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| Merry Christmas? | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Dec 18 2012, 03:02 PM (231 Views) | |
| Shim | Dec 18 2012, 03:02 PM Post #1 |
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Sojourner
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This holiday season I've been asked why we celebrate Christmas? That is, now that they know that Jesus' birth has as much of a chance of falling on 364 other days of the year. Personally, for me, I think one should know when they are following tradition or culture rather than scripture. What are your thoughts about celebrating the birth of our Savior on Christmas? Edited by Shim, Dec 18 2012, 03:46 PM.
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| S.T.Ranger | Dec 19 2012, 07:43 AM Post #2 |
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Ranger
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There are two Christmas celebrations: one which Christians celebrate the birth of Christ, and another which is for the world centered around a fantasy-like euphoria where there are associated traditional beliefs. As Christians, we understand that celebrating the birth of Christ is for us...365 days a year. That one day a year specifically is set aside to celebrate is, I think, acceptable and warranted. How we celebrate Christmas is up to us. For most, I think, it takes us back to that period in our life when we were more innocent, life was good, and we did not understand the world as most of us do now. Most of us here in the states had associated with those times the inevitable trappings of Christmas number two, such as a tree (which we did not associate with Christ), presents (which we did not associate with The Gift), songs (which did not glorify Christ), and lets not forget...cartoons! As a small child I always looked forward to the television specials, and I have no recollection of ever really being introduced to the First Christmas, that is, the birth of Christ. As an adult now, a Christian that understands what Christmas should be about, I have in recent years lost my zeal for the trappings of Christmas Two. I have little interest in putting up a tree, lights, playing traditional Christmas songs, and I am highly irritated by the "new" Christmas music that is played in the stores, which I try to avoid as much as I can. Ebenezer Scrooge? lol...I don't think so, but I am impressed in recent years that time is growing short, and it seems as the days pass this grows. But all in all I think it is good, and even great...that we have a day in which we have specifically set aside to honor the birth of Christ our Lord. It should be, I think, as solemn as Communion for us, for the gravity of this event holds no less importance than the Death, Burial, and Resurrection of our Lord. And in one aspect it is the event where the Lord's association with man is at it's height, for He was born a babe, every bit as vulnerable as we were when we were born. When we speculate on the life the Lord led before beginning His ministry, we have little to go on, yet we know that God took on the form of man and lived for thirty years, likely living a life that apart from a few occasions mentioned in scripture was similar to our own growing experiences. But at that time, when as a babe He was dependant upon His earthly mother and father, He was at the height of His humanity, I believe. This speaks of His emptying His glory more, I believe, to more people than at any other time. Even on the Cross, we recognize the complete control Christ had over the situation. Had He not willingly been led to Calvary, the combined strenghth of all those that lived on the earth could not have placed Him there. So enjoy this day, brother Shim. Hold close to your heart how that God spoke to man in love, and gave unto us a gift that many people world-wide will try to replicate. Many will go out and personally decide on a gift for another person. THey will consider that person and think, "What could I give them that would bring joy, somethinig they need, something they may not know they need but when they get it...they will see their need." For that is what God did: He Personally decided upon a gift for you and I, a gift that we did not know we needed until He gave it to us. He meant for that gift to bring joy, even as most do when they try to replicate God at this time of the year, though so many do not know this is what they are doing. Have joy in the fact that you do know, now, and understand the Gift of God, and don't lose the joy that this Gift has brought, is bringing, and will bring in your life. Also consider that this day, called a pagan holiday by some, will be the very reason that some will, for the first time, hear about Christmas One, and will yield to God and give their lives to Him. We share this day with the world, that is true, but then, we also share Sundays with them. Much of the world views Sunday as a day of rest, yet they do not know why other than they do not have to work. Even so as we share this day with the world, who will prefer a Don Henley song over the little drummer boy (seldom can I listen to that song without tearing up, lol) and will not once consider Christ, remember the door that is placed before us, and that by reason of the Name of Christ is found in Christmas, it may be that the Lord might use us to help someone for the first time see Christmas One. We can hold this day solemn, and holy, regardless of the trappings. And it is no sin, I believe, to think back to that time when we were more innocent, and the world was a better place, where Mom and Dad were in control, and we had few fears, save for the monster under the bed, and naptime. While we understand the world is full of evil, we have assurance and comfort that far exceeds that found in that time of innocence, for we have an Heavenly Father Whose control far exceeds that once held by our parents, and we have a joy that far exceeds that which this day once brought us as small children, and we have both a Gift-Giver and a Gift which far exceeds anything we have ever received, wrapped not in shiny paper, but wrapped in swaddling clothes. Blessed were those that with their own eyes looked upon that scene, and gazed upon the little babe, but... ...I can't help but think that far more blessed are we, my brother, because I believe we understand that gift better than even they did. So enjoy Christmas, my friend. Don't let anyone stael the joy this day can hold for you, because you celebrate Christmas One, and no matter the day be controversial, we know it is a celebration that does not begin on the 25th, and does not end on the 25th. God bless. |
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| theophilus | Dec 19 2012, 10:59 AM Post #3 |
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Sojourner
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The celebration of Jesus' birth is neither commanded or forbidden so each of us must decide for himself what he should do. However it sometimes brings opportunities to share the gospel which don't come at other times of the year and we must take advantage of them. |
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