FAKTA SEJARAH NATAL 25 DESEMBER | Dr. Bambang Noorsena

Summary

This video challenges misconceptions about the origin of Christmas on December 25th. The speaker debunks the claim that the date was chosen to coincide with pagan sun god celebrations, providing historical evidence from early Christian sources. They argue that December 25th was established as Jesus' birth date as early as the 2nd century, long before any association with sun worship. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding historical church documents and stresses the deep theological roots of the holiday, criticizing modern skepticism and calling for a more informed view of Christian tradition.

Takeaways

• 😀 The claim that December 25 was initially associated with the birth of Sol Invictus (the Unconquered Sun) is historically unfounded before the 4th century.
• 😀 Emperor Aurelian in 274 AD first officially established December 25 as the date for Sol Invictus, not earlier.
• 😀 The first recorded celebration of Christmas on December 25 occurred around 126 AD in Rome, long before any association with pagan festivals.
• 😀 Early Christian writings from 160 AD and earlier, including sources like the *Liber Pontificalis* and works by Theophilus of Caesarea, show that Christians were already celebrating the birth of Jesus on December 25.
• 😀 The date of December 25 was canonized by early Christian communities, particularly in Alexandria, before its adoption in Rome or Constantinople.
• 😀 Historical sources show no early Christian references to Sol Invictus being born on December 25, contradicting the claim that the date was purely pagan in origin.
• 😀 The concept of blending Christian holidays with pagan festivals to ease conversions, particularly through the adoption of December 25, is a later development, not the original intent.
• 😀 The speaker criticizes the modern claim that the exact date of Jesus' birth is irrelevant, emphasizing the importance of historical accuracy in understanding Christmas.
• 😀 Early Christian theologians, including Hippolytus and Julius Africanus, consistently recorded the birth of Jesus as occurring near December 25, and the date's theological significance predates later claims of pagan influence.
• 😀 The speaker calls for more awareness of early Christian history and warns against modern interpretations that diminish the historical and theological foundations of Christmas.

Q & A

What is the speaker's main argument regarding the origins of the Christmas date of December 25?

The speaker argues that the celebration of Christmas on December 25 is not based on the birth of a pagan 'sun god,' as commonly believed. Instead, the date was adopted by early Christians, particularly from Alexandria, and was chosen based on historical Christian traditions, not to mirror pagan festivals.

What is the significance of Emperor Julius in the history of Christmas on December 25?

Emperor Julius is mentioned as the one who appropriated the calendar for the 'Soul Invictus' (unconquered sun) festival in the 4th century, but the speaker claims that the idea that the sun god was born on December 25 is a myth. No historical document before the 4th century supports this claim.

What does the speaker mention about the earliest known celebrations of Christmas?

The earliest known celebration of Christmas was recorded in 126 CE, with a Mass on December 24 in Rome, and by 160 CE, Bishop Theophilus in Caesarea, Israel, had already called for the celebration of Christ's birth on December 25.

How does the speaker challenge the idea that December 25 was a pagan holiday?

The speaker challenges the notion by stating that no historical documentation links the birth of a sun god to December 25 before the 4th century. Instead, early Christian writings and documents support the idea that Christmas was observed long before any association with pagan festivals.

What sources does the speaker reference to support the Christian origin of Christmas on December 25?

The speaker references several historical sources, including the Liber Pontificalis (a book about the history of the popes), writings from early church leaders like Bishop Theophilus and Hippolytus, and the Koptic Didaskalia Apostolorum, which outlines early Christian traditions, including the celebration of Christmas.

What is the Koptic Didaskalia Apostolorum, and why is it important?

The Koptic Didaskalia Apostolorum is a text from Alexandria, referenced by the speaker to show that the first official canonization of Christmas as a church holiday occurred in Alexandria, not Rome. This text discusses various church practices, including feasts and fasts, and solidifies the date of Christmas as December 25 in the early church.

What role did the Eastern Church, particularly Alexandria, play in defining Christmas?

According to the speaker, Alexandria played a key role in defining Christmas as a church celebration, not Rome or Constantinople. The first church to canonize Christmas as an official holiday was in Alexandria under Pope Demetrius I.

What does the speaker say about modern skepticism regarding the December 25th date?

The speaker points out that modern skepticism regarding the December 25 date stems from misunderstandings or misinformation, often based on secondary sources or assumptions. The speaker emphasizes that thorough research into early Christian texts reveals that Christmas on December 25 has historical Christian origins.

How does the speaker address the argument that the exact date of Jesus' birth is unimportant?

The speaker criticizes this view, claiming that dismissing the historical accuracy of the date weakens the importance of the event. They argue that understanding the historical context and foundations of the Christmas celebration is crucial to preserving the integrity of the tradition.

How does the speaker view the role of the Catholic Church in shaping Christmas traditions?

The speaker views the Catholic Church as having a central role in shaping Christmas traditions, but stresses that early Christian church practices, including those of the Eastern Orthodox and Coptic traditions, also contributed significantly to how Christmas was celebrated.