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The Plain Truth About

Christmas!

Where did the world get Christmas? ... from the Bible, or
paganism? Here are the astonishing facts which may shock
you! Test yourself. How much do you know of the origin
of the Christmas tree -- of "Santa Claus" -- of the mistletoe
-- of the holly wreath -- of the custom of exchanging gifts?

Herbert W. Armstrong

WHEN I was a very little boy, I was taught to hang up my stockings on Christmas eve.
When I awakened the next morning, they were filled with small toys and sacks or little boxes of
candy and nuts. And beside the mantle, from which my stockings hung, a Christmas tree had sud-
denly appeared, decorated with shiny tinsel. And on it hung presents. Other presents for us chil-
dren were piled on the floor underneath. I was told Santa Claus had come down the chimney
during the night and left all these things.

But did I question what my parents had told me? Of course not. I accepted it -- took it all
for granted. Didn't you?

Stop and think a moment! Very few have ever reflected on why they believe what they do --
why they follow the customs they do, or from where those customs came. We were born into a
world filled with customs. We grew up accepting them without question.

Why? Sheep instinct? Well, not exactly.

But by nature we do tend to follow the crowd, whether right or wrong. Sheep follow others
to the slaughter. Humans ought to check up where they are going.

How -- when did Christmas originate?

Does Christmas really celebrate the birthday of Christ? Was Jesus born on December
25th?

Did the original apostles, who knew Jesus personally and were taught by Him, celebrate
His birthday on December 25th? Did they celebrate it at all?

If Christmas is the chief of the Christian holidays, why do so many non-Christians observe
it? Do you know?

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