Should Christmas be Celebrated or Rejected?

Bro.T

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“Tis the season to be jolly.” Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all men. These are sayings associated with Christmas, the day that Jesus the Christ was born; or was it? Certainly this could be a description of Christmas. Celebrations such as these were taking place among non-Christians centuries before Jesus Christ was born! Such customs do not come from the Bible. They have nothing to do with the birth of Jesus Christ. Jesus did not originate them, nor were they observed by the prophets (Old Testament) or the apostles (New Testament). We're going to examine Christmas, its origin and customs, and see if in fact Christmas is of God or Pagan. Should it be Celebrated or Rejected?

Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all men. Why, because we feed and shelter the less fortunate on this one day called Christmas? Shouldn't we care for the less fortunate all year long? Retailers increase the prices on merchandise, to try to recover from poor sales from the 1st three-quarters of the fiscal year.

Christmas (December 25th) is taught to be the day that Jesus the Christ was born. The fact is Jesus was not even born in the winter season. When Jesus was born, "there were shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night." (Luke 2:8). This could never have occurred in Judea in the month of December. The shepherds always brought their flocks from the mountainsides and fields and corralled them no later than October, to protect them from the cold, rainy season that followed. Notice in Songs of Solomon 2:11 and Ezra 10:9, 13, that winter was a rainy season and typically the herds would most likely not be out in the rainy winter season. "It was an ancient custom among Jews of those days to send out their sheep to the fields and deserts about the Passover (early spring), and bring them home at commencement of the first rain," says the Adam Clarke Commentary (Vol. 5, page 370, New York ed.) Continuing, "During the time they were out, the shepherds watched them night and day. As..the first rain began early in the month of Marchesvan, which answers to part of our October and November (begins sometime in October), we find that the sheep were kept out in the open country during the whole summer. And, as these shepherds had not yet brought home their flocks, it is a presumptive argument that October had not yet commenced, and that, consequently, Jesus was not born on December 25th, when no flocks were out in the fields; nor could He have been born later than September, as the flocks were in the fields by night. Therefore, to celebrate Jesus' birth date on December 25th is not scripturally sound. Any encyclopedia will tell you that Christ was not born on December 25th. The exact date of Jesus' birth is entirely unknown, as all authorities acknowledge - though by reading the scriptures, it strongly indicates His birth was in the early fall, probably September, approximately six months after Passover. This can also be found in the Catholic Encyclopedia 1967.

Some may say, "It does not matter when He was born. I am just celebrating His birth."; whereas others may say "Jesus is the reason for the season." Is that really the case? If Jesus is the reason for the season, then why didn't He let us know when to celebrate his birth? We claim we love Jesus so much but why don't we observe his death as he commanded us. Luke 22:19, "And he took bread, and gave thanks, and break it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me."

He commanded you to observe the Passover, not Easter, which is also a pagan holiday associated with wild sexual orgies. Jesus commanded us to observe the Holy Days in Leviticus the 23rd chapter but we ignore those days and observe traditions that have nothing to do with Jesus. Lets go into (Matthew 15: 1-9). 1 Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,

2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.

3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?

4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.

5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;

6 And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.

7 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,

8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.







 

Bro.T

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Where Did Christmas Come From?

World Scope Encyclopedia (1960 vol.3) states, "Christmas, the festival observed by the Christian Church on the 25th day of December in commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ. No certain knowledge of the birthday of Jesus Christ exists and its observance was not established until some time after the organization of the first churches. The 25th day of December was advocated by Julius 1, Bishop of Rome from 337 to 352, as the most suitable time to commemorate the birth of Christ. The day was finally placed on December 25th, which made it possible for all nations to observe a festival of rejoicing that the shortest day of the year has passed. The end of December was an especially significant time in the northern hemisphere. Days were short; nights long. The sun was at its lowest point. This called for the celebration of special festivals of thanksgiving and encouragement to the waning sun. When at the winter solstice in late December, the days began to lengthen once again, there was great festivity lasting into the first part of January. The reason was that the declining sun---the light of the world--had been reborn and began to gain in strength. Moreover, the newly converted peoples found it convenient to get a kind of substitute for their original celebrations of the solstice ". The birth of Jesus the Christ was assigned the date of December 25th, because on this day, as the sun began its return to the northern skies, the pagan devotees of Mithra (the Persian's Sun God) celebrated the dies natalis Solis Invicti (birthday of the invincible sun).

The history book a Pictorial History of the Italian People states, "Saint Gregory was repelled by Graeco-Roman civilization and, paradoxically, did more than anyone else to facilitate the absorption of pagan residues into Italian Christianity. Through that process of absorption, any paganism hostile to Christianity remaining in Italian rural communities faded away".

The simple fact is that, as more and more people from throughout the Western Roman Empire became converted to an increasingly popular Christianity, they brought many of their favorite customs with them. "The pagan [winter festivals of the] Saturnalia and Brumalia were too deeply entrenched in popular custom to be set aside by Christian influence... The pagan festival with its riot and merrymaking was so popular that Christians were glad of an excuse to continue its celebration with little change in spirit or in manner... Christians of Mesopotamia accused their western brethren of idolatry and sun-worship for adopting as Christian this pagan festival. Yet the festival rapidly gained acceptance and became at last so firmly entrenched that even the Protestant revolution of the sixteenth century was not able to dislodge it..." (The New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge, Volume III, article "Christmas.") You see this going on in churches today. Churches are constantly recruiting new members from other denominations and they often bring some aspect of their previous church to the new one. If you notice, many Christians today celebrate the Roman Catholic tradition of Lent. Historically, Lent, was not celebrated by Protestant churches.
 
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Bob S

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Where Did Christmas Come From?

World Scope Encyclopedia (1960 vol.3) states, "Christmas, the festival observed by the Christian Church on the 25th day of December in commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ. No certain knowledge of the birthday of Jesus Christ exists and its observance was not established until some time after the organization of the first churches. The 25th day of December was advocated by Julius 1, Bishop of Rome from 337 to 352, as the most suitable time to commemorate the birth of Christ. The day was finally placed on December 25th, which made it possible for all nations to observe a festival of rejoicing that the shortest day of the year has passed. The end of December was an especially significant time in the northern hemisphere. Days were short; nights long. The sun was at its lowest point. This called for the celebration of special festivals of thanksgiving and encouragement to the waning sun. When at the winter solstice in late December, the days began to lengthen once again, there was great festivity lasting into the first part of January. The reason was that the declining sun---the light of the world--had been reborn and began to gain in strength. Moreover, the newly converted peoples found it convenient to get a kind of substitute for their original celebrations of the solstice ". The birth of Jesus the Christ was assigned the date of December 25th, because on this day, as the sun began its return to the northern skies, the pagan devotees of Mithra (the Persian's Sun God) celebrated the dies natalis Solis Invicti (birthday of the invincible sun).

The history book a Pictorial History of the Italian People states, "Saint Gregory was repelled by Graeco-Roman civilization and, paradoxically, did more than anyone else to facilitate the absorption of pagan residues into Italian Christianity. Through that process of absorption, any paganism hostile to Christianity remaining in Italian rural communities faded away".

The simple fact is that, as more and more people from throughout the Western Roman Empire became converted to an increasingly popular Christianity, they brought many of their favorite customs with them. "The pagan [winter festivals of the] Saturnalia and Brumalia were too deeply entrenched in popular custom to be set aside by Christian influence... The pagan festival with its riot and merrymaking was so popular that Christians were glad of an excuse to continue its celebration with little change in spirit or in manner... Christians of Mesopotamia accused their western brethren of idolatry and sun-worship for adopting as Christian this pagan festival. Yet the festival rapidly gained acceptance and became at last so firmly entrenched that even the Protestant revolution of the sixteenth century was not able to dislodge it..." (The New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge, Volume III, article "Christmas.") You see this going on in churches today. Churches are constantly recruiting new members from other denominations and they often bring some aspect of their previous church to the new one. If you notice, many Christians today celebrate the Roman Catholic tradition of Lent. Historically, Lent, was not celebrated by Protestant churches.

You use the word "pagan" as if it were a plague. I don't know and really do not care where traditions come from. As long as they do not diminish my relationship with Jesus it does not matter. I am told that the male use of the tie is pagan and points to the male genitalia. That could or could not be true, but who cares. Does paganism control your life? As long as it doesn't diminish my relationship with my Savior one bit it is not relevant. Christmas enhances my relationship with Jesus and my fellow beings. Easter does the same. Birthdays, which some will not celebrate, bring joy to all who celebrate them.

Some people, it seems, go out of the way to try to persuade others to loose what little joys in life we have. Nothing is right with them. They even build religions around those sad beliefs, too bad.
 
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Bro.T

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You use the word "pagan" as if it were a plague. I don't know and really do not care where traditions come from. As long as they do not diminish my relationship with Jesus it does not matter. I am told that the male use of the tie is pagan and points to the male genitalia. That could or could not be true, but who cares. Does paganism control your life? As long as it doesn't diminish my relationship with my Savior one bit it is not relevant. Christmas enhances my relationship with Jesus and my fellow beings. Easter does the same. Birthdays, which some will not celebrate, bring joy to all who celebrate them.

Some people, it seems, go out of the way to try to persuade others to loose what little joys in life we have. Nothing is right with them. They even build religions around those sad beliefs, too bad.

Sorry you feel that way, but you should always want to educate yourself with knowledge. Paul say in Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. None of those pagan traditions have anything to go with Christ.
 
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Bro.T

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Even Kwanza, founded 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, which people are starting to celebrate and mingle into the church is based on the Nguzo Saba (seven guiding principles), one for each day of the observance, and is celebrated from December 26th to January 1st. A Kinara (candle holder); Mkeka (placemat preferably made of straw); Mazao (crops, i.e., fruits and vegetables); Vibunzi (ears of corn to reflect the number of children in the household); Kikombe cha umoja (communal unity cup); Mishumaa saba (seven candles, one black, three red, and three green); and Zawadi (gifts that are enriching). Its focus is said to be on these traditional African values. It's been said that Kwanza is a time of reaffirming African-American people, their ancestors and culture. Kwanzaa, means "first fruits of the harvest" in the African language Kiswahili. But the Lord has a harvest festival called the Feast of the Tabernacles. Why don't African-Americans, as well as all Christians, celebrate it?

Leviticus 23:34-41 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto the LORD.

35 On the first day shall be an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.

36 Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: on the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall do no servile work therein.

37 These are the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD, a burnt offering, and a meat offering, a sacrifice, and drink offerings, every thing upon his day: 38 Beside the sabbaths of the LORD, and beside your gifts, and beside all your vows, and beside all your freewill offerings, which ye give unto the LORD.

39 Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when ye have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days: on the first day shall be a sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a sabbath.

40 And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days. 41 And ye shall keep it a feast unto the LORD seven days in the year. It shall be a statute for ever in your generations: ye shall celebrate it in the seventh month.
 
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Bob S

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Even Kwanza, founded 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, which people are starting to celebrate and mingle into the church is based on the Nguzo Saba (seven guiding principles), one for each day of the observance, and is celebrated from December 26th to January 1st. A Kinara (candle holder); Mkeka (placemat preferably made of straw); Mazao (crops, i.e., fruits and vegetables); Vibunzi (ears of corn to reflect the number of children in the household); Kikombe cha umoja (communal unity cup); Mishumaa saba (seven candles, one black, three red, and three green); and Zawadi (gifts that are enriching). Its focus is said to be on these traditional African values. It's been said that Kwanza is a time of reaffirming African-American people, their ancestors and culture. Kwanzaa, means "first fruits of the harvest" in the African language Kiswahili. But the Lord has a harvest festival called the Feast of the Tabernacles. Why don't African-Americans, as well as all Christians, celebrate it?

Leviticus 23:34-41 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto the LORD.

35 On the first day shall be an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.

36 Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: on the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall do no servile work therein.

37 These are the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD, a burnt offering, and a meat offering, a sacrifice, and drink offerings, every thing upon his day: 38 Beside the sabbaths of the LORD, and beside your gifts, and beside all your vows, and beside all your freewill offerings, which ye give unto the LORD.

39 Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when ye have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days: on the first day shall be a sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a sabbath.

40 And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days. 41 And ye shall keep it a feast unto the LORD seven days in the year. It shall be a statute for ever in your generations: ye shall celebrate it in the seventh month.
If you are a born again Christian, believe that Paul was an apostle of Jesus, and his writings are part of the canon given to Christians as the WORD, he tells us we are not under the old covenant which you are thumping as a reason to celebrate. You would put people back under the law with your "plan". Christianity is not about observing old covenant days. It is about Jesus the Savior of mankind. It is about accepting His grace and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. It is about leading our lives in accordance with the law of love. True Christmas is celebrating the birth of our living Savior. What some men have done to it is not in the least what it was designed to be.

Some thump Easter as being pagan. To Christians it is a celebration of the resurrection of our Savior. No, celebrating the resurrection is not something demanded in Scripture, but name me what harm it does to the Christian faith? I can only see good in reminding the World that Christians serve a risen Savior.

The feasts Israel was told to observe pointed to their history or their events. We are not segregated Israel. We are all nations coming together celebrating Christian history. You are free to do your thing, please allow other Christians to do what is pleasing to God without trying to destroy what is good and pure.
 
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SAAN

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I think what he is getting at is what we do now are more RCC traditions which have sadly been passed down as almost biblical truth, rather than tradition. God did say do not worship him in the same manner that the pagans worshiped their gods, as it is an abomination to him. Christmas is pretty much a bunch of pagan symbols with Jesus name slapped on top of it.

Now there are two ways is celebrated:
  1. The Worldly Way — Santa Claus, Rudolph the Reindeer, the north pole, elves, Frosty the Snowman, secular songs about Christmas, booze & parties, secular music (frosty snowman, singing to xmas trees), black friday: buying and giving gifts, Misletoe, etc.
  2. The Christian Way — Jesus Christ, Christmas carols, soul winning by witnessing to those curious this time of year, a nativity scene, helping the poor in Jesus' name, etc.

Sadly for many Christians, 1 & 2 are merged together, so you have much of the pagan aspects still strong and alive on a day that we know 100% for sure he was not born on.
 
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Bro.T

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I think what he is getting at is what we do now are more RCC traditions which have sadly been passed down as almost biblical truth, rather than tradition. God did say do not worship him in the same manner that the pagans worshiped their gods, as it is an abomination to him. Christmas is pretty much a bunch of pagan symbols with Jesus name slapped on top of it.

Now there are two ways is celebrated:
  1. The Worldly Way — Santa Claus, Rudolph the Reindeer, the north pole, elves, Frosty the Snowman, secular songs about Christmas, booze & parties, secular music (frosty snowman, singing to xmas trees), black friday: buying and giving gifts, Misletoe, etc.
  2. The Christian Way — Jesus Christ, Christmas carols, soul winning by witnessing to those curious this time of year, a nativity scene, helping the poor in Jesus' name, etc.

Sadly for many Christians, 1 & 2 are merged together, so you have much of the pagan aspects still strong and alive on a day that we know 100% for sure he was not born on.


Exactly...Which connects to the scriptures in Exodus 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me
 
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Bro.T

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The history book a Pictorial History of the Italian People states, "Saint Gregory was repelled by Graeco-Roman civilization and, paradoxically, did more than anyone else to facilitate the absorption of pagan residues into Italian Christianity. Through that process of absorption, any paganism hostile to Christianity remaining in Italian rural communities faded away". Check your history, you'll find that the customs associated with Christmas were celebrated some 2000 years before Jesus.

But if we got Christmas from the Roman Catholics, and they got it from paganism, where did the pagans get it? Where, when, and what was its real origin? It started and originated in the original Bablyhon of ancient Nimrod. Nimrod, grandson of Ham, son of Noah built the tower of Babel. Nimrod married his own mother, whose name is Semiramis. After Nimrod's, Semiramis claimed a full grown evergreen tree sprang overnight from a dead tree stump, which symbolized the springing forth unto new life of the dead Nimrod. On each anniversary of his birth, she claimed Nimrod would visit the evergreen tree and leave gifts upon it. December 25th was the birthday of Nimrod. This is the real origin of the Christmas tree.

Through her scheming and designing, Semiramis became the Babylonia "Queen of Heaven," and Nimrod, under various names, became the "divine son of heaven." Through the generations, in this idolatrius worship, Nimrod also became the false Messiah, son of Baal the Sun-god. In this false Bablyhonish system, the "Mother and Child" (Semiramis and Nimrod reborn) became chief objects of worship. This worship of "Mother and Child" spread over the world. The names varied in different countries and languages. In Egypt it was Isis and Osiris. In Asia, Cybele and Deoius. In pagan Rome, Fortuna and Jupiterpuer. Even in Greece, China, Japan, Tibet is to be found the counterpart of the Madonna, long before the birth of Christ. The Lord God of Israel made reference to the worshiping and sacrificing to the "Queen of Heaven" in Jeremiah.

In the scriptures its written in Jeremiah 7:18 The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough, to make cakes to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto other gods, that they may provoke me to anger.
 
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Bob S

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Exactly...Which connects to the scriptures in Exodus 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me
Celebrating the birth of Christ is not having other God's before our Triune God. I am responsible for myself as are you If you cannot separate the secular and pagan out of Christian celebration then you have to do what you have to do. To tell others they are worshiping satan or some other pagan deity when those things never entered their minds is certainly not doing them any favors. It is a possibility someone did just that to you. It is nothing but sour milk and to use scripture to claim your point is not making it any better. How our traditions start in the beginning has nothing to do with the beautiful time of the year we are now celebrating.

Another thing, what is wrong with giving to others during this special time? To me it is a heart warming thing to do. How could anyone be sour grapes about this tradition. To the Bah Humbug of this World I say, too bad.

Merry Christmas to all and best wishes for a fulfilling New Year. God Bless, Bob
 
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SAAN

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Celebrating the birth of Christ is not having other God's before our Triune God. I am responsible for myself as are you If you cannot separate the secular and pagan out of Christian celebration then you have to do what you have to do. To tell others they are worshiping satan or some other pagan deity when those things never entered their minds is certainly not doing them any favors. It is a possibility someone did just that to you. It is nothing but sour milk and to use scripture to claim your point is not making it any better. How our traditions start in the beginning has nothing to do with the beautiful time of the year we are now celebrating.

Another thing, what is wrong with giving to others during this special time? To me it is a heart warming thing to do. How could anyone be sour grapes about this tradition. To the Bah Humbug of this World I say, too bad.

Merry Christmas to all and best wishes for a fulfilling New Year. God Bless, Bob

As Christians, shouldnt we be doing this year around, instead of focusing on 1 month of the year.

I think that God "might" be pleased with those few believers who genuinely try to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ into the world, but I also think God truly hates what Christmas has become as well, because of the way the world celebrates it, with the commercialization of Christmas and Christians spending alot of money on Christmas gifts and greedy retailers making billions off of it.
 
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Bob S

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As Christians, shouldnt we be doing this year around, instead of focusing on 1 month of the year.

I think that God "might" be pleased with those few believers who genuinely try to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ into the world, but I also think God truly hates what Christmas has become as well, because of the way the world celebrates it, with the commercialization of Christmas and Christians spending alot of money on Christmas gifts and greedy retailers making billions off of it.
I hope I didn't indicate that we only focus on one month a year. Christmas is in the here and now.

Giving an unfortunate child that would not get a gift when his/her friends receive presents is a terrible thing if let let undone when we the fortunate have the ability to help. the commercialization of the special event is absolutely no reason to shun the day. If we start stopping celebrations because something is not perfect, we are no better than the legalistic and exclusive.

I thank God for retailers, manufacturers and all the in betweens. We are blessed because of people providing goods and service to us. I don't begrudge any of them their due. I am glad when they are successful. Why is it so wrong to spend money on gifts? Our economy is based on our spending. What earthly good is hording money? The answer is to be responsible stewards. Why did those who brought gifts to baby Jesus do it? They spent their shekels not because they had to , but because they wanted to share with the Savior. Who got the blessing?

Matthew 25:40
And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
 
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Bro.T

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Celebrating the birth of Christ is not having other God's before our Triune God. I am responsible for myself as are you If you cannot separate the secular and pagan out of Christian celebration then you have to do what you have to do. To tell others they are worshiping satan or some other pagan deity when those things never entered their minds is certainly not doing them any favors. It is a possibility someone did just that to you. It is nothing but sour milk and to use scripture to claim your point is not making it any better. How our traditions start in the beginning has nothing to do with the beautiful time of the year we are now celebrating.

Another thing, what is wrong with giving to others during this special time? To me it is a heart warming thing to do. How could anyone be sour grapes about this tradition. To the Bah Humbug of this World I say, too bad.

Merry Christmas to all and best wishes for a fulfilling New Year. God Bless, Bob


Paul say in 1 Corinthians 10:20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. 21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. 22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he? There no middle ground, either a person is serving Satan or God. Most people get confuse with these things, but didn't Paul say in 2 Corinthians 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. So of course these pagan festival seems to feel good at the time. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. Once a person has read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, and notice theres no Christmas or Easter, etc, one should feel suspicious and do some research. The apostles and prophets didn't teach to do those thing which we see today.
 
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Myths Concerning Jesus

"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that the entire world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn". (St. Luke 2:1-7)

"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh". (St. Matthew 2:1-11)

The bible record of the birth of Jesus doesn't give a date for his birth. Even Herod, the King of Judea, didn't know the date of Jesus birth; so how can we know it? The wise men (maybe 2 or 300), the bible didn't give a number, found the young child (not infant) in the house (not the manger). Well, so much for that fairy tale.
 
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Sophrosyne

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As Paul said.... if people want to celebrate "holy days" let them and if they do not wish to celebrate "holy days" then let them not do so.
If the onus on celebrating Christmas is truly worship of a false god then it should be changed but if one isn't worshiping Santa or Rudolph or whatever and loving their neighbor and family and friends then is there harm in it?
I agree Christmas for Christians should be centered on Jesus but should we shun those who aren't believers in God from celebrating the holiday and spreading love and kindness during it? No.
I've said before in another thread that we don't truly know when Jesus birthday was but it was decided that we should celebrate it anyway and a day was picked to do so for reasons that may be innocent or not. If an adopted baby has no known day of birth when the adopted parents receive it they typically decide on a birthday for it and from there on that day is listed as its birthday and usually celebrations occur based upon that day so the child isn't treated differently because its birthday isn't exactly known.
Truly Christians should be celebrating the birth of Jesus every day in our lives giving and receiving gifts, in reality Christmas shouldn't be any more special to us than any day other than to show non believers who may pay attention to that day in itself the reality of Jesus.

In other words Christmas is a decision for us to celebrate or not, if it becomes to a believer a pagan ritual perhaps they should decline to celebrate it but if it glorifies Christ then a believer should consider it a means of witness to others of the Gospel itself.
 
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SAAN

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As Paul said.... if people want to celebrate "holy days" let them and if they do not wish to celebrate "holy days" then let them not do so.
If the onus on celebrating Christmas is truly worship of a false god then it should be changed but if one isn't worshiping Santa or Rudolph or whatever and loving their neighbor and family and friends then is there harm in it?
I agree Christmas for Christians should be centered on Jesus but should we shun those who aren't believers in God from celebrating the holiday and spreading love and kindness during it? No.
I've said before in another thread that we don't truly know when Jesus birthday was but it was decided that we should celebrate it anyway and a day was picked to do so for reasons that may be innocent or not. If an adopted baby has no known day of birth when the adopted parents receive it they typically decide on a birthday for it and from there on that day is listed as its birthday and usually celebrations occur based upon that day so the child isn't treated differently because its birthday isn't exactly known.
Truly Christians should be celebrating the birth of Jesus every day in our lives giving and receiving gifts, in reality Christmas shouldn't be any more special to us than any day other than to show non believers who may pay attention to that day in itself the reality of Jesus.

In other words Christmas is a decision for us to celebrate or not, if it becomes to a believer a pagan ritual perhaps they should decline to celebrate it but if it glorifies Christ then a believer should consider it a means of witness to others of the Gospel itself.


I agree that Christmas should be done to glorify Jesus, but the problem is for a supposed Holy Day that Christians claim it is, they have no problem attaching many pagan symbols to this supposed holy day. Santa Claus, Rudolph the red nose Reindeer, the north pole, elves, Frosty the Snowman, singing songs to the Christmas tree, Misletoe, etc. should all NOT be part of Christmas for a Christians as it is a HOLY DAY to remember the birth of their Messiah, not trying to keep as many secular symbols as possible and just slap Jesus name on top of it.

You dont see Jews or Hebrews wearing a Santa outfit during the Feast of Tabernacles or Hanukkah because all that secular stuff has nothing to do with the birth of Christ.

When your holy day can easily be celebrated the same exact manner by unbelievers, atheist, muslims and more and all they do is subtract Jesus from the equation, you seriously have to consider how you are celebrating your holy day, if holy means set apart and you day isnt too much differ for the people who reject the person the day is supposed to be about.
 
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Bro.T

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I agree that Christmas should be done to glorify Jesus, but the problem is for a supposed Holy Day that Christians claim it is, they have no problem attaching many pagan symbols to this supposed holy day. Santa Claus, Rudolph the red nose Reindeer, the north pole, elves, Frosty the Snowman, singing songs to the Christmas tree, Misletoe, etc. should all NOT be part of Christmas for a Christians as it is a HOLY DAY to remember the birth of their Messiah, not trying to keep as many secular symbols as possible and just slap Jesus name on top of it.

You dont see Jews or Hebrews wearing a Santa outfit during the Feast of Tabernacles or Hanukkah because all that secular stuff has nothing to do with the birth of Christ.

When your holy day can easily be celebrated the same exact manner by unbelievers, atheist, muslims and more and all they do is subtract Jesus from the equation, you seriously have to consider how you are celebrating your holy day, if holy means set apart and you day isnt too much differ for the people who reject the person the day is supposed to be about.


Its a different between Holy Days and Holidays. Holy Days are in the Bible written for man to do, thus said the Lord God. Holidays are not written in the Bible and the ones thats pagan man should not do! Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; (Exodus 20:5)
 
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Bro.T

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Let's look at some of the absurd things applied to the day that man has set for the birthday of the Son of God, Jesus the Christ, our Savior. Santa Clause, Ole Saint Nick, that jolly old fat man that lives in the North Pole, runs a workshop with Elves (little people) and ride on a sleigh pulled by flying reindeer. He is reported to deliver gifts to all good children around the world on Christmas, beginning at midnight and being done before morning. Entering houses by landing his sleigh on the rooftops and descending down the chimney with his bag of toys on his back. Once in the house, he puts the toys around the Christmas tree, eats the cookies and drinks the milk that is left for him before going to the next house. Sometimes taking time to get a kiss from mommy. Well, according to history, Saint Nicholas, who they portray Santa Clause, or Ole Saint Nick after, was a 4th century Bishop of Myra, which is located in Asia Minor , on the southwestern coast of the Mediterranean Sea.

A long way away from the North Pole! Also, according to Webster student dictionary, the definition for Nick, "The Devil" usually Old Nick. Now, is it possible to travel around the world in less than 24 hours stopping at every house? Reindeers don't fly; Christmas takes place in winter, so there's fire in the fireplaces to keep the house warm. What do you think would happen to a fat man trying to come down a chimney with a bag of toys on his back with a fire in the fireplace? If it's suppose to be Jesus birthday; why do we have to buy each other presents and what do we give him? A day filled with drinking, resulting in drunkenness, a day with a lot of fornication and adultery taking place. A day filled with lies pertaining to him. And what do a decorated tree, mistletoe, Yule logs, fire and lights have to do with Jesus?
 
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SAAN

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Its a different between Holy Days and Holidays. Holy Days are in the Bible written for man to do, thus said the Lord God. Holidays are not written in the Bible and the ones thats pagan man should not do! Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; (Exodus 20:5)

Agreed, but even if someone tried to make a holy day, they should examine why much of what they are doing has zero to do with Christ. And I dont think St Nick was really a saint either, so probably another made up RCC lie as well.
 
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SAAN

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Let's look at some of the absurd things applied to the day that man has set for the birthday of the Son of God, Jesus the Christ, our Savior. Santa Clause, Ole Saint Nick, that jolly old fat man that lives in the North Pole, runs a workshop with Elves (little people) and ride on a sleigh pulled by flying reindeer. He is reported to deliver gifts to all good children around the world on Christmas, beginning at midnight and being done before morning. Entering houses by landing his sleigh on the rooftops and descending down the chimney with his bag of toys on his back. Once in the house, he puts the toys around the Christmas tree, eats the cookies and drinks the milk that is left for him before going to the next house. Sometimes taking time to get a kiss from mommy. Well, according to history, Saint Nicholas, who they portray Santa Clause, or Ole Saint Nick after, was a 4th century Bishop of Myra, which is located in Asia Minor , on the southwestern coast of the Mediterranean Sea.

A long way away from the North Pole! Also, according to Webster student dictionary, the definition for Nick, "The Devil" usually Old Nick. Now, is it possible to travel around the world in less than 24 hours stopping at every house? Reindeers don't fly; Christmas takes place in winter, so there's fire in the fireplaces to keep the house warm. What do you think would happen to a fat man trying to come down a chimney with a bag of toys on his back with a fire in the fireplace? If it's suppose to be Jesus birthday; why do we have to buy each other presents and what do we give him? A day filled with drinking, resulting in drunkenness, a day with a lot of fornication and adultery taking place. A day filled with lies pertaining to him. And what do a decorated tree, mistletoe, Yule logs, fire and lights have to do with Jesus?
Let's look at some of the absurd things applied to the day that man has set for the birthday of the Son of God, Jesus the Christ, our Savior. Santa Clause, Ole Saint Nick, that jolly old fat man that lives in the North Pole, runs a workshop with Elves (little people) and ride on a sleigh pulled by flying reindeer. He is reported to deliver gifts to all good children around the world on Christmas, beginning at midnight and being done before morning. Entering houses by landing his sleigh on the rooftops and descending down the chimney with his bag of toys on his back. Once in the house, he puts the toys around the Christmas tree, eats the cookies and drinks the milk that is left for him before going to the next house. Sometimes taking time to get a kiss from mommy. Well, according to history, Saint Nicholas, who they portray Santa Clause, or Ole Saint Nick after, was a 4th century Bishop of Myra, which is located in Asia Minor , on the southwestern coast of the Mediterranean Sea.

A long way away from the North Pole! Also, according to Webster student dictionary, the definition for Nick, "The Devil" usually Old Nick. Now, is it possible to travel around the world in less than 24 hours stopping at every house? Reindeers don't fly; Christmas takes place in winter, so there's fire in the fireplaces to keep the house warm. What do you think would happen to a fat man trying to come down a chimney with a bag of toys on his back with a fire in the fireplace? If it's suppose to be Jesus birthday; why do we have to buy each other presents and what do we give him? A day filled with drinking, resulting in drunkenness, a day with a lot of fornication and adultery taking place. A day filled with lies pertaining to him. And what do a decorated tree, mistletoe, Yule logs, fire and lights have to do with Jesus?

Ive asked the same thing and many will say stop judging, its all fun with a good heart.
 
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