We all know the iconic images of Christmas, both secular and sacred. At it's roots, it is undeniably a Christian holiday (celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and all). But, like any good story, there's a lot of embellishment that's made its way into the Christmas tales of the birth of a savior. In fact, the whole December birth (and the adventure that lead to it happening in a manger) is, at best, highly unlikely. So why does Christmas happen in late December? And what does a decorated pine tree have to do with the baby Jesus? These are the things that happen when you have a religion that spreads far and wide. It has to adapt to at least some of the culture already in place (or, sometimes more often, is subverted by those who are forced to "convert")... so as it spreads, it gathers up trappings from other faiths and sets it's … Continue reading →