Christmas and Easter - wrong or right?

[OakWood]

Christmas and Easter are essentially pagan destivals with a dose of Christianity thrown in. Did Jesus want us to celebrate his birth and death, especially when we use pagan symbols such as Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny? Are these festivals going against scripture? Some may believe that they are.

However with the modern World's attempts to play down these important annual events in case they 'offend' people of other religions, some may see these festivals as a reinforcement of Christian identity. Throughout the Muslim world Christians are being persecuted for celebrating Christmas, and although Christmas may introduce fictional characters such as Santa to children, it is also a good way to teach kids about the birth of Christ. Christmas if nothing else, at least reminds us of our Judeo-Christian roots in a secular society that has for decades being trying to reject them.

Should we celebrate Christmas at all, or should we just at least tolerate it? Should we have nothing to with it at all, or should we be proud of it? What about Easter and other Christian festivals? Are they harmless or are they something dangerous that we should avoid completely?

[Qnts2]

Christmas and Easter are essentially pagan destivals with a dose of Christianity thrown in. Did Jesus want us to celebrate his birth and death, especially when we use pagan symbols such as Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny? Are these festivals going against scripture? Some may believe that they are.

However with the modern World's attempts to play down these important annual events in case they 'offend' people of other religions, some may see these festivals as a reinforcement of Christian identity. Throughout the Muslim world Christians are being persecuted for celebrating Christmas, and although Christmas may introduce fictional characters such as Santa to children, it is also a good way to teach kids about the birth of Christ. Christmas if nothing else, at least reminds us of our Judeo-Christian roots in a secular society that has for decades being trying to reject them.

Should we celebrate Christmas at all, or should we just at least tolerate it? Should we have nothing to with it at all, or should we be proud of it? What about Easter and other Christian festivals? Are they harmless or are they something dangerous that we should avoid completely?

I do not view Christmas or Easter as pagan festivals. A pagan festival would honor a pagan god. Neither Christmas or Easter honors a pagan god but both honor Jesus.

Personally, I think we could all live without Santa or an Easter bunny.

But, for Christmas, I would rather Christians celebrate this one visibly, loud and clear as to Who it is this holiday is about. There is hardly a person in the U.S. who is not thinking at least a little bit about Christmas during the Christmas season, whether they believe in Jesus or not. All of the lights and decorations, the music, the visions of family time and meals. Let's face it, Christmas appears to be so desirable that the secular world has tried to appropriate it. But, as long as Christians make sure the secular world knows it is about Jesus, we win. People during Christmas time are more willing to hear about Jesus, and hear music about Jesus. It is a wonderful evangelistic tool to open up dialog.

My only comment, is believers need to actually put the joy back into Christmas rather then make it a time of stress.

[Sevenseas]

oh not again. late for one and early for another. isn't the summer solstice coming up? might be more appropriate...I've always thought the word solstice is pagan sounding

even though the meaning is not...or is it?

there are very long threads on both these items....

[Tinky]

oh not again. late for one and early for another.

[Qnts2]

oh not again. late for one and early for another.

Willowwood and I are newbies. You old timers sit back and relax. For equallity, we need to get our shot at this topic.

[OakWood]

I did have a quick scan to see if there was a thread on this already but I have to admit that I didn't do a thorough search, and yes you're right it is a bit unseasonal (my timing is bad).

Still, I thought that with all the secular attempts to destroy everything Christian I didn't think that it would be that off-topic. I just wanted to know how others felt.

[missmuffet]

We celebrate Christmas for the birth of Christ.We celebrate Easter for Christ's resurrection.What could be so wrong about that? Santa Clause and the Easter Bunny I can live without.

[Fez]

[The_Patriot21]

Neither are pegan. Just because those dates used to be pagan, does not mean they still are-if you are celebrating those holidays, for the right reason, then they are Godly holidays, if your celebrating them for any other reason, they are pagan. Its what you celebrate them for, that decides whether they are pagan or not-not the date, you can put christmas on any day you want, and if you dont celebrate it for the right reasons, then its pagan.

[Sevenseas]

oh not again. late for one and early for another.

Willowwood and I are newbies. You old timers sit back and relax. For equallity, we need to get our shot at this topic.

LOL! I was keen on the out of season Christmas objections some time back...by all means...do have a go