Christmas decorating does it make you a heathen ?

[Lewis]

Some of you might remember me asking 1 or 2 years ago about who likes to put up Christmas lights and a Christmas tree. Many Christians have stopped doing it because it is not Biblical, but I still like to put up the stuff, because it is a time of family and most important worldwide worship of Christ. I know the department stores don't care about Christ, but just what they can sell. And many people who put up a tree and lights don't care about Christ at all, but I just like doing it. As long as you don't worship the tree, like the heathen did in the Bible, Jeremiah 10:2-5. But anyway I love putting up the lights and looking at them, and I like live trees. And to those who don't like do this, well all I got to say is that is your choice, but I like doing it.

 

[tim-from-pa]

One time I put my sofa in the woods outside my house. Some guests asked why there's a sofa out there was it no good any longer? I said the sofa was perfectly fine. They scratched their head and wondered why. I said I put it there to make room for the Christmas tree.

They told me it did not make sense.

I said, well look. If I can bring something that belongs outside indoors, can't I put something from inside outdoors?

If that makes sense, then everyone else can go ahead with the Christmas tree. :crazy :D

 

[Armor of God]

I say pray on the matter and do what the Lord says. I can't point to anything in scripture that says to avoid a Christmas tree. I'm assuming you are not using the Christmas tree as an Asherah pole in your house and conducting fertility rituals like the OT heathens.

We have to be careful and avoid being legalists. If you want to get really picky then we shouldn't wear wedding rings, or celebrate birthdays, or even use names on the calendar (days and months) because they all have pagan origins.

Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

 

[Free]

Christmas decorating will make one a heathen about as much as going to church will make one a Christian.

 

[jasoncran]

some would say that the christmass tree has babylonian origin and are correct, but that's between you and the lord.

 

[JoJo]

I posted this in another thread but I'll repost it here:

When I gave birth to my children, I did not give birth to birthday cakes, candles, balloons, streamers, birthday cards, party hats, party favors or birthday presents. But each year we celebrate the day of their birth and the blessing of their existence. We celebrate with each other's company, but we decorate with things and eat good stuff on that day.

Christmas trees, candles, glitter, music, stockings, candy canes, presents, etc. don't mean our celebration of Christmas is paganistic. These "things" aren't anti-Christ anymore than birthday cakes and candles are anti-birthday.

In fact, I tell my children that Christmas is Jesus' birthday celebration. All of the decorations and presents are in honor of His birth...at least in our home.

 

[jasoncran]

nothing wrong the principle even though archealogy has dated jesus' birth to the time frame (month) september or october.

 

[follower of Christ]

Christmas decorating does it make you a heathen ?

Only if ones faith is weak enough that they think it does.
If not, then celebrate with the rest of us who look to our Lords birth at this time of year.

 

[follower of Christ]

some would say that the christmass tree has babylonian origin and are correct, but that's between you and the lord.

Its best to not even think about the pagan stuff.
Here and now in OUR culture Christmas for Christians is about the birth of our Lord.

 

[Angelman7]

I wouldn't say it does. If I had my own place I d decorate the place in honor of the lord's birth. I think its a healthy practice and it is a change in the scenery.

 

[Lewis]

some would say that the christmass tree has babylonian origin and are correct, but that's between you and the lord.

You are correct, and it came in to the world of Christians, when the early Catholic church was trying to recruit members, and they allowed the people to bring some of their customs, so that they could feel at home. And for you Catholics, don't take this as bashing.

 

[GodspromisesRyes]

I think the question should be more internally based.- IF God told you to stop are you willing or do you like it more and would resist stopping with some form of justification to continue?

I am not saying God has or would tell you to stop, but what I am saying is that if Him doing so would cause you to ignore His command because of how much you like it- Then you have a problem with it an are most likely already convicted against it but have decided to do it anyways.

If you can happily give or take it for Jesus and are willing either way- then you are on good ground and if he is pleased for you to continue then you will, and if he is not pleased for you to continue in it then he will tell you and you will cease with joy.

 

[jasoncran]

some would say that the christmass tree has babylonian origin and are correct, but that's between you and the lord.

You are correct, and it came in to the world of Christians, when the early Catholic church was trying to recruit members, and they allowed the people to bring some of their customs, so that they could feel at home. And for you Catholics, don't take this as bashing.

i was a jw and even today dont care for christmas it self, family get togethers and the christmas(christ like) spirit should be year round. whenever possible.

 

[Lewis]

True Jason, but I like the decorating and all the lights that I and millions display, and the Christmas songs by Johnny Mathis, Mahalia Jackson and others around this time of year.

 

[jasoncran]

True Jason, but I like the decorating and all the lights that I and millions display, and the Christmas songs by Johnny Mathis, Mahalia Jackson and others around this time of year.

i never said that it was bad, just gave my pov, i dont mind it, i could care less about the gifts for the most part, i see no need to borrow to give gifts.

 

[Lewis]

I really don't care about the gifts myself.

 

[jasoncran]

I really don't care about the gifts myself.

my wife hates the fact that i could care less about celebrating christmas, i dont mind the family, i hate the commericalizattion of it,

you see as a jw i was picked on for not celebrating it and that still bothers me, i almost at times have a hatred for the holiday, and the lord is working on this area.

 

[Nick]

Well our family does all the Christmas trees, lights and presant stuff, and that's fine by me. It doesn't take us away from the true message of Christmas - Christ's birth and the celebration of Christ. As long as all the x-mas trees etc don't take you away from this, I see nothing wrong with it.

 

[Lewis]

Well our family does all the Christmas trees, lights and presant stuff, and that's fine by me. It doesn't take us away from the true message of Christmas - Christ's birth and the celebration of Christ. As long as all the x-mas trees etc don't take you away from this, I see nothing wrong with it.

I am with you.

 

[Nick]

[quote="Nick_29":8hw8t4m5]Well our family does all the Christmas trees, lights and presant stuff, and that's fine by me. It doesn't take us away from the true message of Christmas - Christ's birth and the celebration of Christ. As long as all the x-mas trees etc don't take you away from this, I see nothing wrong with it.

I am with you.[/quote:8hw8t4m5]
Thanks .

We've got some insane light displays around here...perhaps I'll post some photos later on. All the old buildings on one street in the CBD (like parliament house, the mint etc) have projected images on their front face. It's awesome! I've got some photos from last year.