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The Celebration of Christmas: Difference between revisions
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Is it possible for Christians to honestly celebrate the birth of Christ on December 25th? | '''Is it possible for Christians to honestly celebrate the birth of Christ on December 25th?''' | ||
Of course it is! | Of course it is! | ||
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Forgiveness lavished with grace erases the memories of what previous people did on the same days and gives us mercy as we seek to walk forward in Christ with our families. | Forgiveness lavished with grace erases the memories of what previous people did on the same days and gives us mercy as we seek to walk forward in Christ with our families. | ||
Legalism kills Christmas and destroys the wonderful family memories as we | '''Legalism kills Christmas''' and destroys the wonderful family memories that occur as we celebrate together, partake in special family meals, and commune with one during the holiday time. | ||
=The origins of Christmas= | =The origins of Christmas= | ||
We know what the origins of December 25th are. But we also know what the origins of the days of the week are too (and we still use a calendar). | '''We know what the origins of December 25th are.''' But we also know what the origins of the days of the week are too (and we still use a calendar). | ||
We don’t worship pagan gods, sit around an Asherah pole (more on that later), or eat raw meat from strangled animals. | We don’t worship pagan gods, sit around an Asherah pole (more on that later), or eat raw meat from strangled animals. | ||
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There is no condemnation to those in Christ. | There is no condemnation to those in Christ. | ||
The argument from the Old Testament fails because I am a Christian; therefore, I am not under the law. Galatians 3:19 states, “Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made…” The law was in effect until Christ fulfilled it. Now, we are not under the law, but under grace (Romans 6:14). | The argument from the Old Testament fails because I am a Christian; therefore, I am not under the law. Galatians 3:19 states, “Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made…” The law was in effect until Christ fulfilled it. Now, '''we are not under the law, but under grace''' (Romans 6:14). | ||
Second, even if things like Santa, Rudolph, trees, etc., are wrong (which I’m not claiming they are good or bad, but if they detract from Christ then I’m not in favor of them), it doesn’t follow that every single Christian celebrates Christmas in that way. | Second, even if things like Santa, Rudolph, trees, etc., are wrong (which I’m not claiming they are good or bad, but if they detract from Christ then I’m not in favor of them), it doesn’t follow that every single Christian celebrates Christmas in that way. | ||
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We never taught our kids to believe in Santa or any of that other stuff. | We never taught our kids to believe in Santa or any of that other stuff. | ||
So am I not allowed to tell God “Thank You” on December 25th? | '''So am I not allowed to tell God “Thank You” on December 25th?''' | ||
The Bible could really not be any clearer on this subject. Christians have the freedom to set aside a day (or multiple days) to celebrate the birth of Christ or for any other reason they may want to praise God. | The Bible could really not be any clearer on this subject. Christians have the freedom to set aside a day (or multiple days) to celebrate the birth of Christ or for any other reason they may want to praise God. | ||
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==Bible verses that support Christmas== | ==Bible verses that support Christmas== | ||
There are a number of Bible verses that support scripture. As mentioned above, [[Mixing Law and Grace|the whole issue of law versus grace]] should prevent legalism about Christmas. | |||
===Colossians 2:!6=== | ===Colossians 2:!6=== | ||
:''So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths...<ref>The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Col 2:16.</ref> | :''So '''let no one judge you''' in food or in drink, or '''regarding a festival''' or a new moon or sabbaths...<ref>The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Col 2:16.</ref> | ||
I don't think that needs any clarification (although it will not dissuade those that really do want to rain on your parade). | I don't think that needs any clarification (although it will not dissuade those that really do want to rain on your parade). | ||
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:''Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand. | :''Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand. | ||
:''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... | :'''''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... | ||
:''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.<ref>The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Ro 14:1, 4–6, 10.</ref> | :'''''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.<ref>The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Ro 14:1, 4–6, 10.</ref> | ||
In other words, if I want to celebrate the birth of Christ, I have the freedom to do that on any day I want, including December 25th. | In other words, if I want to celebrate the birth of Christ, '''I have the freedom to do that on any day I want, including December 25th.''' | ||
You have the freedom not to celebrate Christ’s birth on that day, or any other day. Whichever one you do, let it be according to your own conscience and celebrate (or don’t celebrate) “to the Lord.” If you feel conviction that you should not do it, then God bless you, don’t do it, and serve the Lord, BUT DO NOT JUDGE a fellow believer for celebrating on that day. | You have the freedom not to celebrate Christ’s birth on that day, or any other day. Whichever one you do, let it be according to your own conscience and celebrate (or don’t celebrate) “to the Lord.” '''If you feel conviction that you should not do it, then God bless you, don’t do it, and serve the Lord, BUT DO NOT JUDGE a fellow believer for celebrating on that day.''' Remember that Paul asked, “Who are you to judge another’s servant?” | ||
===Zechariah 14:20=== | ===Zechariah 14:20=== | ||
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So does this mean that "Jingle Bells" is a scriptural song? | So does this mean that "Jingle Bells" is a scriptural song? | ||
=Bible verses used to kill Christmas= | ==Bible verses used to kill Christmas== | ||
==Jeremiah 10== | ===Jeremiah 10=== | ||
Jeremiah 10:3-6 states: | Jeremiah 10:3-6 states: | ||