General Chat

Not as cold as here, but still cold. Up until very recently shepherds still lived a normadic lifestyle and lived outdoors in different seasons (some still probably do), so we know from this. Also remember that Palestine is still in the Northern Hemesphere, and deserts do get very cold at night (lack of cloud cover etc, etc). The calendar has changed, but the year was always generally the same length (give or take one year when quite a few days where chopped off, and we added leap days). One difference however is that New Years was moved a few months back to January. I think that is the reason we have "dec"ember etc, rather than having 10 longer months (I could be wrong about the ten months of course, but I think that they "dec" comes from it being the tenth month, but not necessarily the last month). I must admit, I love history and am no expert but find the whole thing absolutely fascinating.

Hi Greg Re the birth of Jesus: it is usually cold here in December, but what is the temperature like in Palestine? Kev

I am by no means a church going person, but I do beleive in good rather than bad, and treat others as you would wish them to treat you, as for christmas day, it has been said many times that it is not the correct date for the birth of Jesus, I heard some where that as 2 extra months were added to the calender, many moons ago their were only 10 months in the year, so the date of christs birth was changed. But what ever you beleive I hope you are happy with your life as a whole. :))) Bev

Agnostic or athiest? That is actually a very difficult question. I would say I am an atheist because there is no god that I believe in, however that doesn't mean that there is not a "believable" god that I just don't know about.. If that makes any sense. I would have to look at balance of probabilities though and say that is none of the thousands of gods that we come across in our lives are believable, what is the chance that there will be one that is plausible? To me the answer is so close to being 0, that it might as well be, so I would call myself an atheist.

I wonder how many that call themselves Atheists are actually Agnostic? If this thread wasn't at the top, it isn't one i would have ressurected as i don't have an opionon on the subject. I just wonder. Jess

To all of you. I am a athiest and I celebrate Christmas, one as the children believe in Santa. One thing I must say is it is hard for us to call it Winterfest as it is summer here in Western Australia. It is great to see what other people like to talk about. Regards Trudy

6th January is Epiphany. In some countries there are Three Kings processions on 6th January. We have been in Benidorm at that time of year and really enjoyed the procession. :) Joy

Is 6th Jan Three Kings day?

Just a question why is 6th january called old christmas day? although its a question from a humanist I have often wondered why it was changed, but then the calendar has been changed many times hasn't it? Pat x

Thanks Greg and Paul - wasn't challenging it just interested - so is it mostly supposition based on likelihood?

Sorry, to be more specific, Dec is very cold to be in the fields in winter, and shepherds "watched the flocks" generally during lambing season....

David, I think it's pretty well documented that the date was picked out for other reasons... I dont know the details, but I do recall reding it (sorry, not very helpful I know !)

Winter sleeping patterns and sheep!

Sorry Greg but I'm in complete ignorance - how do we know Jesus wasn't born at Christmas?

We clearly know that christ wasn't born on 25th Dec (or in Dec). This was a holiday long before christianity came to the forefront. We should all just celebrate it together as a holiday.. Talking of which, I wonder if since the Jews, Christians, and Islamic's worship the same god, they go to the same heaven.. And if so, if they fight as much up there?

To me, Christmas is *still* based on celebrating and commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. in friendship, Joy

what does it matter who does what??..if you enjoy it go for it whatever you wish to call it..it if we all thought the samethoughts and followed the same beliefs it'd be a bit boring would it not??

maggie its a free country x

I'm sure many non-christians clelebrate Christian Festivals, the same way many many Catholics set off, or go to watch, fireworks on November 5th - purely to have a good time LOL Although I have to admit I had my December bash on 21st last year (pure logistics - but I preferred it LOL) maggie

Hi Andy, Just dropped by for a nose, and I should either gan to bed or go to Specsavers, when I read your title I thought it said Do Athletes celebrate Christmas? Goodnight and God bless, it's been a long day. Best wishes from Diane..................