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Christmas Tidbits

December 22, 2005 2:21:53 PM from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
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!
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Reply #1 December 22, 2005 2:50:43 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
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.
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Reply #2 December 22, 2005 3:00:23 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums

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.....

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Reply #3 December 22, 2005 3:13:26 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
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?
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Reply #4 December 22, 2005 3:34:14 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums

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

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Reply #5 December 22, 2005 4:17:37 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
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!
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Reply #6 December 22, 2005 4:52:09 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums

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

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

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Reply #7 December 22, 2005 5:12:39 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
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!
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Reply #8 December 22, 2005 6:53:25 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
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?


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Reply #9 December 22, 2005 7:10:56 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums

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

Always!  And respect you even more!

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Reply #10 December 23, 2005 1:18:15 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
Always! And respect you even more!

Nice to know Now about your TP article... hehe.
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Reply #11 December 23, 2005 1:31:23 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums

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!

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Reply #12 December 23, 2005 1:44:16 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
I heard about it first on Paul Harvey, and I could not resist!

And now we know... the REST of the story!
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Reply #13 December 23, 2005 1:52:16 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums

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

Do you think he will sue?  For trademark infringement?

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Reply #14 December 23, 2005 3:09:58 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
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.
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Reply #15 December 23, 2005 3:48:41 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
Great article HC.
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Reply #16 December 23, 2005 3:53:02 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
Great article HC.

Thanks, Tova! Glad you enjoyed it!
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Reply #17 December 23, 2005 8:23:02 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
ok got one for you Heather.....did you know this?

In the KJV of John 3:16 it's translated "Only begotten son." Well most think of this as having something to do with his birh and/or his incarnation from Mary.

But I was reading this week from a guy whose area of expertise is in Greek Grammer. He said that's not what the word in Greek means. It means "unique one" and was used in the first century as "unique and beloved."

So it's simply saying "beloved and unique" son rather than begotten or created son (which some believe using this KJV version). The NIV translates it as "one and only son." which is the better translation......yes even tho I have the KJV............
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Reply #18 December 23, 2005 10:28:14 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
But I was reading this week from a guy whose area of expertise is in Greek Grammer. He said that's not what the word in Greek means. It means "unique one" and was used in the first century as "unique and beloved." So it's simply saying "beloved and unique" son rather than begotten or created son (which some believe using this KJV version). The NIV translates it as "one and only son." which is the better translation......yes even tho I have the KJV............

I had read this somewhere before, yes.... and if I had a nickle for everytime I've heard a pastor say "The NIV actually interprets this verse more closely to the original language..." I'd be a semi-wealthy woman *rofl*
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Reply #19 December 24, 2005 11:07:26 AM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
Well he's said it the other way around also don't forget!!!!! So it's six....half dozen of the other in my estimation.

SO THERE!!!! ..............

Hey do you want to go to the movies on New Years? Pride and Prejudice is what Ruby and I want to see. Wanna come?
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Reply #20 December 24, 2005 2:21:34 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
Well he's said it the other way around also don't forget!!!!! So it's six....half dozen of the other in my estimation.

... yes it is. Couldn't resist. Personally, I'd rather go to the Greek and Hebrew and come up with my OWN words for it based on the original language. Hmm... I could call it the Bellissima Standard... oh wait... don't think I like those initials! *rollin*


That might work. Marilyn had asked about the drama team getting together, but I don't think Joel will be up to it. I wanted to see that movie too. Let me see how Joel's feeling by then. Surgery is Wednesday... but recovery's supposed to be a bear, so time will tell. If he's still not doing well I'll probably stay home and play nurse. We'll see. Thanks for the invite!
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