The terms anno Domini (AD) and before Christ (BC) are used when designating years in the Gregorian and Julian calendars.
The designation BC, meaning “Before Christ,” is a calendrical term used in the traditional Western dating system to identify years that precede the estimated birth year of Jesus Christ. It developed within the context of early Christian Europe,
Charles Dickens’s 1843 novella, A Christmas Carol, played a pivotal role in shaping the modern celebration of Christmas.
The word “Christmas” originates from the Old English Crīstesmæsse, meaning “Christ’s Mass.” First recorded in 1038, it refers to the liturgical1 celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Other names include Nativity, derived from Latin nativitas (“birth”), and Noël, from Old French noël (“Christmas season”).
A person or group unfairly blamed for problems or negative events they did not cause.
Today, the term “scapegoat” refers to a person or group unfairly blamed for problems or negative events they did not cause. This can occur in various contexts, such as workplaces, politics, or social groups, where an individual or group is singled out to bear the brunt of blame, often to deflect attention or responsibility from those truly at fault.
The Gospel of John also refers to the apostle Thomas as ‘the Twin’ (didymos) three times.
The name “Thomas” has an interesting etymology and is often associated with the Apostle Thomas, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. The name itself is of Aramaic origin, and in Aramaic, it is often interpreted as meaning “twin.” This interpretation has led to various traditions and beliefs suggesting that Thomas might have had a twin brother, Jesus of Nazareth. The etymology of “Thomas” as “twin” is connected to the Aramaic word “t’om’a,” which means “twin.”
Hark! The herald angels sing, a dragon waits to eat our king.
None of the Gospels mention this unwelcome visitor to Bethlehem, but the Apocalypse does. John paints a seven-headed, ten-horned red dragon onto the peaceful Christmas canvas. You can read all about it in Revelation 12.
The song’s lyrics draw from historical and cultural references, including the devil’s role in folklore and mythology and the darker aspects of humanity’s history, such as war, violence, and oppression.
“Sympathy for the Devil” is a classic rock song by the legendary British rock band The Rolling Stones. The song was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards and was released as a track on their 1968 album, Beggars Banquet. The working title of the song was “The Devil Is My Name”, having earlier been called “Fallen Angels”.
