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MERRY CHRISTMAS 2024!
In This Issue
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~ Christmas & Holiday Edition ~
from The Atlanta Christian Web
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ORIGINS of Your Favorite CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS
Newly Expanded – The stories behind
20 of your favorite holiday traditions.
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When was the first Christmas card sent? Why do we decorate trees? The origins of our favorite Christmas traditions have evolved over decades and even centuries.
The Christmas season is far more rich in festivities and rituals than any other time of year. And every family celebrates differently.
There are lots of Christmas traditions that are practiced by a number of countries all over the world during the holiday season. These traditions can be as diverse as the culture and religious practices of each and every country in the world.
Here, we take a look at the origins of some of the most popular traditions, especially in America…
~ Christmas Cards ~
The custom of sending Christmas cards started in Victorian England. Earlier, some adults had written Christmas letters. But letters took time to write; and people wanting to share season's greetings with many others had a daunting task.
In 1843, British businessman Sir Henry Cole asked artist John Calcott Horsley to print some Christmas cards. (See an image of that card above) One thousand cards were printed in black and white and then colored by hand. The cards, which depicted a happy family raising a toast to the recipient, were criticized for promoting drunkenness. They sold them for the equivalent of a nickel today.
~ The Christmas Tree ~
In 16th-century Germany, fir trees were decorated, both indoors and out, with apples, roses, gilded candies, and colored paper. The first reference of a fir tree decorated for Christmas is at Riga in Latvia in 1510. In 1521, the Princess Helene de Mecklembourg introduced the Christmas tree to Paris after marrying the Duke of Orleans. There also is a printed reference to Christmas trees in Germany, dated 1531.
Another famous reference, to 1601, is about a visitor to Strasbourg, Germany (now part of France) who noticed a family decorating a tree with “wafers and golden sugar-twists (barley sugar) and paper flowers of all colors.”
Evergreens were used first in church plays at Christmas and hung with apples to symbolize a Paradise tree.
The Christmas tree was introduced to the United States by German settlers and by Hessian mercenaries paid to fight in the Revolutionary War.
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Metro Atlanta Christmas & Holiday Event Guide & Christian Concerts
Now - January 5
Stone Mountain Park Christmas
At Stone Mountain Park
Each day during Stone Mountain Christmas, you can enjoy park attractions and then as the sun sets, become immersed in holiday magic with evenings full of festive music, millions of dazzling lights, spectacular shows and visits from some of your favorite holiday characters! (800) 401-2407
https://stonemountainpark.com
Now - February 8
Sweetland On Ice
at Sweetland Amphitheatre,
110 Smith Street,
LaGrange, GA 30240,
During our winter season, Sweetland Amphitheatre hosts a covered 5,500 square foot open-air ice-skating rink. Bring your family & friends to enjoy the festive atmosphere, skating for all ages, a spectator section with heaters to enjoy the ice-skating action, and affordable concessions.(706) 883-2058
www.sweetlandamp.com
November 28 - December 3
Georgia Mountain Fair
Mountain Country Christmas
in Lights 2024
At Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, Hiawassee, GA
A holiday treat for the entire family along the shores of beautiful Lake Chatuge in the Northeast Georgia mountains. The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds will transform into a spectacular, magical holiday light show immersed in Christmas music, arts and crafts, food, fun, entertainment, photo opportunities, and a visit with Santa Claus!
Event runs 6pm-9pm Thursday, Friday, & Saturday from November 28 - December 7th. Open EVERY night December 12th - 23rd! (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
https://georgiamountainfairgrounds.com
November 29 - December 15
'Twas The Night Before Christmas
By Cirque Du Soleil
This joyful show about the virtues
of generosity and friendship promises to leave a lasting impression on families
this holiday season.
At The Fox Theatre
660 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Box Office: 855-285-8499
https://foxtheatre.evenue.net/
Click Here For All Upcoming Concerts and Links For More Information
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~ Holly and Ivy ~
One of the most popular Christmastime accoutrements, holly, has sharp edges, symbolic of the crown of thorns worn by Jesus at his crucifixion. The red berries represent blood.
The evergreen English holly (Ilex aquifolium), the common holly of Europe, cultivated also in North America, is closely associated with Christmas tradition and has become one of the most popular decorations.
In Scandinavia it is known as the Christ Thorn.
Ivy has to cling to something to support itself as t grows. This reminds us that we need to cling to God for support in our lives.
Click Here For The Rest Of The Story
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~ Christmas Tree
Lighting and Decorations ~
The Christmas tree originated in the upper Rhine region of Germany and quickly spread to other parts of the world. The tree was decorated with small candles, which lighted up the tree and also made a very pretty sight. This tradition of lighting up the tree with candles dates back to the middle of the seventeenth century. From Germany, it caught the fancy of East Europeans. Today, the whole world decorates Christmas trees with lights and other decorative items.
Earliest Christmas tree lights were tiny candles fixed to the tree branches with melted wax or pinned. Martin Luther (1483 – 1546) is said to be the first to have decorated a Christmas tree with candles to show children how the stars twinkled through the dark night.
~ Christmas Presents ~
One of the main reasons we have the custom of giving and receiving presents at Christmas, is to remind us of the presents given to Jesus by the Wise Men: Frankincense, Gold and Myrrh.
Frankincense was a perfume used in Jewish worship and, as a gift, it showed that people would worship Jesus. Gold was associated with Kings and Christians believe that Jesus is the King of Kings. Myrrh was a perfume that was put on dead bodies to make them smell nice and, as a gift, it showed that Jesus would suffer and die.
Christmas itself is really about a big present that God gave the world about 2000 years ago – Jesus! One of the most famous Bible verses, John 3:16, says: ‘God loved the world so much, that he gave his one and only Son, so that whoever believes in him may not be lost but have eternal life.’.
All over the world, families and friends give presents to each other. Most children around the world believe in a Christmas gift bringer. It’s often St. Nicholas, Santa Claus or Father Christmas. In Germany they believe that it is the Christkind, in Spain they believe it is the Wise Men and in Italy they believe it is an old lady called Befana.
These presents are also left in different places! In most of Europe, the presents are left in shoes or boots put out by the children. In Italy, the UK and the USA presents are left in stockings.
~Christmas Movies ~
Even though the Christmas holiday is celebrated around the world, by many diverse people groups and in various ways, there are some traditions that are uniquely American.
For instance, Americans tend to watch movies and special programs around the Christmas holiday time. These special shows provide a chance to relax and get in a holiday mood during what can be a stressful time of year.
Lately, The Hallmark Channel has shown nothing but Christmas films for the last three months of the year and actually has a Christmas in July promotion showing them non stop for a few weeks in summer. No thanks on that!
Some of the favorites include “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” Director Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “The Christmas Story,” “Home Alone,” “Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Frosty the Snowman,” "Christmas Vacation," "Shrek The Halls," “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas,” “Elf” and “A Miracle on 34th Street," to name just a few.
Other channels have gotten involved with Great American Family making a major investment with 18 new holiday films. Other channels like Lifetime, ION and UpTV also do several original Christmas movies.
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~ The Christmas Colors Of Red & Green ~
Red and green were first connected to a different holiday - the winter solstice, just like the Christmas tree. Hundreds of years ago, Celtic people thought holly plants were beautiful and brought good luck during the cold winter months.
So, they normally would decorate their homes with red and green plants to promote prosperity for the coming year.
The tradition was passed down through generations.
From a Christian perspective, many feel the colors, specifically holly wreaths are symbolic of Jesus' crown. The red berries signify His blood and the spiky holly leaves the crown of thorns.
Then, there's Coca-Cola. In 1931, the company hired Michigan artist Haddon Sundblom to make Santa Claus more personable for upcoming Christmas magazine ads. So, the previously smaller impish Santa was transformed into a jolly, bearded man decked in red and white to match Coke's color. The lettering throughout the ads were in green.
The ads showed Santa drinking Coke while he delivered presents surrounded by kids.
(If it were a Hallmark movie, he'd probably be drinking hot chocolate.)
The image caught on and became the one Americans thought of when the holidays rolled around.
Click Here For The Rest Of The Story
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SGN Scoops' Current Top
Southern Gospel Music Chart
#1 - Karen Peck & New River
"Be Ready"
(Single)
#2 - Peach Goldman
"Storms I Never See"
(from Where You Are)
#3 - The Erwins
"Red Words"
(from Life Story)
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Include Your Upcoming Christmas Activities in the Annual Atlanta Christian Web Christmas &
Holiday Events Guide
Click Here To See This Year's
Holiday Guide So Far.
New Events Being Added Daily
It appears on our website, www.AtlantaChristianWeb.com and in two more holiday-themed newsletters.
Call 770-596-6451 or email atlantachristian@comcast.net for details
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Radio host, best selling author
Dave Ramsey
How to Set Up Your Christmas Budget
Did you know Americans spent $886.7 billion on Christmas last year?1 That’s a lot of photo cards, personalized stockings, candy canes, Christmas music, Santa hats and sparkly ornaments. But unless you plan on skipping Christmas this year, you’ll find yourself a part of that $886.7 billion machine too.
Good news: You can enjoy the gift-giving season without any guilt-ridden overspending. How? Set up your Christmas budget, save up a Christmas fund—and then stick to your plans.
How to Make a Budget
In the classic Christmas movie Home Alone, Kevin McCallister makes a plan for how he’s going to tackle the intruders in his house—a little glue here, some glass ornaments there, and a couple swinging paint cans for good measure.
Click Here For The Full Story and More
on Our Dave Ramsey Financial Peace Page
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#1 - Jekalyn Carr
"You Carried Me"
(from Jekalyn)
#2 - Kenny Leiws & One Voice
Feat. Kim Burrell
"Call His Name"
(from The Healing Project)
#3 - Yolanda Adams
"Church Doors"
(from Sunny Days)
#4 - Otis Kemp
Feat. Lena Byrd Miles
"Everything"
(from Meet Me In Miami)
#5 - Kirk Franklin
"Try Love"
(from Father's Day)
Click Here For This Week's Top 25
Gospel Music Songs
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2024 Christmas Movies
November/
December TV Schedule
Click Here For The Full Schedule
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~ Christmas Candy Canes ~
The Christmas Candy Cane originated in Germany about 250 years ago. They started as straight white sugar sticks.
A story says that a choirmaster, in 1670, was worried about the children sitting quietly all through the long Christmas nativity service. So he gave them something to eat to keep them quiet! As he wanted to remind them of Christmas, he made them into a ‘J’ shape like a shepherds crook, to remind them of the shepherds that visited the baby Jesus at the first Christmas.
However, the earliest records of ‘candy canes’ come from over 200 years later, so the story, although rather nice, probably isn’t true!
The use of candy canes on Christmas trees made its way to America by the 1800s.
Sometime around 1900, the red stripes were added and they were flavored with peppermint or wintergreen.
Sometimes, other Christian meanings are given to the parts of the canes. The ‘J’ can also mean Jesus. The white of the cane can represent the purity of Jesus and the red stripes are for the blood He shed when He died on the cross. The peppermint flavor can represent the hyssop plant that was used for purifying in the Bible.
Around 1920, Bob McCormack, from Georgia, started making canes for his friends and family. They became more and more popular and he started his own business called Bob’s Candies. Bob McCormack’s brother-in-law, Gregory Harding Keller, who was a Catholic priest, invented the Keller Machine that made turning straight candy sticks into curved candy canes automatic! In 2005, Bob’s Candies was bought by Farley and Sathers but they still make candy canes!
Click Here For The Rest Of The Story
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~ Christmas Music ~
For many people, Christmas carols are synonymous with the holiday season and can invoke the spirit of Christmas in even the most Scrooge-like individuals.
Originally, carols were religious hymns written about the birth of Christ and the nativity. Beginning with St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226), carols were sung in church to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
The oldest printed collection of Christmas carols was published in 1521 by Englishman Jan van Wynkyn.
Carols have come to encompass not only the nativity, but the Christmas season, and secular holiday traditions, including reindeer, snowmen, Santa Claus, and more. Along with centuries old carols, a new batch of pop songs celebrating the Christmas season has sprung up over the last century with recorded music.
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Origins of 60 Of Your Favorite Christmas Songs
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#1 (LW New) - Brandon Lake -
“Hard Fought Hallelujah"
(Single)
#2 (LW1) - Brandon Lake
“That's Who I Praise"
(Single)
#3 (LW2) - Elevation Worship
“Praise“
(from Can You Imagine)
(#1 for 31 straight weeks)
#4 (LW3) - Forrest Frank
“Good Day”
(from Child of God)
#5 (LW4) - Tauren Wells
Feat. We The Kingdom & Davies
“Take It All Back”
(from Joy In The Morning: Horizon Edition)
Click Here For This Week's Top 25
Contemporary Christian Music Songs
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Christian Booksellers'
Top Christian Books
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#1 - Lysa TerKeurst
"“I Want To Trust You, But I Don't"
Moving Forward When You're Skeptical of Others, Afraid of What God Will Allow, and Doubtful of Your Own Discernment
#2 - Jonathan Cahn
“The Dragon's Prophecy”
Israel, the Dark Resurrection,
and the End of Days
#3 - Dr, David Jeremiah
“The Coming of the Golden Age”
31 Ways To Be Kingdom Ready
#4 - Sarah Young
“Jesus Calling”
Enjoying Peace In His Presence
#5 - Max Lucado
“What Happens Next”
A Guide Through the
End of This Age
Click Here For The Full List of This Month's Best Selling Christian Books
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~ Santa Claus ~
The patron saint of children and sailors, Saint Nicholas was a fourth-century bishop from Asia Minor. He was famous for giving gifts to children. His feast day, December 6, became a children’s holiday in Holland, where he is known as Sint Nikolaas. English colonists in New York (previously the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam) called him “Santa Claus” because they couldn’t pronounce the Dutch name. The English began celebrating the feast day on Christmas.
In the Netherlands and Germany, the Santa Claus figure often rode through the sky on a horse to deliver presents to children.
The Santa Claus we all know and love – that big, jolly man in the red suit with a white beard – didn’t always look that way. In fact, many people are surprised to learn that, prior to 1931, Santa was depicted as everything from a tall gaunt man to a spooky-looking elf. He has donned a bishop’s robe and a Norse huntsman’s animal skin. In fact, when Civil War cartoonist Thomas Nast drew Santa Claus for Harper’s Weekly in 1862, Santa was a small elflike figure who supported the Union. Nast continued to draw Santa for 30 years, changing the color of his coat from tan to the red he’s known for today.
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~ The Nutcracker ~
For many, the holiday season is not complete without a trip to watch this ballet. With music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and originally choreographed by Marius Petipa, the romantic tale of the young Clara’s Christmas Eve premiered Dec. 18, 1892, in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Tchaikovsky began work in February 1891, continuing his efforts while on an American tour later that year for the opening of Carnegie Hall. His homeward journey took him through Paris, where he discovered a new instrument: the celesta, whose clear, bell-like tone was perfectly fitted to The Nutcracker’s fairy-tale ambience. In the celesta’s ethereal notes, Tchaikovsky recognized the “voice” of his Sugar Plum Fairy, and he immediately wrote to his publisher, asking that the instrument be acquired for the performance.
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~ Christmas Poinsettias ~
A native Mexican plant, poinsettias were named after Joel R. Poinsett, U.S. ambassador to Mexico who brought the plant to America in 1828. Poinsettias were likely used by Mexican Franciscans in their 17th century Christmas celebrations.
One legend has it that a young Mexican boy, on his way to visit the village Nativity scene, realized he had no gift for the Christ child. He gathered pretty green branches from along the road and brought them to the church. Though the other children mocked him. His cousin Pedro tried to cheer her up.
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Annual
Atlanta Christian Web Christmas &
Holiday Events Guide
Click Here
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