Because of knowing the origins, history (including how it was outlawed by my Puritan ancestors), and all the self-indulgences and gross materialism, I cannot take part in something that is so compromised with pagan traditions. Does anyone else feel this way?
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Thanks Al, I would like to believe this -- but eating meat offered to idols had to do with some early Christians' superstitions about the power of an idol. However, Christmas was the church absorbing customs that were clearly pagan sun worship practices, on the very day that the pagans celebrated the yearly rebirth of the Sun. You mentioned that Christians have done this for centuries; this is only partly true. John Knox banished Christmas from Scotland. Christmas was outlawed by the puritans in colonial America, and such groups as the Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians and Mennonites did not begin keeping Christmas until the later part of the 19th century.
al said:
Linda:
I have heard many many people struggle with Christmas and all that is involved with the materialism and pagan practices. I never look at that part of this holiday season any further than the world I live in is just that "the world". What I do is keep my mind and spirit on the Jesus of the new testament story of Luke chapter 2. It is a time of the year that I will celebrate Jesus with joy. For He was willing to come in the form of a human baby-going through the birthing process and knowing that He came to be a sacrifice. When I think upon that then I am so over whelmed with gratitude that I cannot do anything else but worship him during Christmas. I don't even notice the things going on around me and will not let them distract me. It is all about Him! Jesus
Larry, I agree and understand you when you say that when you think of Jesus and all He has done (and does!) for us, all I can do it worship -- Amen!!! But that happens to me most days of the year! However, on Dec 25 I remember the scripture about God telling His OT people Israel not to worship Him in the same ways that pagans worshiped (Deut 12:30). And I think of God telling His NT people to not love the world and its ways, or he would turn against them (James 4:4, 1 John 2:15). I want to please Jesus, not people. Shouldn't the Christian church be keeping different holiday (no, holy-day!) celebrations than the world? -- those Jesus re-established with fuller meaning, like Passover and Pentecost? Yes, Christian celebrations should be 'ALL about Him'! I know I can just "blot out" the things happening around me, but how does Jesus Himself feel? Does Jesus really feel honored by all the stuff that goes on in His Name during the Christmas season?) : (
larry eugene king said:
Linda:
I know that during this time of Christmas we are challenged to not be a part of the world and I agree with scripture completely in that regard. I also know that we are to be a light to this world as to the way we are to celebrate His birth. The fruits of the spirit in Gal. 5:22 evidence what that is. I don't think that the church body is called to have a holiday in remembrance of His birthday apart form Dec. 25- so if we are to be effective witnesses here we need to shine with joy the right way. Blessings in Him
Linda Camp Wooster said: