That's not its true meaning.

So Acosmist, what is the original meaning if not the winter solstice?

Exactly. Why do you think that all major religions celebrate at the same time. Do you think it's a coincidence that "Jesus" was born on the 25th? This day is significant because this is the day that the sun begins to rise. From this day onward the light of the sun increases and the days grow longer. This is why mankind celebrated this day for thousands of years before the supposed birth of a "God" named Jesus and why the "Church" chose this day as his birthday.

It's the same reason Easter is always after the first full moon of spring too. Christianity stole all the holidays and put Christian themes on them. It was a spiritual rape. First they killed anyone who didn't agree with them and then they stole their enemies hollidays.

But I still love Santa Clause. Jesus? Not so much. Fish anyone?

Hey C-K this live game seems right for you
http://webdiplomacy.net/board.php?gameID=17495

Jesus wasn't born on the 25th. he was born in the spring. the church chose this date because when the pagans wouldn't stop there solstice feast. so the church meaning the catholic church of many many years ago decided to make the 25th of december a day to celebrate the birth of Jesus. and now everyone thinks that Jesus was born on christmas.

i'm not trying to pick a fight but that is really the reason why christmas is on the 25.

sorry left out a part there. the church decided to try and combine them so that everyone could be happy.

and no matter who you are this should be a time of friendship and peace. but when has that ever happened?

The days grow longer and the light of the sun increases after the 21st of December.
Even if the exact date is based on an old non-religious celebration, doesn't make its meaning less valid.

I agree dave bishop. sorry if i made it sound like i was bashing the meaning.

Dave you up for a live game?

Or alkilies?

Wait a sec... is it not christmas for you guys yet?
For me, Christmas has begun!

It's still Christmas Eve for me here: 24th of December 2009 8:32 p.m......

You can't stand the Pope? What's the Pope done that's so awful?

I always thought Christmas was when it was because the Annunciation was a more important Feast in the early Church and Christmas is nine months later. Jews didn't celebrate birthdays so the very first Christians would have ignored our Christmas, but later pagan converts did care and celebrated it when it would have happened relative to the Feast of the Annunciation. At least that's what my priest likes to tell us EVERY year at Christmas Mass...

Doesn't Lucifer mean the one that carries the light?
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7b/Sigil_of_Lucifer.svg/110px-Sigil_of_Lucifer.svg.png