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Relztrah said:

I was merely curious about the historical background of the Christmas celebration and the date in particular.

Though the exact date of Christ's birth is unknown, Theologians unanimously agree that it was probably not the day Christians observe it (December 25th). Because Zacharias (father of John the baptist, husband of Elizabeth) was of the division of Abijah, and considering John's birth in relationship to Jesus', most learned Theologians place the birth of Christ somewhere between September and October. The first records of anyone noting December 25 as the birth date of Jesus is in a Roman calendar dated 336 A.D. By this time Christianity was beginning to grow steadily, and By the end of the century it had become the official religion of the Roman Empire.

All Christian churches except the Armenian Church observe the birth of Christ on December 25 now. The Armenians follow the old Eastern custom of honoring Christ's birth on January 6, the day of the Epiphany, commemorating in the West chiefly the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus, and in the East, Christ's baptism. Some churches hold the most elaborate festivals on January 6, and in parts of the Unitied States this date has been celebrated as "Old Christmas" or "Little Christmas."


Wes

When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride. - Isaac Watts