Chrisitian Christmas Vs. Commercial Christmas

[darkest_red]

Traditionally our Christmas goes like this:

We wake up about 8/8:30 and open our stockings. After that we go downstairs, get ready, have breakfast (Jaffa Cakes for me!) and then get ready for church, perhaps opening one present before we go.

After we get back from Church we open another present while lunch is cooking. After lunch mum and dad wash the pots and then we all watch TV together. We then open a few presents, have tea, open a few more presents, watch TV, open a few more presents...etc.

As for the comment about not even saying thank you, as most of the people that give us presents are around when we open them, we always write our Thank you notes on boxing day but we are always grateful. We were brought up to always say thank you and that's what we do.

[Guest firefromheaven]

I have been doing some research on christmas too. What I'm finding doesn't line up with what is taught by churches and christians. I also don't find anything about christmas in the bible either. Let alone any of the holiday's that are celebrated. I want to know the truth and walk in it. I'm going to post a couple of links to information I have found and point to a post I made in this forum. The topic is a little christmas spirit.

http://www.demonbuster.com/christmas.html

http://www.demonbuster.com/z7cpoch.html

[RustyAngeL]

As a kid growing up Christmas was a very big deal in our house. My dad who is now home with the Lord, and I use to hit the malls around the 5th of December, do our shopping for mom, and then go shopping for decorations for the house. He loved Christmas. We had three trees in our house, and the whole season was magic. However it was never forgotten what we were really celebrating, the birth of our saviour. I miss that. Steve and I now spend Christmas with his son in Wrightwood Calif about two hours from our home. There is always snow and we love just being with the family. His son and his wife have four children, older but we really enjoy just being there and loving each other. Merry Christmas everyone !

Edited December 13, 2004 by Rustyangel

[keslc]

Why do I get a feeling like...." here we go again!"......

I get into a discussion like this EVERY single December, but it's usually not with other christians, but with pagans who are highly offended that "I" have "stolen their holiday". Oi vey! Yes, I understand that Jesus was not actually born on December 25 and that "Christmas" began way back when in December to either combat or incorporate a pagan solstice or other such celebration. Unfortunately, I was not there the day all of this was decided, so I really do not know the line of thinking or intentions of those who did decide to celebrate the birth of Jesus in December. And I really am not that interested in knowing because they have had to answer for that themselves, and not to me. I was raised only knowing that Jesus is to be loved and adored and He was the most important gift ever in the history of the world. Christmas was a time to remember and give thanks for that precious precious gift by talking about it with family and friends and by showing unselfishness ourselves by giving to others. That is how I still view Christmas. It has nothing to do with anything except taking that day to tell God I love Him and I am so thankful for the gift of His Son, Jesus, and by telling my friends and family that same message. Why are so many Christians willing to concede to Satan?? I don't get it....

[Guest firefromheaven]

Why do I get a feeling like...." here we go again!"......

I get into a discussion like this EVERY single December, but it's usually not with other christians, but with pagans who are highly offended that  "I" have "stolen their holiday". Oi vey!  Yes, I understand that Jesus was not actually born on December 25 and that "Christmas" began way back when in December to either combat or incorporate a pagan solstice or other such celebration. Unfortunately, I was not there the day all of this was decided, so I really do not know the line of thinking or intentions of those who did decide to celebrate the birth of Jesus in December. And I really am not that interested in knowing because they have had to answer for that themselves, and not to me.  I was raised only knowing that Jesus is to be loved and adored and He was the most important gift ever in the history of the world. Christmas was a time to remember and give thanks for that precious precious gift by talking about it with family and friends and by showing unselfishness ourselves by giving to others. That is how I still view Christmas. It has nothing to do with anything except taking that day to tell God I love Him and I am so thankful for the gift of His Son, Jesus, and by telling my friends and family that same message. Why are so many Christians willing to concede to Satan?? I don't get it....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Jer 10:1 Hear ye the word which the LORD speaketh unto you, O house of Israel:

Jer 10:2 Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.

Jer 10:3 For the customs of the people [are] vain: for [one] cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.

Jer 10:4 They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.

That sounds like a christmas tree to me.Those verses are talking about idol worship. Oh CHristmas tree oh Christmas tree ! I only posted what I found about christmas and it's origins.I do hope you enjoy your christmas time Katie.

[Guest Thomas I believe]

Brothers and Sisters, As we all know there is much controversy over the Christmas holiday. I believe it is a personal choice how we celebrate it. We must pray and ask God to convict our hearts on how and what we do during the holidays. The holiday season has been around a long time and yes there are pagan roots attached to christmas and there fore we must stay focused on Jesus's birth. We must stay focused on our Lord. That is something we do daily and any holiday it shoud be the same. There is so much unrest among christians concerning christmas and only our Lord can speak to our hearts as to what to do during the holidays. May the Peace of Our Lord be with you......

[Guest antlerchef1]

Wow! Christmas...That time of year that starts earlier and earlier...Think it may start the day after before long. Commercialized! Now the unspoken by most except Christians. Christmas all year! Continuously celebrating the Birth of the Risen Savior. At our household, my wife 4year old and myself sit as the Story of the Birth is read on the 24th. Then off to bed and hopefully a good nights sleep before waking and of course the "total destruction" of the home....so much fun and the look of joy in the eyes of our daughter.

Ever since my daughter was born we taught her the real meaning of Christmas and it has stuck even with all the commercialism on the tele and all. Now we are going to use some of our heritage to celebrate in a Danish/German style Christmas.

In Him and Happy Birthday Jesus!

[keslc]

Why do I get a feeling like...." here we go again!"......

I get into a discussion like this EVERY single December, but it's usually not with other christians, but with pagans who are highly offended that

[Guest firefromheaven]

Why do I get a feeling like...." here we go again!"......

I get into a discussion like this EVERY single December, but it's usually not with other christians, but with pagans who are highly offended that  "I" have "stolen their holiday". Oi vey!  Yes, I understand that Jesus was not actually born on December 25 and that "Christmas" began way back when in December to either combat or incorporate a pagan solstice or other such celebration. Unfortunately, I was not there the day all of this was decided, so I really do not know the line of thinking or intentions of those who did decide to celebrate the birth of Jesus in December. And I really am not that interested in knowing because they have had to answer for that themselves, and not to me.  I was raised only knowing that Jesus is to be loved and adored and He was the most important gift ever in the history of the world. Christmas was a time to remember and give thanks for that precious precious gift by talking about it with family and friends and by showing unselfishness ourselves by giving to others. That is how I still view Christmas. It has nothing to do with anything except taking that day to tell God I love Him and I am so thankful for the gift of His Son, Jesus, and by telling my friends and family that same message. Why are so many Christians willing to concede to Satan?? I don't get it....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Jer 10:1 Hear ye the word which the LORD speaketh unto you, O house of Israel:

Jer 10:2 Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.

Jer 10:3 For the customs of the people [are] vain: for [one] cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.

Jer 10:4 They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.

That sounds like a christmas tree to me.Those verses are talking about idol worship. Oh CHristmas tree oh Christmas tree ! I only posted what I found about christmas and it's origins.I do hope you enjoy your christmas time Katie.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I am sorry if my tone came across weird, I didn't mean to sound harsh at all. I just meant that I think sometimes people can get too caught up in legalistic ideas and in doing so, concede a day (that could be used to worship and further the Good News) to satan because of its "roots". There is danger in becoming like a pharisee if we walk that route. My focus of Christmas is worshipping and thanking Jesus and that is what we celebrate. (even the angels and shepherds celebrated His birth and worshipped Him! That is the example I follow!) Trees, candy, presents are NOT the focus and my husband and I make that clear to our children (and other family as well). I don't worship a tree nor any other "idols". I do understand what you are trying to say, however. Also, as Thomas I believe said, I agree that this is something to pray about and if you personally feel convicted NOT to participate in any way, then by all means, don't. He gave a very good last post! God bless!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Its not an legalistic idea. The information about christmas clearly shows it's a practice that pagans do and the catholic church added it as a holiday. My question is why would a christian want to take a pagan practice and modify it to look like it's christian? The Lord clearly says to come out from among them and be seperate.As for doing something to remember the Lord he gave us the communion. As often as you do this ,do it in rememberance of me, he said.Likewise you too if you want to participate you are free to do so. Paul said all thing are permissable yet not all things are profitable. It's not easy to change a practice after being taught it all your life and with so much peer pressure.Not to mention you have children and all the children of the world expect christmas.I'm glad I don't have to make that decision.I'm sure there are lots of things you have to deal with your children and the ways of the world. You don't have to answer me anymore Katie. We both stated our veiws and if we disagree it's ok. We are allowed to have disagreements.No argument here,I was just sharing and God bless you and your family Katie.

Steve

[jesussaves]

I take great joy in the celebration of Christmas. Before I came to know Jesus as my Lord and Saviour it was just Xmas to me. But when I came to the knowledge of what it cost Him to come to earth and die on a tree for my sins Christmas became a special day set aside to honor Jesus Birthday with great rejoicing.

The Christmas tree reminds me of the tree He died on. When I decorate it and turn on the lights I take great joy in thanking Him for what He did for me and the light He shed on my life. He is the Light of the world and I love to turn on the lights in a celebration of Him. I love to shop for just the right gifts for my loved ones. Special things that I know they need or want. Like the three wise men that brought gifts to the Lord on the night He was born, gifts out of the joy in their hearts and gifts that were special and needed. A picture of each of my children hangs on my tree surrounded with little musical instruments, angels, and every reminder of love I can find. Sometimes I make a donation to a ministry in need and give it in of my childrens names.

Christmas baking, cooking, decorating, card mailing and sewing, crocheting and shopping all fill my heart with the joyful thanks for the family the Lord has given me and the Wonderful Saviour I never tire of celebrating.

Christmas is also one of the most wonderful times to share the love of Christ with people who are lonely, hurting, unsaved. Every Christmas card sent out is an opportunity to tell some that does not know Jesus how much He loves them and give them John 3:16 to read. There are people who would ordinarily get offended at a basket left on their door step filled with groceries, but at Christmas they get a blessed. The joys of Christmas are many, many, many.

Merry Christmas everyone! And Happy Birthday Jesus!!