Hi yeru,
"does any of that take away from the celebration...'
Yes it does actually.
Since the original celebration had to do with nature,and ones integration of the seasons in their lives.These were changed as political manueveurs used by the church to gain power and authority.
The church changed these to commemorate biblical tenets that had no bearing on earth cycles.
With this continued lust for power,using these changes,it was then able to dictate heresy by it's domination and control of people.
Changing these celebrations to a singular masculine authoritarian god who demands unquestioning obedience,it allowed them to persecute those who didnt conform.(heretics)
From these beginings of celebratory changes,leading to power/control- allowed the church to amass enormous wealth along with its power,leading society to languish into the dark ages......
"The church just thinks it's a good idea to celebrate...'
Yes of course it did. Like I said above,these 'good ideas' were the initial steps into societys virtual bondage as it took over leadership in Europe and the roman empire collapsed.In doing this the church all but wiped out education medicine,technology science art and commerce.
Yes it was an important move in political manuevering for power.Nothing spiritual about it. And nothing innocent or innocuous about it,considering what the results were,as history shows us.
I dont give a toss what folks celebrate. They should understand the real history of what they're doing is all. regards,Ti
Jehovahs Witnesses,Proudly Serving Their Corporate Masters!