Collection from Fr. Tony Kadavil and Others
1) Origin of the
Christmas celebration: Many scholars believe that Christmas
came to be placed on December 25th in order to counteract a pagan
celebration called the Birth of the
Unconquered Sun, a feast established
by the Roman Emperor, Aurelian, in AD 274.
Since December 25th was around the date of the winter
solstice (the year’s shortest day, after which the days begin to lengthen again
showing the victory of the sun over darkness), it was chosen as the date of
rejoicing. When Christianity was
approved as the official religion of the Roman Empire, the Church chose this
day to celebrate the birth of the true Sun
– the Son of God Who conquers the power of darkness.