Advent was always meant to be a solemn time of penance and recollection similar to lent. The Church in the past forbid all turbulet amusements, weddings, dancing and concerts. The traditional religious orders still practice this in order to be pure for the Lord’s first coming.
I personally hate the pre Christmas festivities - it just feels wrong to celebrate early.
Liturgically Christmas is correct to be celebrated on December 25th, or the winter solstice.
John 8:12 - I am the light of the world.
Isaiah 9:2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light. To them that dwell in the region of the shadow of death, a great light is risen.
Revelation 22:5 And night shall be no more; they need no light of lamp or sun,for the Lord God shall be their light, and they shall reign for ever and ever.
Of course Jesus the light of the world is born on the darkest and longest night.
ALSO:
Luke 1:5-13 - Zechariah (a Jewish priest) was in the Holy of Holies, the Day of Atonement when he learned that John the Baptist would be born. The day of Atonement occurs at the vernal equinox, and John the Baptist was born nine months later on the summer solstice. John decreases (the light and days shorten)his influence, preaching etc., to make way for Christ who increases - the light and days lengthen after the winter solstice. Elizabeth was 6 months pregnant (Luke 1:36) at the time of the annunciation to Mary by the angel Gabriel, which puts Jesus conception at the vernal equinox - March 25th, 9 months before the birth of Christ.
As far as the sheep in Bethlehem, to this day in Isreal shepherds are seen with their sheep any month of the year looking for winter pasture; winter pasture is to be found in the eastern hills of Bethlehem. Sheepfolds are still located there. The rainy season is ending by the end of December.
Jesus would never have been born during a Jewish feast because he is the new wine and Christianity replaces Judaism.
So we can all be at peace that Christmas truly does take place on the longest night when we welcome the light of the world.
sorry for misspellings and long post - turbulent, Israel -
No, it is not.
John 8:12 - I am the light of the world.
Words spoken at Hanukkah, not at the pagan solstice.
Of course Jesus the light of the world is born on the darkest and longest night.
Don't be silly. That shtick comes right out of Paganism and Mystery religions.
Luke 1:5-13 - Zechariah (a Jewish priest) was in the Holy of Holies, the Day of Atonement when he learned that John the Baptist would be born. The day of Atonement occurs at the vernal equinox, and John the Baptist was born nine months later on the summer solstice. John decreases (the light and days shorten)his influence, preaching etc., to make way for Christ who increases - the light and days lengthen after the winter solstice. Elizabeth was 6 months pregnant (Luke 1:36) at the time of the annunciation to Mary by the angel Gabriel, which puts Jesus conception at the vernal equinox - March 25th, 9 months before the birth of Christ.
You may want to reevaluate - No Holy Day has anything to do with solar timing at all. They are governed by the moon... One can determine the conception of John by the completion of Zechariah's course of service - John was very likely born on Passover (fulfilling the 'Elijah' expectation at Passover), which puts Yeshua's conception at Hanukkah, and His birth on Sukkot. One cannot confirm that perfectly, but that's where the numbers work, and it is natural to assume the purpose of the Holy Days that line up therewith prophetically, and according to the Scriptures...
As far as the sheep in Bethlehem, to this day in Israel shepherds are seen with their sheep any month of the year looking for winter pasture; winter pasture is to be found in the eastern hills of Bethlehem. Sheepfolds are still located there. The rainy season is ending by the end of December.
Too bad that doesn't matter, as the birth occurred well before that (albeit that I deny the premise anyway). And it makes a whole lot more sense that Caesar would conduct his survey in conjunction with one of the Holy Days that required Temple attendance. It was Sukkot, and He was born in a Sukkah...
Jesus would never have been born during a Jewish feast because he is the new wine and Christianity replaces Judaism.
They are not 'Jewish' Feasts. They are the Feasts of YHWH, and their purpose was ordained at the Creation (see moedim). The purpose of those days are precisely to herald the things of YHWH. It is what they are *FOR*. It is an absurdity to assume that the Messiah and GREAT Prophet, whom all of Israel was to listen to would be concerned with any other days. A further absurdity is to consider that YHWH would have anything at all to do with the 'birthday' of all his enemies (Nimrod, Baal, Marduk, Osirus, Zeus, Apollo, etc.) A simple and honest look at the remarkable precision with which Yeshua fulfilled the spring Feasts should leave very little doubt as to the same purposeful fulfillment for the fall feasts. A further study of fulfillment on those very days through history will lend even more credence. Track the 9th of Av as an easy beginning...