Nativity...Whhhaaaaattt?

Pittsburgh's life-size creche downtown

Yes...crazy as it may sound, Sun God (or Son of God) myths have been with us since the beginning. I always thought that the virgin birth story of Jesus was unique to Christianity, but I know differently now. The story of Mithra, the Persian God of Light, is nearly identical to the story of Jesus and 5,000 years older.

Mithra has the following in common with Jesus:

• Mithra was born on December 25th of the virgin Anahita.
• The babe was wrapped in swaddling clothes, placed in a manger and attended by shepherds.
• He was considered a great traveling teacher and master.
• He had 12 companions or "disciples."
• He performed miracles.
• As the "great bull of the Sun," Mithra sacrificed himself for world peace.
• He ascended to heaven.
• Mithra was viewed as the Good Shepherd, the "Way, the Truth and the Light," the Redeemer, the Savior, the Messiah.
• Mithra is omniscient, as he "hears all, sees all, knows all: none can deceive him."
• He was identified with both the Lion and the Lamb.
• His sacred day was Sunday, "the Lord's Day," hundreds of years before the appearance of Christ.
• His religion had a eucharist or "Lord's Supper."
• Mithra "sets his marks on the foreheads of his soldiers."
• Mithraism emphasized baptism.

Despite this revealing information, let us not forget the miracle of this season. It allows us the darkness for reflection, the chance to examine and cast away the "sins" of the past, and to welcome a new beginning as the sun grows in strength. As we celebrate the changes in the seasons, we begin to understand our place in the "grand scheme", as well as our own divine purpose.

All Blessings Be & Happy Holidays. )O(