Christmas = Pagan?

I mentioned yesterday that their was significance to the date chosen to remember the birth of Christ.

Like many dates on the church calendar, this date was originally attached with pagan festivals, celebrating the lengthening of the days (the Winter solstice being a few days prior to December 25th).

It wasn't an uncommon occurrence for the church to give an already established time of celebration new meaning, making the transition simpler for all.

The connections that many of the traditions of Christmas to previous practices do not transform what they point towards today.