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The Encyclopedia of Christianity, Volumes 1–3 is unavailable, but you can change that!

The Encyclopedia of Christianity is the first three of a five-volume English translation of the third revised edition of Evangelisches Kirchenlexikon. Its German articles have been tailored to suit an English readership, and articles of special interest to English readers have been added. The encyclopedia describes Christianity through its 2000-year history within a global context, taking into...

naturally felt inclined to honor the birth of their Kyrios (→ Christological Titles). In the East the commemoration of Christ’s nativity was January 6, the beginning of the solar year. This Feast of Epiphany celebrated especially Jesus’ baptism. When Epiphany spread to the West, it celebrated the visit of the Magi to the Christ child (Matthew 2). About 330 the Roman church assigned December 25 as the birth of Christ. By the turn of the fifth century, the Roman practice was gradually becoming universal.
Volume 1, Page 455