by Tim | May 1, 2014 | Holiday
Origins of Groundhog Day Bible Study Supplement – US History Study Groundhog day is certainly not a holiday that many celebrate. Yet every year there is an event that takes place in Punxsutawney, PA. This has been going on since 1886. According to groundhog.org, the official website of the event, “if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring.” This site admits that the origins of this event are from the Catholic Candlemas. So just what are the origins of Candlemas? This study will take a brief look into the origins of Groundhog Day. A Historical Look “From a very early, indeed unknown date in the Christian history, the 2nd of February has been held as the festival of the Purification of the Virgin, and it is still a holiday of the Church of England.”1 The popular name of Candlemas is derived from the ceremony which the Church of Rome dictates to be observed on this day; namely, a blessing of candles by the clergy…”2 “At Rome, the Pope every year officiates at this festival in the beautiful chapel of the Quirinal. When he has blessed the candles, he distributes them with his own hand amongst those in the church…The cardinals go first; then follow the bishops, canons, priors, abbots, priests, down to the sacristans and meanest officers of the church”3 “It appears that in England, in Catholic times, a meaning was attached to the size of the candles and the manner in which they burned...
by Tim | May 1, 2014 | Holiday
Origins of Christ ‘mass’ Bible Study — The Christ ‘mass’ Tree Holiday (Holy Day) Originally, a religious anniversary; now, a day set apart for exemption from labor or for a formal or informal celebration. Webster’s University Dictionary Unabridged, 1942 As with the origins of most all religiously celebrated ‘Christian’ holy days there are often different historical backgrounds to traditions that often were mixed with various cultures to form what is now known. Pagan nations often kept many of their pagan traditions and ‘christianized’ them while the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) heavily participated in continuing a good majority of such traditions while giving so-called Christian themes to them. This bible study is going to take an in-depth look at the origin of the “christmas tree”. Every year people all over the world purchase a tree, decorate it with lights and often an angel on top, and display this tree as the centerpiece of their living room. What exactly does a tree have to do with the birth of Jesus? One origin of the tree was ‘an early Roman ritual…to exchange green tree branches on January 1. They believed this would bring them good luck.’1 Another were the Scandinavian’s who worshipped evergreen trees. ‘They believed god-like spirits inhabited them so people brought trees into their homes to please the spirits and seek their blessing.’2 The tree entered America through the German immigrants. The popular origin of the “christmas tree” stems from a German, Martin Luther (1483-1546). ‘One clear, brisk Christmas Eve, Martin Luther was walking home under the star-studded sky. It was so wonderful. As...
by Tim | Apr 20, 2014 | Holiday
Origins of Christ ‘mass’ Bible Study – Customs, Rituals, Traditions and Origins The bible study supplement is going to look into the common customs, rituals and traditions that are associated with the Christ ‘mass’ holiday (holy day). Last year we focused on the origins of the pagan tree that adorns homes all over America and must of the world every winter solstice celebration. This study will be utilizing several sources both that are from historical books as well as available on the internet. A Savior is born… “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11 Yes indeed! Our Savior was born and He fulfilled prophecy, He was born in Bethlehem (Matt. 2:1) and His life, God’s gift to mankind made our Salvation possible. His death on the cross paid the penalties for our sin. He is the hope of every Christian. “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 Should Christians celebrate Jesus’s birthday? The question must be presented, why do we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on a specific day? Should His birth, life, death and Resurrection not be celebrated every day in a Christian’s life? Are birthdays celebrated in the bible? “And it came to pass on the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, that he made a feast for all his servants; and he lifted up the head of the chief...
