Should Christians celebrate Christmas

[djhwoodwerks]

Rom 14:1-6 (ESVST) 1 As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. 2 One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. 3 Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. 4 Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
5 One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God.

 

[savagewind]

I am watching the video. To practice the customs of the pagans is to reject the truth for the lie. And one of the practices of the pagans was the giving of 'gifts to children and the poor'*. Is that something we should avoid?

*Encyclopedia Britannica, 15th edition, Micropaedia, Vol II, page 903

 

[Ingledsva]

I looked up how the pom pom might be associated with the mushroom and here you have it.

LOL! That is actually funny.

Is it directed to me - for pointing out that Amanita Mushrooms are associated with Christmas?

They really are, Here is a link to whole page of pictures. Look especially at the old Christmas cards, and ornaments.

https://www.google.com/searchq=chri...L_mMKHRzWCHAQsAQIKg&biw=1684&bih=832&dpr=0.95

*

 

[rusra02]

I would not go so far as to prevent unbelievers yoking with believers because the formers have the light and the latters only darkness. Nobody is perfect.

Ciao

- viole

One does not need to become unified with another in order to help them know the truth. The writer of 1 Corinthians was a tireless preacher and teacher. Writing at God's direction, I believe Paul was warning against becoming contaminated with false and unclean religious practices. These would make a person's worship in vain, IMO. (Matthew 15:9)

 

[InChrist]

Should we worship Him how we want to or how He wants us to.

According to the scriptures believers in Jesus Christ are under grace, not the law, and everything we do is to be done as unto the Lord: how we live, how we speak, spend our time, use our money etc. this includes our celebrations. Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and lifting up His name is what God desires. Christians and the church which is the body of Christ has no greater calling than to exalt and rejoice in Jesus and all that He has done for us through His birth, life, death, and resurrection. So not only do I believe we have the freedom to celebrate the birth of Jesus I believe it is the desire of God that all Christians rejoice at such an awesome event and demonstration of God's great love. Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace, goodwill toward men! Luke 2:14

 

[InChrist]

I am watching the video. To practice the customs of the pagans is to reject the truth for the lie. And one of the practices of the pagans was the giving of 'gifts to children and the poor'*. Is that something we should avoid?

*Encyclopedia Britannica, 15th edition, Micropaedia, Vol II, page 903

Since pretty much all cultural practices are tainted with pagan influence Christians are to redeem any practices which are not morally wrong, but good like giving to the poor or children for the glory of the Lord.

 

[Unification]

It's all Pagan, and mythological symbolism....but who cares. Christmas, Krishmas, Zuesmas, Horasmas.....

The Christ/Chrism was birthed and resurrected within my heart and mind, and I don't believe Christ was ever a literal or historical figure. My inner tree was well Christened.

Nobody celebrates the Claustrum bringing gifts of wisdom down from the brain.

I also have a "Christmas" tree in my living room right now.

Seeing Jesus as a literal, historical guy may also be worshipping in vain, idoltrous imagery.

 

[URAVIP2ME]

It's all Pagan, and mythological symbolism....but who cares. Christmas, Krishmas, Zuesmas, Horasmas.....
The Christ/Chrism was birthed and resurrected within my heart and mind, and I don't believe Christ was ever a literal or historical figure. My inner tree was well Christened.
Nobody celebrates the Claustrum bringing gifts of wisdom down from the brain.
I also have a "Christmas" tree in my living room right now.
Seeing Jesus as a literal, historical guy may also be worshipping in vain, idoltrous imagery.

...... ' but who cares ' Try: 1 Corinthians 10:20-21; 2 Corinthians 6:14-16; 2 Corinthians 6:15-17; 2 Corinthians 5:7 - because apparently God cares.

Who did Jesus say we should worship according to John 4:23-24 ?

 

[URAVIP2ME]

I am watching the video. To practice the customs of the pagans is to reject the truth for the lie. And one of the practices of the pagans was the giving of 'gifts to children and the poor'*. Is that something we should avoid?
*Encyclopedia Britannica, 15th edition, Micropaedia, Vol II, page 903

Who is saying ' gift giving ' should be avoided ? I don't think anyone is saying that. We are to practice giving Not practice gift exchanging - Luke 6:38
Isn't the so-called Christmas spirit one or reciprocity or mutual gift exchanging rather than giving to children or the poor at any time one wishes ?
In a lot of cases Santa is the first god children are introduced to. Santa the god of children, the god of Christmas, who knows if you're naughty or nice.
Right action is required in order to be rewarded. Playing Santa is inviting Santa veneration into the home.
Would Jesus dress up in a Santa suit in order to play Babes in Toyland ?
Also, isn't St. Nick more of a business marketing tool for a manufactured holiday of excessive material consumption with most evidence pointing to a non-biblical past.
So, it's religious falsehoods that should be avoided - 1 Corinthians 10:20-21

 

[savagewind]

Who is saying ' gift giving ' should be avoided ? I don't think anyone is saying that. We are to practice giving Not practice gift exchanging - Luke 6:38
Isn't the so-called Christmas spirit one or reciprocity or mutual gift exchanging rather than giving to children or the poor at any time one wishes ?
In a lot of cases Santa is the first god children are introduced to. Santa the god of children, the god of Christmas, who knows if you're naughty or nice.
Right action is required in order to be rewarded. Playing Santa is inviting Santa veneration into the home.
Would Jesus dress up in a Santa suit in order to play Babes in Toyland ?
Also, isn't St. Nick more of a business marketing tool for a manufactured holiday of excessive material consumption with most evidence pointing to a non-biblical past.
So, it's religious falsehoods that should be avoided - 1 Corinthians 10:20-21

You all are saying that anything that was done FOR pagan gods is unacceptable. According to the source, it was for their gods that they gave to the poor. OK?

 

[NathanShepard8888]

It's all Pagan, and mythological symbolism....but who cares. Christmas, Krishmas, Zuesmas, Horasmas.....

The Christ/Chrism was birthed and resurrected within my heart and mind, and I don't believe Christ was ever a literal or historical figure. My inner tree was well Christened.

Nobody celebrates the Claustrum bringing gifts of wisdom down from the brain.

I also have a "Christmas" tree in my living room right now.

Seeing Jesus as a literal, historical guy may also be worshipping in vain, idoltrous imagery.

Here is evidence of Jesus existance.

The Oldest Views and Literary Data on the External Appearance of Jesus


The Description of Publius Lentullus

The following was taken from a manuscript in the possession of Lord Kelly, and in his library, and was copied from an original letter of Publius Lentullus at Rome. It being the usual custom of Roman Governors to advertise the Senate and people of such material things as happened in their provinces in the days of Tiberius Caesar, Publius Lentullus, President of Judea, wrote the following epistle to the Senate concerning the Nazarene called Jesus.

"There appeared in these our days a man, of the Jewish Nation, of great virtue, named Yeshua[Jesus], who is yet living among us, and of the Gentiles is accepted for a Prophet of truth, but His own disciples call Him theSon of God- He raiseth the dead and cureth all manner of diseases. A man of stature somewhat tall, and comely, with very reverent countenance, such as the beholders may both love and fear, his hair of (the colour of) the chestnut, full ripe, plain to His ears, whence downwards it is more orient and curling and wavering about His shoulders. In the midst of His head is a seam or partition in His hair, after the manner of theNazarenes. His forehead plain and very delicate; His face without spot or wrinkle, beautified with a lovely red; His nose and mouth so formed as nothing can be reprehended; His beard thickish, in colour like His hair, not very long, but forked; His look innocent and mature; His eyes grey, clear, and quick- In reproving hypocrisy He is terrible; in admonishing, courteous and fair spoken; pleasant in conversation, mixed with gravity. It cannot be remembered that any have seen Him Laugh, but many have seen Him Weep. In proportion of body, most excellent; His hands and arms delicate to

hold. In speaking, very temperate, modest, and wise. A man, for His singular beauty, surpassing the children of men.

 

[outhouse]

The Description of Publius Lentullus

Do you believe anything

It is known Apocrypha and has no credibility at all concerning Jesus historicity.

 

[djhwoodwerks]

Also, isn't St. Nick more of a business marketing tool

Yes, and tell us all, with a straight face that most religions aren't the same way!

 

[djhwoodwerks]

It is known Apocrypha and has no credibility at all concerning Jesus historicity.

Only to people that don't want to believe!

 

[Unification]

Here is evidence of Jesus existance.

The Oldest Views and Literary Data on the External Appearance of Jesus


The Description of Publius Lentullus

The following was taken from a manuscript in the possession of Lord Kelly, and in his library, and was copied from an original letter of Publius Lentullus at Rome. It being the usual custom of Roman Governors to advertise the Senate and people of such material things as happened in their provinces in the days of Tiberius Caesar, Publius Lentullus, President of Judea, wrote the following epistle to the Senate concerning the Nazarene called Jesus.

"There appeared in these our days a man, of the Jewish Nation, of great virtue, named Yeshua[Jesus], who is yet living among us, and of the Gentiles is accepted for a Prophet of truth, but His own disciples call Him theSon of God- He raiseth the dead and cureth all manner of diseases. A man of stature somewhat tall, and comely, with very reverent countenance, such as the beholders may both love and fear, his hair of (the colour of) the chestnut, full ripe, plain to His ears, whence downwards it is more orient and curling and wavering about His shoulders. In the midst of His head is a seam or partition in His hair, after the manner of theNazarenes. His forehead plain and very delicate; His face without spot or wrinkle, beautified with a lovely red; His nose and mouth so formed as nothing can be reprehended; His beard thickish, in colour like His hair, not very long, but forked; His look innocent and mature; His eyes grey, clear, and quick- In reproving hypocrisy He is terrible; in admonishing, courteous and fair spoken; pleasant in conversation, mixed with gravity. It cannot be remembered that any have seen Him Laugh, but many have seen Him Weep. In proportion of body, most excellent; His hands and arms delicate to

hold. In speaking, very temperate, modest, and wise. A man, for His singular beauty, surpassing the children of men.

As outhouse said, I don't think that it's wise to believe and be naive to anything read when it comes to "religions." There is too much bias, and agenda... I once saw it that way, until I awakened and realized it was just idoltrous images that my beast(ego) created because everyone else did it.

For me,
The "Christ" came within my flesh now/in present times and I confess this... and will witness and testify to my inner transformation and experience... it's the only evidence one can possibly have... their radical transformation of mind and heart.....greater is "he" that is IN me.. and it's not a historical guy or a "he" that is in me.

Therefore, believing "Christ" came in the flesh as a historical figure walking the literal earth has no bearing to me. The past is past.

With that being said, I know of the "Christ" within me and it's nothing that mainstream or many sects teach and has nothing to do with being exoteric.

 

[Unification]

...... ' but who cares ' Try: 1 Corinthians 10:20-21; 2 Corinthians 6:14-16; 2 Corinthians 6:15-17; 2 Corinthians 5:7 - because apparently God cares.

Who did Jesus say we should worship according to John 4:23-24 ?

Thanks for the response, bud.

Worshipping in "spirit" and "truth" may come with cleansing the mind of idoltrous perceptions and leaving the temple(mind) empty and desolate of perceptions.

I don't believe in exoteric "Gods" or a "God" condemning and punishing people with an overly inflated ego.

This time of year, many experience joy/union/happiness/giving/selflessness.... I just wish that it were not only because of a pagan holiday and it were a daily inner thing of experiencing such.

As for having a pine tree and putting lights and bulbs and a star on top, and having gifts for my young daughters and wife under it... that is a hobby for me. It is not to celebrate the birth of a historical figure I don't believe existed.

Again, the "Christ" died and resurrected within me and I know this in "spirit" and "truth." My insides are well Christened. My brain and heart brought gifts of wisdom and joy to me.

I don't believe that people are "wicked" because this is a hobby to them. For many that do believe it's the birth of an actual historical figure... that may hinder ones inner growth. It can easily be seen as just as "wicked" that one believes in exoteric lies out there rather than truth within.

I am free and have escaped the laws and chains that many seem to want to place on others with judgement and condemnation. My inner intuition will discern if I'm on a wicked or naughty list.

 

[URAVIP2ME]

' inner intuition will discern if one is on a wicked or naughty list ' however, according to Matthew 25:31-33, 40 it is Not intuition that places one on the nice ' sheep-like ' list.

 

[URAVIP2ME]

You all are saying that anything that was done FOR pagan gods is unacceptable. According to the source, it was for their gods that they gave to the poor. OK?

But didn't they also sacrifice their children to their gods ? - Jeremiah 32:35; 2 Chronicles 28:3; Deuteronomy 12:31 - so how does giving to the poor justify infanticide ?

 

[savagewind]

But didn't they also sacrifice their children to their gods ? - Jeremiah 32:35; 2 Chronicles 28:3; Deuteronomy 12:31 - so how does giving to the poor justify infanticide ?

And I thought the JWs knew the Bible better than almost anyone. Genesis 22:9-10

 

[URAVIP2ME]

And I thought the JWs knew the Bible better than almost anyone. Genesis 22:9-10

Please notice Hebrews 11:17-19 because Abraham and Issac ( the ' seed ' of the blessing - Genesis 12:3; Genesis 22:18 ) had confidence in a physical resurrection.
Abraham knew God's promise that the promised seed (Messiah ) would come through Isaac. Isaac would have to be alive in order for Isaac to produce that offspring.
Isaac went along with the request and did Not refuse when Abraham took the knife in hand.
The pagan peoples were burning their babies alive. Grown Isaac would have been quickly put to death first by Abraham's knife.
Since the prophetic scene was Not meant that Abraham would actually go through with killing Isaac, but showing how much faith they had that God would restore Isaac back to life.
Because Abraham had so much trust in God's ability to restore Isaac to life is why James could write that Abraham believed God..... James 2:21-23
Of course that was Not time for them to gain everlasting life, so they are asleep in the grave awaiting the fulfillment of the promise - Hebrews 11:13; Hebrews 11:39
The promise that Messiah (Jesus) will be the one who will restore them to healthy physical life on earth with the prospect of gaining everlasting life on earth starting with Jesus' coming 1,000 governmental rulership over earth when even ' enemy death ' will be No more on earth - 1 Corinthians 15:26; Isaiah 25:8