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08-25-05, 12:51 PM
[SIZE=2]Wow! I must admit there was alot of material in this and I couldn't read it all because I am disabled and can't sit that long!
When it comes to Christmas in general, I believe it falls under the New Testament words of Paul 'if one celebrates it, let him celebrate it to the Lord. If one doesn't celebrate it, let him not celebrate it unto the Lord'. Sorry if that was a rough paraphrase.
I don't believe we should judge a brother in Christ if they do or don't celebrate Christmas. However, I do agree with the wisdom of not allowing materialism and greediness to be the ways to celebrate the holiday for believers because the Bible clearly warns against these sins!
Yes, it was a winter solstace celebration, yes Jesus likely was not born in December (or in winter for that matter), but if you want to take the time to use the season and proclaim the Christ of the gospel and why He came and that He didn't stay a baby, but came to die for sinners like us....then go for it!
Our family sort of took the road of using it as an opportunity to GIVE gifts to the Lord, since it's supposed to be HIS birthday. Give some money from the family for a ministry, such as one that feeds the hungry, clothes the needy (in Mexico, Haiti, many third world countries, etc.). Visit sick people or those in nursing homes and sing them Christ exalting hymns of Christmas! Show them Jesus love even in a time when they are most lonely and missing their family.
There are many good ways to celebrate, if you want to.
However, if it's your conviction not to (as there were people at my former church that didn't), don't judge or condemn them. It was rightly pointed out that Martin Luther used it as an opportunity to show God created trees, snow and light and that's a good thing. But if they feel it's too much idolatry attached, then treat them as the one who doesn't eat meat sacrificed to idols and don't judge them, just as you don't want them to judge you.
I think there is room for either in God's kingdom. One thing there is no room for is just another reason for kids to be taught greed, lust for things, and caring more about getting than giving. That ALL believers can live without. Amen?
God bless you and thanks for the good topics!
Lab[/SIZE]
Last edited by Labrador; 08-25-05 at 12:55 PM..
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