some of the noblest compositions of the great musicians.
“Interestingly enough,” reports Petro, “during the British Commonwealth government under Cromwell, the British Parliament prohibited the practice of singing Christmas carols as pagan and sinful. Its pagan roots in the 13th century and its overly “democratic” 14th century influences made it an unsuitable activity for the general public and it was to be mandated so, by the Commonwealth government of 1647.” Puritans at this time disapproved as well of the celebration of Christmas, according to Petro, and did not close shop on that day, but continued to work through December 25. During this brief interlude in English history, during which there was no monarch, this activity by the populace was to remain illegal. But this activity was prohibited only as long as the Commonwealth survived, and in 1660, when Charles II restored the Stuarts to the throne, the public was once again able to practice the singing of Christmas carols.
Today, many people wonder whether “Christmas” is truly a religious celebration honoring the birth of Christ or a commercial celebration of winter. In truth, it is a mixture of both. Clearly, new technology allows more people than ever before to enjoy the Christmas season. If Christ and the Apostles were alive today, they probably would be downloading Christmas MP3’s.
Download Christmas Music for free on our site.