The Christmas Chronicles: Is It A Sin To Celebrate Christmas? Part V

The Conclusion
Finally! We are at the end. So, after reading through Parts I-IV of this series, what have we learned?

First of all we need to understand that Christmas is nowhere in the Bible and doesn't say that we must celebrate it, nor does it say that we are wrong for not celebrating it. It is simply not in there. So we can determine that Christians who celebrate Christmas are no better than Christians who don't. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God (Romans 14:4-6). It is a matter of choice on whether or not we choose to honor the birth of our King at Christmas time. Second, we need to recognize that December 25^th is more than likely NOT the actual date of Christ's birth. I don't believe that this really matters, seeing that the Bible doesn't even recognize holidays or dates of important events to begin with. So are you in judgment of hellfire for celebrating Christmas? From all the evidence that I have gathered and reported on, I don't believe so. As long as we keep focus our honor and celebrations on Him and not worldliness.

Now, please allow me to address my target audience. To say that it is a sin to celebrate Christmas because it isn't mentioned in the Bible, because we don't know the date of Christ's birth, because it was paraded on top of or with paganism, and because it shares customs that pagan holidays once had is called legalism. Because something is not in the Bible does not mean that it is a sin. Christmas is not in the Bible, but honoring our Lord IS and is in more scripture references than I can afford to quote. I would basically have to copy and paste the entire Bible to this blog in order to do it. Driving cars is not mentioned in the Bible. Are we wrong for that?

But again, you are not wrong in your choice either, because we are not commanded to celebrate Christmas. However, no one is going to burn for honoring Christ. But remember this: No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light (Luke 11:33). This time of the year Jesus' name is out there. We, as Christians, should take His holy name and magnify it before the world for all to see. What you are doing is running into your home, shutting all your blinds, locking your doors, and putting The Light under a basket in your cellar because of assumptions in God's word. This time of year is the perfect opportunity to witness before a world that hears His name, and sees His name, but does not know Him. Let us show this world that Jesus is more than just a name above all other names. For this season, and this season alone, the world opens the door to Him because of this holiday. Show them The Light that is on the other side of it. And no, you don't have to partake in the commercialism part either.

Let us celebrate His birth and reflect of the greatest gift that has ever been given. So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). One day The King left His throne and came down to be with us. We praise you Emmanuel! We need to remember this year round, regardless.

I would like to thank you five readers for following this blog series to the end. I hope that it has been informative, inspiring, and maybe even a blessing. To all my Christian friends, both Christmas and non-Christmas celebrators, I wish you a Merry Christmas, Peace on Earth, and Grace to you. Until next time...if there is a next time...

Love In Christ

P.S. I know I said in Part IV that there would be no more links, but here is one more that I came across at the last minute. From R.C. Sproul, Jr. ...http://highlandsministriesonline.org/ask-rc/ask-rc-is-it-a-sin-to-celebrate-christmas/

The Christmas Chronicles: Is It A Sin To Celebrate Christmas? Part IV

Well, if you feel like I have been biased in my opinions in Parts I-III, then you are right. Shame on me! I have been on the side of all the Christians who celebrate Christmas this entire time. Guess what? Now it's time to change teams. Now it is time to attack Christmas. I feel that I have provided sufficient opinions by other websites in the first few parts of this series, so if you need to know where these arguments are coming from then please refer back to those links. From this point on I will not be providing any other links. So without further wait...

To Buy Or Not To Buy

As we may recall from Part III, it doesn't appear to be a sin to buy gifts for one another. However, we need to understand that it is not advisable to go overboard. Do you really need to rack up thousands upon thousands of dollars in credit card debt to buy Christmas gifts? Only to go back into it the next Christmas just after you paid last Christmas' debt off? Be not one of those who give pledges,
who put up security for debts. If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you? (Proverbs 22:26-27). The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender (Proverbs 22:7). Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law (Romans 13:8). The bible advises against going into debt. Imagine if you will saying “I will spend $10,000 this Christmas on gifts and pay it all off throughout next year” and then you get laid off from your job in February. You cannot foretell what you will be able to do next year. Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit” yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin (James 4:13-17). It would be a shame to be left with such a massive debt that cannot be paid. It is best to be within your means. I know you may be saying “It is my money. I can do what I want with it!”. Our money belongs to God. He can make or break our wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18). So your money truly does not belong to you, which is why we are asked to give back a portion to God in tithes (2 Corinthians 9:7). We also need to not be greedy either. No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money (Matthew 6:24). Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”(Hebrews 13:5). For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs (1 Timothy 6:10). Greed at Christmas time can also breed materialism, and then we lose our focus on the real reason for the season. But the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful (Mark 4:19). We need to focus on giving joy, peace, and love in the name of Jesus and not dance with the evil child of greed and materialism, which is named “commercialism” (Luke 12:15, Matthew 6:33). Commercialism is at constant battle with Jesus Christ as being the focal point of Christmas. It is not wrong to buy gifts, but remember when you spend thousands of dollars on loved ones, you are welcoming debt and creating a breeding ground for greed and materialism just like cold damp places provide a breeding ground for mold and Christ being the focal point gets distorted or lost completely.

Also the materialistic and greed plague can offer failed attempts to show the love of Christ when we forgo Thanksgiving evenings with our families to attend various stores for their now “Black Thursday Evening” deals. Rushing through the doors like a stampede of mad cows, running down little old ladies to get the newest Smack Me Around Elmo doll. Is this showing Christ is Christmas?

To Lie Or Not To Lie?

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor (Exodus 20:16). If I was to walk up to anyone of you Christians and ask you “Do you lie?” I am sure you would reply with “No!”. Now if I asked you “Do you tell your children all about Santa?” and you answered “Yes”, then does that mean that Santa is real? He isn't. Therefore when you play up the hype about Santa, you are lying to your children. How sad it is when your child learns that there is no such thing, and they look to you wondering what is true. All you can say is “That's right, he isn't real”. Which translates to “That's right, we have been lying to you this entire time”. And then we expect them to believe in Christ after they have already been lied to? They see Santa at the mall, in the parade, on street corners, in Christmas movies, etc. But they do not see Jesus walking around. It is easier to believe in that which you see. So if we tell our children to believe in something they can see, but are deceived, how much harder will they trust in something that they cannot see? Not to mention we take away from Christ at Christmas time when we give Him competition. Do you think a child will be more enamored with a colorful jolly guy with flying reindeer, who travels the world an visits every child in just one night and gives them everything they want, or with the birth of a Savior? I think in given the option Santa sounds more appealing to the ears of a child who is filled with imagination and wonder. St. Nicholas was real and gave with the love of Christ, but he wasn't magical and had any flying animals. So we cannot defend Santa by saying he was St. Nick. Two completely different people.

Santa and commercialism, greed and materialism, are the tag team partners that have left a sour taste in the mouths of those who prefer to honor Christ at Christmas time. They are the ones who have driven Christians away from Christmas all together. When Christmas started out it was intertwined with paganism. The paganism is gone and now it is intertwined with fairy tales and money. No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money (Matthew 6:24). This has also meshed honoring and glorifying Christ with worldly passions and ideas. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God (James 4:3-4).

However I am not telling you what to do. This is just a thought.

The Beast That Christmas Has Become

O Holy Night! The star gods are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Mithra's birth.
Long lay the world, incense and every pine tree.
Till he appeared and the soul felt the Earth.

Most people have probably never heard of that version of "Oh Holy Night". I would hope so seeing that I just made it up. Here in the city I live in we have two secular radio stations that switch over and play nothing but Christmas music. For a whole month you do hear about snow, gifts, and that minion Santa Claus. But you also hear a lot of songs about the birth of our Savior. Christ's name is rampant in a market that otherwise never mentions His name. O kingdoms of the earth, sing to God; sing praises to the Lord (Psalm 68:32). So what is so wrong with that?

The eradication of paganism at this time of the year has led to the name of only One to be proclaimed: Jesus Christ. It is only this time of the year that He has the floor. The rest of the year secular folks don't think or mention much about Him. Secular radio stations wouldn't be caught dead playing songs that have the line “Christ is the Lord”. Atheists would get by with putting down Christ without much opposition. But this time of the year belongs to Him. Granted, Santa may “posses” the same all-knowing, all-seeing attributes of God, but you never hear the phrase “Santa is the reason for the season” or “Let's keep Santa in Christmas”. Santa is there, yes, but this season is Christ's. That's why it is called CHRISTmas, not “Santamas”. So what are we supposed to do about this? You will find out in Part V when we finish this series once and for all. Until then...

Love In Christ

The Christmas Chronicles: Is It A Sin To Celebrate Christmas? Part III

Sooooooooooooooooo...where was I? It has been a year since my last blog post and since I left all five of you readers wondering if it was a sin to celebrate Christmas. So let's shake off the dust and pick right up where we left off, shall we? We went over the arguments on why Christmas is viewed as a sin in Part II. This time around we will discuss the customs that are in Christmas but were carried over from paganism. These include decorating trees (or decorations in general), feasting, and gift exchanging.

To Decorate Or Not To Decorate
CHRISTMAS TREES. I know there are many other pagan based customs out there. The yule log, mistletoe, etc. But I choose to pick on Christmas trees because they are the most common decoration and the biggest scapegoat for the whole "former pagan anti-decoration" movement. Learn not the way of the nations, nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens because the nations are dismayed at them, for the customs of the peoples are vanity. A tree from the forest is cut down and worked with an axe by the hands of a craftsman. They decorate it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so that it cannot move. Their idols are like scarecrows in a cucumber field, and they cannot speak; they have to be carried, for they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, neither is it in them to do good. (Jeremiah 10: 3-5). Even though this passage is not talking about Christmas trees, or what kind of trees or decoration, it is talking about bringing in some form of plant life and decorating it. So how can the simple act of bringing in a tree from outside and decorating it be a sin? Well let's look at the big picture first. Most of us know that pagans worshiped the creation, not the Creator. They either adorned trees with decorations in celebration towards a god, or they carved the tree into an image of a god and decorated it. Nonetheless, they brought in a tree and decorated it and idolized and worshiped it. One can believe that this, plus the scripture that is in Jeremiah 10, is evident that anyone who puts up and decorates a Christmas tree is in danger of God's wrath. But, the sin does not lie in the act of bringing in greenery and decorating it. The sin was that they worshiped and idolized the tree that they brought it to their homes. You shall have no other gods before me (Exodus 20:3). Most modern people who put up Christmas trees do so as either family tradition, or decoration, or both. Most do not do it to honor another god or do they worship the tree. Granted, some people may admire their tree too much, but they do not worship it as a god.

So if you bring in a tree and decorate it this Christmas season, will you be guilty of sin? What about the family down the street who have a fake tree in their dining room adorned with lights as a year round decoration? Are they guilty too? What if one brought in a fern and hung it in their living room and decorated it with a fake cardinal?Are they destined for Hell's fire? The customs of the pagans were evil because they involved worshiping other gods and God's creation. If the pagans had never done this, but God's people did and they did it to honor God because they appreciated His marvelous works, would it still be a sin?

As you may recall from David Black's blog post from Part I on this series (it was one of the links that was against Christmas), they, as also others, believe it is also a sin to put up a nativity display. Sorry. Did I make you spit your Cheerios out all over your laptop? You will have to excuse me. Please forgive me. The reasoning behind this idea can be found in Exodus 20:4: Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. What this is saying is that we are not to conform God into any kind of physical image. Why is this? Because the ancient Jews did not have a visual image of what God looked like. So they made statues of what they believed God looked like and eventually worshipped the statue. They made God into the image of bulls, rams, crickets, whatever. This commandment was set forth not just to protect the Holy image of God (by not reducing Him down to an object), but to keep us from inadvertently worshipping an idol.

However, God made Himself into a physical image when He left His throne and came to earth in the form of a man, Jesus Christ. We no longer had to wonder. He was here in the flesh..and people worshipped Him. They worshipped the physical "graven" image that God had become. So does that make all of Christ's disciples, and all of us Christians, sinners because we worship The Lord Jesus Christ who was a physical image of God? If it is wrong for us to worship God in the physical image He had become, then it is wrong for us to worship Jesus. That isn't so, is it? So any kind of carving or painting of Christ should not be blasphemous (as long as it glorifies Him) because He was a real man. A nativity is a depiction of something that happened and was real and honors the birth of our King.

Eat Up!
I am not quite sure where in the Bible it says that it is a sin to get together and enjoy a meal with loves ones. It almost sounds ridiculous to say that dining and fellowship is a sin. Some scriptures in reference to fellowship with others and eating include: And you shall eat and be full, and you shall bless the LORD your God for the good land he given you (Deuteronomy 8:10); And the Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance with you, and the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, who are within your towns, shall come and eat and be filled, that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands that you do (Deuteronomy 14:29); That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ (a good reference for getting together to honor Christ at Christmas)(1 John 1:3); When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up (1 Corinthians 14:26). I can only imagine that coming together in honor of Christ with loved ones and enjoying food together would actually be a pleasant and enjoyable blessing to one. If you don't agree with that, then your church needs to cease from having any after church potlucks. Because you are doing nothing any different than if you were getting together at Christmas.

To Give Or Not To Give
Is it a sin to give gifts to one another, just because pagans do it? Then the king gave a great feast for all his officials and servants; it was Esther's feast. He also granted a remission of taxes to the provinces and gave gifts with royal generosity (Esther 2:18). Therefore the Jews of the villages, who live in the rural towns, hold the fourteenth day of the month of Adar as a day for gladness and feasting, as a holiday, and as a day on which they send gifts of food to one another (Esther 9:19). ...as the days on which the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month that had been turned for them from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, days for sending gifts of food to one another and gifts to the poor (Esther 9:22). Because of your temple at Jerusalem kings shall bear gifts to you (Psalm 68:29). Many seek the favor of a generous man, and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts (Proverbs 19:6). And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! (Matthew 7:11). I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God (Philippians 4:18). Hmmm, I think not. Even God's people (and His own Son) received and gave gifts.

Well. It seems we have covered alot so far. The roots of Christmas in Part I, the sinful viewpoints of Christmas in Part II, and the sinful customs and traditions of Christmas here in Part III. In Part IV we will discover the beast that is Christmas. Also, if you feel that I have been siding with the pro-Christmas crowd thus far (which it seems that I have been), we will discover the negative and true sinful nature behind this holiday. Until then...

Love In Christ

Is It A Sin To Celebrate Christmas? Part II-REPOST

The following post was Part II from the series that asks if it is sinful to celebrate Christmas. It is where I left off last year and was my final post for an entire year. Originally posted December 7th, 2011.

As you may remember from Part 1 in this series I introduced you to a brief history in Christmas and where it draws it's pagan traditions. The pagan holidays honoring their gods during the winter solstice existed before the birth of Jesus Christ. However, in efforts to "Christianize" this pagan holiday (in hopes of complete conversion or meshing Christianity with pagans) Constantine and Pope Julius I established December 25th as the birth of our Savior. There was definite infiltration of paganism in the Christianity, and vice versa. What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? (2 Corinthians 6:15). In this "gain", Christmas adapted such pagan customs as feasting with family/friends, gift exchanging, and bringing in trees from outside and decorating them. So you would think that even doing these things would be sinning and we should abolish Christmas altogether, as the "Anti-Christmas" Christians would have? As you may recall from Part 1, the Anti-Christmas crowd argues that Christmas is a sin because it shares pagan customs, originated and is celebrated on a pagan holiday, and because the Bible doesn't say to celebrate it. Let's explore these arguments, shall we? (PLEASE NOTE: If you haven't read Part 1 in this series or haven't reviewed the links that I have posted in Part 1, please do so at this time. Otherwise this will not make much sense).

Christmas Is A Sin Because It Originated (Celebrated) From Paganism
Well, we can already determine this myth as busted, because if you may recall from it's history, Christmas did not morph from paganism. It basically was painted over it. It only shares pagan customs. But is it a sin to celebrate Christmas because it was thrown on top of a pagan holiday? I am reminded by the story in the Old Testament when God commanded the Israelites to bulldoze the Canaanites and claim the Promised Land (see the book of Joshua). Here you have something that belongs to God's people, and God if you will, being claimed (back) from those who do not belong to Him. Hmmm! Sound familiar? The same thing happened when Constantapopejul1 (combination of Constantine and Pope Julius 1, kind of like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's "Brangelina") declared the celebration of Christ's birth at the same time as the celebration of the pagan gods. Who won? Let me ask you this: How many people do you know who still honor the pagan gods at Christmas time? Pagan who? Most people couldn't even tell you what paganism has to do with Christmas. In other words: the birth of Jesus dominates paganism. And may I remind you as to what came first? In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:1-5). Would you believe that Christ existed before His own existence? According to Bible scholars and this verse in John 1 this is so. Also God said, "Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth." And it was so. (Genesis 1:11). So the reason for the season, Christ, existed before paganism, and the idols of paganism, nature (trees/Christmas trees), existed before they became pagan idols. In other words pagans took what God created and began to worship it. They worship the creation, not the creator, as it is meant to be. When Christmas bulldozed and buried the pagan holidays, we took back what was rightfully ours. Our Savior, and a creation that is seen as just that and not a god.

Christmas Is A Sin Because It Shares Pagan Customs
So keep my charge never to practice any of these abominable customs that were practiced before you, and never to make yourselves unclean by them: I am the LORD your God (Leviticus 18:30). And you shall not walk in the customs of the nation that I am driving out before you, for they did all these things, and therefore I detested them (Leviticus 20:23). What customs are we talking about here? As you may recall from the links I posted in Part I on this series, the pagans feared spirits, unseen gods, weather, and they worshipped them, trees, rocks, acorns, etc. Some even offered sacrifices to trees and so forth. However, we carried the customs of feasting, gift exchanging, and tree decorating over from paganism to Christmas. I know many may say "that is wrong". True. But what is lacking now that was back then? Idol worshipping. Most people these days partake in these customs because it is family tradition and they still honor Christ as the reason for the season, not Saturn. But I will elaborate more on the customs in Part III of this series.

Christmas Is A Sin Because The Bible Does Not Command It's Celebration
This is actually the biggest reason why many say we should not celebrate Christmas. As a matter of fact, we used to receive a Christian magazine from England that basically said that we should not celebrate ANY holiday because it is not mentioned in the Bible. And if you did you would go to Hell. Notice I said "used to receive". I can't give you any scriptures to back this claim, because, it really isn't in the Bible. The only thing that the Bible says that we should "celebrate", or remember, is communion. And when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, "This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me."In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. (1 Corinthians 11:24-26). Now what I wonder is that if the Bible does not say to celebrate a holiday, does it make it a sin to do so? It doesn't say that you can't celebrate a holiday. But if you are on the fence of "you can't celebrate Christmas because it isn't in the Bible", then you need to put down your fork at Thanksgiving, not make any "resolutions", not attend a 4th of July firework display, and don't even think about grilling a hot dog for memorial day. Also don't even think about celebrating a "personal holiday". What could that be you ask? Yours, or anyone else's, birthday. No more birthday parties for you or your children. Hey! Not a single one of these is mentioned in the Bible. You may be saying to me "Man! You are sounding legalistic". My point exactly.

Christmas Is A Sin Because It Is Celebrated On The Same Day As Pagan Festivities
Good argument! But if that is your stronghold, then you need to give up being a Christian. Why? It is true that the pagans claimed December 25th as the birth of Mithra first and that Constantine claimed it as Christ's birthday second. But did you know that all seven days of the week were named to honor pagan gods? As we all know pagans worshipped the sun and moon as well, which is where Sunday (sun) and Monday (moon) come from. Tuesday is named after Tiw, the Norse god of justice. Wednesday named after Woden/Odin, a powerful Norse god. Thursday is named after hammer slinging Thor. Friday is named after the Norse god Frigg. And for all you Seventh-Day Adventists out there who think you are safe: Saturday is named after who? The Roman god Saturn (http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/funfacts/daysoftheweek.htm). So if you can't honor Christ on December 25th because it "belongs to the pagans", then you cannot honor Him any day of the week because those too are in honor of pagan gods and idols. So I guess you will just have to stop worshiping Christ, right?

Final Thoughts On Part II
So what have we gathered here? Yes, I said "we" because this is a learning process for me as well. We have learned that Christ existed before Mithra and any other false pagan god. We have learned that the pagans stole God's creation and used it as idols for worshiping (hence causing Christians to think that it is an abomination to God to have anything to do with His creation). Sort of like when the homosexuals hijacked the rainbow for their gay symbol, even though it was God's promise to Noah to not wash earth away with a massive flood again. We have learned that the Bible does not say that it is a sin to celebrate holidays or birthdays. Therefore we cannot say that it is offensive to God to do so, because no one ever said it was. We just need to steer clear of any celebration that is ungodly. We also learned that the seven days of the week "belong to the pagans", as "does that pagan Christmas holiday", rendering Christians who will have nothing to do with a pagan honored day without a single day to worship Jesus Christ. Sad. But there will be more on this in Parts IV and V. Yes... this blog post is a beast. Until then...God bless.

More links that I have found that may be of interest:

No Christmas: http://thebibletruthsite.tripod.com/whynottocelebxmas.htm

Go Christmas: http://www.equip.org/articles/should-christians-celebrate-christmas-

Is It A Sin To Celebrate Christmas Part I?- REPOST

In November of 2011 I had come across an argument on whether or not celebrating Christmas was a sin. The evidence was great on both sides. So I decided to do my own research and too look at the argument from an unbiased and logical view. However, due to time restraints, I was unable to finish the blog series and ended it on Part 2 of the series. However, as promised, I am going to finish this. So here it is: The re-posting of Part 1 from that series. Originally posted December 4th ,2011.

The title of this blog may have gotten your attention. We all are more than familiar with the constant battle during the Christmas season. You know, the one where the Atheists are offended and want "Christ" removed from Christmas, and the Christians fight to keep it CHRISTmas. Of course, how silly would it sound when you shout "Merry Mas"? But you may not be aware of a new battle on the horizon. This is actually the first Christmas that it has shown up on my doorstep. And no, it wasn't caroling. Would you believe that there are Christians out there who want to remove Christmas from Christ? Yes, I know it sounds hard to believe. But there are many devout Christians out there who proclaim that celebrating Christmas is a sin and Christians should have no part of it. I know you may be saying "Do what now?". I have had a convincing argument come before me that has told me that it is sinful, and then a convincing argument right behind that one that says it is not. So I have been rendered neutral on the battleground. Therefore, with much research, let me do as a good blogger does and put in my two cents. Please note that following this blog post I will have the links for the two arguments so that you can see where this is coming from.

The History Of Christmas
Well, it seems fitting that before I begin to open this crater of worms, I give you a background to Christmas and it's origins. As we all know, Christmas was a pagan holiday before it became Christmas. But in my research I was amazed to find that there were more than one religion that was partaking. The Mesopotamians reigned in the New Year with their god Marduk. The Persians and Babylonians got rambunctious with the Sacaea festival. Scandinavians celebrated the Yuletide by burning a Yule log. The Romans celebrated their god Saturn in a festival called Saturnalia which had traditions and festivities that closely mirrored that of modern day Christmas. (information found at http://www.holidays.net/christmas/story.htm). Romans also believed that their sun god Mithra was born on December 25th in a way similar to Christ's birth. We also need to give a shoutout to our crazy friends over in Germany for honoring their pagan god Oden. (information found at http://www.history.com/topics/christmas). Most of these pagan holidays have something to do with the end of the winter solstice and the slow crawl back to spring, or the death of the sun, or some other weird weather/season related phenomenon.

So now we have just a massive festival of multi-god worshipping and debauchery in the streets throughout many different lands. So how did Jesus get mixed in with all of this? The first recorded date of Christmas being celebrated on December 25th was in 336AD in the time of the Roman Emperor Constantine (he was the first Christian Roman Emperor). A few years later Pope Julius I officially declared that the birth of Jesus would be celebrated on the 25th December. There are many different theories as to why Christmas is celebrated on December 25th. A very early Christian tradition said that the day when Mary was told that she would have a very special baby, Jesus. (This is called the Annunciation) was on March 25th - and it's still celebrated today on the 25th March. Nine months after the 25th March is the 25th December! March 25th was also the day some some early Christians thought the world had been made and also the day that Jesus died on when he was an adult. (http://www.whychristmas.com/customs/25th.shtml).

In various findings I had found that creating Christmas at the same time as these pagan holidays had caused a "meshing" of traditions. Many of these included pagan traditions of feasting with family and friends, gift exchanging, carolling, and eventually tree decorating.

So what have we learned by far in the "Reader's Digest version" of the history of Christmas? We have learned that before Christmas, the winter solstice/December 21st was celebrated by pagans as idol/false god worshipping using customs that are still celebrated today at Christmas. A couple of guys got together and said "Hey, they have a big celebration honoring all their gods. Let's have one too!" And so Christmas was born on December 25th to honor the birth of Jesus Christ. The only problem with this is that the real birth of Jesus was never recorded, and so therefore probably was never on or around December 25th. It was just a tactic to "join in the crowd" with all the festivities and even try to mesh Christianity and paganism. Some scholars say this was in effort to convert pagans, some say it was to please them so that they wouldn't have to give up their practices for Christ. This is one argument that the Anti-Christmas Christians stand by. The other arguments are that Christians shouldn't celebrate on a pagan holiday, they shouldn't acknowledge anything that originated in paganism, and that Christmas is a sin because the bible does not command us to celebrate it.

This post is only the can opener to the can of worms. It's all downhill from here! Before we move on, I urge you to check out the above links on the origins of Christmas, and the following links on the arguments from both sides that has inspired me to write on this topic. In just a few days I will be posting Part 2 on whether it is a sin to simply say "Merry Christmas". Until then...God bless!

The link that inspired me to throw away Christmas: http://www.daveblackonline.com/why_we_no_longer_celebrate_chris.htm

The links that inspired me to continue to celebrate Christmas:
http://americanvision.org/3866/of-christmas-and-christmas-trees/
http://americanvision.org/895/pagan-roots-of-christmas/