CHRISTMAS

Christmas, is it righteousness or sin? In this posting, I am asking you to search the Scriptures, and your hearts to answer this most difficult question during this time of the year.

DOES Jesus WANT ME TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS?
SERMON #429; BY JOE McClure; DEC. 04, 2005

Once again, we are in what is referred to as the Christmas season, and it has been requested that I present a study of the matter before us today.

First, let me say that the birth of Jesus Christ was an event that the prophets of ancient times looked forward to in their teachings.

God’s people anticipated the coming of the Messiah for thousands of years.
The birth of Christ was a joyous occasion, as revealed to us in the scriptures.
When the Christ told Peter that he would build his church and the gates of hell would not prevail against it, we realize that this is His church. Since this is the church of Jesus Christ, we are bound by what Jesus wants us to do.

Does Jesus want us to celebrate Christmas?

In order to answer this question, we must ask and answer several questions:
The questions that must be answered are:

1.Is the church of Christ commanded either by a direct command, example, or necessary inference to either observe Christmas, or to NOT observe Christmas?

2.If we determine that Christmas is not authorized as a function of the church, can a Christian celebrate Christmas in a non-religious manner?

3.When can we find in history of the first time that Christmas was observed?

4.Is an observation of Christmas sinful, or righteous in the eyes of God?

5.Is there a way to celebrate Christmas that might be a good work of the church?

1. In matters of faith, it is evident that we get our authorization, as the church, for our doctrines and practices from what is written in the scriptures.
II Timothy 3.16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

The passage just quoted applies to the individual, as well as the church as a body made up of individuals.

If you cannot find in the scriptures (a) doctrine; (b) words to reprove; (c) words to correct your behaviour; (d) words that instruct you in righteousness; then you are not doing the good works of God; you are not a fully matured Christian in the faith.

In the Bible, we find a biblical principle that guides us in fulfilling these things. The Apostle Paul stated that if a thing was not of faith that it was sinful.

I am an opponent of taking a passage of scripture out of its context, so lets briefly look at the context of that principle.

In the context of Romans 14th chapter, a dispute between vegetarians and meat eaters was addressed.

Even though they were told to tolerate one another, it was made clear that the ones who ate meat were the more spiritually mature Christians.

Those who insisted on only eating a vegetarian diet were to be allowed full fellowship in the church, but they were not to be allowed to raise the issue as a matter of dispute in the church; or to teach their views in such a way as to cause others to doubt their faith.

Then, after Paul had dealt with the matter completely, notice what he says in conclusion:
Romans 14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because [he eateth] not of faith: for whatsoever [is] not of faith is sin.
An abundance of scriptures can be added to these to prove that we are called to prove all things that we do by the faith of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

2. You can do a word search first for the word ‘Christmas’ in your Bible concordance, and it does not appear in the text of the scriptures.
The religious world claims that Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
You can do a research on every practice commanded to the church of Christ, and nowhere in the scriptures can you find anyplace in the scriptures where the church was told to observe the birth of Jesus Christ.

If Christmas is a ‘good work’ of the church, then we should be able to find some command, example, or necessary inference in the scriptures that would prove such a position.

If a Christian insists of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, he should realize the necessity of proving that such a celebration is okay with Christ, that his actions are righteous.

Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

If you take the position that Christmas is a good work, then the burden of proof is on you, instead of on me to prove that it is not a good work.

Is any observation of the Christmas ‘holiday’ the good will of God?

Is it the acceptable will of God?

Is it the perfect, or complete will of God?

The questions must be answered in relation to God, not what is our will!

However, if you are active in stating that it would be sinful for you to observe Christmas, then you should be able to prove why.

If you say it is sinful for you to celebrate Christmas, then the burden of proof is on you to show that you have proven your position to be so.

This is true for everything we do, thing, or say.

If you take such a position, that it is sinful, you should prepare yourself to endure some suffering this time of the year.

1 Peter 3:14-15 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy [are ye]: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

After you have researched your Bible and confirmed that you cannot find any proof for Christmas, the next place you will have to look is at the tradition, which teaches that Christmas is a Holy day, and should be observed as holy.

Who teaches us that Christmas is a Holy day?

The answer is that most of the Catholic and Protestant religions take this position.

Could they all be wrong?

Before we look at the traditions of Christmas, and how it all got started in the religious world, we need to understand the various views that we are likely to face in the world we live in.

I want to draw your attention to 4 major views surrounding Christmas.

(A)Some Christians strongly oppose any observation of Christmas.

(B) Some choose not to observe Christmas, but opt not to pass judgment on those who do celebrate Christmas in any way.

(C) Some Christians realize that the day is controversial, so they privately observe the day with their family and friends without drawing any special attention to themselves.

(D) Some observe the day proudly, and these are vocal about stating the good work that can be done this time of the year in getting sinners to think about Jesus Christ.

WHAT MOTIVATES PEOPLE TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS?

The majority of the people in our society cannot understand a Christian who will not celebrate the holiday in memory of the birth of Jesus Christ. They do not think of the Christian religions without thinking of Christmas as a focal and important holiday of the faith.

One of the key reasons that we are so opposed to Christmas for the Christian is that it is the worship of something other than God.

To observe the entire celebration of Christmas causes one to practice idolatry, which is covetousness; both of which are condemned by the gospel of Christ.

Many who celebrate Christmas are not interested in idolatry.

They are sincerely honest about wanting to honor Christ by celebrating his birth.

From my own experience, the majority of those who celebrate the day do very little thinking about the birth and life of Jesus Christ this time of the year.

What consumes them during this season is the buying of gifts, putting up a tree, hanging Christmas lights on the house, and getting prepared to visit with their family and friends.

Many who receive gifts are consumed with anger when they receive a much less expensive gift than they gave the person. People get angry when they send out a card to someone who does not send them one as well. Many times they are removed from their list of friends due to such an omission.

Another segment of society use this time of the year to concentrate on the Christmas parties where the liquor flows freely. At these type of parties, it is not unheard of for those present to engage in sexual immorality.

Some people, this time of the year, are actually concerned with presenting themselves before the world as ambassadors of goodwill. They seek out the homeless and the poor to give them food and blankets and gifts.

Some people concentrate their thinking on Jesus Christ and his birth and life this time of the year.

They do many good deeds in the name of Jesus Christ. They honestly believe that they are reaching out to lost souls by their actions and teaching of His birth.

We could take it upon ourselves to try to educate those who celebrate Christmas about its traditions, but for most it would make no impact.

What if you do prove that Christmas was not even celebrated by the Catholics until the 4th Century?

What if you prove that the first celebration was a Catholic ‘mass’, or Christ’s Mass?

What if you prove that it would have impossible for Jesus to have been born on December 25th?

What if you were able to identify the many pagan origins of the traditions that surround Christmas?

Do you think any of your arguments would change the minds of those you are talking to?

For the most part it does not matter to folks about all these things.

Those who are not Catholic that celebrate Christmas do not consider themselves to be celebrating a ‘Catholic’ Holy Day!

Saturnalia of the ancient past means nothing to them.

They do not put up a tree to bow down and worship the tree in honor of an idol false God.

They do not give gifts in honor of a long dead Catholic saint called Nicholas.

These pagan customs that were incorporated into a celebration of the birth of Christ are basically meaningless to those who choose to celebrate Christmas.

To these Christians, the paganism of the original Christmas celebrations have become meaningless in today’s society.

We need to find some other way to touch the hearts of Christians who honestly believe that the celebration of Christmas is a good work.

We need to show them that it is not a good work, and that it violates Christian principles; and that it is actually displeasing to our Lord Jesus Christ.

FIRST, LET’S LOOK AT CHRISTMAS FROM A RELIGIOUS VIEW.

Since Christmas is only a tradition brought into being by the Roman Catholic church to celebrate the birth of Jesus, and cannot be affirmed by the scriptures, it can be condemned as an addition to the gospel of Christ.

The observance of Christmas as the birth of Christ is only a tradition originated by a man, Pope Liberius in 354 AD. It was not until the 5th century the Christmas began to be celebrated by the masses of people.

Christmas is nothing more than a TRADITION.

Jesus condemns traditional additions to God’s word.

Mark 7:7-9 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men. 8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, [as] the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. 9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
Mark 7:13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

IS THE OBSERVANCE OF CHRISTMAS ACTUALLY HARMLESS?

Does the observance of the Christmas traditions make God’s word ineffectual, as the traditions that Jesus condemned?

If you observe Christmas traditions, must you reject the word of God to do so?

Tradition of Christmas: Jesus was born in a stable.
Word of God: Jesus was born in Bethlehem, but you must assume more than the scripture says to teach that the birth occurred in the stable.

Luke 2:5-7 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Was Jesus born before they tried to get a room in the inn?

The scriptures do not reveal anything more than the fact that the child was laid in a manger.

Tradition of Christmas: Mary is worshipped as the mother of Jesus (Mariology).
Word of God: Jesus was worshipped.
Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

Tradition of Christmas: There were 3 wise men who came to the manger bearing gifts for Jesus. They are call the ‘Magi’ and according to tradition, their names were Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar.
The legendary names were assigned to them during the 7th century.
Word of God: Wise men came to worship Jesus when he was about 2 years old.
Matthew 2:1-2 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
Matthew 2:7-11 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found [him], bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. 9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

Tradition of Christmas: Twelve Days of Christmas, or Epiphany. Supposedly, these are the 12 days from the birth of Jesus to the appearance of the Magi with their gifts.
Word of God: Time between birth and appearance of the wise men was about 2 years.
Herod asked the wise men about the time when the star appeared. Based upon the information the wise men gave him, Herod was able to figure that the newborn King of the Jews would be about 2 years old at that time.
Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
The scriptures do not tell us of their names, nor how many wise men came to worship Jesus. The scriptures say that they worshipped Jesus as the King of the Jews, not that they celebrated his birth.

Tradition of Christmas: Birth of Jesus is celebrated as being on December 25th.
Word of God: Even though the Bible does not give us a date, we can see enough clues to determine that it was not during the winter.
Luke 2:8-12 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this [shall be] a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
The climate of Bethlehem is similar to our climate here. The coldest month is February, with the warmest being August.
Here is the climate information from the city’s homepage today:
The climate of Bethlehem for the greater part of the year is pleasant. Winter lasts for three months, from mid-December to mid-March, and can be severe. During the remainder of the year, the climate is temperate, with the hottest weather in the months of July and August. The Middle Eastern summer is eased by breezes coming from the Mediterranean Sea. Summer although hot in the daytime, is fairly cool at night requiring a sweater.
The atmosphere of Bethlehem is clear and its air is pure. Summer temperatures reach 35° centigrade and in the winter temperature may drop to Zero (32 degrees Fahrenheit, or freezing.). Bethlehem receives an average of 700 mm of rainfall annually. The inconsistency of rainfall throughout the months and years requires that most vegetable cultivation be supplemented with irrigation to ensure normal growth.
Visitors are therefore advised to dress warmly in winter, while in summer, they are advised to bring light clothes and sweaters for the evening. Average temperatures range from 9-18° C in winter and 26- 30° C in summer.

Tradition of Christmas: Mistletoe hung as decorations in the rooms of houses. People kiss under the mistletoe. In ancient times, they were thought to be symbolic of eternal life, and magical. It was considered a bestower of life and fertility; a protectant against poison; and an aphrodisiac.
The mistletoe of the sacred oak was especially sacred to the ancient Celtic Druids. On the sixth night of the moon white-robed Druid priests would cut the oak mistletoe with a golden sickle. Two white bulls would be sacrificed amid prayers that the recipients of the mistletoe would prosper.
Later, the ritual of cutting the mistletoe from the oak came symbolize the emasculation of the old King by his successor. Mistletoe was long regarded as both a sexual symbol and the "soul" of the oak. It was gathered at both mid-summer and winter solstices, and the custom of using mistletoe to decorate houses at Christmas is a survival of the Druid and other pre-Christian traditions. (Mistletoe is still ceremonially plucked on mid-summer eve in some Celtic and Scandinavian countries.)
In the Middle Ages and later, branches of mistletoe were hung from ceilings to ward off evil spirits. In Europe they were placed over house and stable doors to prevent the entrance of witches.
It was also believed that the oak mistletoe could extinguish fire. This was associated with an earlier belief that the mistletoe itself could come to the tree during a flash of lightning.
In parts of England and Wales farmers would give the Christmas bunch of mistletoe to the first cow that calved in the New Year. This was thought to bring good luck to the entire herd.
Kissing under the mistletoe is first found associated with )the Greek festival of Saturnalia) and later with primitive marriage rites.
Mistletoe was believed to have the power of bestowing fertility, and the dung from which the mistletoe was thought to arise was also said to have "life-giving" power.
In Scandinavia, mistletoe was considered a plant of peace, under which enemies could declare a truce or warring spouses kiss and make-up.
In some parts of England the Christmas mistletoe is burned on the twelfth night lest all the boys and girls who have kissed under it never marry.
Word of God: We are to avoid the appearance of evil. Mistletoe obviously has the appearance of idolatry and superstition and witchcraft.
1 Thessalonians 5:21-23 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. 23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and [I pray God] your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Tradition of Christmas: Christmas tree, decorated, with gifts under the tree. The evergreen tree was worshipped as a symbol of fertility and life in the dead of winter. The pagans worshipped various trees for thousands of years before Christ. It was and is a symbol of idolatry.
A similar pagan practice was condemned in Jeremiah 10.1-5, where the pagans cut down the tree and decked it with silver and gold.
Jeremiah, the prophet, told Israel: “Learn not the way of the heathen”..
Word of God: teaches against following traditions of men.
Colossians 2:7-8 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
Word of God: Teaches against following pagan practices.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

TRADITION OF MEN AT CHRISTMAS: Holly was originally worshipped as a symbol of the return of the sun at the change of the seasons; and according to the Christmas tradition, the crown of thorns that Jesus wore was made from the holly tree; and the Christmas wreath is thought to symbolize this crown of thorns.
TRADITION: Christmas carols were started in the 13th century, and if you examine their words, they are full of lies.
TRADITION: Santa Claus is one of the most obvious works of Satan contained in the Christmas tradition.
The Catholic Church worshipped certain leaders and martyrs of their past, lavishing these men with the reverent distinction "saint." "Saint" Nicholas was one such Catholic.
Also called "Santa," some have traced Nicholas' roots to an old Norse legend that the goddess Hertha appeared in the fireplace and brought good luck to the home. Santa is generally depicted as "a fat, jolly man with a white beard, dressed in a red suit trimmed with white, and driving a sleigh full of toys drawn through the air by 8 reindeer."
He is said to visit on Christmas Eve, entering houses via chimneys "to deposit presents under the Christmas tree and in the stockings of all good children."
Nicholas was worshipped and venerated in early Catholic legends, in which he was described as having mysteriously saved men in distress (such as storm endangered sailors), having defended young children, and having bestowed generous gifts to the needy (many Christians have mistakenly believed the gifts of Christmas were symbolic of the wise men who gave gifts to Jesus).
Today, parents start perpetuating this lie about Santa Claus as soon as they have children.
They teach them that Santa Claus brings the gifts, not Jesus Christ.
They teach them that Santa Claus is watching to see if they have been good or bad—not God.
They teach them that Santa will reward them if they are good during the year---not God.
Then, one day the child matures and finds out that the parents have been telling him a lie. The same parent who told them about Jesus Christ and God and Heaven also had been telling them the lie about Santa Claus.
Is it any wonder that children have trouble believing in Christ?
Even if the child comes to understand that most of the traditions surrounding Christmas are based upon lies, if they decide to continue to practice Christmas celebrations themselves, they are accepting that which has been established by Catholicism.
If Pope Liberius was wrong in starting Christmas in the 4th century, what has happened during the centuries that has made it righteous?
It is interesting that in 1640, England declared Christmas illegal to celebrate and continued this ban for about 200 years.
The forefathers of this country were against any observation of Christmas.
It has only been in the last 100 years of our country that gift giving has become traditional at Christmas.
Christmas was not a legal holiday in the United States until 1856.
There is much ‘covetousness, or idolatry’ practiced during the Christmas season. Those who get certain gifts are jealous of those who got better gifts than they did. Parents are forced to try to match gifts so that the children will not be upset. People feel compelled to go into debt this time of the year, many times buying gifts for people they do not even like, much less love.

Amid all the religious confusion of those who say they are Christians, the only way that we can be sure that we are doing that which pleases Christ is to look to the word of God.

We have proven that Jesus did not command his church to celebrate his birth.

What did Jesus command of his church?

Here are the words of Jesus to his chosen 12 disciples, before his crucifixion:
Luke 22:15-20 And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: 16 For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. 17 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide [it] among yourselves: 18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. 19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake [it], and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. 20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup [is] the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

After the church came into existence, this observation of the death of Jesus Christ was perpetuated as a continual ceremony on each first day of the week.

1 Corinthians 11:23-28 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the [same] night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24 And when he had given thanks, he brake [it], and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25 After the same manner also [he took] the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink [it], in remembrance of me. 26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. 27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink [this] cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of [that] bread, and drink of [that] cup.

In the word of truth, the church of the 1st Century only observed the memorial for the death of Christ.

Acts 20:7 And upon the first [day] of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

When the apostate Roman Catholic church started Christmas, according to history, those Christians who rose up against it were persecuted. Today, those who reject Christmas are not put in jail, or beaten; but yet we do suffer to some degree when we announce that we do not celebrate Christmas.
God’s plan is perfect and complete.
We are told to contend for this perfect plan.

Jude 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort [you] that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

Anyone who calls himself a brother that wants to add to or take away from this plan will be ‘accursed’.

Gal 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

Christmas did not exist in the 1st Century AD, so the scriptures do not speak of it.

However, Christians were faced with similar Holy day observances that they were forbidden to observe, while their friends were celebrating those days.

The only day that we can find that the church of the scriptures observed in any way was the 1st day of the week, when they worshipped.

The Jews had many days commanded to them by the Law of Moses, but when they became Christians, they were no longer to observe these days.

The Holy Spirit forbade the keeping of such days as Holy, as they were not authorized by the law of Christ.

Galatians 4:10-11 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. 11 I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.

Why would any Christian think that it would be okay to observe a day established by Catholic law, but not okay to observe Jewish holidays?

In the same manner, those pagans who obeyed the gospel were forbidden to continue to observe the pagan days of worship.
2 Corinthians 6:16-17 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in [them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,

For some reason, Christians today have lost sight of the fact that each Christian is an individual, but a part of the body of Christ.

Just as the entire body is to walk by faith, so must the individual parts walk by faith.

Can we perpetuate the pagan, idolatrous practices of the Catholic traditions and even pretend that we can do such things to the glory of Christ?

2 Corinthians 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

We should not expect those without to understand, but those who call themselves our brother should be expected to prove their practices as Holy by the Word of God.

1 Peter 4:11 If any man speak, [let him speak] as the oracles of God; if any man minister, [let him do it] as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Do our brethren get their ideas about Christmas from the Bible, the inspired word of God; or do they get them from the apostate Catholic church?

How do we know that our faith is the faith of Christ?

Romans 10:17 So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Is there any indication of the traditions of Christmas in the Word of God?

Romans 14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because [he eateth] not of faith: for whatsoever [is] not of faith is sin.

Where did the church today get the idea that they can please God in their Christmas plays and caroling?

Does the word of God even hint at such a thing as being sanctified by God?

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Today, many want to be associated with parts of Christmas, but not others.

They say that a lot of good can come from the showing of love this time of year by the giving of gifts.

While 70% of retail gift business is done this time of the year, the same folks give few if any of those gifts to Jesus, or His church.

***Those who most loudly proclaim that they are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ in Christmas do not even obey the commandment of Jesus Christ to remember his death in the communion of the body and blood of Christ. Most have not even obeyed the teaching of Christ to be saved.

If those who want to celebrate the birth of Jesus would do that which would please Him, they would repent and be baptized in His name for the remission of their sins, but most deny that this is even the truth.

Most turn Jesus away from their hearts.

Some of our brethren, when they are shamed by the scriptures that condemn such holidays as Christmas decide that they will celebrate Christmas in a non-religious manner. From my studies of God's Word, I cannot see any way in which an idolatrous, supposedly Holy Day of Catholicism and denominationalism can be celebrated in a secular way, at least not in my household.

Others say they have the liberty to celebrate Christmas by Romans 14th chapter. This is the most common passage used to support the 'secular' celebration in the homes, but not in a 'religious' manner. According to this line of reasoning, they say that they condemn all religious portions of the Christmas celebration, but are able to separate themselves from the wrong parts, and keep at home in a way that is pleasing to Christ.

Romans 14:5-10 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day [alike]. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. 6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth [it] unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard [it]. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. 7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. 8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. 9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. 10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

Does this passage apply to such days as Christmas?

Romans 14 teaches that the observance of a special day must be to His glory. So, how then can we celebrate in a 'non-religious' way, and yet be to His glory?

Such observance was not permissible if it caused trouble among the church, or if it hindered Christian growth.

Such observances were to be done in private.

Romans 14:22-23 Hast thou faith? have [it] to thyself before God. Happy [is] he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. 23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because [he eateth] not of faith: for whatsoever [is] not of faith is sin.

Such a day as is found in Romans 14 certainly could not be to Christ’s glory if it contained pagan and idolatrous practices that we see present in the traditions of Christmas.

Christmas could not be observed, as one of those days, if it were tested against the rules of Romans 14.

The church has been thoroughly educated about the pagan origins of Christmas, so to observe Christmas in any way would be allowing one’s good to be evil spoken of.

Romans 14:16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of:

Some, like us, are against its observance, so even if it were a liberty, the one who chose to exercise this liberty would be causing a dispute among the brethren. Are you willing to indulge your fleshly desires at Christmas at the price of causing unrest, and division among the brethren?

Much more could be said against this day.

It is sinful in its origins and should be avoided today by those who are aware of its sinful connotations.

There are some who may be young in the faith, and have not learned these things, and such should not be judged to be out of fellowship; but they should be taught at some point in their Christian growth about this idolatrous day.

Keep in mind that Christianity does not center around Catholic originated holidays but instead around the death of our Lord on the cross of Calvary.

Because our Lord died and carried our sins with him there, we have assurance of eternal life.

Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Who is it that looks to Jesus for salvation?

The answer is that this group includes those who listen to the teachings of Jesus about salvation.
Jesus said to his chosen apostles before he ascended into Heaven:
Mark 16:15-16 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Jesus told them that all power was His, both in earth and in heaven.
Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.
If you look to Jesus for your salvation, you will obey the teaching of these men that Jesus sent to the world with his message of salvation.

We see this first in Acts 2, where for the very first time men were taught the message of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Acts 2:38-41 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call. 40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls.
Reading on, we see that not only were these obedient folks saved from their sins, but the Lord added them to His church.
Acts 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

I encourage each one of you to think on these things and prove what you think you know to be true by the Holy Scriptures.

If you cannot prove that what you are doing is a ‘good work’ approved by God, then in all good conscience, you should stop doing it, regardless of what it is, whether it is the celebration of Christmas, or some other thing.