Menu

What is wrong with Christmas?

L
Lesserlight

Outside of love for others and that it does get people to think of Jesus everything is wrong with Christmas.

However IMO if you are not going to think the truth about Jesus then think better to think of secular things and save the thoughts of God and Son for worshipping in truth.

Christmas is nowhere near the actual birth date of Jesus but is the time of when the wise men came baring gifts ...... a time period known today as Hanukah.

Try searching "when was Jesus really born" and there is enough there to realize that Jesus was born during the feast of Tabernacles that was very late September or the first 2-3 days in October.

So I just say Happy Holidays and whenever I hear or see an opening to talk about Jesus I do

Doug

L
lylewise

You sound like you need a Christmas tie with Jesus riding on a reindeer into Jerusalem. I share your grief as most on the index will probably agree. It seems to get more and more difficult year after year hearing alternating carols of pure fiction being joined with those praising the glory of Christ. The truth is we don't live compartmentalized lives. Only the world does that. That is why this season comes as such a mixed blessing. Do we really need a season to celebrate Christ whom we already celebrate daily. Isn't that a bit like saving your worship for Sunday at the neglect of the other six days God has made? I do understand Easter but I don't neglect other days because of it. if one wishes to consider a day above another then let them do so but it is most curious to observe when the season is gone so is the atmosphere. Shouldn't that not change?

People can say the season is about giving but from whom do they receive? Shall we place in competition the gift of God with that from lego and poly pocket? The retailers are certainly more concerned with Christ being honored as they make themselves available for an earlier celebration every year. At this rate Christmas will soon start in the summer. Does anyone feel uncomfortable with the fact that we are celebrating an event as one with a majority of people that could care less what happens the day after Christmas? Yes this was not something the early church practiced. Yes this infuses many pagan rituals and symbols. Yes this is in no way comes close to the estimated day of birth. Yes for the most part in America we have large retailers heralding the reason for the season.

All of this is greatly disturbing but I have found even in my extendend family this to be a very delicate topic. Isn't it amazing that tradition is such a difficult force to contend with. It is strangling the church. Should we be surprised that it can hold such a power during this season. We deal with traditions in the church that seem almost unbreakable. Horrific evangelism. Holiness that is resigned to God only. Discernment that is non existent and everyone is a prodigal! It will be interesting to see how the remnant that is being called out will respond to these issues. I don't see compromise in their upcoming vocabulary but for those who do it would seem that it will be accompanied by a mixture of joy and grief. Grief at the great compromise and joy where it can be found when not concentrating on the compromise.

There is another consideration and that is benevolence? What do people learn from placing such an emphasis on a one time a year event. To give to the needy in the season but not out of season. What is being taught to those doing the giving. That they may feel better about themselves for the month? What of the 11 following? What of those who are in need? Does the fountain of love only flow in December?

The living nativity may soon eclipse the needed testimonies of the saints as those in the church find it easier to to play a part rather than be one. We all must walk in love knowing that the world is ignorant to the truth. It is just so sad to see so many join themselves to the Christ part of what is being elevated and taking what serves them with no knowledge of the rest. I know this is in ignorance but how can we sit by and watch those walking toward a cliff and say nothing. They are sold into the belief that they are recipients of a gift that lasts forever and so they rest in it. Should we go with the flow and affirm what the world has led them to believe? We must desire to tell how God has changed our lives. We know the truth of Christ is only being told in part and joined to an assumption that results in death for many. This season presents one of the greatest opportunities to show love but will we be willing to rock the boat during a season with everyone more content then they will be the rest of the year?


C
cryinthenite

I have not done chistmas for 24 years. My kids dont care and dont even realy get what the big deal is.The LORD is a life giving spirit now, not a baby.

M
Miccah

Merry Christmas everyone!

S
StarofG0D

Bah Humbug :)

L
Lucash

Just as a side note, no where in the Bible does it say to celebrate Jesus birth, only his death and resurrection.

S
SolaVeritas

Edited

M
Miccah

@Lucash, it also doesn't speak specifically about celebrating birthdays in general, but we celebrate those, don't we? It doesn't talk about the Trinity, but it is true, correct?

@Sola, who is talking about santa?

Celebrating Christmas is a heart issue. If your heart is wrong, it will be wrong with or without celebrating Christmas. Heart issue folks. To make it anything more then that is the same as to eat meat sacrificed to idols. In other words, its not a big deal.

F
fromtheold

Well happy Hanukah. Celebrating Jewish holidays will teach you a lot about the bible.


L
Lucash

@Miccah, what do you mean the Bible doesn't talk about the Trinity? It's written all over the place.
I agree with you on birthdays. I kind of tend to take the stance of "Get me whatever you want." It's not that big of a deal to me, just as long as I spend it with my wife and son I am happy.
Christmas is a heart issue. People who go berzerk (spending money, lines at the mall for santa clause, etc.) on Christmas definitely have a heart issue. It is not in the right place if you emphasize the wrong things (the wrong things being things of the world).

T
TimmyJoe

"He that regardeth the day, regardeth [it] unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard [it]. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks." Romans 14:6

I believe this verse is an accurate description of those believers who celebrate Christmas and also of those who don't. One regards the day unto the Lord, one regards not the day unto the Lord!

"Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath [days]" Colossians 2:16

Most American Christians know nothing but Christmas being a celebration of the birth of Christ, therefore they celebrate it with all their might. There is nothing wrong with celebrating the birth of our Savior as long as its not done in a materialistic greedy ungodly way. It is a great time to gather with family and to share the gospel with them. Personally it is hard for me to witness to my unsaved family, but Christmas is such a blessing for me to read the Christmas story and share the gospel with them. It just makes it a little easier, and I thank God for that.

S
sermonindex

Doug,

Though not sure, it may be that the Romanized Christmas was actually intended to celebrate Jesus conception?

This would make much more sense as to the 'why' that day, and not merely the mixing of paganism into Roman Catholicism and her offspring.

Thinking now, this would also mean that Miriam concieved right about the time she visited Elizabeth. . .which might explain why John lept in Elizabeth's womb?

Just wondering,

gregg

J
jlosinski

Guys, I thought this topic was settled in THIS thread,

https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?mode=viewtopic&topic_id=36265&forum=35&start=50&viewmode=flat&order=1

Happy Kwanza!!!!!

T
twayneb

Well happy Hanukah. Celebrating Jewish holidays will teach you a lot about the bible.

Actually, Hanukah is not a Biblical Holiday. It is not like the feasts. It is a bit like Americans celebrating a pivotal battle during the revolutionary war in which God intervened in a miraculous way.

I am reminded of some of the old hymns, Watts I believe but I could be mistaken, in which the tunes to bar songs were well known and easily played. So the hymns were simply the bar songs with new lyric. It is a bit the same. Christmas is to me and always will be about the birth of Christ. I simply rejoice in the season and don't worry about all the rest. It is just a non-issue. I am not even sure it is worth the discussion.

J
JB1968

I like to think of "What is right about Christmas?"

Maybe you have heard this before.

C is for the Christ child born upon this day,
H for herald angels in the night,
R is for our redeemer,
I means Israel,
S is for the star that shone so bright.
T is for three wise men, they who traveled far,
M is for the manger where He lay.
A is for all He stands for.
S means shepherds came.

That's why there's a Christmas day!

Christmas is a season in the year when it is easier to share Christ with others. Many seem to be more open to the Gospel at this time.

L
Lesserlight

Though not sure, it may be that the Romanized Christmas was actually intended to celebrate Jesus conception?

This would make much more sense as to the 'why' that day, and not merely the mixing of paganism into Roman Catholicism and her offspring.

Thinking now, this would also mean that Miriam concieved right about the time she visited Elizabeth. . .which might explain why John lept in Elizabeth's womb?

Just wondering,

Hi Greg

That is an interesting perspective and would fit right in with the nine months time of an expected mature pregnancy....... thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Blessings

Doug

M
Miccah

@Lucash.

I should have explained better. The Bible does not say "Trinity", but the trinity itself is spoken in the Bible. I agree.

Blessings!

F
fromtheold

What does "kwanza" mean?

L
Lucash

@fromtheold
I searched the net and came up with this:

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_meaning_of_the_Swahili_word_'Kwanzaa'

Apparently, it is a Swahili word (a language of Africa) that means "first fruits". It comes from two separate words. The first is kwanza which means "first", and the second is kuzaa which means "to give birth". I do not speak Swahili, but I do often trust the results from "wiki answers" web links.

That being said, I was a little surpised to see it come from Swahili origin. My wife and I are called to be missionaries in Africa, and this is the language of the people group we are called to serve! I am excited to learn the language and work for the Lord.

S
sermonindex

And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

26And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

27And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

28Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

29Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

30For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

31Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

32A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

33And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

34And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

35(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

36And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;

37And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

38And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

sounds like they were pretty excited over His birth.
Luke chapter 2

M
Miccah

Here is a question my 4 year old son (Micah) asked my wife, with my 8 year old son listening (Kaeden) at bedtime tonight.

Micah: How are we going to give Jesus His presents for His birthday Mom?
Kaeden: Just give Him your heart, that's all He wants Micah.


Christmas is about Jesus. My children know this more then most. Merry Christmas everyone. Be blessed and praise the Lord!

M
mguldner

THAT IS AWESOME BRO!! I hope and pray I can raise my little ones in the same manner to be blessed with such occurances. My little ones are still to young to understand what exactly is going on. I agree with you though its a Heart issue.

L
Lesserlight

A lot replies said with good intent....... especially ones regarding children.

When all is said and done we are all children called to become just like our Father.

Jesus could have never become what He is if what He accomplished did not reflect His Father's Will.

Jesus has made very clear what our Father's Will for us is......

John 4:23
But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Truth about our Father does not include a Christmas birth and as soon as you start saying okay to one lie you have opened the door to the father of lies.

Does anyone here think that the apostles "taught christmas"...... if so you need to spend some serious time alone with God and His Holy Word.

What the Apostles did teach about His birth other than what is already said in the Bible were the words of Jesus when He said "A body thou hast prepared me"

I do not care if you have a Christmas tree and go along with the fun about Santa Claus but when it comes to Jesus, learn the truth so that you can teach the children the truth!

Jesus was born at the end of Tabernacles that was the fruit harvest and the time when God's children went from tents to living in booths. This prophesied of the time when we would no longer wander in tents but would be gathered together in one body all in one accord with God........ but it could not happen until after Jesus gave up the perfect Body that His Father prepared for Him. By law Jesus is the only who ever qualified for heaven and He could have gone without us but instead He went through Hell to save us....... for sure the least we can do is worship in truth!

Over in another section Sister Lysa has asked the question that; if the same gospel is being preached today that was preached by Jesus and later by the Apostles, then why are we not not seeing signs and wonders that followed after them?....... she has made an excellent point because God does not change and if the truth was being taught today we would be seeing the same miracles that the first century church saw.

However because as prophesied by Daniel the truth has gone out of the sacrifice that Christmas is a perfect example of. Consequently we now have a miracle-less church.

If the truth of Jesus is missed starting at His birth how can anyone ever expect Jesus to be resurrected in them or in their children when what they believe about Him is not the truth?

So Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all but especially to those who take the time to learn the truth and teach it to their children.

Blessings

Doug

M
Miccah

By your reply about children, and since I am the only one posting about children to my knowledge, I am going to assume that your posting is in reference to my posting. I will reply in order of their postings. If I am wrong in assuming it was about my post, please correct me. :-)

Who said anything about lies? If you think that celebrating Christmas is a lie, then don't do it. In our home, it is all about Jesus. Our children are taught the truth about Jesus everyday, including Dec. 25th. If we choose to celebrate His birth on the 25th, so be it, it is not a sin, just as it would not be a sin to celebrate His birth on August 3rd.

Who said anything about the apostles teaching Christmas? But you know what they did teach? They taught... (edit* Paul taught*)

Romans 14:5-10, "One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks. For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ."


Who said anything about santa? You know what the kids beleive about santa?, that He is not real and a lie made up by the world. They know that the devil tries to lie to the world and make take the glory from Jesus.

Brother, your idea on when Jesus was born is speculation. There is no concrete evidence when He was born, but only that He WAS born.

Thank you for the blessing. We teach our children the truth along with celebrating Jesus 365 days a year including Christmas. 366 on leap years.

M
Miccah

Also Doug. Blessings brother. Truly from my heart. :-)

This discussion is archived and closed to new replies. Start a new discussion to carry the subject on.
Archived
1 of 25 posts

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate