The Christmas Holiday

[grams]

I would like to know !   


             Does any one see any thing in the  bible about  celebrating

Christmas

[RB]

Thanks Red,I appreciate your response, and respect your conviction on the matter, although I am not so moved.

As I said, I'm neutral and do not judge anyone's love for God based upon my convictions. I do not use such things as a measuring stick to determined a person's love for God, and certainly not their salvation. For the most part, I pick my battles based upon Paul's example that he left us and other apostles. I am SURE that they had such practices in their days, yet they gave themselves to protect truths that had to do with the true gospel of Jesus Christ and I shall do likewise. If there are other brethren who think that I should be more against Christmas (and there are) then I'll leave that to God to judge me, and will not be over concern with their thoughts of me. Now that being said, I must live according to my conscience on such things and I shall. Thank you for respecting my convictions. I have an autistic grandson who is looking forward to opening his gifts, which we do have for him, which he will open December 24th. Actually, we have gotten all seventeen grandchildren gifts. As I said~I'm neutral~I just do not get overly involved, and I leave out Santa and the tree and associating it with Christ's birth. Oh, did I mentioned that I'm SO THANKFUL when it is past!

[mommydi]

As I said, I'm neutral and do not judge anyone's love for God based upon my convictions.

I've been all over the place on celebrating holidays - pro, con, in the middle... Like you, I just don't stand in judgement over anyone on this holiday business - one way or the other. 

[Carey]

There's something about the whole Santa thing I truly regret - forcing my little ones to sit on his lap. I'm sitting here looking at my collection of pics of them on Santa's lap. For the most part, when they were in the age 1-3 category, they were crying and even hysterical. Two of the pics, I'm in there with them trying to calm them down. It makes me tear up to think about it now. I may post a couple of the pics, but if I do, I'll only put them up for an hour or so.
Sometimes I wish I could have do-overs.

Hi,

I understand completely, I can remember my son's first Christmas, about 9 months old.  He sat on Santa's lap without fuss, they took a marvelous picture, but when he looked over his shoulder, saw who was holding him,  panic ensued.  Hard to dismiss that it was a selfish act on our part for  a picture.

That said, I don't think it emotionally scarred the children, they are awfully resilient at that age.  Further, Santa is not the only one to hold them and get a similar reaction, often uncles, aunts, and other relatives cause the same.

What I do personally remember is not the traumatic stranger aversion as a toddler, rather when I was older,    "Mom I am too old to be sitting on some old guys lap just so you can have a picture!"

Also, eventually I got my revenge on that mall Santa, there is a picture somewhere of my girlfriend (now wife) and I sitting on his lap.  And I am a big guy, 6'6" about 250 lbs.  That day the sittee had the look of fear as we approached, not the sitters.

Although we don't get do overs, we have forgiveness.

Cheers mommydi, and Merry Christmas.
Carey.

[mommydi]

Thank you, Carey, and Merry Christmas to you and yours! 

[Alan]

I would like to know !   


             Does any one see any thing in the  bible about  celebrating

Christmas

Celebrating birthdays of anyone is not a Christian practice but one of Pagan origins, today widely accepted and adopted by secularists. Seems reasonable that if Christians celebrate their own birthday they can also extend a moment to honour Jesus on His birthday. Not trying to justify one with the other, but I also think these religious afflictions have been multiple times removed.
Merry Christmas 

[Rella]

We're going to watch A Christmas Story in a few minutes, people say it's a good movie, somehow I've never seen it in the 33 years since it's release.

well, Alan....

Did you like A Christmas Story.

It is 1 of 3 that I must watch every year.

!. A Christmas Story... the original  (The sequel kind of sucked)

2. It's a Wonderful Life... the original

3. A Christmas Carol... any version as there is a great moral to all of them, though having already seen one this year... it might have been the very best...

Saw It's a Wonderful life... the full uncut version,, last night....

A Christmas story awaits.

Those sound good, Rella. Last night, I started on my classic tv Christmas episodes - Doris Day, Hazel, Sonny and Cher,  , Andy Williams, Red Skelton, The Honeymooners,.... I've been recording/collecting/buying these Christmas shows for years.
Tonight, I'm going to watch kind of a rare Christmas favorite of mine - I'll Be Home For Christmas. Not the more modern movie, but this one is set in wartime and stars Hal Holbrook. They sometimes show this on the Family type networks, but since I don't have satellite, my dad made a DVD for me from an airing a few years ago.

Those are great ones.

I forgot to list a number 4 that I always watch... just for laughs.

National Lampoons Christmas Vacation with Chevy Chase.

Started watching that a few years ago with my husband thinking it would be a harmless family film........until not long in we had the woman provocatively stripping off her swimming costume by the pool. Okaaay, my husband said, we wont be watching any more of THIS film. 

Well, he was right and he was wrong.

As you likely never saw past the beginning suggestion of her stripping... which was all in his imagination... you would have seen Clark Griswold  being brought back to reality by his young noiece who mitook him to be Santa and then after an exchange of words with her he realized her family situation was very bad and he mentally vowed that the kids would have an enjoyable Christmas.

The mental illusion he was having was ... even though not Christian or proper ... was that of a
man who was over worked during that holiday and much pressure put on him and he was having
a moment of escape from reality....
Nothing was seen and nothing was done....

[Carey]

I would like to know !   


             Does any one see any thing in the  bible about  celebrating

Christmas

An angel appeared to the shepards tending their flocks, those shepards appear to have celebrated the birth. 

Luke 2: (NIV)

20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

The magi came afterward, when Jesus would have been a toddler, celebrating His birth, and bringing gifts to acknowledge His birth.

Silence in the Bible does not condemn.  Not much on celebrating Family Day, The Queens Birthday, Canada Day, Citizens Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day, Christmas.  Or, as Alan pointed out Birthdays, or Retirement, Baptisms, Graduations, Housewarmings, etc etc.   

IMO any occasion that brings joy, and love, that brings out virtue and charity, is a blessing, and warrants celebration.

[Rella]

I would like to know !   


             Does any one see any thing in the  bible about  celebrating

Christmas

Simply stated.

Christians started centuries ago to celebrate Christmas as an offset to the pagans celebrating
winter solstice. It was church approved.

We, as adults know better then to participate, but when children are among other non-believing non-Christian children they can very easily be swayed to participate in what kids will see as
"fun" and no harm.

So... we celebrate the birth of Jesus, and Jolly Old St. Nick entered into the mix.

Is this wrong... IDK.

Is it wrong to get a child all hyper happy for a holiday and look forward to something until they are old enough to know the true meaning of Christ's birth?

You tell me.

[MeMyself]

I would like to know !   


             Does any one see any thing in the  bible about  celebrating

Christmas

I don't see anything that forbids it...

so, that means its up to the conviction and discretion of each one of us.

[grams]

As I said before   Jesus was not born in December....

And I do not believe HE would even want us to celebrate this.

And then putting  Santa into it also........  That is very wrong........
That is make  believe....
If you want to celebrate  St. Nick  pick his day  !  Not Jesus Day.

I do believe  the bible would tell us  if  God wanted us to celebrate Jesus Birth.........!

All of that stuff is   man's  idea !!!   Not  GOD'S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

[MeMyself]

As I said before   Jesus was not born in December....

And I do not believe HE would even want us to celebrate this.

And then putting  Santa into it also........  That is very wrong........
That is make  believe....
If you want to celebrate  St. Nick  pick his day  !  Not Jesus Day.

I do believe  the bible would tell us  if  God wanted us to celebrate Jesus Birth.........!

All of that stuff is   man's  idea !!!   Not  GOD'S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I respect your opinion and your conviction...I dearly hope you can do the same for those whose opinions and convictions differ from yours.

[chosenone]

We're going to watch A Christmas Story in a few minutes, people say it's a good movie, somehow I've never seen it in the 33 years since it's release.

well, Alan....

Did you like A Christmas Story.

It is 1 of 3 that I must watch every year.

!. A Christmas Story... the original  (The sequel kind of sucked)

2. It's a Wonderful Life... the original

3. A Christmas Carol... any version as there is a great moral to all of them, though having already seen one this year... it might have been the very best...

Saw It's a Wonderful life... the full uncut version,, last night....

A Christmas story awaits.

Those sound good, Rella. Last night, I started on my classic tv Christmas episodes - Doris Day, Hazel, Sonny and Cher,  , Andy Williams, Red Skelton, The Honeymooners,.... I've been recording/collecting/buying these Christmas shows for years.
Tonight, I'm going to watch kind of a rare Christmas favorite of mine - I'll Be Home For Christmas. Not the more modern movie, but this one is set in wartime and stars Hal Holbrook. They sometimes show this on the Family type networks, but since I don't have satellite, my dad made a DVD for me from an airing a few years ago.

Those are great ones.

I forgot to list a number 4 that I always watch... just for laughs.

National Lampoons Christmas Vacation with Chevy Chase.

Started watching that a few years ago with my husband thinking it would be a harmless family film........until not long in we had the woman provocatively stripping off her swimming costume by the pool. Okaaay, my husband said, we wont be watching any more of THIS film. 

Well, he was right and he was wrong.

As you likely never saw past the beginning suggestion of her stripping... which was all in his imagination... you would have seen Clark Griswold  being brought back to reality by his young noiece who mitook him to be Santa and then after an exchange of words with her he realized her family situation was very bad and he mentally vowed that the kids would have an enjoyable Christmas.

The mental illusion he was having was ... even though not Christian or proper ... was that of a
man who was over worked during that holiday and much pressure put on him and he was having
a moment of escape from reality....
Nothing was seen and nothing was done....

He was right.
It was irrelevant that it was in his imagination, it was still shown and it was a very provocative scene. It was far more than a suggestion of stripping!  I would post pics here but it wouldn't be appropriate. 

[mommydi]

I don't have to worry about that since I recorded my copy - years ago - from a tv airing that was fully censored.  All suggestive words/scenes were edited out.
Now I'm wondering what the uncensored version contains. 

[Texas Conservative]

I don't have to worry about that since I recorded my copy - years ago - from a tv airing that was fully censored.  All suggestive words/scenes were edited out.
Now I'm wondering what the uncensored version contains. 

I take my showers with swim trunks on and only change clothes when it is pitch black.  I don't want to be accused of seeing anyone stripping.  I removed all the mirrors in my house for the same reason.

[Texas Conservative]

As I said before   Jesus was not born in December....

And I do not believe HE would even want us to celebrate this.

And then putting  Santa into it also........  That is very wrong........
That is make  believe....
If you want to celebrate  St. Nick  pick his day  !  Not Jesus Day.

I do believe  the bible would tell us  if  God wanted us to celebrate Jesus Birth.........!

All of that stuff is   man's  idea !!!   Not  GOD'S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I respect your opinion and your conviction...I dearly hope you can do the same for those whose opinions and convictions differ from yours.

We all need to watch "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."

"It came without ribbons.  It came without tags.  It came without packages, boxes, or bags....."

[mommydi]

I don't have to worry about that since I recorded my copy - years ago - from a tv airing that was fully censored.  All suggestive words/scenes were edited out.
Now I'm wondering what the uncensored version contains. 

I take my showers with swim trunks on and only change clothes when it is pitch black.  I don't want to be accused of seeing anyone stripping.  I removed all the mirrors in my house for the same reason.

I'm thankful you keep yourself covered from head to toe, TexasConserve, but I have a whole pinterest board dedicated to outdoor shower facilities and I hope to have one someday.  The ones on my pinterest board are exceptionally nice, but I also have this model on my amazon wish list, which is probably what I'll end up with. 








I've always heard that those from Europe are much more open and accepting about nudity. Guess not?

[mommydi]

As I said before   Jesus was not born in December....

And I do not believe HE would even want us to celebrate this.

And then putting  Santa into it also........  That is very wrong........
That is make  believe....
If you want to celebrate  St. Nick  pick his day  !  Not Jesus Day.

I do believe  the bible would tell us  if  God wanted us to celebrate Jesus Birth.........!

All of that stuff is   man's  idea !!!   Not  GOD'S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I respect your opinion and your conviction...I dearly hope you can do the same for those whose opinions and convictions differ from yours.

We all need to watch "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."

"It came without ribbons.  It came without tags.  It came without packages, boxes, or bags....."

I bought Christmas wrapping paper this year that has those words on it - along with some Whoville family members.

[mommydi]

All of that stuff is   man's  idea !!!   Not  GOD'S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!GRAMS!!!!!!!!!!!! Are you that worked up over it? Does it bother you that much!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

[grams]

Yes !   It does bother me.....

People are buying things for  each other  and putting up Christmas trees.

What does this all have to do with  JESUS ? 

Did you buy Jesus a gift ?
Do we really need  a santa clause  ?   

Again this is mans  idea!    Not  GOD'S  or  Jesus.

It   just does not  make me feel  like I am celebrating   Jesus Birth !  Not at All....

[MeMyself]

Yes !   It does bother me.....

People are buying things for  each other  and putting up Christmas trees.

What does this all have to do with  JESUS ? 

Did you buy Jesus a gift ?
Do we really need  a santa clause  ?   

Again this is mans  idea!    Not  GOD'S  or  Jesus.

It   just does not  make me feel  like I am celebrating   Jesus Birth !  Not at All....

What would make you feel like you were celebrating Jesus birth?

[chosenone]

I don't have to worry about that since I recorded my copy - years ago - from a tv airing that was fully censored.  All suggestive words/scenes were edited out.
Now I'm wondering what the uncensored version contains. 

Ahh that's maybe what happened. Probably some versions have more cuts. If they think kids will be watching it they will censor it more I expect. The one we saw certainly wasn't suitable for kids.

[chosenone]

Yes !   It does bother me.....

People are buying things for  each other  and putting up Christmas trees.

What does this all have to do with  JESUS ? 

Did you buy Jesus a gift ?
Do we really need  a santa clause  ?   

Again this is mans  idea!    Not  GOD'S  or  Jesus.

It   just does not  make me feel  like I am celebrating   Jesus Birth !  Not at All....

People are buying things for each other   How is that wrong    Jesus got gifts bought to Him. How are we supposed to buy Jesus a gift  
I love buying things for those I love. Its what we make of it in the end.

[Rella]

As I said before   Jesus was not born in December....

And I do not believe HE would even want us to celebrate this.

And then putting  Santa into it also........  That is very wrong........
That is make  believe....
If you want to celebrate  St. Nick  pick his day  !  Not Jesus Day.

I do believe  the bible would tell us  if  God wanted us to celebrate Jesus Birth.........!

All of that stuff is   man's  idea !!!   Not  GOD'S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, you make a great point grams... and as to celebrating Jesus' birthday.... that is exactly what my house does.

WE DO NOT exchange any Christmas gifts.

We do put up a tree with no Santa Claus' or anything remotely for children on it.

The topper of the tree is Mary holding Baby Jesus and Joseph by her side.

And there is a section on the tree of Hanukah ornaments places there because Jesus was/is Jewish and celebrated all the Jewish holidays and festivals of his day.

(reply #15 here is a shot of my tree showing the Hanuka ornaments that mommydi posted for me as I cannot ever get that to work. 

http://www.gracecentered.com/christian_forums/general-discussion-forum/i-drove-past-rella's-place-last-night/msg1055051399/#msg1055051399)

Do I buy Jesus a gift. NO this is my gift to Jesus... A display for His enjoyment if and when He looks down here to see what is going on.

I do, make charitable contributions for those less fortunate....

But Santa has no place with me....

And I will not be taken to task for the way I choose to celebrate and rejoice in his birth.

It may not be Biblical with instructions from God as he outlines for the many Jewish holidays... but it is not forbidden either.

So He was not born on Dec 25th... I have read studies that suggest either fall or April.... not knowing does not
mean Dec 25 should be off the table.

As for Santa... no. I don't. My friend celebrate St. Nicholas Day on Dec. 6th to avoid the Christmas eve Santa thing....

I will remind you that we were not given a specific date for Jesus' crucifixion either.

Does that mean we should ignore that... Certainly not.

And it most certainly has been suggested with much proof from many that Jesus did not die on good Friday.... but more likely Wed. or perhaps Tue....

Does that mean we should ignore that also... again, Certainly not....

We may not have specifics of dates but we do owe it to Jesus to celebrate and reverence him and what he did for us.

[Texas Conservative]

All y'all ebenezers could find better things to be offended by or upset about.

Seems we have some cold and heat misers up in this house.

[chosenone]

I cant fathom why its wrong to give those we love a gift or gifts on the day we think about the greatest gift of all. Nor why we cant remember and celebrate the most amazing occasion when Jesus was born whether it was the actual day or not. 
God loves a good celebration and feast. We see that many times in the bible. He also sent the 3 kings to Jesus with 3 very precious gifts.
God isn't a scrooge, He is very generous in His blessings and gifts He gives us. If we cant celebrate and remember His birth and resurrection then something is wrong.

[NorrinRadd]

I'm not offended by people who feel some personal conviction to not celebrate Christmas, or who eschew the "Santa" -type aspects.

I most certainly AM offended by idiots who believe such views are the ONLY correct ones, and would impose them on others.

In my own case, I recognize no day as "above" another, in the sense of being "more special to God."  That includes Sabbaths and "the Lord's Day."  I enjoy the liberty to gather with other believers on whatever days are convenient.  I enjoy Christmas as a relatively rare opportunity to enjoy good food and a festive atmosphere with family and friends.  The background of the day as a celebration of the birth of Jesus is an added benefit.

[Alan]

I'm not offended by people who feel some personal conviction to not celebrate Christmas, or who eschew the "Santa" -type aspects.

I most certainly AM offended by idiots who believe such views are the ONLY correct ones, and would impose them on others.

In my own case, I recognize no day as "above" another, in the sense of being "more special to God."  That includes Sabbaths and "the Lord's Day."  I enjoy the liberty to gather with other believers on whatever days are convenient.  I enjoy Christmas as a relatively rare opportunity to enjoy good food and a festive atmosphere with family and friends.  The background of the day as a celebration of the birth of Jesus is an added benefit.

Amen to the bolded bit!

Another post read "I do not believe God would want us to celebrate Jesus birthday", which kinda left me in awe. How anyone can come up with idea simply because the celebration isn't contained in scripture is beyond me. I'm not saying we should disregard scripture, but many things we do in our day to day lives are absent from scripture. I personally believe that God would be pleased with us for honouring His Son's DOB.

[mommydi]

I'm not offended by people who feel some personal conviction to not celebrate Christmas, or who eschew the "Santa" -type aspects.

I most certainly AM offended by idiots who believe such views are the ONLY correct ones, and would impose them on others.

In my own case, I recognize no day as "above" another, in the sense of being "more special to God."  That includes Sabbaths and "the Lord's Day."  I enjoy the liberty to gather with other believers on whatever days are convenient.  I enjoy Christmas as a relatively rare opportunity to enjoy good food and a festive atmosphere with family and friends.  The background of the day as a celebration of the birth of Jesus is an added benefit.

What he said ^^^.

[mommydi]

All y'all ebenezers could find better things to be offended by or upset about.

Seems we have some cold and heat misers up in this house.

They've done gone and rubbed up a heat blister. 

[grams]

My big problem is  that -   Santa Clause-

They show him on TV  like its the truth......

and children  growing up  hear from others about santa  clause.

again and again........  I remember hearing  back even in my time,
" What did Santa  bring you  for Christmass....

That went on for years, and I would imagine  it  still does today !

[Texas Conservative]

My big problem is  that -   Santa Clause-

They show him on TV  like its the truth......

and children  growing up  hear from others about santa  clause.

again and again........  I remember hearing  back even in my time,
" What did Santa  bring you  for Christmass....

That went on for years, and I would imagine  it  still does today !

Not in my house, we watch the shows, but we watch Scooby Doo or other works of fiction.  My kids don't believe that a magic hat turns a snowman alive either.

[mommydi]

My big problem is  that -   Santa Clause-

They show him on TV  like its the truth......

and children  growing up  hear from others about santa  clause.

again and again........  I remember hearing  back even in my time,
" What did Santa  bring you  for Christmass....

That went on for years, and I would imagine  it  still does today !

Not in my house, we watch the shows, but we watch Scooby Doo or other works of fiction.  My kids don't believe that a magic hat turns a snowman alive either.

IMO, there's very little on tv that is "truth." If a person is offended by make-believe, they shouldn't own a tv, or access the Internet. I categorize Santa as entertainment - just like I do with tv and Internet. Purely entertainment.

[s1n4m1n]

I think it is important to realize that the Christmas holiday (Holy Day) is a public celebration of the Church, not a private devotion at the whims of any one man. It must be placed within the context of the entire liturgical year where particular events in the Life of Christ are recounted from Scripture in an orderly and well known manner. So we have such days as:

The Annunciation - Gabriel's announcement to Mary
The Birth of Christ - commonly called Christmas
The Epiphany - the presentation to the 3 wise men (Gentiles) and also the baptism of Christ
The entire last week of Christ and Passover - commonly called Easter
The Ascension
Pentecost - The pouring out of the Holy Ghost, charmingly called Whitsunday

[chosenone]

I'm not offended by people who feel some personal conviction to not celebrate Christmas, or who eschew the "Santa" -type aspects.

I most certainly AM offended by idiots who believe such views are the ONLY correct ones, and would impose them on others.

In my own case, I recognize no day as "above" another, in the sense of being "more special to God."  That includes Sabbaths and "the Lord's Day."  I enjoy the liberty to gather with other believers on whatever days are convenient.  I enjoy Christmas as a relatively rare opportunity to enjoy good food and a festive atmosphere with family and friends.  The background of the day as a celebration of the birth of Jesus is an added benefit.

You say what I also believe. All days are His anyway. He also likes a good feast
Choosing and giving gifts, seeing friends and family that we may not see much normally because of distance, enjoying a nice meal and time together, people having a few days break from work, these things are all positive and good.