Paganification of Christmas 

It’s been 2024 years since the world began celebrating the birth of Christ. To some, the significance of commemorating the birth of a religious figure might seem puzzling, especially when compared to other birthdays. This could lead to the assumption that celebrating the birthdays of these historical figures holds little importance. That was my perspective, too—feeling weary of the omnipresent cross symbols and obligatory family celebrations without grasping the profound meaning behind the holiday.

A frame of reference becomes vital in appreciating anything; it often involves finding the polar opposite to understand its potency fully. Consider if the color black ceased to exist; white would lose its contrast and appear merely sterile. If men didn't exist, the essence of womanhood would be redefined. Each comparison defines its counterpart.

In the case of Christmas, a similar principle applies. Understanding the significance of Christ's birth requires acknowledging what life was like before His arrival. His presence redefined existence, providing context and depth to the celebration of Christmas.

The myths, gods, and rulers that once dominated society form a starting point, particularly in understanding how they governed the world, especially in our perception of divine figures and kings. Demonstrating loyalty often involved sacrificing animals or even humans. These kingdoms operated under rigid hierarchies and castes that disregarded the dignity of human life beyond certain levels. It was a functional yet brutal hierarchical society where Darwin's principle of "survival of the fittest" was amplified. Questioning authority was unimaginable, and societal rigidity led to its downfall, coupled with the widespread acceptance and even encouragement of slavery.

One of the most troubling aspects of life before Christ was the prevalence of hierarchy, degeneracy, and the glorification of lust within society. Artifacts, myths, and ancient remnants frequently depict nude figures, often revering these representations. The civilization's closeness to collapse is mirrored in the worship of lust. When the pursuit of a mate doesn't demand hard work and dedication, society loses its motivation to strive. Instant and easily accessible gratification weakens the fabric of society. Institutions that once upheld us begin to falter, and the necessity to improve ourselves diminishes. We transform into complacent beings, spiraling endlessly into intoxication, such as alcohol, and indulging in orgies. Our collective efforts are directed towards enhancing pleasure, leading to a heightened tolerance for these indulgences.

Throughout history, various transformative figures have emerged, but none have matched the profound impact of Christ on the world. Arguments about his appearance, existence, or similarities to preceding religious figures like Zoroaster, Horus, or Dionysus persist. However, Christ's role as a merciful king rendered him a controversial figure during his time. His teachings of love and forgiveness set him apart from other gods and rulers, challenging the assumption that forgiveness equates to weakness.

Jesus introduced the concept of the upside-down kingdom (Its not Satanism, I promise), fundamentally disrupting established systems. What kind of king humbles himself to wash a servant's feet? What innocent man pleads for forgiveness for those deserving punishment? How can someone possess such boundless love for everyone, transcending hierarchies, castes, and races? These teachings of Jesus conveyed the idea that individuals could choose their faith and that anyone, regardless of background, could join the kingdom. This perspective, rooted in Jesus's teachings and those of his disciples, emphasizes inclusion and love, distinct from later actions by individuals who misused his name for their selfish deeds or conflicts.

Partly because of comprehending these profound significances, I wholeheartedly embrace Christmas once more—not merely as the celebration of a historical figure but for the symbolic impact on our lives. Although his teachings persist, their prevalence has diminished. In the Western world, what was intended as the commemoration of Christ's birth has evolved into a commercialized, almost pagan festivity. Christ's name scarcely appears in advertisements or products; instead, Santa Claus has supplanted Jesus. Additionally, numerous ancient Norse symbols, far removed from the Middle Eastern origins of Christmas, such as snow, reindeers, pine trees, elves, and mistletoe, have been woven into the celebration. Yet, the most troubling aspect isn't these alterations but the transformation of this season into a frenzy of consumerism. It has become a time to shop—an obsession with material possessions and money, driven by stress over deals and discounts. Something Jesus fought against when he chased off the merchants who sold and bought in the temple.

"Has thou forgotten?" echoes through my thoughts when witnessing these disputes. Have we truly distorted the essence of Christmas to this extent? Why invest such effort in replacing a holiday when there are entire vacant months awaiting significance? Regrettably, it's not solely Christmas that has slipped from our grasp; it's the forgotten lessons preceding Christ and the repetitive course of civilization we seem to follow.

Will history record that Ancient Rome's downfall stemmed from moral decay? Will it detail how the empire succumbed to Barbarians because men lacked strength and fixated on indulgence and lust? Or how corruption, the worship of wealth, and rigid hierarchies led to its collapse? I doubt it will, for we seem unwilling to acknowledge our repetition of history. We now have ways to distract ourselves with instant gratification through social media, free access to porn, and a fervent obsession with wealth, alongside ideological extremities in every corner like the black pill, red pill, yasss queen culture, religious extremism and countless ideologies ending with “-ism”. Yet, acknowledging these parallels with history appears to elude us.

Quoting Graham Hancock's words, "We are creatures of Amnesia." It's true; we tend to conveniently forget crucial aspects, especially those we attempt to hide from ourselves. Yet, I'm not entirely pessimistic about our circumstances.

Despite Christmas undergoing alterations, its essence of giving remains. The teachings of Jesus persist through the efforts of preachers and priests (flawed as they may be), and the breathtaking beauty of churches crafted by remarkable architects and artists from the past continues to evoke wonder in us.

In one of Jesus's teachings, he speaks of the kingdom of heaven always being open to those who repent and follow his path. This signifies that all is not lost, and our free will remains pivotal. The choice of shaping our destiny is still within our grasp.