... In the beginning, many of the earth's inhabitants were sun worshippers because the course of their lives depended on its yearly round in the heavens, and feasts were held to aid its return from distant wanderings.
In the south of Europe, in Egypt and Persia, the sun-gods were worshipped with elaborate ceremonies at the season of the winter solstice, as a fitting time to pay tribute to the benign god of plenty, while in Rome the Saturnalia reigned for a week. In northern lands mid-December was a critical time, for the days became shorter and shorter and the sun was weak and far away, so these ancient peoples held feasts at identically the period that Christmas is now observed; they built great bonfires in order to give the winter sun-god strength, and to bring him back to life again.
When it became apparent that the days were growing longer, there was great rejoicing because of the promise of lengthening days to follow. Thus the central idea of the winter solstice - the return of light - became the hope of the world in the birth of Christ, the light of the world." [Encyclopedia Britannica]
Clear historical explanation of an awakening world to the glad tidings of Life Forever, not from the sun but from the Son of God!
"As Christianity spread among the peoples of pagan lands many of the practices of the winter solstice were blended with those of Christianity because of the liberal ruling of Gregory I, the Great, and the co-operation of the missionaries. It is generally believed that the first Christmas tree was of German origin, dating from Boniface, English missionary to Germany in the 8th century, who replaced the sacrifices to Odin's sacred oak by a fir tree adorned in tribute to the Christ child. Accounts persist that Luther (Lutheran Church) introduced the tree lighted with candles. It is known that the German prince Albert, soon after his marriage to Queen Victoria introduced it into England, and that German immigrants brought it to America." [Encyclopedia Britannica 1950.]
In World War 1 history records German and English troops on the battlefield, in the midst of death throws against each other, sang Christmas carols, exchanged gifts and grasped after the angelic Christmas declaration ... "Peace on Earth and good will toward men" 
[Luke 2:14.]
What a wonder is the soul and spirit of man in desperate times to turn to God's answer of grace and peace! Are things less desperate today? War, hatred and death is filling the World! Only 11 countries in the world are free today from some serious and painful conflict! War, incitement for terrorism, "lone wolf" beheadings on a global scale was unthinkable a few years ago. Man has reached a Zenith of Evil development and trouble that cannot be remedied! Jesus predicted such would come upon the world. Luke 21:25 "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring." There is a wonderful remedy, that no matter if the world were to burst into flames you can have peace right to the end of the world and into Eternity! Acts 4:12 "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name (Jesus Christ) under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Peter said to Jesus on one occassion .....
"Lord, to whom shall we go, you have the words of Eternal Life." [John 6:68.]
** What about Santa Clause?? *
The historical origin of Santa Claus, (father Christmas, Kris Kringle etc) is the person of Saint Nicholas, a fourth century Greek Church bishop and gift-giver of Myra, who became renowned and rose to popularity and high esteem for his generosity to children and his custom of giving them gifts at Christmas time. When Diocletian began the persecution of Christians in Myra (Turkey) Bishop Nicholas was thrown in prison. Other biographers write that he fiercely defended the absolute divinity of Christ.
SO, GUESS WHAT?
The Historical foundation of Santa Claus is .....
..... Christ the Saviour of the World!
AND
the giving of gifts at Christmas time is the celebration and representation of - "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift" Who is ..... The Lord Jesus Christ for you and me! [2 Cor. 9:15]
Dear reader, you are pondering the most Precious and exciting, and fantastic real testimony about Christmas that the World knows very little about; and yet a glorious truth that you can receive with a glad heart. The truth of God's grace is, that he loves you in spite of anything and everything, and has given you the greatest Gift! This Gift of God at Christmas time was and is the Gift we cannot do without! There was only one reality given to us all at birth, and that was, whatever gifts we may receive in life and at Christmas times, Death 
will eventually take it ALL!
But ... "In the fullness of time God sent forth his son, made of a woman, made under the law, to Redeem them that were under the law ..." [Galatians 4:5.] The law points the finger of judgment, to condemnation of Death for sin and offences against the commandments of God. BUT Christ went into the hock of death to Redeem, and get us out!
... "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." [John 3:16.] Is not such truth and such love for you and me the true Wonder of Christmas!! So simple! You can do that; Just Believe in Jesus as your sin bearer, taking your death on the cross and rising again with grave conquering power to give you the gift of Eternal Life through him! The only one with the power of Heaven who has done it all for you! Come to Jesus today.
The Bible declares - "And this is the record, that God has given to us Eternal Life and This Life is in His Son, He who has the Son has Life, he who has not the Son of God, has not Life." [1 John 5:9-12.] Start the path of JOY!
* Don't hesitate to Pray .... "Lord Jesus I understand there is no one else that has paid for my sin and taken my death to give me Eternal Life and I now come to you to receive you as my Saviour, Lord and Friend and thank you for such Love."
The Lord BLESS. He does the VERY BEST!
Believing - Conversion Pending
Grant and Anne.
