Do You Celebrate Christmas?

[KohenMatt]

This seems more like a thread to pat oneself on the back and look down at those 'heathens' who celebrate Christmas. There are plenty here who don't celebrate and most of them let us know it, loud and clear! So, well done. Or something. Blah.

Nope, it's not. Like I said, it's an opportunity for those who have questions about Christmas to see that not everyone does, and who they can ask about their questions.

 

[Kaycie]

Any day is a good day to celebrate anything about Christ. Any time is a good time to hear anything that the bible talks about, and the bible talks about the birth of Christ. Do I believe it is the actual day of His birth? I do not, but it makes no difference to me.

So what about the tree? Listen, it is ok to have worldly traditions and holidays, as long as they are not evil. Just because it is worldly- that itself does not mean it is wrong. It's ok to have a birthday cake on someone's birthday. But it is evil to participate in New Orleans martigraw.

So, yes, Im celebrating Jesus- that what Christmas means to me.

 

[KohenMatt]

I wonder how these people deal with Thursdays.. Or the month of March?

Do they dismiss these days and months cos of Thor and Mars? The calendars in their house must be a mess.

Thursdays and March don't profess to be times specifically meant to honor God. Christmas does.

 

[Hizikyah]

You do believe a lot of crap, don't you? Please be discerning.

Obsession with materialism destroying communities, friendship and self-discipline | Daily Mail Online

Matt 6:19, "Do not store up treasures for yourselves upon earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes, and where thieves do not break in and steal; For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Colossians 2:8, "Beware that no one leads you away like a prize because of philosophy or empty, false statements, according to the traditions of men, after the elements of the world, and not after the Messiah!"

 

[Tintin]

Nope, it's not. Like I said, it's an opportunity for those who have questions about Christmas to see that not everyone does, and who they can ask about their questions.

Good to hear, brother. Good to hear.

 

[keepitsimple]

Nope, it's not. Like I said, it's an opportunity for those who have questions about Christmas to see that not everyone does, and who they can ask about their questions.

You're too kind ... and such noble intentions. How are you making out with all these questions you're receiving ?

 

[Tintin]

Obsession with materialism destroying communities, friendship and self-discipline | Daily Mail Online

Matt 6:19, "Do not store up treasures for yourselves upon earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes, and where thieves do not break in and steal; For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Colossians 2:8, "Beware that no one leads you away like a prize because of philosophy or empty, false statements, according to the traditions of men, after the elements of the world, and not after the Messiah!"

Good grief, dude! I too am against materialism. But I don't abide nonsensical lies and poor scholarship in the name of God's truth.

 

[Hizikyah]

The images didn't show. Let's try that again.


First the actual carving.

View attachment 94014


Secondly, this was drawn by an artist who both observed and studied the carving.

View attachment 94015

This ancient Sumerian carving isn't an Asherah tree or any such thing. It's the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Notice there's the fruit tree, the serpent, a woman and another figure - either a man or a demon-type? This is clearly an inverted version of the Fall of Man where the Fall was said to bring Enlightenment to creation, not sin and death. "Did God really say...?" Every ancient culture has some form of serpent worship (evil seen as good, good seen as evil). Only God's people worshipped the one true God and held to the true natures of good and evil.

The tree here is seen as a 'great'/hugely important moment in human history, a time when man triumphed. See there's low-hanging fruit and it's easy to access. There's no pesky God to tell people not to eat of the fruit. There's nothing to indicate it's a danger at all. The carving speaks to the history of the Garden of Eden, to the story of Adam and Eve and God and the serpent, to the Fall of Man. But this is the pagan version of the Genesis account, where good is seen as evil and evil is seen as good. It has absolutely zilch, nothing, nada to do with Christmas trees.

I thought you were about to let the old christmas tradition have it till I reached the last sentence.

The Encyclopedia Britannica, Volume II (1943-1973),
Christmas;
‘‘In the Roman world, the Saturnalia was a time of merrymaking and exchanging of gifts. December 25th was also regarded as the birth date of the Iranian Mystery god, Mithra, the Sun of Righteousness. On the Roman New Year houses were decorated with greenery and lights and gifts were given to children. To these observances were added the German and Celtic Yule rites...Food and good fellowship, the Yule log and Yule cakes, greenery and fir trees, gifts and greetings all commemorated different aspects of this festive season. Fires and lights, symbols of warmth and lasting life have always been associated with the winter festival, both pagan and Christian.’’

 

[A_Friend_In_Christ]

Jesus turns the darkness into light. He is the light of the World! Amen.

 

[Hizikyah]

Obsession with materialism destroying communities, friendship and self-discipline | Daily Mail Online

Matt 6:19, "Do not store up treasures for yourselves upon earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes, and where thieves do not break in and steal; For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Colossians 2:8, "Beware that no one leads you away like a prize because of philosophy or empty, false statements, according to the traditions of men, after the elements of the world, and not after the Messiah!"

Good grief, dude! I too am against materialism. But I don't abide nonsensical lies and poor scholarship in the name of God's truth.

How can you support a day that breeds materialism in hundreds of millions of children and be against materialism at the same time?

 

[A_Friend_In_Christ]

All you can see is one side?

 

[Hizikyah]

All you can see is one side?

Deut 12, Be careful not to be ensnared into following them by asking about their gods, saying: How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do the same. You must not worship Yahweh your Father in their way

 

[A_Friend_In_Christ]

Christmas is more than just the material things that you are focusing on. There is a deeper, more spiritual meaning to it. You should check it out... in the bible. The original story is there - The birth of Christ.

 

[ChristIsGod]

*
*
**
*
*
Ah-haa! Now we can see who all of the 'legalists' are.





LOL

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way
Oh what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh.
Hey
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way
Oh what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh.
Dashing through the snow, in a one horse one sleigh
over the Hills we go, laughing all the way
bells on bob tails ring
making spirits bright
what fun it is to ride and sing
this sleighing song tonight
Ooooooooooooooooooooh
[or OY]
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way
Oh what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh
OY!


Sorry. I LOVE SNOW!

​

 

[MadParrotWoman]

HAHAHAHAHA Oh dear I've had such a belly-laugh this morning - my American brothers and sisters HAVE been busy overnight lol.

Seriously though, I do agree that man and in the main secular man has turned Christmas into an over-hyped, over commercialised excuse to over-spend, binge and generally over-indulge. I'm all for taking it back 100yrs. It is no longer about the birth of Christ but it can be amongst Christians and it's what I aim for. What I am against though it those Christians who don't celebrate (which is their prerogative) trying to depict themselves holier than thou, telling all and sundry that everyone else's way is wrong.

Puleeeeeease!

 

[JesusLives]

My parents never taught Santa to me so I didnt grow up believing that. And that makes me such a better Christian than you,hahhahahha joking joking thats how I feel some people think in this thread. I like the old pictures of Santa,like father Christmas.Anything that looks like an old world Santa I like.More like St.Nickolas I guess.I would collect them but someone here might find out and accuse me of being a pagan priestess!! {eye roll}

Well November 27th I just became a Nichols....although the DMV is not wanting to let me change my drivers license without FBI clearance documentation.....anyway I digress......Since becoming a Nichols I am having more fondness toward the Nicholas name St. and all....lol

I have always loved Christmas for all of the reasons there are to love it. Presents included.....I love the church services and decorations, the music, the programs, the celebration of Jesus birth, the decorations any and everywhere, the lights people put up that shine in the night, the family gatherings, the food, the spirit of giving.

Participating in helping with foster children when I used to work and even though not working this year they still called me and allowed me to go and buy the gifts and wrap them for those special children. Yes, I love everything about Christmas time and all the celebrations that go with it.

I even love the mess of gift wrap and the extra trash that needs to be hauled out of the house and the cleanup after the big meal as it means the family had a great time and we enjoyed each other and shared time....

I Love The Whole Thing..... and Jesus Loves Me Too. Just saying..... as well as He loves everyone that has posted on this thread whether you celebrate Christmas or not as Jesus Died For All of Us that We Might Have Eternal Life With Him Someday and It Doesn't Matter If You Celebrate Christmas Or Not.....Because We Won't Go To Hell For Celebrating Christmas And Not Celebrating Does Not Save You...... Because Jesus Is The One Who Saves Us.

Now the real question is - Have we all accepted Jesus as our Savior and repented of our sins? the question that does not matter is Do you celebrate Christmas? That is a personal choice not a salvation choice.....

PS Kayla this is not directed at you just general response to entire thread subject matter.....just happened to be your post I responded on because of the Santa reference and my new name change....attempts anyway....

 

[Colorful]

Cultures evolve and adopt new traditions and customs all the time. It's not even exclusive with culture, but things like linguistics, political systems, etc...

Do I personally think there are a plethora of pagan-rooted holidays and traditions objectively visible in our modern day Christmas? ABSOLUTELY! To deny the similarities would require one to be in complete and utter denial.

We should remember the Savior, His birth, His sacrifice, His resurrection etc... ALL year round... even on one of the most (if not the most) pagan day of them all (December 25th). Truthfully, I don't understand the importance or WHY we continue to EMPHASIZE it on December 25th, just as I wouldn't want to pick "National Honor Muslims Day" on September 11th (a make believe holiday to prove a point).

Having said all that: I propose we CONTINUE to remember the Savior Jesus Christ ALL-YEAR ROUND, while finally admitting what the modern-day Christmas is really all about. If it was TRULY about the Savior Jesus Christ, we wouldn't need Santa Claus, flying reindeer, the commercializing (capitalists dream), etc.. I propose we rebuke the pagan origins and symbolism, but continue to put lights on our houses, Santa Claus on our yards, and reeindeer on our roofs... not to honor "the old ways", but because it's fun to make believe once a year... it's fun to have an excuse to take time off work... it's fun sit around with your family and eat until you have to undo your belt... it's fun to watch Christmas movies like A Christmas Carol (George C. Scott version of course) or A Christmas Story.

Proposal List:

1.) Admit our Christmas traditions (that aren't centered on Jesus Christ but of Santa Claus, trees, etc...) have Pagan roots, but remind them that is NOT why we Christians currently do it any longer.

2.) Admit that modern-day Christmas has nothing to do with the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, but it's a time of fun and togetherness with friends and family, and it's a time when the commercial industries make their revenue.

3.) Acknowledge that Christmas doesn't NEED to be about Jesus Christ as we are SUPPOSE to be remembering Him THROUGHOUT the year and not just on December 25th.

4.) Preferential but not mandatory: Lets choose a different day? I couldn't think of a bigger slap in the face to remember the birth of our Savior than at the supposed birth of a sun god.

 

[Colorful]

Just wanted to say on number 4 on my Proposal List, I guess it wouldn't be a big deal if December 25th was the designated day to celebrate Christmas if we admit that it has nothing to do with the birth of Jesus Christ (once again, we should be remembering him all year round not just on that day). It wouldn't be a slap in His face as the day isn't intended to be for him; It's done for entertainment purposes.

 

[pug32]

yes

Your friend in Christ
pug32

 

[AnnaBou]

Christmas is a Christian holiday. When there is more pressure for us to stop being a Christian country there are Christians who want to give the christian holidays. Theres lots of greed and commercial stuff but its a Christian holiday so they have to allow a Christian message.
In my family we have Christmas trees, a nativity, presents. go to Church, have a family dinner, and the Boxing Day hunt. So it a mixture of family time and Christian worship.