For me, I quit celebrating Christmas when I learned of its pagan origin, and what the Saturnalia was all about.

I feel the Bible only authorizes the observance of Christ death.

But reasons to not judge those who celebrate, and to understand those who do not, must be considered.

For me, the Bible says to worship the Father in spirit and truth.

The truth for me is Jesus was born near the beginning of October. Truth is there is no bible reference to celebrate it. The scriptures also say to do all things for God's glory. Does Christmas bring glory to God? Keep in mind that truth, not lies, bring God glory. 1Cor.10:31

There are many Christians who have been taught to celebrate it, and genuinely believe that God wants them too. Neither group should judge the other.

We can see in Revelation 2 and 3, that Jesus counsels all the churches, and some are teaching falsely. In time the whole truth will be revealed, for sure when Jesus makes his second coming manifest.

Revelation says we will be judged individually according to our deeds.

We should be trying to live according to Jesus deeds; Rev.2:26 And to him that conquers and observes my deeds down to the end I will give authority over the nations..see also Rev.20:12.

Colossians 2:16 Therefore let no man judge you in eating and drinking or in respect of a festival or of an observance of the new moon or of a sabbath; 17) for THOSE things are a shadow of the things to come, but the reality belongs to Christ.

Judgment was not to be made about Jewish holidays. Some feel this also applies to 'Christian holidays,' but we need to use caution and prayer in deciding how we are going to practice truth and giving in our lives.

John 4:24 God is a Spirit, and those worshiping him must worship with spirit and truth. (Jesus said)

I just finished reading Chad's post of 6-2-05, the post that started this thread; the post that gives the Christian reason for celebrating Christmas.

Modern man has twisted Christmas into nothing more than a time of year for altruistic goodness mixed with materialism and worldly partying.

Yes, the church's Christmas has its origin in pagan practices, but that does not taint Christmas with paganism. For the church, Christmas is a season set aside to celebrate Christ's coming to earth, to spend time with Him and honor Him.

I don't want to waste much attention on modern man's Christmas; I don't have time for that. I'm too busy saying "Happy Birthday, Jesus!" and celebrating Him.

SLE

Amen SLE I fully agree with you. I always do that too.

It has become too commercialised these days.

God bless

Chad
Thank you for putting all that useful information on.

I think this Christmas I may give each of my family a copy of it.

Last Christmas I was plaged as to what to do as I didn't want given any gifts so I asked my sons and daughter not to buy me a gift and the money they would have spent on it would they donate it to the Romanian Childrens Charity as the Pastor comes now and then to a Mission I attend, and it so happened Norman Fox came on the 17th Dec so it was God's will.

I was surprised they were all in agreement with it, thought sure I would have had some opposition, the only one who disagreed was my husband he wouldn't donate the value of his gift so they all bought him his present.

I was delighted to read that this idea was mentioned in your post.

It is a place to start, to worship the birth of our Lord Jesus properly, and not as the world does.

Will have to think of more ways to add to this for next one.

Oh on Christmas day just before dinner I played 'Happy Birthday Jesus' its a cd I have and my Mum and Uncle were with us, this had to be the best Christmas to date because of these differant ways of celebration.

great post brother , i have often wondered why the 25th why the tree and so forth, and there really was a santa claus coolness

Great read bro thanks for posting

God Bless and Much Love xoxoxoxo