Christmas

[Maureen]

Christmas.....
What are you thinking of?
I know this year is getting to me more than ever, I just see Jesus being made less and less of, it's all twinkling lights, Christmas trees (what have they in conection with Christmas anyway?)
snowmen, decorations, you name it, it goes bamie.

all I know if I have my wee Nativity set and my church that lights up, I'm pleased, and sing 'Happy Birthday' to Jesus on Christmas day, although I don't get away with this, my husband (unsaved) has to have the infamous Christmas tree with all the trimmings. Yuk, I hate it.
I know it's not the proper date, but we do have to hold some date.

The church I've not long started attending just announced that Santa would be coming soon, well I nearly chocked, it's a true Bible believing church, a great word is preached, not watery,
but Santa? is this not surely wrong?

What are your views being Christians on santa?
he's a lie, for starters, he's replacing Christ, but then he has been from I was a girl, and that's not yesterday.

Am I way too overboard? should I lighten up?
is it all harmless fun?
Deck the halls and all that?
Is it me?
Thank you.

 

[Ann]

Maureen
Am I way too overboard? should I lighten up?
is it all harmless fun?
Deck the halls and all that?
Is it me?

I agree with you and personally I would rather go overboard than going under.

Santa is a joke and yes he is replacing Jesus for the unbelievers during Christmas and it is so wrong. I've been doing it myself when I was still an unbeliever and I remember how I never took Jesus into consideration during this time.

Thanks for posting, I thought I was the only one feeling like this.

Blessings!

 

[Janette]

Kill and eat!

It's not just you, but yes, lighten up God gave us the power to be "in" the world safely. It's OK to believe that God can purify Christmas into something holy rather than fearing that the Pagan/secular influences of Christmas will defile Him (or you).

So long as the secular aspects of Christmas do not *supercede* the Christian message, there is room in God's heart for both mankind and some of man's silly traditions.

Jesus taught us that as we do for the "least" among men, so too do we do for Him. Therefore, I think St. Nicholas (Santa Claus) is a decent example of how mortal men may emulate part of the giving nature of Christ.

The historical St. Nicholas from whom "Santa Clause" is an Archetype is for the most part (in as much as any imperfect mortal man may be) a solid example of a good Christian man. The legend says that he was a wealthy man who was well known for his aid to the poor, and for giving toys to poor children.

Some ruler took over his area who was taxing the people to death or who outlawed toys or some such, and at peril for his life, Nicholas continued to aid the poor and especially to give toys to children. He was one of the first people sainted by the Eastern Orthodox church (the oldest Church in Russia bears his name), and the Roman Catholics consider him a patron saint of children and seafarers (not sure where the ocean came into the story hehe).

I don't personally believe the veneration of saints is a Biblically sound practice, but I'm willing to honor the memory of someone who apparently dedicated his life to Christian ideals of charity and aid. Perhaps you should contact your church regarding making the visit of Santa Claus be about more than a secular view of him?

For example, I know of a church that had Santa visit..but instead of bringing toys *to* the children, the kids were encouraged to part with old toys and canned goods that would be passed on to needy families in the area.

Just a thought

 

[Faithful Son]

Good post Jannette.

Firstly, I disagree completely with the original post. If I want a Christmas tree in my house, I'll have one.

There's nothing in the Word of God which says I'm not allowed to share in the laughter and wonder of His Son's birth memory while using decorations, nothing at all.

I grew up in a home where my supposed Christian father, a man of God, called that by many, forced us to never have a Christmas tree. My mom had to twist his arm just to be able to buy us each a present every year, and that wasn't a given either.

Most of my young life I went through birthdays and Christmas getting nothing and if I received something it made me feel worthless, because it wasn't of any value at all.

You are taking so much from your children if you deny them the happiness and love which Christmas could bring. If I say love, I'm talking about Jesus' love, which is service, but I'm talking about an emotion, which the modern world relates to.

Sorry for sounding a bit harsh, but it makes me frustrated to read the first post, it reminds me so much of my father. That man committed adultery after 33 years of marriage and left our family to fend for themselves. I asked him 3 months ago to send me some money to cut my hair and buy my necessities and he said he would, recently he changed his number and I didn't even get a cent.

Thank you for being born for us Lord Jesus. Thank you for living for us Lord Jesus. Thank you for dying for us Lord Jesus. Thank you for living here with us Lord Jesus.

Amen.

 

[Yvette Tanson]

With a 3 1/2 year old son and a n 8 month old daughter i am looking forward to christmas, i am looking forward to putting decorations up with my son, wrapping presents, going to visit family and all the other stuff that comes with this time of year, But is it harmless fun? it's certainly fun, but harmless, no, i think thats what satan wants christians to think as Christ is taken out of christmas. Here in England our last prime minister Tony Blair never put merry christmas on his christmas cards but instead wrote seasons greetings and this is a man who professes to be christian. Several of our councils wont put merry christmas on their christmas lights in case it offends someone from another faith.
If you ask someone whos not a christian what the real meaning of christmas is they tell you its about peace and goodwill towards men, being with family and giving and recieving presents, they never mention the Lord Jesus, and if you put them right and explain the real meaning of christmas they look uncomfortable.
Christ is forgotten about as people write xmas rather than christmas.
Harmless fun is a lie from satan that too many christians have believed for to long. now its all consumerism and how much debt you can get yourself in, and which shop has the best santas grotto and nothing about christ. it's a bit worrying when our chuch's jump on the band wagon too.

 

[iniesta]

No plans.not looking forward to christmas, just waiting for it.Hope to celebrate Jesus's birth...

 

[Maureen]

Sorry for sounding a bit harsh, but it makes me frustrated to read the first post, it reminds me so much of my father

I'm sorry if I've offended you brother, didn't mean to at all.
It's only my personal view, of course I gave my children Christmas presents and now do my grandchildren.
Didn't mean you to take it so personal.

well spoken Yvette, I agree whole heartedly.

 

[Maureen]

No plans.not looking forward to christmas, just waiting for it.Hope to celebrate Jesus's birth...

I'm curious as to how your going to celebrate it then?
but I do seriously know and understand how you feel.
I'm absolutly dreading the putting up of the Christmas tree, what a waste of and effort, personal again I say, not to offend those who just love doing it.

but really what has it got to do with the birth of Jesus?
Nothing that I can see, I think this is why I dont like it.

 

[rizen1]

I love the season, someone tried to tell me I was wrong to celebrate it.

Guess what my tree is going up, I'll be singing, Joy to the world, and hopefully volunteer at a soup kitchen. I'm dreaming of a white Christmas and I will be Caroling, caroling through the snow as I listen to the Christmas bells.

Last year we went to people's houses, one lady was sick and that was probably her last Christmas. Its about bringing the Joy of salvation to others, Jesus birth was just the beginning.

Ole saint Nick is dead and gone, I dont bring santa in my celebration.
If we make a stand others will see that its not about the gifts or santa is about Jesus.

Non Christians celebrate the season, " non christian" meaning they dont know God personally. So we should not be surprise by how they celebrate it. They want to get into the fun, by making it their own, so its easy for them to put santa up instead of getting religious with a nativity scene.

Thats why we have " seasons greetings" & "merry Xmas" the Market wants to sell their goods to everyone....think about it an atheist wouldnt buy a merry Christmas card.

For example, I know of a church that had Santa visit..but instead of bringing toys *to* the children, the kids were encouraged to part with old toys and canned goods that would be passed on to needy families in the area.

Thats nice.

 

[stephen]

I am getting ready....well thinking about it.

Next Wednesday 6th Dec I will be putting on my white beard. Red cap, jacket and britches,,,,,Ho Ho Ho and I hope to be making dreams come true, in just a small way for some little children.

 

[ravi4u2]

This is the day

I just celebrate the birth of Jesus everyday.

 

[Maureen]

also His death and resurrection, without which we would all be lost.


It's no wonder God had to turn away and coudn't look as His only son
hung on that cross, can you really imagine how it must have been?

My son has just gotten into trouble in Spain, was arrested, and put in jail,
horrific, I have never witnessed anything like the heart rendering fear of
what may happen him. Thank our God he's been released, with no charges.
But it made me reflect on the above, how God felt, for his only son.
How could we ever understand that, as He knew what was before Him.
Yet through it all He suffered the shame, and the agony.
That even a Holy God would want to even do such a thing
for people who dont deserve such an act of sorrow and love,
and there are still those in the world, who even at this time of year
have no thought or concern for Him.
I was touched by Him, nearly 5 years ago, He met me at my point of need,
no-one, spoke to me of Him, I always knew about Him, but didn't know Him,
personally.
I thank God I do now, He can reach down and touch, without the aid of a church,
tracts, spoken word, or any means, Our God is Able.

Hallelujah

 

[Maureen]

I am getting ready....well thinking about it.

Next Wednesday 6th Dec I will be putting on my white beard. Red cap, jacket and britches,,,,,Ho Ho Ho and I hope to be making dreams come true, in just a small way for some little children.

Rizen1 said:-
'Ole saint Nick is dead and gone, I dont bring santa in my celebration.
If we make a stand others will see that its not about the gifts or santa is about Jesus'.

do not our views conflict here?
guess this is why I feel so mixed up this Christmas, and goes against the grain
to even erect the Christmas tree.
Never felt so strongly before this year.
I'm wondering is the Holy Spirit trying to speak to me.

 

[ravi4u2]

Awesome testimony

also His death and resurrection, without which we would all be lost.


It's no wonder God had to turn away and coudn't look as His only son
hung on that cross, can you really imagine how it must have been?

My son has just gotten into trouble in Spain, was arrested, and put in jail,
horrific, I have never witnessed anything like the heart rendering fear of
what may happen him. Thank our God he's been released, with no charges.
But it made me reflect on the above, how God felt, for his only son.
How could we ever understand that, as He knew what was before Him.
Yet through it all He suffered the shame, and the agony.
That even a Holy God would want to even do such a thing
for people who dont deserve such an act of sorrow and love,
and there are still those in the world, who even at this time of year
have no thought or concern for Him.
I was touched by Him, nearly 5 years ago, He met me at my point of need,
no-one, spoke to me of Him, I always knew about Him, but didn't know Him,
personally.
I thank God I do now, He can reach down and touch, without the aid of a church,
tracts, spoken word, or any means, Our God is Able.

Hallelujah

Awesome testimony. I had a similar supernatural encounter with Him as I was saved from being a follower of hindu gods. I agree we need to be church and not try and do church.

 

[Ann]

I celebrate Christmas with thankfullness in my heart, that is toward God giving us His only Son, who was born for our salvation. And getting a present is not important to me because this gift God gave is enough for me.

We gather as a family and since none of my in laws are saved, including my husband they go the santa way and I cannot do anything without creating a lot of conflict.

I am not interested in santa, bringing him into Christmas is unthinkable.
He doesn't belong there and will never do.

I am not against celebrating Christmas but I am completely against
santa claus.

Blessings!

 

[Faithful Son]

I'm curious as to how your going to celebrate it then?
but I do seriously know and understand how you feel.
I'm absolutly dreading the putting up of the Christmas tree, what a waste of and effort, personal again I say, not to offend those who just love doing it.

but really what has it got to do with the birth of Jesus?
Nothing that I can see, I think this is why I dont like it.

You didn't offend me Maureen, you are much older than me and generally I assume much wiser as well.

I do however disagree, what does Gospel music acoompanied by a violin player and piano have to do with Jesus? Nothing right? In the same way, the world is ever changing, God is with us physically where we are, although the world is different.

I'm not saying Santa or Christmas trees glorify Jesus, but they sure don't take away from Him. On the other hand, Christmas season is a yearly opportunity to witness to the world and make sure that Jesus is number one.

What if someone took the initiative to be a santa for Jesus? Spreading the Gospel of Christ, belief in Jesus?

I bet I know someone like that, he's name is Stephen and he posted in this thread.

God bless
Much love
Faithful Son

 

[Maureen]

I was saved from being a follower of hindu gods. I agree we need to be church and not try and do church.

and again awsome testimony, Hallelujah twice.

Our God is a great BIG God, let's not limit Him to a box.
Ask Big for He is surely able.

amen

 

[rizen1]

Rizen1 said:-
'Ole saint Nick is dead and gone, I dont bring santa in my celebration.
If we make a stand others will see that its not about the gifts or santa is about Jesus'.

do not our views conflict here?
guess this is why I feel so mixed up this Christmas, and goes against the grain
to even erect the Christmas tree.
Never felt so strongly before this year.
I'm wondering is the Holy Spirit trying to speak to me.

Santa, a Christmas tree or the easter bunny can NEVER, erase what our heavenly Father did. I dont feel insecure about my faith when I see santa at the mall, I dont tear down my friends Tree because santa is hang on a branch.


When I say we make a stand, I'm talking about bringing Jesus into the picture, you can have whatever you choose once you're not sending the wrong message. I have little snow men, under my tree.
They look like Frosty the snowman, its cute.
In my native country we sing Parang music, which are our own versions of Christmas carols, sang in English and Spanish.
Like every year I'll be a Parangdero.

Would any of those things effect my christian walk, no
Do I feel threathen by santa no, because the Bible said


"Philippians 2:10-11 10
so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father

Give the day to the Lord, and rejoice with thanksgiving.

One man considers one day more sacred than another, another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. Romans 14:5-6

 

[trulyblezzed]

It is a good thing that you are asking advice from other Christians

I personally celebrate Christmas with the whole sha-bang... Christmas tree, lights, santa and presents. However, I know I celebrate it for a different reason from the world- I celebrate to recognize the birth of Jesus. Like someone else said, I'm grateful everyday for what God has done for me!

I don't think it's a sin to have a santa or a Christmas tree as long as you know what Christmas (and not xmas) is all about!!!

Lord I pray I get my nintendo ds for Christmas too! In the name of Jesus, amen!

LOL had to sneak that one in there!

 

[Maureen]

Look bros and sis's
I've just really had such a very hard valley to procede through lately, I don't see an end to it, there's always something around that next tree.


You didn't offend me Maureen, you are much older than me and generally I assume much wiser as well

Thank you Faithfull Son, you got some of it right, older yes too true, wiser, now that's debatalbe, but we're not allowed that here, so have to pass on that.

Thank you, all, you have started to convince me, as I've said I've just travelled this pathway in this valley, my close Unlce died last month, I took ill, husband put me out, my dog of 14 years died, then I get hate mail from my family in Canada, cause my Uncle left me an inheritance, I never asked him, was his doing, then my son ends up in prison in Spain 2 days ago, I thank the Lord he's safe now, he's wed to a J.W. and she has given me some horrid texts when I asked bout his safety.

Things just are not good, I know I have failed my God, of late, more so lately, because of this valley, I know it's were we learn life lessons, but I've failed so miserably.

I took a few horrid texts from his wife then I just lost it, I burned the bridge, she really is demon possesed. She will not stop till she has taken his life, she actually glassed him in the face that's why he was arrested.
He has left her nurmerous times to no avail he keeps going back.
I do fear for his life, but it's only prayer will cover him.

Just thought I'd let you in on some in sight as to why my Christmas has deflated so much.
I think I've fallen so far down this horrid pit, that why would the Lord want me who can't forgive and forgive and forgive again.

But I can't, I've had enough, if the Lord will still want me after all this
He's a marvel, cause I wouldn't.

How can I have the Love of God in me, when I cannot let go of these things?

I said I did not want to ever see her again, I'd had it with her I've held out an olive branch too many times. I can't carry it on.

sorry for sounding like a real pain,
Thank you all for caring, your a great family here.
Just to know I can share my problems and you will try and ease my burden.
I have cried to Jesus He does know, he answered my prayer for my son
to be set free today. Praise your name Lord.

Thank you all.