Did You Know??

Christmas Tidbits

Published on December 22, 2005 By HC1240 In Misc

I've been running across miscellaneous Christmas trivia today, and thought some of it was really kinda cool. A couple of these little known facts were things I hadn't heard before, and some I did know, but figured that many might NOT know... so this thread is meant to be a collection of little known Christmas facts. I'll list mine... feel free to share yours

Did you know....

That "Bethlehem" means "House of Bread"? What an appropriate name for the birthplace of the One who referred to Himself as the "Bread of Life" (John 6:35).

That Jesus' Messianic line actually began in Bethlehem with Ruth and Boaz, some 1100 years before the birth of Christ?

What if there had been a room for Mary and Joseph in the Inn? We would have no manger scene... what would Christmas be without the manger scene? And isn't it fitting that the "Lamb of God" be born in a stable (or shepherding cave, whichever view you hold to) among the animals?

That Jesus was about three years old before the Magi came to Him? And that Scripture never actually says how many Wise Men there were?

That the three gifts the Magi brought to Christ each represent different facets of His life? Gold signified His Kingship. Frankincense was a spice used in priestly duties and signifies His role as our High Priest. Myrhh is an embalming agent that pointed forward to the fact that He would die as a sacrifice for the sins of the world.

So what else? I know there's more... c'mon. Share ya knowledge!

Comments (Page 1)

shadesofgrey

on Dec 22, 2005

Cool facts...Here's the only one I can come up with...

Did you know that the "manger" that Christ was born in is more like a cave? There is now a church over it in Bethlehem, but it definitely reminded me more of a cave than a manger--kind of a hole dug out of rock. It's pretty awe inspiring nonetheless. I highly recommend it to anyone visiting that region.

KarmaGirl

on Dec 22, 2005

The word Christmas actually comes from "Cristes Maesse", which means "Mass of Christ", or the "death sacrifice of Christ". (Mass is a roman catholic word that means "death").

So, Christmas is really about Christ's death, not birth. "Merry Christmas" really doesn't make much sense in that context.....

HC1240

on Dec 22, 2005

There is now a church over it in Bethlehem, but it definitely reminded me more of a cave than a manger--kind of a hole dug out of rock. It's pretty awe inspiring nonetheless. I highly recommend it to anyone visiting that region.

Hmm.. born in a cave hewn from rock... then He died and was buried in a tomb, hewn from rock... pretty cool

Some day I would love to go to Israel... wow.

The word Christmas actually comes from "Cristes Maesse", which means "Mass of Christ", or the "death sacrifice of Christ". (Mass is a roman catholic word that means "death").So, Christmas is really about Christ's death, not birth. "Merry Christmas" really doesn't make much sense in that context.....

I've never heard that before... thanks, Karma! Are you Catholic? I suppose that whether "Merry" makes sense or not depends on your perspective. As a Christian, my place in Heaven was secured with His death and resurrection... so in that respect, it IS something to celebrate. Still... kinda ironic, isn't it?

KarmaGirl

on Dec 22, 2005

Are you Catholic?

No..very not Catholic, or even Christian. But, religions fascinate me. I love to learn about the oddities of religions and traditions. I wrote an article last year about some of the traditions of Christmas: http://karmagirl.joeuser.com/index.asp?AID=36527

HC1240

on Dec 22, 2005

I wrote an article last year about some of the traditions of Christmas: http://karmagirl.joeuser.com/index.asp?AID=36527

Great article, Karma... I did know that most scholars believe Christ was born in the Spring... but I had read that the Catholic church declared December 25th as Christmas not so much to absorb the pagan rituals, but to rival them. Maybe like redeeming something? Interesting stuff. Thanks for sharing!

Dr Guy

on Dec 22, 2005

I've never heard that before... thanks, Karma! Are you Catholic?

I love non-Catholics who know more about Catholicism than I do!

ParaTed2k

on Dec 22, 2005

We can learn a lot be actually reading the Bible instead of relying solely on children's stories, can't we!!! ;~D

Thanks for the reminder!

HC1240

on Dec 22, 2005

I love non-Catholics who know more about Catholicism than I do!

... well I don't qualify for that category. Will ya love me anyway?

Dr Guy

on Dec 22, 2005

... well I don't qualify for that category. Will ya love me anyway?

Always! And respect you even more!

HC1240

on Dec 23, 2005

Always! And respect you even more!

Nice to know

Now about your TP article... hehe.

Dr Guy

on Dec 23, 2005

Nice to know Now about your TP article... hehe.

I am sorry! I had to! I heard about it first on Paul Harvey, and I could not resist!

HC1240

on Dec 23, 2005

I heard about it first on Paul Harvey, and I could not resist!

And now we know... the REST of the story!

Dr Guy

on Dec 23, 2005

And now we know... the REST of the story!

Do you think he will sue? For trademark infringement?

HC1240

on Dec 23, 2005

Do you think he will sue? For trademark infringement?

Sure hope not!

.

I used to LOVE listening to him. My dad (a teacher) would drive me to school and we'd listen to Paul Harvey each morning. He was GREAT! Haven't heard him in years. Memories.

Tova7

on Dec 23, 2005

Great article HC.

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