their brethren the priests, and for
themselves. And the children of Israel ate the passover, even they that were of
the captivity, and every one who separated himself to them from the uncleanness
of the nations of the land, to seek the Lord God of Israel. and they kept the
feast of unleavened bread seven days with gladness, because the Lord made them
glad, and he turned the heart of the king of Assyria to them, to strengthen
their hands in the works of the house of the God of Israel.” Ezra 6:13-22
According to the book of 1st
Esdra the temple was completed on the 23rd day of Adar which would
be March 11th on our Gregorian calendar today.
“Did very carefully oversee the holy works, assisting the ancients of
the Judeans and governors of the temple. And so the holy works prospered, when
Aggeus and Zacharias the prophets prophesied. And they finished these things by
the commandment of the Lord God of Israel, and with the consent of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes, kings of Persia. And thus
was the holy house finished in the three
and twentieth day of the month Adar, in the sixth year of Darius king of the
Persians. And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and
others that were of the captivity, that were added unto them, did according to
the things written in the book of Moses. And to the dedication of the temple of the Lord they offered an hundred
bullocks two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; And twelve goats for the sin of
all Israel, according to the number of the chief of the tribes of Israel. The
priests also and the Levites stood arrayed in their vestments, according to
their kindreds, in the service of the Lord God of Israel, according to the book
of Moses: and the porters at every gate. And the children of Israel that were
of the captivity held the passover the
fourteenth day of the first month, after that the priests and the Levites were
sanctified. They that were of the captivity were not all sanctified
together: but the Levites were all
sanctified together. And so they offered the passover for all them of the
captivity, and for their brethren the priests, and for themselves. And the
children of Israel that came out of the captivity did eat, even all they that
had separated themselves from the abominations of the people of the land, and
sought the Lord. And they kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days, making
merry before the Lord, For that he had turned the counsel of the king of
Assyria toward them, to strengthen their hands in the works of the Lord God of
Israel.” 1 Esdras 7:2-15
All of the rebuilding of the second temple and altar was at
the instruction of king Cyrus who our Father in Heaven anointed one.
“Who bids Cyrus be wise, and he shall perform all my will: who says to
Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built, and I will lay
the foundation of my holy house.” Sep Isa 44:28
“Thus saith the Lord God to my anointed Cyrus,
whose right hand I have held, that nations might be obedient before him; and I
will break through the strength of kings; I will open doors before him, and
cities shall not be closed.” Sep Isa 45:1
It appears that they finished building the temple on Adar 3rd,
February 19th and then on Adar 23rd, March 11th
is when they actually started the Feast of the Dedication. Therefore the Feast
of Dedication would have started on March 11th, lasting seven days
and ended on March 17th. Then
the Levites were purified or sanctified in preparation for the feast of
Passover held on the 14th day of the first month, which is April 3rd
on our current day calendar. Therefore,
the dedication of the second temple and the first tabernacle in the wilderness
were both completed in time to have the temple prepared and the Levites
purified in time for Passover.
Therefore,
all of these festivities were held around their New Year celebration. The holy items would have been anointed and
sanctified. The Levities would have been
purified and anointed. So this would be
considered a Christmas day or anointing festival. The return of the gold and silver vessels
would have been considered a blessing.
Everything being restored would was celebrated with gladness. It was a celebration liberty since they were
now able to worship their Father in Heaven again as the law states.
164 BC - Dedication of the New Altar - Feast of the Dedication or Festival
of Lights
In 164 BC, the second temple altar had been defiled by
heathens. Therefore, they decided it
would be best and according to law to build a new altar and make new holy
vessels. Then they lighted the candlestick. They held an eight day dedication for the
altar festival. This festival or feast
would have started on December 12th and ended on December 20th. Judas Maccabee and the congregation of Israel
ordained that this festival would be kept each year.
“And when as they consulted what to do with the altar of burnt
offerings, which was profaned; They thought it best to pull it down, lest it
should be a reproach to them, because the heathen had defiled it: wherefore
they pulled it down, And laid up the
stones in the mountain of the temple in a convenient place, until there should
come a prophet to shew what should be done with them. Then they took whole stones according to the law, and
built a new altar according to the former; And made up the sanctuary, and
the things that were within the temple, and hallowed the courts. They made also
new holy vessels, and into the temple
they brought the candlestick, and the altar of
burnt offerings, and of incense, and the table. And upon the altar they
burned incense, and the lamps that were upon the candlestick they lighted, that
they might give light in the temple. Furthermore they set the loaves upon the
table, and spread out the veils, and finished all the works which they had
begun to make. Now on the five and twentieth day of the ninth month, which is
called the month Casleu, in the hundred forty and eighth year, they rose up
betimes in the morning, And offered sacrifice according to the law upon the new
altar of burnt offerings, which they had made. Look, at what time and what day
the heathen had profaned it, even in that was it dedicated with songs, and citherns, and harps, and cymbals. Then
all the people fell upon their faces, worshipping and praising the God of
heaven, who had given them good success. And so they kept the dedication of the altar eight days and
offered burnt offerings with gladness, and sacrificed the sacrifice of
deliverance and praise. They decked
also the forefront of the temple with crowns
of gold, and with shields; and the gates and the chambers they renewed, and
hanged doors upon them. Thus was there very great gladness among the people,
for that the reproach of the heathen was put away. Moreover Judas and his brethren with the whole
congregation of Israel ordained, that the days of the dedication of the altar
should be kept in their season from year to year by the space of eight days,
from the five and twentieth day of the month Casleu (ninth
month, see Zec_7:1), with mirth and gladness.” 1Mac
4:44-59
According to Josephus, Judas Maccabees called this
celebration the Festival of Lights:
“Now Judas celebrated the
festival of the restoration of the sacrifices of the temple for eight days;
and omitted no sort of pleasures
thereon: but he feasted them upon very rich and splendid sacrifices; and he
honored God, and delighted them, by
hymns and psalms. Nay, they were so
very glad at the revival of their customs, when after a long time of
intermission, they unexpectedly had regained the freedom of their worship, that
they made it a law for their posterity,
that they should keep a festival, on account of the restoration of their temple
worship, for eight days. And from that
time to this we
celebrate this festival, and call it Lights. I suppose the reason
was, because this liberty beyond our hopes appeared to us; and that thence was
the name given to that festival. Judas
also rebuilt the walls round about the city, and reared towers of great height
against the incursions of enemies, and set guards therein. He also fortified
the city Bethsura, that it might serve as a citadel against any distresses that
might come from our enemies.” The
Writings of Flavius Josephus, Antiquities 12.7.6: 323-326
Therefore, the yearly celebration
of dedication or anointing festival was established in 164 BC with gladness,
songs, musical instruments, decor of gold crowns and lights. It was ordained into law that this festival
would be celebrated at this time each year and we have been celebrating it each
year.
The lights represented
the ‘lights of liberty’.
2 BC – Jesus Conceived which was the “Manifestation of God”
On January 6th, 2 BC the angel Gabriel appeared
to Mary and told her she would conceive Jesus.
Prior to Pope Gregory changing the calendar this date of January 6th
was December 25th.
“And in the sixth month, the angel
Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth, To a
virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the
virgin's name was Mary. And the angel being come in, said unto her: Hail, full
of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. Who having
heard, was troubled at his saying, and thought with herself what manner of
salutation this should be. And the angel said to her: Fear not, Mary, for thou
hast found grace with God. Behold thou
shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bring forth a son; and thou shalt call
his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the most
High; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of David his father; and
he shall reign in the house of Jacob for ever. And of his kingdom there shall
be no end. And Mary said to the angel: How shall this be done, because I know
not man? And the angel answering, said to her: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the
power of the most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy which
shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” DR Luke
1:26-35
This date of January 6th was named Epiphany which
is an ancient Greek word:
ἐπιφάνεια (epipháneia, “manifestation, striking
appearance”), from ἐπιφαίνω (epiphaínō, “I appear, display”),
from ἐπί (epí, “upon”) + φαίνω (phaínō, “I shine, appear”). It is
the manifestation or appearance of
a divine or superhuman being. See https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/epiphany#English
In some countries this date is called Theophany:
From Late Latin theophania, corresponding to theo- + -phany, from θεο (theo, “God”) + φαίνω (phaínō, “I shine, appear”). The manifestation of a deity to a
person. See https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/theophany#English
Epiphany is
celebrated as a public holiday today in the following places on January 6th: Austria, Colombia (South America), Croatia,
Cyprus, Poland, Ethiopia (but on different date that varies annually), parts of
Germany, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, Spain, Uruguay and the US Virgin Islands.
For more information about Jesus’ birth, please see this
article. http://kingdomhereamerica.blogspot.com/2016/10/yahshuas-birth-on-day-of-atonement.html
I believe that it would be prophetic that the anointing
festival or Christmas would be moved and celebrated just prior to Jesus’
conception date of January 6th on our current calendar. The Anointed One would be conceived during
the Anointing Festival. Of course our Father in Heaven knew this would happen.
Epiphany
or Theophany is the ‘Manifestation of our Father in Heaven’ here on earth. It is the first date of HIS actual appearance
on earth since life begins at conception.
It was December 25th on the old calendar and January 6th
on our current calendar.
Shortly after Jesus’ birth the Magi came to pay homage to
Jesus and bring him gifts. They brought
gifts knowing their new king was born.
The gift of myrrh would be used for anointing Jesus (Exo 30:23, Est
2:12, & Psalms 44:80) as their King.
“And having come into the house they saw the little child with Mary his
mother, and falling down did him homage. And having opened their treasures,
they offered to
him gifts, gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:11
Jesus would have been anointed King of Israel. Today the descendants of King David are still
anointed as part of the coronation ceremony.
See http://kingdomhereamerica.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-bible-queen-elizabeth-iis-coronation_8.html
In the New Testament we learn that our bodies are now the
tabernacles; therefore, Jesus’ body would have been anointed as the custom was
to anoint a new tabernacle.
“Now of the things which we have spoken, this is the sum: We have such
an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of majesty in the
heavens, A minister of the holies, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord hath pitched, and not man.
For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it
is necessary that he also should have some thing to offer.” Hebrews
7:1-4
“For we know, if our earthly house of this habitation be dissolved, that
we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in heaven. For
in this also we groan, desiring to be clothed upon with our habitation that is
from heaven. Yet so that we be found clothed, not naked. For we also, who are in this tabernacle,
do groan, being burthened; because we would not be unclothed, but clothed upon,
that that which is mortal may be swallowed up by life.” 2 Cor 5:1-4
Today at many churches baby dedications are performed;
however the babies are not anointed and sprinkled with water. Many Greek churches today still perform
Christening or anointing of their new babies with oil and water. They call it a baby baptism; however, many
believe that cannot happen until you can repent of sin. Therefore, a Christening would be an
anointing with oil, water of purification (Num 8:7), giving of a Christian name
and circumcision if the baby is a boy.
Greek
Ceremony Explained https://melinarocks.wordpress.com/ceremony-explained/
Shows that
oil is put on babies head https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infant_baptism
The Magi brought gifts
for the new baby Jesus who was a new tabernacle to be anointed & be our new
King. The Magi come to see Jesus
sometime after HIS birth on September 29th, 2 BC.
33 AD - Feast of the Dedication
As stated earlier, Jesus did attend the feast of the
dedication in Jerusalem. Therefore, it
is assumed that this feast was blessed by our Father in Heaven since Jesus did
attend and he said nothing to indicate that he was not happy with the
observance of this feast.
“And it
was the feast of the dedication at Jerusalem: and it was winter. And Jesus
walked in the temple, in Solomon's porch.” John 10:22-23
70 AD – The Second Temple Fell
In 70 AD after the temple fell the Israelites were scattered
to various directions. They no longer
had the temple in Jerusalem to celebrate the anointing of the altar also called
the Feast of the Dedication or Festival of Lights; however the tribes continued
the celebration. The most well-known
celebration was the Roman Saturnalia Festival of Lights. We do know that the Romans during the Apostle
Paul’s life were of Israelite genes since Paul wrote to them. Paul was an apostle to the gentiles. Gentiles come from the Latin word ‘gentīlis’ which means
belonging to the same family or gēns. Paul
confirms the Romans are related to him in these verses:
“I say then: Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an
Israelite of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God hath not
cast away his people, which he foreknew. Know you not what the scripture saith
of Elias; how he calleth on God against Israel?” DR Romans 11:1-2
The Roman Saturnalia Festival was also called the Festival
of Lights it was celebrated from December 17th to December 23rd
on the Julian calendar. The table below
shows the date conversions comparisons and reflects that Saturnalia was
celebrated during the same time as the original feast ordained in 164 BC.
If you view these pages you will see why it is hard to get
good confirmation dates because the Gregorian and Julian calendars differences
get greater as time goes on.
https://www.fourmilab.ch/documents/calendar/
calendar converter
The Saturnalia feast was a seven day feast leading up to the
Winter Solstice just as the Feast of the Dedication in 164BC did. They lite lots of candles that were symbols
of the quest for truth and knowledge like the light of liberty as Josephus
stated (above). They had a day of gift
giving as part of the feast. A sacrifice
was performed at the temple of Saturn probably at the altar. The temple of Saturn was named after their
first king. The Temple of Saturn housed the state treasury. The temple was among the oldest
sites in Rome, and had been the location of "a very ancient"
altar (ara) built before the building
of the first temple in 497 BC. There was a statue of Saturn at the main temple which
normally had its feet bound in wool [lamb of liberty, Jesus], which was removed
for the holiday as an act of liberation.
The statue was made of wood and held oil in it.
In Justinus' Epitome of Trogus it reads:
"The first inhabitants of Italy were the Aborigines, whose king,
Saturnus, is said to have been a man of such extraordinary justice, that no one
was a slave in his reign, or had any private property, but all things were
common to all, and undivided, as one estate for the use of every one; in memory
of which way of life, it has been ordered that at the Saturnalia slaves should
everywhere sit down with their masters at the entertainments, the rank of all
being made equal."
During the Saturnalia feast the people wore conical felt
caps that represented the mark of freedom.
This cap was a brimless, felt cap worn in Ancient Greece and
surrounding regions and in Ancient Rome. This cap is also called a
Phrygian cap which was also known as the liberty cap.
It is interesting that Santa, which means holy or sacred in Latin,
wears a Phrygian or Liberty cap.
Who was King Saturn? Noah was Saturn. When our Father in Heaven confused the languages at the tower of Babel, this affected the nouns and names of people. The Roman name for Noah was Saturn. Therefore, Saturnalia was named after Noah and his celebration at the start of the winter season.
Sources:
Saturn
is Noah, Page 265 https://archive.org/details/patriarchalageo00smitgoog/page/264/mode/2up?view=theater
The ancient Teutons of
Germany celebrated a festival that could be called the Festival of Lights. Their festival also honored Noah’s covenant. At the time of the winter solstice they would
decorate small fir trees with candles. They celebrated the twelve sacred nights
called Weihnachten which means ‘holy nights’. It is said that they worshiped the sun-god
Odin; however, I believe this is the same name for God given in the Latin
Vulgate in Exodus 6:3 which was Adonai.
The Phoenician God was Adon
also. The Teutons’ God was the dispenser
of all blessings.
The Festival of Lights
According to Josephus (above), Judas Maccabees called the
Feast of the Dedication the Festival of Lights.
Josephus stated that the lights represented liberty. This verse in Proverbs tells us that the laws
of Moses are a lamp and a light which are a ‘way of life’. The laws of Moses do give us our liberties.
“For the commandment of the law is a lamp and a light; a way of life; reproof also
and correction.” Pro 6:23
James refers to our Father in Heaven as the ‘Father of
Lights’ who gives us perfect gifts.
“Every best gift, and every perfect gift, is from above, coming down
from the Father
of lights, with whom there is no change, nor shadow of alteration.”
DR James 1:17
The Psalms gives us these verses:
“Thy law is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my paths.” Sep Psa
119:105
“There will I cause to spring up a horn to David: I have prepared a lamp for
mine anointed. “ Sep Psa 132:17
Isaiah regarding the future glory of Israel:
“Be enlightened,
be enlightened,
O Jerusalem, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen
upon thee. Behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and there shall be gross
darkness on the nations: but the Lord shall appear upon thee, and his glory
shall be seen upon thee. And kings shall walk in thy light, and nations in thy brightness.”
Sep Isa 60:1-3
Matthew tells us that our light shining glorifies our Father
who is in Heaven. Our light is the truth of HIS word that gives us liberty. At this time though we have lost of liberties
since we have not been following the laws of Moses. For example, our children can no longer pray
at school.
“You are the light of the world. A city seated on a mountain
cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and
put it under a bushel, but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all that
are in the house. So let your light shine before men, that they may see your
good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” DR Matthew
5:14-16
John tells us that Jesus is the true light that enlightens
every man.
“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a
witness, to give testimony of the light, that all men might believe through him.
He was not the light, but was to give testimony of the light. That was the true light,
which enlighteneth every man that
cometh into this world.” DR John 1:6-9
Paul tells the Romans to put on the ‘armor of light’ which
would be the word of our Father in Heaven recorded in our bibles.
“And that knowing the season; that it is now the hour for us to rise
from sleep. For now our salvation is nearer than when we believed. The night is
passed, and the day is at hand. Let us therefore cast off the works of
darkness, and put
on the armour of light.” DR Romans 13:11-12
HIS chosen people were called into his marvelous light:
“But you
are a chosen generation, a kingly priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people:
that you may declare his virtues, who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” 1 Peter 2:9
Exodus tells us that the in the tabernacle there must always
be enough oil to keep the lamp or light on:
“Command
the children of Israel that they bring thee the purest oil of the olives, and
beaten with a pestle: that a lamp may
burn always, In the tabernacle of the testimony without the veil that hangs
before the testimony. And Aaron and his sons shall order it, that it may give light
before the Lord until the morning. It shall be a perpetual
observance throughout their successions among the children of Israel.” DR Exodus 27:20
In this parable, Jesus tells us to be prepared for him when
HE returns. Therefore, have the oil in
your lamp within your body that is the tabernacle – in other words have the
have the word of scripture in your mind so that your light will shine.
“Then shall the kingdom of heaven be like to ten virgins, who taking
their lamps went out to meet the
bridegroom and the bride. And five of them were foolish, and five wise. But the
five foolish, having taken their lamps, did not take oil with them: But the wise
took oil in their vessels with the lamps. And the bridegroom tarrying, they all
slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made: Behold the
bridegroom cometh, go ye forth to meet him. Then all those virgins arose and
trimmed their lamps. And the foolish
said to the wise: Give us of your oil, for our lamps are gone out. The wise answered, saying: Lest perhaps there be
not enough for us and for you, go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for
yourselves. Now whilst they went to buy, the bridegroom came: and they that
were ready, went in with him to the marriage, and the door was shut. But at
last come also the other virgins, saying: Lord, Lord, open to us. But he
answering said: Amen I say to you, I know you not.” DR Matthew 25: 1-25
In the 4th century, Ephraim the Syrian wrote 15 hymns for
the celebration of Epiphany. Below is
the first part of Hymn 15:
1. In the Birth of the
Son light dawned,—
and darkness fled from the world—and the earth was enlightened; then let it
give glory— to the brightness of the Father Who has enlightened it!
2. He dawned from the womb of
the Virgin,— and the shadows passed away when He was seen—and the darkness
of error was strangled by Him—and the ends of the earth were enlightened
that they should give glory.
3. Among the peoples there was
great tumult—and in the darkness the light dawned,— and the nations rejoiced to
give glory— to Him in Whose Birth they all were enlightened.
4. His light shone out over the
east—Persia was enlightened by the star:— His Epiphany gave good tidings
to her and invited her—He has come for the sacrifice that
brings joy to all.
5. The star of light hasted and came and dawned—
through the darkness, and summoned them— that the peoples should come and
exult— in the great Light that has come down to earth.
All 15 Hymns for Epiphany http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/3704.htm
Therefore,
at Christmas time we display lights which represent the light of liberty that
represent keeping the light of the tabernacle lamp burning.
The light
of liberty comes to us by following the words of HIS gospel.
We should
remember our Father in Heaven is also called the Father of Lights who gives us
perfect gifts. Jesus was the perfect gift that enlightened the earth to bring
glory.
The Tree of Life
The tradition of using evergreens for decorations and the
Christmas tree is very ancient one. There
are many different thoughts on how the Christmas tree originated. My belief is that the Christmas tree is the
tree of life.
Many believe that the prophet Jeremiah was referring to the
Christmas tree in this verse:
“For the customs of the nations are vain; it is a tree cut out of the
forest, the work of the carpenter, or a molten image. They are beautified with
silver and gold, they fix them with hammers and nails; they will set them up that
they may not move; it is wrought silver, they will not walk, it is forged
silver They must certainly be borne, for they cannot ride of themselves. Fear
them not; for they cannot do any evil, and there is no good in them.” Sep Jer 10:3-5
If Jeremiah is referring to the Christmas tree he is saying
that it would be a waste of time to bow down to them or pray to them since they
cannot do anything for you. Jeremiah says not to fear them. There is no law against decorating in the laws of Moses. He is saying
that all prayers and worship must be directed towards our Father in Heaven
since he is our living God and can answer prayers. This tree that Jeremiah refers to is very
different from the trees referred to in the Garden of Eden since there was a
tree of life and a tree of knowledge of good and evil.
“And God made to spring up also out
of the earth every tree beautiful to the eye and good for food, and the tree of life in the midst of the
garden, and the tree of learning the
knowledge of good and evil.” Sep Gen 2:9
“And the Lord God gave a charge to
Adam, saying, Of every tree which is in the garden thou mayest freely eat, but
of the tree of the knowledge of good and
evil--of it ye shall not eat, but in whatsoever day ye eat of it, ye shall
surely die.” Sep Gen 2:16-17
As we all know that Adam and Eve did partake in the tree of
good and evil. After this we learn that
Adam became a god since he could now also create a living person so that his
seed or yDNA would live forever.
“And God said, Behold, Adam is
become as one of us, to know good and evil, and now lest at any time he stretch
forth his hand, and take of the tree of
life and eat, and so he shall live forever-- So the Lord God sent him forth
out of the garden of Delight to cultivate the ground out of which he was
taken. And he cast out Adam and caused
him to dwell over against the garden of Delight, and stationed the cherubs and
the fiery sword that turns about to keep the way of the tree of life.” Sep Gen
3:23-25
The Christmas tree tradition started since it represents the
tree of life. An evergreen tree was used
to represent the tree of life since it is green and full of life even in the
winter. People are referred to as trees
many times in the bible and today we refer to our ancestry as our family
tree. Here are more verses that mention
the tree of life:
“She
is a tree of
life to all that lay hold upon her;
and she is a secure help to all that stay themselves on her, as on the Lord.”
Sep Pro 3:18
“Out of the fruit of righteousness grows a tree of life; but the souls of
transgressors are cut off before their time.” Sep Pro 11:30
“Better is he that begins to help heartily, than he that promises and
leads another to hope: for a good desire is a tree of life.” Sep Pro
13:12
“The wholesome tongue is a tree of life, and he that keeps it shall be filled
with understanding.” Sep Pro 15:4
“They shall by no means build, and others inhabit; and they shall by no
means plant, and others eat: for as the days of the tree of life
shall be the days of my people, they shall long enjoy the fruits of
their labours.” Sep Isa 65:22
“The
knowledge of the commandments of the Lord is the doctrine of life: and they that do
things that please him shall receive the fruit of the tree of immortality.” Sep Sir
19:19
“He declared the proverbs of Solomon, who saith, He is a tree of life to all those who do His will.” Sep 4Ma 18:16
“He, that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the
churches: To him, that overcometh, I will give to eat of the tree of life,
which is in the paradise of my God.” DR Rev 2:7
“In
the midst of the street thereof, and on both sides of the river, was the tree of life,
bearing twelve fruits, yielding its fruits every month, and the leaves of the
tree were for the healing of the nations.” DR Rev 22:2
“Blessed are they that wash their robes in the blood of the Lamb: that
they may have a right to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into
the city.” DR Rev 22:14
“The tree
of life will provide them with
fragrant ointment, and they won’t labor or grow tired.” 2 Esd 2:12
“For you, paradise is opened, the tree of life is planted,
the future time is prepared, abundance is made ready, the city is built, rest
is appointed, goodness is perfected, and wisdom is perfected in advance.” 2
Esd 8:52
The tree of life is double in nature since it keeps our seed
alive by having children. In prophecy it is the ability to live forever in the
kingdom of our Father in Heaven. Jesus
is our path to the eternal tree of life.
Our bibles refer to Jesus coming from the root of Jesse and
the ‘Jesse-tree’ has been used in church decoration. The Jesse-tree was a genealogical tree with
its root in Jesse.
”And there shall come forth a rod out of the root of Jesse, and a flower shall
rise up out of his root.” Sep
Isa 11:1
“et egredietur [go
forth] virga [twig or rod] de radice [root or source] Iesse et
flos [ flower] de radice eius
ascendet [climb up, rise]”
Latin Vulgate Isa 11:1 (note: the Latin
word for rod is virga which is like virgin or virgo.)
“In that day the root of Jesse, who standeth for an ensign of the
people, him the Gentiles shall beseech, and his sepulchre shall be glorious.”
Sep Isa 11:10
“And again Isaias saith: There shall be a root of Jesse; and he that shall
rise up to rule the Gentiles, in him the Gentiles shall hope.” DR Romans
15:12
Below is artwork of the Jesse-tree. Jesse is normally shown as lying down. Many show Mary on or holding a white
lily. Mary and Jesus are normally shown
with a ray of light around them.
According to the Dead Sea scrolls there were twelve trees
that could be used for burnt offerings on the altar: cedar, juniper, almond tree, fir, pine, ash,
cypress, olive tree, laurel and the myrtle.
Two of the names of trees were not readable. These trees offered
fragrance that I assume was pleasing to our Father in Heaven. (Source: 4Q214b, frs. 2-6) All of these trees are evergreen trees except
for the Almond Tree.
Depending on which version of the bible you read, these
trees were to be used for making booths at the Feast of Tabernacles: palm trees, willows, thick bough trees, olive
tree, cypress, and myrtle. (Lev 23:40,
Neh 8:15)
According to Josephus, during the Feast of Tabernacles they
would make the booths from the branches plus they would carry in their hands a
branch of myrtle, and willow, and a bough of the palm tree, with the addition
of the pomecitron. (Antiquities.3.10.4)
These twelve tree types were probably symbolic of the 12
tribes of Israel.
The Romans
The pine tree was part of the custom of the Saturnalia
celebration. The holly or holy tree which is sometimes called Christ’s Thron
was the symbols of peace and goodwill and the people slipped sprays of it into
boxes containing the gifts they exchanged.
The Romans had the tradition of burning a Yule log on what is
now called Christmas Eve. The Yule log
was part of the tradition of the Festival of Lights. Today many homes burn
fires in their fireplaces in keeping with the Christmas season and it was a
method of staying warm.
The English
word jolly comes from the Middle English joli, jolif
which means ‘merry and cheerful’, which comes from Old French joli, jolif meaning
‘merry and joyful’. It is possible that the Old French word is from Old
Norse jól which means ‘a midwinter feast, Yule",
hence fest-ive’, in which case, equivalent to yule + -ive; or
ultimately from Latin gaudeō.
The Norse
The Norseman had a great tree called ‘Yggdrasil’ could be a
representation of the tree of life. Heaven
and earth are bound by its roots and branches.
This tree was an Ash Tree; therefore one of the scared trees. Some say this tree was actually a pine
tree.
Scandinavia
In Scandinavia the Christmas tree is said to have originated
with the ‘service tree’ which germinated from the soil soaked by the blood of
two unfortunate lovers, a claim substantiated by the statement that at
Christmastide inextinguishable lights gleamed from its green branches.
French
In a French romance of the 13th century a great
tree is described whose branches are covered with burning candles representing
mankind and the child the infant Savior.
Assyrian
The Assyrian’s had a tree called the ‘Tree of Great Light’.
Egyptian
The Egyptians decorated their homes house at the time of the
winter solstice with branches from the date palm tree. The palm tree was one of the sacred
trees. The Egyptians were keeping Noah’s
covenant to celebrate the seasons. The
palm tree was a symbol of triumphant over death which maybe a reference to the
tree of life. Trees and pyramids
symbolize life, mortal and immortal. Another article states that these were
symbols of immortality and of the starlit firmament. Below is the Egyptian version of the tree of life.
Germany
The German word for Christmas is Weihnachten which is two words combined; Weihen means consecrate or to make holy
and nacht meaning night. Anointing oil is used to
consecrate items for dedicated holy use. Therefore the word Weihnachten and
Christmas do have very similar meanings.
At the summer solstice the " Johannisbaum " (St. John's tree) was decorated, at the May festival the May-tree, and at the winter solstice, the fir-tree.
The German custom is to place the Mother, Mary and her Son,
Jesus on top of the tree of the Christmas tree.
Christmas was called Yule which is a Proto-Germanic word that meant festivity or celebration.
Celts
"The Celtic Tree of Life is a well-known symbol. For the Ancient Celts, the Tree of Life was a symbol of balance and harmony. The Tree of Life was a representation of how the nature’s forces combined to create balance and harmony. The Tree was a central part of early Celtic spirituality and a source of basic sustenance - a bearer of food, a provider of shelter and fuel for cooking and warmth. Without trees, life would have been extraordinarily difficult. Wood from sacred trees had magical properties... a connection to the world of the spirits and the ancestors, living entities, and doorways into other worlds."
MesoAmerica
"The concept of world trees is a prevalent motif in
pre-Columbian Mesoamerican cosmologies and iconography. World trees embodied
the four cardinal directions, which represented also the fourfold nature of a
central world tree, a symbolic axis mundi connecting the planes of
the Underworld and the sky with that of the terrestrial world."
Christmas Tree History News Articles
1844 news – ‘Kris Kringle’s Christmas Tree’ in
See column 1
– This is the earliest mention of the Christmas tree I could find in the old
newspapers and this is an advertisement for a book about the Christmas
Tree.
1904
news - The Christmas Tree, middle bottom of paper
It says in this article that the Greeks
call Christmas the festival of lights and the Romans called it Saturnalia. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85042405/1904-12-22/ed-1/seq-1.pdf
continued
1908 news --Christmas Tree History
See the full
page article about the history of the Christmas tree.
https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038095/1908-12-23/ed-1/seq-15.pdf
The Wreath
The Wreath
When Abraham established the Feast of Tabernacles, they wore
wreaths on their head and circled a tree which represented the tree of life.
“And
to this there is no limit of days; for it is ordained for ever regarding Israel
that they should celebrate it and dwell in booths, and set wreaths upon their heads, and take leafy boughs, and willows from the brook. And Abraham took branches of palm trees, and the fruit of
goodly trees, and every day going round the altar with the branches seven
times” https://www.sacred-texts.com/bib/jub/jub37.htm
They put wreaths on their heads
that represented their reward of being our Father in Heaven’s chosen people (see
this article for more info). The
wreath symbolizes victory or a reward. The
ultimate reward is eternal life.
In our bible the word ‘crown’ has been translated from two
different words. One is ‘stephanos’
which means ‘to twine or wreathe, garland, crown’. The wreath is a crown of
victory and represents honor and glory. Stephanos
was used in these verses:
“And
he has stripped me of my glory, and has taken the crown [G4735 stephanos: wreath] from
my head.” Sep Job
19:9
“When
you have done everything necessary, recline, so that you can have fun with
them, and because of your excellent behavior you will receive a wreath.”
Common English Apocrypha Sir 32:2
“They
themselves having held fast their God unto death, and having enjoyed a full
deliverance, departed from the city garlanded with sweet-flowered wreaths of every kind.
Uttering exclamations of joy, with songs of praise, and melodious hymns they
thanked the God of their fathers, the eternal Saviour of Israel.” Sep 3Ma
7:16
“And
they platted [G4120 plekó; I weave together,
plait, twist, braid] a crown [G4735 stephanos: wreath] of thorns and
put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand; and they kneeled down
before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews sic [G2453 Ioudaios; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah]!
“ASV Mat 27:29
“Blessed
is the man that endureth temptation; for when he hath been approved, he shall
receive the crown
[G4735 stephanos: wreath] of life, which the Lord
promised to them that love him.” ASV James 1:12
“And
when the chief Shepherd shall be manifested, ye shall receive the crown [G4735
stephanos: wreath] of glory that
fadeth not away.” ASV 1
Pet 5:4
“Fear
not the things which thou art about to suffer: behold, the devil is about to
cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have
tribulation ten days. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown [G4735
stephanos: wreath] of life.”
ASV Rev 2:10
“I
come quickly: hold fast that which thou hast, that no one take thy crown [G4735
stephanos: wreath].” ASV
Rev 3:11
The other word translated to crown is diadema. The diadema was the royal crown and
was used in these verses: 2 Kings 11:12,
Rev 12:3, Rev 13:1, and Rev 19:12.
Christmas & Epiphany History
Christmas and Epiphany have been celebrated on two different dates in past history. Some news articles state they were celebrated on the same date in past history. This confusion is because of changes in the calendar. The celebration of Epiphany on January 6th is currently the last day of the 12 days of Christmas. January 6th used to be December 25th on the old calendar called Old Style at the time the Georgian calendar was implement here in the United States.
In ancient history we celebrated Noah’s first day of Winter festival which always occurred during the Feast of the Dedication of the altar in Jerusalem which was named the Festival of Lights. Today we celebrate Christmas with many biblical traditions that were established in the ancient feasts. We are really celebrating the Feast of the Dedication called the Festival of Lights and the conception of Jesus which was the ‘manifestation of God’ on earth.
Yuletide
was the celebration of the first day of winter started by Noah. Different tribes used different names because they spoke different languages.
Christmastide or the 12 Days of Christmas is the period between Christmas on December 25th and Epiphany on January 6th. The final day of Christmastide is on January 6th the date of Jesus’ conception.
Christmas & Epiphany News Articles
The 1880 Wright’s Almanac that was published here in America showed that Epiphany
was celebrated 12 days after Christmas.
1855 news – “Christmas” (shown below)
1921 news - “Last of the Twelve Days” (shown
below) This article states that Jesus was baptized on January 6th;
however, I really think a cold winter baptism in the Jordan river is
unlikely. The pyramid of Giza records Jesus was baptized on October 14th, 29 AD.
1860 news – “Twelfth Night – Old Christmas
– Epiphany”
1967 news – The Epiphany or Twelfth Day
1868 news - The First Traces of Christmas
prior to 138AD
1869 news – Epiphany
1871 news – The Episcopal Church
Greeks
The Greeks called Christmas the Feast of Lights still today.
See Column 3, dated 1/7/1902, https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83030214/1902-01-07/ed-1/seq-7.pdf
Notre-Dame Book – The Festival of the Kings
Epiphany - Twelfth Night Cake
Notre-Dame Book – The Festival of the Kings
The 1895 translation of ‘Notre-Dame’ (Hunchback of
Notre-Dame), originally published in 1831, reflects that January 6th
was a feast day. The book states that
the festival had been proclaimed with the sound of the trumpets just as the
bible calls for in the laws of Moses in Numbers 10:10. Jesus
was conceived and became King and High Priest at conception on Epiphany.
More info:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epiphany_(holiday)
(shows many different customs for this date)
Book
‘Notre-Dame’ online copy https://archive.org/details/notredame00hugogoog/page/n26
Epiphany - Twelfth Night Cake
It was traditional to serve a 12th night cake on
Epiphany and here is more information about this cake. It is traditional to hide a coin or a baby Jesus
in the cake. The hidden item is found in
the cake that night. Is the hidden baby Jesus
concealed since he was conceived that night in Mary’s womb? Maybe that is why but nowhere is this stated.
1904 news in the third column is a Twelfth Night Cake
recipe:
1909 news in the fourth column is a Twelfth Night Cake
recipe from England:
1914 news in the fourth column that France had a tradition
of a Twelfth Night Cake on Epiphany:
Conclusion
Jesus is the way to the tree of life and HE enlightens the world. In the Old Testament it was Aaron and the Levites who were anointed and responsible for keeping the light of the lamp burning. In the New Testament Jesus Christ is the ‘anointed one’ who enlightens the world with truth. Christmas is the celebration of the light of truth, knowledge and liberty that Jesus Christ will bring us.
When I see all of the Christmas lights at Christmas time I think how wonderful it is that we are still celebrating the Festival of Lights and that our Father in Heaven put this on our hearts to do so. The Festival of Lights always comes before Christmas and today we have the lights displayed always before Christmas. The ancient Maccabees celebrated with gladness that they were free from oppression and could follow our Father’s law of liberty.
There are no instructions in our bibles for celebrating of Jesus’ manifestation on Epiphany. Jesus’ manifestation should be celebrated with gladness just like Noah’s winter festival and the dedication feast.
Our calendars today do not reflect the correct dates for these celebrations making it hard to celebrate on the correct dates. I do put the dates I think is correct on my Dead Sea Scrolls calendar each year. Our government sets aside December 25th each year for this festival; therefore it is easier for families to celebrate on that date. I do celebrate Christmas with decoration, songs and a nice family meal. Due to scheduling conflicts normally get together on an agreed upon date during the twelve days of Christmas but not normally on Christmas day. Epiphany is the date I celebrate Christ’s conception and have friends over for a nice dinner and cake.
I do understand that we do not know for certain the date of Christ’s conception and birth. I just see more proof that Christ was conceived on January 6th and born the Day of Atonement. However, I am open to the fact he could have been conceived on the Feast of Trumpets and born on Pentecost which is also called the Feast of Weeks.
“Again
therefore, Jesus spoke to them, saying: I am the light of the world: he that
followeth me, walketh not in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” DR John 8:12
“And the
city hath no need of the sun, nor of the moon, to shine in it. For the glory of
God hath enlightened it, and the Lamb is the lamp thereof.” DR Rev 21:23
“In the
midst of the street thereof, and on both sides of the river, was the tree of
life, bearing twelve fruits, yielding its fruits every month, and the leaves of
the tree were for the healing of the nations.” DR Rev 22:2
The dates for these feast days are posted here.
Also see this site regarding the old Feast of the Dedication;
