Some say that Christmas is a good thing, but it has been perverted by materialism and lack of self control. They urge people to "restore the religious significance of Christmas," that is to say the celebration of the birth of Christ. But Christmas is really about the birth of Jesus?
"Before anything else, it should be noted that despite the efforts of countless historians, there has never demonstrated (...) what day Christ was born."
The Bible says nothing about date of birth of Jesus. The writings of "church fathers" are not in agreement on this issue. Clement of Alexandria (second and third centuries AD) alludes to some who believed that Jesus was born on April 19 or 20. Others prefer to May 20 Still others chose 1 or Jan. 6, 21 or March 28, to mention only a few dates advanced. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, "there is not a single month of the year has been chosen by respectable authorities to fix the date of the birth of Christ."
That Did not matter to you?
Is not it obvious that if God wanted his people to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ he would have recorded the date in the Bible? Remember that the Bible contains the date of Easter, which is the memorial of Christ's death (Exodus 12:6, 14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-25, Luke 22:7-20). It is clear that God does not desire that we celebrate the birth of His Son Jesus. It is therefore not surprising to read in an encyclopedia (The New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge): "There is no historical evidence that the day of the birth of our Lord was celebrated during the apostolic period or the years that followed. "
Yet, the churches of Christendom have decided to celebrate it. In 354 AD, most churches have chosen December 25 as the date of the birth of Jesus. Why?
Scientists provide two explanations for the choice of December 25. The first would be seen from a calculation made by Hippolytus in the third century AD, that Jesus died on March 25 and was designed thirty-three years earlier. If we add nine months the latter date, one arrives at 25 December for the birth of Jesus.
The second opinion, dated December 25 was chosen because that day pagans celebrated "the birth of the invincible sun", the Roman Brumalia. This day followed the Saturnalia (from December 17 to 24) at the time of the winter solstice. At this time of year when the days begin to lengthen. The pagan Romans believed that Mithra, the sun god, won the victory over the darkness of winter. According to the New Catholic Encyclopedia, this point of view "is the explanation The most plausible choice of the date of Christmas. "
About December 25, we read in the book The History of Christmas:
"It was especially festive day's most important religion was Mithraism, which appeared for a time, rival Christian faith as the state religion of the Roman Empire. (...) The observance of December 25 by Mithraism has undoubtedly influenced the Church authorities when they decided to set the official date of the birth of our Saviour on 25 December.
"Set December 25 as the official date Nativity was therefore to adapt, to serve Christianity, a festival observed in ancient and worldwide. "
Prof. AH Newman says Catholic church leaders thought it appropriate to" match the birth of the Son of God with that the sun. " The date of Christmas thus the result of a compromise with the pagan worship of the sun.
What should we think of "merry customs" attached to Christmas as the tree lit up and decorated colorful garlands, holly, mistletoe, the Yule log and the gift exchange? Are Christian ?
Prof. E. Lehmann wrote in the Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics: "Most Christmas customs which currently runs in Europe, or who come from the past, are no Authentic Christian customs, but heathen customs which have been absorbed or tolerated by the Church. (...) The Christmas party has inherited these customs from two main sources: the Roman and Teutonic paganism. "Some customs are very ancient Babylon.
Despite this, the churches of Christendom continue to celebrate Christmas each year. The origin of this festival appears to have no importance to them. Apparently, all that matters is that this is a moment of joy that passes now for being a Christian. Responding to a letter that was sent to the Knights of Columbus about this matter, a Catholic priest wrote:
"The evolution of objects or used or holidays celebrated in some form of pagan worship does not matter . When the Church began missionary work among a people, it usually takes what's good in its customs and habits, and it gives a new interpretation in light of the teachings of Christ. If something in the past has been associated with the error, the Church gives new direction to this nation as Christian revelation and gives the object or practice a new meaning for the future. "
Do you accept that reasoning?
The origin of Christmas has she really "irrelevant"? A Church Can 'give a new interpretation' to something that is pagan and thus make it acceptable God and Christ? What does the Bible say about this?
Consider the case that God freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and led into the "promised land" of Canaan. During their stay in Egypt, the Israelites were familiar with many religious customs of this country. The Canaanites, the inhabitants of their new country, had, too, many religious traditions. What would have happened if the Jews had adapted some religious practices of the Egyptians and Canaanites worship of Yahweh, the true God? YaHWeH would he considered that it did not matter as long as worship practiced honored?
see God's opinion on this subject by reading Deuteronomy 12:30, 31 where it says: "Beware, lest (...) do not you inquire about their gods, saying, 'How did these nations serve their gods? And me, yes, I'll do the same. " You shall not do so in respect of the Lord thy God. "Remember how God has manifested his disapproval of the nation of Israel when its members adopted the idolatrous worship of the calf practiced by the Egyptians. They had beautiful state that the calf represented Yahweh and it was in reality "a feast to Yahweh," Yahweh told Moses: "Your people (...) has acted disastrous." Exodus 32:4, 5, 7.
It would be nice to think seriously about all this. About pagan religious practices, Christians have received this commandment: "Do not touch the unclean thing." (2 Corinthians 6:17). The Bible gives the other exhortation: "You are defeated falsehood, speak truth, each of you with his neighbor." Ephesians 4:25.
Would you obey these commandments biblical ?
Could you obey them while participating in a pagan celebration whose origin is recognized and suggests an incorrect date for the birth of Jesus Christ? If you do so well, that does not mean it that you love pleasure more than God and his truth? 2 Timothy 3:4, Romans 1:25.
Christmas can be an ordeal for many. They know that this celebration is tinged with paganism and it displeases God, but their family, friends or neighbors to attach great importance. They may be subject to strong pressures to induce them to 'do as everybody '.
This year, What does this test?
Demonstrate Does anyone watching you that your love for God outweighs your desire to please men? Remember that the Bible is Yahweh God you must love and fear above all. Matthew 22:37; Isaiah 8:13.
And children?
Is it not cruel to deprive them of the joy that provide gifts and entertainment for Christmas? So think it would be unreasonable.
Just because you do not celebrate Christmas that you should never do gifts to your children or someone else. We can give gifts and celebrate with family at any time
year. Think also of the benefits derived by children. The year they offer not one but many occasions to celebrate. Imagine their cries of joy when their father or their mother made an unexpected gift. As they are grateful! This is further proof of the love of their parents. And is not it better that their gratitude goes to the person who actually made the gift rather than a Santa Claus fantasy?
In contrast, the annual gifts made at Christmas time do not lead to recognition. Instead, people expect to receive. Many are even very offended if they are given nothing, and some are often very disappointed when we do not offer them what they wanted.
This year, what does Christmas mean to you?
Will this be the opportunity to demonstrate your love for God and his truth is the most powerful force in your life? Or will you compromise what you know to be condemned by God? What does Christmas mean for you? In reality, the answer depends on you alone.
Roger Benzaken
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