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I'm posting this after seeing a news story about the governor from Washington state allowing a rebuke of Christmas and Belief of God to be posted in the Capital rotunda next to the nativity.
Christmas is observed in America as a secular holiday. So why as Believers do we play along.
I'd like to see believers shun all excess materialism associated with our observance of the birth of Jesus. Solemn worship over consumer purchase.
I'm not saying that the tradition of gift giving is completely misplaced, it just that the secular commercialism that most of us (including freedom) express gives the world a target to manipulate and exploit the true purpose, and may distract from pure reflection and devotion.
If you agree, are there any ideas on how you would or do observe a non-secular celebration of the birth of Christ?
I'm posting this after seeing a news story about the governor from Washington state allowing a rebuke of Christmas and Belief of God to be posted in the Capital rotunda next to the nativity.
Christmas is observed in America as a secular holiday. So why as Believers do we play along.
I'd like to see believers shun all excess materialism associated with our observance of the birth of Jesus. Solemn worship over consumer purchase.
I'm not saying that the tradition of gift giving is completely misplaced, it just that the secular commercialism that most of us (including freedom) express gives the world a target to manipulate and exploit the true purpose, and may distract from pure reflection and devotion.
If you agree, are there any ideas on how you would or do observe a non-secular celebration of the birth of Christ?
godspeed,
freedom
You mean Yuletide. Not "Christmas". It is not even proven Jesus was born on December 25th. The true purpose and origins are Pagan.
Hmmm...I bet a lot of Christians aren't going to be all that happy with this thread...simply because most will want to continue celebrating Christmas like their family and relatives have done for seemingly forever...and this kind of overturns the apple cart...it's "rocking the boat". But....
I think Freedom and LiveralVoice are correct: the evidence we have indicates Jesus was likely NOT born on Dec 25th, or even in the month of December, for that matter.
Just a few interesting links:
When was Jesus Born? (http://www.new-life.net/chrtms10.htm - broken link)
What to do about it? Should we cancel Christmas? Well...I don't know if I'd go THAT far. I'd be happy enough if most Christians would realize Jesus likely was NOT born on Dec 25th. And that that particular date was likely a pagan holiday in bygone centuries past...we just adopted it for our use...
Let's not argue, pls. This year, like last year my family and I decided not to do the gift thing. I am planning to get gifts for some overseas relatives this year. They don't have all the advantages we have in the US, and if I can give a little, then I am happy to. My job is having a food drive for food to be distributed after Christmas. I think that's a great idea, since it will likely be a tough winter for many people who lost jobs but don't qualify or want to accept social services. We're also planning to give the gift of knowledge to needy kids whose drug-addicted parents are on social services. I think that would be a great idea for everyone to do. But of course, even if you do shop, the money you spend will help keep companies in business, so at this time of year, you can't lose.
Also, I do not care if Christmas was originally a Pagan holiday.
Does the exact date really matter?
Originally posted by BudinAK
What to do about it? Should we cancel Christmas? Well...I don't know if I'd go THAT far. I'd be happy enough if most Christians would realize Jesus likely was NOT born on Dec 25th. And that that particular date was likely a pagan holiday in bygone centuries past...we just adopted it for our use...
Bud
I thought most christians already knew he wasn't born in December. Anyway it works out for me, as Christmas wouldn't be the same without snow.
On a more serious note (not directed at you, Bud) I truly don't get why some people are so up in arms about what day christmas was on, or the pagan origins of some traditions. I'm sorry, but I like my wreaths, garlands, trees, and snow in December. I also like spending an entire month thinking about how fantastic it was that Jesus loved me enough to come down, become a man, teach me how to live, and eventually die on the cross for my sins. And if I end up a more mature, joyful christian out of that, then what's the harm?
Christmas, (and other holidays) have enormous advantages, and I'm glad the early church thought to begin these traditions:
1. They can be a good witnessing tool. It provides an occaision for a christian to talk about Jesus to non-christians
2. It is edifying to the believer to meditate on certain aspects of Jesus' life (Christmas= Jesus coming) (Eas--err--resurrection = Jesus dying and raising from the dead). yes, we should be doing this all year, but spending an entire season on these two things doesn't hurt.
3. There's something really cool about doing something at the same time as christians around the world--not only that, But I'm partaking in a tradition that has lasted from the early church to the middle ages, to today--celebrating with Africans, Polynesians, Europeans and Koreans. That's just really cool to think that you're doing something that St. Augustine or John Wesley did
4. The birth and resurrection of the saviour is always cause for celebration
I'm sure there are other reasons, but these are my biggest reasons why I like to observe christian holidays and seasons. I celebrate christmas and Advent in December. I observe lent and celebrate easter (And yes, I do call it easter sometimes because I think the nitpicking about names is rediculous) with mourning and joy.
Sorry for the rant, but just had to put in my .02 cents
Well, I for one celebrate Christmas. My house celebrates the fact our King was born. Does it need to be on this day? No, for if one so chooses, they could celebrate it everyday.
Has it been demoralized into a paganistic, materialistic holiday. Sure, but this is no different than every other day of the year.
But, rather than shun the day because of what man has done to this day, I personally feel it is ok to give honor and thanks to God for the gift of His Son. This was God's "Ultimate Gift". No amount of "gift giving" could compare with this. The wise men from the east, brought gifts to Christ when He was born. It was an acknowledgment that their King had arrived. Jesus gave us the "Ultimate Gift" when He laid His Life down for us. Now, no amount of "gifts" could compare with this.
I would rather celebrate this with my children, than to make them feel that somehow they were "robbed" of a TRUE celebration, while their friends and family get the "gifts". Somehow, I would think that it would be us who are instilling the thoughts of covetness, and idoletry, and jealously when a parent takes away from a child part of the traditions of man, especially this one, as I have seen it. At the same time, it should always be given as the true meaning for what it is.
I was raised around JW's, and their kids were so jealous every year because they did not celebrate it. I hated looking into their eyes, and seeing that pain. I would never want that for my children, sorry.
Some ways to keep the thoughts of Jesus rampant this day, is to watch movies that reflect the heart of Jesus. Or like the above poster said, do something for the poor or needy. Giving gifts from the heart that are accepted, are both fulfilling and rewarding to the soul. Good tidings fill the hearts with love!
I wish the name of the December holiday were changed to something more honest ...like " Family Day"," Family Appeciation Day", or even "World Peace Day".
NOTHING wrong with Christmas but they did pick up pagan traditions like the christmas tree....
Give presents....Jesus wants people to GIVE ....give to someone who is needy.
We spoil ourselves year round, and I believe we need to pick at least one day to spoil someone else that we dont even know.
27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world
Give to others, and be happy that God choose YOU to put a smile on someone's face....and tell them that Jesus LOVES THEM!
The mixing of the pagan traditions with Christianity happened so long ago that it doesn't seem to matter to people anymore. What if that mixing were to happen today...with Christianity and Islam? Would it be acceptable?
It's true that Jesus' birthday is not known. It is also true that Jesus NEVER celebrated his own birthday. His followers, the apostles and 1st century Christians, NEVER celebrated his birthday. It was only in the 4th century when the political powers started regulating Christianity and mixed it with pagan. It's not Christian anymore. So if our political powers today started regulating Christianity...would you just go along with it because it is fun???
The mixing of pagan and Christian may have been so far in the past for us that it doesn't even matter, but GOD has seen the whole thing and it wasn't that distant for Him. Christians can educate themselves and learn the true origins (the worship of other gods) and how it contradicts with the first and most important commandment. Do you hurt those you love the most and say, "Well it's fun for the kids"?
My 6 year is taking a stand at school. We have shown him the origins of holidays and he can see it...he knows it would not make God happy to continue pagan traditions that celebrated other gods. There are 365 days in the year to come together as a family or give each other gifts.
Jesus wanted us to remember his death.
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= Jesus dying and raising from the dead). yes, we should be doing this all year, but spending an entire season on these two things doesn't hurt.
