The Pagan Origins of Christmas and How Our Many Traditions Came to Be
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Have you ever wondered how did Yahweh, Mary, the sinless Jewish boy child, and choirs of angels get delightfully (or perhaps, insidiously) entangled with the following things in December each year?
- Father Christmas
- Santa Claus
- Reindeer Sleighs
- Hard-Working Elves
- Fir Trees
- Snowmen
- Stockings
- Chimneys
- Fairy Lights
- Gift Giving
- Carol Singing
- Feasting and General Inebriation
Also, how did Hallmark Greeting Cards cash in on the festivities? And why do we tend to stuff ourselves on rich foods, and make resolutions to go on a diet on January first? Perhaps we are simply honoring our pagan heritage?
Let Rev. Steph share with you her version of the magical historical weaving of pagan traditions, religion, and mythology that inform our holiday celebrations. You will never look at a mince pie in the same way again!
New Thought Minister, Rev. Stephanie Clarke, affectionately known as “The Irreverent Reverend”, was born and raised in London, England, and graduated from Bradford University in 1981 with a degree in German and Russian.
While visiting South Africa in 1985, Stephanie discovered the Johannesburg United Church of Religious Science and the Science of Mind teaching and decided to emigrate. There she had a vision of starting a multi-racial spiritual community as a forerunner to the healing of Apartheid.
This vision led her to the USA in 1989 where she completed her New Thought Ministerial Training under the auspices of Dr. Rev. Michael Beckwith (of “The Secret” fame) at the Agape International Center of Truth in Los Angeles. Returning to Johannesburg in January 2000, she successfully founded a vibrant, multi-racial, metaphysical community known as Soul Home and led it until 2005.
Stephanie has explored all types of divination, esoteric, metaphysical and psycho-spiritual paths. Her greatest passions are teaching, writing, counseling, and speaking on metaphysical themes, plus facilitating sacred ceremonies and leading groups on spiritual tours.
She is an international speaker and the author of four books; “Down Dirty & Divine: a spiritual ride through London’s underground”, “The Miss-Adventures of an Irreverent Reverend: A Spirit-ed Guide for Rebels and Renegades” and “The Sex Goddess: Debunking the Mythology of God & Sex,” and “Miracle Making: How to Pray the Affirmative Way in Five Easy Steps”.
Stephanie has traveled widely and lived in many countries around the world including Japan, Russia, Holland, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Egypt, and South Africa. She currently lives in Medford, Oregon with her American husband, and is a Staff Minister at the Center for Spiritual Living (CSL) Rogue Valley.
Presenter’s Website: [https://RevStephanieClarke.com](https://revstephanieclarke.com/)
SEE ALSO: RVML’s Annual Valentines Day Party! Sat, Feb. 14, 6-8pm
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