Christmas-A Christian Holiday? (traditions, Jehovah's Witness, preach, believe)

[alicenevada]

I'm not here to debate, more to consult.

As a Christian, do YOU personally feel comfortable with the pagan aspects of Christmas? Do you feel that attatching the birth of Christ to traditions that were previously only a part of the Winter Solstice makes it okay? Is there scriptural basis for changing the 'theme' of a pagan practice and turning it into something that is acceptable to God?

What about the lies associated w/ Christmas...Santa Claus, three wise men (not a scriptural teaching), the star of bethlehem being a gift from God etc.

You guys know that I'm a Jehovah's Witness so no, I don't celebrate. But why do you?

[MysticPhD]

Originally Posted by alicenevada

You guys know that I'm a Jehovah's Witness so no, I don't celebrate. But why do you?

Because I am elated that Jesus exists and has opened the door to God . . . I feel like celebrating. Why so concerned with HOW our joy gets expressed or fantasized to create fun for the children or a sense of wonder about God or whatever . . . all trivial concerns. Celebration is celebration.

[alicenevada]

Interesting comment, MysticPHD. I'm elated that Christ exists and I like to try to celebrate that every day by walking in his footsteps. I can't say that it doesnt matter how we express our joy however. Don't the scriptures say to 'do all things for God's glory'? How can we do that if we include lies and pagan practices in our celebrating?

[Fundamentalist]

Originally Posted by alicenevada

I'm not here to debate, more to consult.

As a Christian, do YOU personally feel comfortable with the pagan aspects of Christmas? Do you feel that attatching the birth of Christ to traditions that were previously only a part of the Winter Solstice makes it okay? Is there scriptural basis for changing the 'theme' of a pagan practice and turning it into something that is acceptable to God?

What about the lies associated w/ Christmas...Santa Claus, three wise men (not a scriptural teaching), the star of bethlehem being a gift from God etc.

You guys know that I'm a Jehovah's Witness so no, I don't celebrate. But why do you?

I personally think we Christians make too much of a big deal over Christmas. In my opinion Jesus Christ dieing on the cross and rising from the dead is what we should truly celebrate.

[alicenevada]

Originally Posted by Fundamentalist

I personally think we Christians make too much of a big deal of Christmas. In my opinion Jesus Christ dieing on the cross and rising from the dead is what we should truly celebrate.

And incidentally, the only thing we were actually instructed by Christ to commemorate...

[juj]

Originally Posted by Fundamentalist

I personally think we Christians make too much of a big deal over Christmas. In my opinion Jesus Christ dieing on the cross and rising from the dead is what we should truly celebrate.

We DO celebrate that. It's called Good Friday/Easter? It is the biggest Catholic celebration day. Easter to Catholics is bigger and more important than Christmas.

JW's don't celebrate anything. Not even birthdays. Moderator cut: attack

[bigthirsty]

Originally Posted by alicenevada

I'm not here to debate, more to consult.
As a Christian, do YOU personally feel comfortable with the pagan aspects of Christmas?

Totally comfortable

Originally Posted by alicenevada

Do you feel that attatching the birth of Christ to traditions that were previously only a part of the Winter Solstice makes it okay?

I feel pretty good about it. Alcohol helps.

Originally Posted by alicenevada

Is there scriptural basis for changing the 'theme' of a pagan practice and turning it into something that is acceptable to God?

Not that I know of.. however I haven't found any scriptural basis for going to the bathroom either.. yet I still manage.

Originally Posted by alicenevada

What about the lies associated w/ Christmas...Santa Claus, three wise men (not a scriptural teaching), the star of bethlehem being a gift from God etc.

Lies about Santa Claus? You lost me at lies. What lies?

Originally Posted by alicenevada

You guys know that I'm a Jehovah's Witness so no, I don't celebrate. But why do you?

Cause..

I like to enjoy time with family
I like to see the pretty lights (..ohhhhhhh.. lighhhhhhtttsss)
I like to decorate
I like to watch National Lampoons Christmas Vacation
I like to drink (and lots of it)
I like to eat (and lots of it)
I like to drink and eat together
I like the smells (gluhwein)
I like the treats (divinity fudge)
I like the feeling of togetherness
I like tamales (traditional xmas day meal down here)

and.. I get all of this PLUS I get paid to do it!

[alicenevada]

Actually, Easter has nothing whatever to do w/ Christ either but that is not what this topic is about.

That is true. We celebrate none of the popular holidays that other Christian religions do. But we cannot stay amongst ourselves because we were instructed to preach the kingdom message and that we do. I'm not trying to argue and I'm certainly not grumbling...sorry if I gave that impression. I just like to get the input of others at this time of year, especially since I've found recently that many who are NOT of my faith (but are still Christian) feel the same way I do.

If you feel that my religion is completely counter to Jesus and his teachings, I shudder to what you must think of the early Christians...the first century congregation, as they did not celebrate these things either.

[alicenevada]

Originally Posted by bigthirsty

Not that I know of.. however I haven't found any scriptural basis for going to the bathroom either.. yet I still manage.



Lies about Santa Claus? You lost me at lies. What lies?



Cause..

I like to enjoy time with family
I like to see the pretty lights (..ohhhhhhh.. lighhhhhhtttsss)
I like to decorate
I like to watch National Lampoons Christmas Vacation
I like to drink (and lots of it)
I like to eat (and lots of it)
I like to drink and eat together
I like the smells (gluhwein)
I like the treats (divinity fudge)
I like the feeling of togetherness
I like tamales (traditional xmas day meal down here)

and.. I get all of this PLUS I get paid to do it!

Well, there's plenty of scriptural basis for going to the bathroom so that I'll do freely...

I take it you do believe in Santa Claus and if so, I have no problem w/ your justifying him to your children.

[mzjamiedawn]

As I stated in another post, I'm a Christian and yet I do not celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday. We are told to remember His death, everyday but more specifically every time you take communion.

I feel totally comfortable celebrating Christmas as a time of family coming together and enjoying each other.