Why do you celebrate Christmas?

[JohnDB]

Maybe.
Back in 1985, a person witnessed in the streets of Roxbury, part of Boston.
And one young 17 year old boy very seriously said, "I didn't know Jesus was a person, I thought it was just a swear word".

And this is ONE person...the only one. So apparently Christ owns Christmas...which is why Atheists and Moslems don't like it.

 

[Rollo Tamasi]

And this is ONE person...the only one. So apparently Christ owns Christmas...which is why Atheists and Moslems don't like it.

Apparently

 

[dianegcook]

The Top 10 Reasons Why I Don't Celebrate Christmas

Christmas is a hugely popular holiday celebrated by some 2 billion people worldwide. It’s become such an ingrained part of modern culture that even people in nations with little or no Christian history or tradition are celebrating it in increasing numbers.

Christmas is so big that it plays a key role in the economies of many nations. In the U.S. retail industry, Christmas shopping season and stores that have been “in the red”—operating at a loss all year—suddenly see their sales shoot up so fast that they are now operating in the black (at a profit) the rest of the year.

So it’s not surprising that I get some pretty shocked looks when I tell people I don’t celebrate Christmas. So here I offer my top 10 reasons for not celebrating Christmas!

1. Christmas is driven by commercialism.
It’s not that difficult to recognize what really drives the holiday in our age. Cal Thomas, an American syndicated columnist who often writes from a Christian perspective, acknowledged uncomfortable truths about Christmas in a December 2003 column.

“I’m not sure it’s worth keeping Christmas anymore,” he began, lamenting that the holiday has become a “road show of reindeer, winter scenes, elves and the God substitute, Santa Claus, who serves as a front for merchants seeking to play on the guilt some parents bear for ignoring their kids the rest of the year.”

He asks a great question: “Why participate any longer in this charade where the focal point of worship has shifted from a babe in a manger to a babe in the Victoria’s Secret window? . . . No room in the inn has been replaced by no room in the mall parking lot.”

But perhaps his most insightful statement is this: “It’s instructive how just one season away from lusting after material things can break the habit. It’s something like liberation from an addiction or lifestyle choice. Being away from it can cause one to realize the behavior is neither missed nor needed for fulfillment and enjoyment."

2. Christmas is nowhere mentioned in the Bible.
This is rather obvious, but most people never give it a second thought. The books of the New Testament cover 30+ years of Jesus Christ’s life, then another 30+ years of the early Church following His death and resurrection, but nowhere do we find any hint of a Christmas celebration or anything remotely like it.

Yes, the Bible does give us quite a few details of His birth—the angelic appearance to Mary and then Joseph, the conditions surrounding His birth in Bethlehem, the heavenly choir’s performance for the shepherds in the fields outside the town. But nowhere in the Bible is there any record of anyone observing Christmas or any hint that God the Father or Jesus Christ expects us to do so.

3. Jesus wasn’t born on or near December 25.
Remember those shepherds who were “living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night”? (Luke 2:8). December weather around Bethlehem is often miserably cold, wet and rainy. No shepherd in his right mind would have kept his flocks outside at night at that time of year!

The Interpreter’s One-Volume Commentary says this passage argues “against the birth [of Christ] occurring on Dec. 25 since the weather would not have permitted” shepherds to be out in the fields with their flocks then.

And Celebrations: The Complete Book of American Holidays tells us that Luke’s account of Christ’s birth “suggests that Jesus may have been born in summer or early fall. Since December is cold and rainy in Judea, it is likely the shepherds would have sought shelter for their flocks at night” (p. 309) rather than keeping them outdoors.

Also, Luke 2:1-4 tells us that Jesus was born in Bethlehem because his parents came to that town to register in a Roman census. The Romans were well known as highly efficient administrators. It would have made no sense to have conducted a census in the dead of winter, when temperatures often dropped below freezing and traveling was difficult due to poor road conditions. Taking a census under such conditions would have been self-defeating!

4. The Christmas holiday is largely a recycled pagan celebration.
Consider the customs associated with Christmas. What do decorated evergreen trees, holly, mistletoe, yule logs, a jolly plump man in a fur-lined red suit, sleighs and flying reindeer have to do with the birth of Jesus Christ?

None of these things have anything to do with Him, but they have a lot to do with ancient pagan festivals.

And what about the date of Dec. 25? How did it come to be assigned as the supposed date of Jesus Christ’s birth? Historians Gerard and Patricia Del Re explain:

“The tradition of celebrating December 25 as Christ’s birthday came to the Romans from Persia. Mithra, the Persian god of light and sacred contracts, was born out of a rock on December 25. Rome was famous for its flirtations with strange gods and cults, and in the third century the unchristian emperor Aurelian established the festival of Dies Invicti Solis, the Day of the Invincible Sun, on December 25.

“Mithra was an embodiment of the sun, so this period of its rebirth was a major day in Mithraism, which had become Rome’s latest official religion … It is believed that the emperor Constantine adhered to Mithraism up to the time of his conversion to Christianity. He was probably instrumental in seeing that the major feast of his old religion was carried over to his new faith” ( The Christmas Almanac, 1979, p. 17).

It’s difficult to determine the first time anyone celebrated Dec. 25 as Christmas, but historians generally agree that it was sometime during the fourth century—some 300 years after Christ’s death. And then a contrived date was chosen because it was already a popular pagan holiday celebrating the birth of the sun god!

Similarly, virtually all of the customs associated with Christmas are recycled from ancient pagan festivals honoring other gods.

5. God condemns using pagan customs to worship Him.
Since Christmas is supposedly a day to worship and celebrate God the Father and Jesus Christ, wouldn’t it be a good idea to look into the Bible to see what it says about how we should worship God?

The answer is quite clear. God gives specific instruction about using pagan practices to worship Him— the exact thing Christmas does! Notice what He says in Deuteronomy 12:30-32: “. . . Do not inquire after their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise.’ You shall not worship the LORD your God in that way . . . Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it” .

And lest some think this is simply an Old Testament command that no longer applies, the apostle Paul makes the same point in 2 Corinthians 6, where he addresses whether unbiblical religious customs and practices have any place in the worship of God’s people:

“What fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial [the devil and/or demons]? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God . . .

“Therefore ‘Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.’ ‘I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty.’ Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 6:14-18; 2 Corinthians 7:1).

Rather than relabeling pagan customs as Christian, or allowing members of the Church to continue their old pagan practices, the apostle Paul told them in no uncertain terms to leave behind all these forms of worship and worship God in true holiness as He commands. Jesus likewise says His true followers “must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24)—not revel in recycled pagan customs and symbolism.

I agree with somethings you said.
I believe that Jesus was conceived on Christmas, and the nativity, birth, 9 months later,
Sept, 29th.
During the feast of Tabernacles..
I see nothing wrong with celebrating His conception, without all the commercialism.
It is about, God dwelling with us..
In Hosea 14:8
It states, I am like a green fir tree, from me is thy fruit found.
A fir tree, stays green, to me, it represents, everlasting life.
I don't worship the tree, though...

 

[Wrg1405]

That's a good idea.
We sing Happy Birthday to Jesus before having our meal.
We still do to this day.
Might seem corny, but it's nice to do.

We do has well. We have a birthday cake and candles on it.

 

[GodsGrace]

Just like life,
Christmas is what you make it.

 

[GodsGrace]

I agree with somethings you said.
I believe that Jesus was conceived on Christmas, and the nativity, birth, 9 months later,
Sept, 29th.
During the feast of Tabernacles..
I see nothing wrong with celebrating His conception, without all the commercialism.
It is about, God dwelling with us..
In Hosea 14:8
It states, I am like a green fir tree, from me is thy fruit found.
A fir tree, stays green, to me, it represents, everlasting life.
I don't worship the tree, though...

Nice to see you Diane.

Thanks for posting Hosea 14:8
I used to teach kids that Jesus is the Light of the world
And the fir tree represents everlasting Life.
And the wreath is round and is like eternity - no beginning, no end.

Wondering

 

[Mike]

If you ask them today they are quite entirely thrilled about the fact that at least their dad didn't lie to them. And guess what? They trust what I have to say to them, in part, because of that. Which trust was far more important to me than santa.

I'm not saying everyone should do this. It's just something my conscience led me to do. I didn't feel right about it.

I realize you're speaking only for yourself, but I've never met a person who had trust issues or felt betrayed because their parents "lied" to them about Santa. This sounds like neo-psychological imposed guilt. It's a solution to a problem that doesn't exist. If a grown person feels betrayed by this, I'd say they have other issues that led to their feelings.

On the contrary, I have a good childhood friend who grew up never feeling good that his parents ripped the magic of Christmas from him at a young age. I don't believe celebrating the secular fun and celebrating the birth of Christ need to be mutually exclusive. You can do both. You can celebrate both with your children without them laying on a psychiatrists couch every other week as adults.

Personally, some of my fondest childhood memories are of my anxious anticipation of Santa coming to my house. And here I am, a sold out believer who's not angry with his parents.

 

[smaller]

I realize you're speaking only for yourself, but I've never met a person who had trust issues or felt betrayed because their parents "lied" to them about Santa. This sounds like neo-psychological imposed guilt. It's a solution to a problem that doesn't exist. If a grown person feels betrayed by this, I'd say they have other issues that led to their feelings.

Every person I've ever spoken to has very vivid accounts about when they, as children, realized that the majority of adults lied to them about Santa. Not accepting your neo-psychological imposed quilt factor as legitimate observation.

Yeah, I agree it's an eye opener to children about how people really are, and the lesson sticks.

On the contrary, I have a good childhood friend who grew up never feeling good that his parents ripped the magic of Christmas from him at a young age.

Our family did just FINE with Christmas and without the Santa fantasy, thank you. Didn't miss the Easter Bunny either. Although one of my daughters clung to the idea of the tooth fairy for a bit after 5 years old from other kids being lied to, til no cash showed up under her pillow. Then it clicked. My youngest daughter still clung to Santa for a year or 2 even after she was told othewise. Don't ask me why. She's a social person and I think it was primarily from exposures to the other kids who's parents were still playing the game. Even though the family all knew we let her toy with it on her own til she came to grips with it, herself.

I don't believe celebrating the secular fun and celebrating the birth of Christ need to be mutually exclusive. You can do both. You can celebrate both with your children without them laying on a psychiatrists couch every other week as adults.

Yeah, well, that's a bit over the top spin on the subject. It was just a matter of not lying to my kids so I'll leave it at that apart from the shrink couch.

Personally, some of my fondest childhood memories are of my anxious anticipation of Santa coming to my house. And here I am, a sold out believer who's not angry with his parents.

I'm glad you enjoyed it. From my seat I had a drunken uncle that belittled me in front of a bunch of family members about how stupid I was for believing in Santa, about 2 weeks prior to Christmas when I expressed my own anticipation of Santa, at the ripe old age of SIX. I got over it after I berated my parents for lying to me, again, at the age of SIX, that same night. It was an interesting picture in retrospect, a six year old dressing down his parents for lying. And they were ashamed of it.

That might be why I swore I wouldn't let my kids be dupes. But I had friends when I was a kid who believed in Santa til they were 10-12 years old.

I never told 'em otherwise. Play hands as dealt.

 

[JohnDB]

Oh yeah...
My parents lied to me unashamedly about Santa.

Then to make matters worse I lied to my own son about Santa...and then told him that if I ever heard that he didn't believe that he would not receive any Christmas presents.

I am completely ruthless in my lying.

And I refuse to feel guilty or abused.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

The New Covenant DOES require new observances.

 

[GodsGrace]

Wait.
What's so funny?
Explain...

 

[Rollo Tamasi]

Wait.
What's so funny?
Explain...

Yes, being "new" means everything is "new".
It is not unusual for someone to misunderstand that.
The Covenants are tied together by a common bond.
The new is in the old concealed.
The old is in the new revealed.
Two simple sentences that are not always easily understood.
You understand that but don't assume others do likewise.

 

[GodsGrace]

Yes, being "new" means everything is "new".
It is not unusual for someone to misunderstand that.
The Covenants are tied together by a common bond.
The new is in the old concealed.
The old is in the new revealed.
Two simple sentences that are not always easily understood.
You understand that but don't assume others do likewise.

Yes. You can see Jesus in all the Covenants.
They're held together by a thread and come to a conclusion as promised.
A study of the Covenants helps to understand the whole bible better.
The Foundation??

 

[Rollo Tamasi]

Yes. You can see Jesus in all the Covenants.
They're held together by a thread and come to a conclusion as promised.
A study of the Covenants helps to understand the whole bible better.
The Foundation??

You tell me.

 

[GodsGrace]

You tell me.

Yes.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

Wait.
What's so funny?
Explain...

You said that the New Covenant....giggle...requires....giggle, snort....new observances.....

Pretend like Arnold Schwarzenegger is saying, "Hey, the New Covenant requires new observances" in this clip:

 

[GodsGrace]

You said that the New Covenant....giggle...requires....giggle, snort....new observances.....

Pretend like Arnold Schwarzenegger is saying, "Hey, the New Covenant requires new observances" in this clip:

Jethro,
This is one of the funniest movies I've ever seen. I've watched it at least 5 times.
I think I'm going to do a study on the Covenants on the Foundation of Faith forum.
They really help to understand the whole bible and plan of God for mankind.
Be a part of it, if you can.
Not sure when. I have a few ideas. But soon. January?

Wondering

 

[Jethro Bodine]

I think I'm going to do a study on the Covenants on the Foundation of Faith forum.

Christ is the fulfilling of the old covenant observances, not the destruction of them.

 

[GodsGrace]

Christ is the fulfilling of the old covenant observances, not the destruction of them.

Right.

 

[Mike]

Every person I've ever spoken to has very vivid accounts about when they, as children, realized that the majority of adults lied to them about Santa.

My dad took me snipe hunting once on a camping trip. I was so excited. Had a blast! I didn't feel betrayed when I found out there is no such thing as snipes; that it's only a sort of rite of passage countless dads have employed on their kids on camping or hunting trips. I carry no baggage from that experience. It was awesome while it lasted.

Decades later, I did the same thing with my son. No baggage. No underlying resentment. He loved the wonder of it all.