CHRISTMAS: SHOULD IT BE CELEBRATED OR REJECTED? YOU DECIDE

[ozell]

“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.

 

[ozell]

Was It The Birth Of Christ?

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

 

[ozell]

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.

 

[ozell]

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."

 

[ozell]

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. (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.

 

[ozell]

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.

 

[loveme1]

I have decided not to participate any longer, i really believed it was to celebrate the birth of Yahshua the Messiah son of Yahvah God.

It is a "tradition" of man.

While we can not avoid all "paganism" for it is everywhere and one could become paranoid by it all.

Some things can be avoided and for me this is one thing i will abstain from.... while those around me question my mental state, and how unfair my "religion" is on my children, i will seek strength and guidance.

 

[JaumeJ]

There can never be anything wrong with commemorating the birth of Yeshua, be it in December or in June. If the attitude in the presence of the Father is to keep a day separate (holy) to honor the One Who died for all who receive Him and His gift of salvation is in all holiness and respect, any who judge this wrong are in total error.

It may well be the RCC incorporated the pagan Saturnalia celebration as a day to celebrate the birth of Yeshua in order to increase its followers, but this remains the great error and sin of the Roman Church and not of any individual observing it with holy desire and love.

The "real meaning" of Christmas resides in the hearts of the observers. We are not here to condemn, rather, as our Master Example, we are free to forgive any time, so let's get cracking!

 

[ozell]

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 ".

RrThe 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".nf

 

[ozell]

There can never be anything wrong with commemorating the birth of Yeshua, be it in December or in June. If the attitude in the presence of the Father is to keep a day separate (holy) to honor the One Who died for all who receive Him and His gift of salvation is in all holiness and respect, any who judge this wrong are in total error.

It may well be the RCC incorporated the pagan Saturnalia celebration as a day to celebrate the birth of Yeshua in order to increase its followers, but this remains the great error and sin of the Roman Church and not of any individual observing it with holy desire and love.

The "real meaning" of Christmas resides in the hearts of the observers. We are not here to condemn, rather, as our Master Example, we are free to forgive any time, so let's get cracking!

How can you celebrate a day you know nothing of?

 

[JaumeJ]

There can never be anything wrong with commemorating the birth of Yeshua, be it in December or in June. If the attitude in the presence of the Father is to keep a day separate (holy) to honor the One Who died for all who receive Him and His gift of salvation is in all holiness and respect, any who judge this wrong are in total error.

It may well be the RCC incorporated the pagan Saturnalia celebration as a day to celebrate the birth of Yeshua in order to increase its followers, but this remains the great error and sin of the Roman Church and not of any individual observing it with holy desire and love.

The "real meaning" of Christmas resides in the hearts of the observers. We are not here to condemn, rather, as our Master Example, we are free to forgive any time, so let's get cracking!

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 ".

RrThe 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".nf

The reply posted touches upon and dismisses that topic.

Keep in mind the bottom line or the lesson (from the Word) is that whatever day is set aside by any individual for holy observation of the birth of the Savior of all mankind is valid if done in reverence to Yahweh, God.

This holds true for any individual, and for any day he chooses in reverence to Yahweh, God. Whether others approve or not has no bearing on the validity of the celebration.

In respect of the family in Yeshua, I will always honor Yeshua, Jesus, on the 25th of December, with no thought of the Roman Saturnalia in mind or heart, simply the birth of my Savior. Those who will not accept this right given by Yahweh, God, should retire to meditation on this, for there certainly can be no sin in observing the birth of Yeshua, Jesus.

 

[loveme1]

I believe if we worship in Spirit and Truth we celebrate the birth of our Savior every day

I have made my choice regarding the 25th december and the "traditional participation" is not what i will partake in.

 

[JaumeJ]

I believe if we worship in Spirit and Truth we celebrate the birth of our Savior every day

I have made my choice regarding the 25th december and the "traditional participation" is not what i will partake in.

According to the Word in the teachings from Paul, this is perfectly fine in the sight of Yahweh. It is so true, we do celebrate the birth of Yeshua every day.

Again, and at the same time, we cannot fault anyone for celebrating the birth of our Savior on the 25th in spirit and truth.

Yahweh, God forbid should I condemn my own beloved family members who love the Lord just because they select the 25th of December as holy to the Lord. I celebrate with them in total confidence in the Lord, amen. Most folks who celebrate Christmas on the 25th have no idea whatsoever what the Saturnial celebrations were, and I hope they keep it that way.................

 

[ozell]

Jeremiah 10:1-5 (KJV)
Hear ye the word which the Lord speaketh unto you, O house of Israel: [2] Thus saith the Lord , Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. [3] For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. [4] They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. [5] They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.

 

[ozell]

I believe if we worship in Spirit and Truth we celebrate the birth of our Savior every day

I have made my choice regarding the 25th december and the "traditional participation" is not what i will partake in.

What day is the truth has the spirit revealed this?

 

[loveme1]

According to the Word in the teachings from Paul, this is perfectly fine in the sight of Yahweh. It is so true, we do celebrate the birth of Yeshua every day.

Again, and at the same time, we cannot fault anyone for celebrating the birth of our Savior on the 25th in spirit and truth.

Yahweh, God forbid should I condemn my own beloved family members who love the Lord just because they select the 25th of December as holy to the Lord. I celebrate with them in total confidence in the Lord, amen. Most folks who celebrate Christmas on the 25th have no idea whatsoever what the Saturnial celebrations were, and I hope they keep it that way.................

I do not seek to condemn any one, and learnt many moons ago that i should not enforce my beliefs upon another family member.

We each have our own relationship, i seek to be a doer not a judge.

You know me well and i hope you knew this already my friend, if not i will consider my behaviour to make sure i do not become a " do as i do type"

 

[loveme1]

What day is the truth has the spirit revealed this?

Sorry to be a simpleton, but please expand on your question my friend.

What do you seek to ask?

 

[JaumeJ]

I do not seek to condemn any one, and learnt many moons ago that i should not enforce my beliefs upon another family member.

We each have our own relationship, i seek to be a doer not a judge.

You know me well and i hope you knew this already my friend, if not i will consider my behaviour to make sure i do not become a " do as i do type"

I am sorry. I did not have the impression you did or ever would condemn anyone, I was emphasizing what you posted.........please forgive that....I love you in Yeshua always............

 

[ozell]

I have decided not to participate any longer, i really believed it was to celebrate the birth of Yahshua the Messiah son of Yahvah God.

It is a "tradition" of man.

While we can not avoid all "paganism" for it is everywhere and one could become paranoid by it all.

Some things can be avoided and for me this is one thing i will abstain from.... while those around me question my mental state, and how unfair my "religion" is on my children, i will seek strength and guidance.

Read Jeremiah 10 and see what what was celebrated way before Jesus came on the scene in the flesh

 

[ozell]

According to the Word in the teachings from Paul, this is perfectly fine in the sight of Yahweh. It is so true, we do celebrate the birth of Yeshua every day.

Again, and at the same time, we cannot fault anyone for celebrating the birth of our Savior on the 25th in spirit and truth.

Yahweh, God forbid should I condemn my own beloved family members who love the Lord just because they select the 25th of December as holy to the Lord. I celebrate with them in total confidence in the Lord, amen. Most folks who celebrate Christmas on the 25th have no idea whatsoever what the Saturnial celebrations were, and I hope they keep it that way.................

You don't have to condemn anyone whoa you should do is tell the truth. They should be give. At least the truth so they can decide.