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Post by Prodigal Girl on Dec 10, 2008 19:28:16 GMT -8
Easter is ridiculous, I have no problem giving that up. Same with Halloween. Christmas, however, I am kind of ambivalent about. Mostly because I like the pretty tree, the Christmas carols, and the presents! Even though I know its origins are Pagan, is it possible that it is ok to celebrate it as long as the Pagan origins were so long ago no one even thinks about them? Also, isn't it ok to celebrate the birth of Yeshua, (though it is the wrong time of the year), in a similar manner that on Hanukah we celebrate a great victory, even though it is not a biblically mandated holiday? The only mention of Hanukah is Yeshua celebrating it (referred to as the festival of lights), in the Apostolic writings.
On the other hand, there is such commercialism associated with it also, that maybe it is just so tainted it should be dumped altogether. It is almost like we are worshiping the money god. Also, shouldn't we refrain from celebrating Thanksgiving because I bet those Indians were celebrating it as a Pagan holiday?
I am torn on this.
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Post by Prodigal Girl on Dec 11, 2008 7:53:45 GMT -8
Never mind, I watched the great video on the other post and it answered my question. I am going to take some positive steps in the right direction.
One thing that I have realized, is that doing the right thing often means refraining from some questionable activities. Why expend effort, time and money on something that is highly suspect?
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Bob
Junior Member
Posts: 67
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Post by Bob on Dec 12, 2008 5:57:26 GMT -8
One thing I think is very interesting about christmas. Below is a quote from a book I have that sums up my concerns.
"The word "Christmas" comes from the Greek word CHRISTOS: "anointed one, Messiah," and MASS, from the Latin, MISSA: the command to, "depart!" the word, "mass," was applied to the catholic assembly because its weekly liturgy always concluded with the instruction to "depart." Perhaps prophetically, the name, CHRISTMAS, which was assigned to Christianity's adopted pagan festival appropriately states its position well: "Messiah, Depart!""
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dodi
New Member
Posts: 43
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Post by dodi on Dec 12, 2008 11:37:52 GMT -8
Never put that together like that Bob
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veggirl
Full Member
Greetings!
Posts: 103
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Post by veggirl on Dec 13, 2008 8:14:54 GMT -8
What I have been told from christmas believing people that they are not sure when Yeshua's birthday is but just in case they celebrate on Dec 25th, with the pagan tree , I might add.
And also been told that a lot of things are pagan in the USA and why not celebrate christmas.
I was asked why I don't celebrate christmas, and right away I said its pagan, then this lady said right away so is the scarf .. I was like ok.. I was not even wearing a scarf and I didn' t know that.
Is the word christmas even in the bible?
People can get real crazy at christmas time, just read how many people end up in jail after thanksgiving shopping day, some in up in prison.
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dodi
New Member
Posts: 43
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Post by dodi on Dec 13, 2008 11:55:49 GMT -8
The word Christmas is not in the Bible and most Christmas believing people don't know the true time of year of Yeshua's birth because they don't study the truth. I have come up against a lot of Christmas followers that are Christians and they will fight to the end that Christmas is a holiday of Elohim.
I did up a study regarding Christmas it's pretty lengthy but if I can figure out how to post a word file on here I will post it if anyone would like to see it.
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Post by Mark on Dec 15, 2008 5:56:52 GMT -8
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Post by Mark on Dec 17, 2008 18:34:29 GMT -8
I just submitted this as a letter to our local newspaper. He only prints about half the stuff I submit:
It seems to me misdirected that the consumerism and commercialism of the holiday season is attacked when, with little exception, most religious decisions are made from the perspective and to the benefit of the consumer. I ask a lot of people why they attend a particular place of worship. The answer is consistently on the basis of what they get out of the experience: the programming, the music, the teaching…. Not once has one ever explained to me that theirs is the manner of worship God has outlined for them. Always it is about how they come away feeling "blessed."
Ironically, the same decisions that bring a person to "worship" are the same that support secular industries and institutions. People attend both churches and colleges to gain intellectual understanding or insight. People attend both churches and concerts for emotional fulfillment or gratification. People attend churches, bars and clubs to experience social interaction. The primary differences are that one tends to carry a moral superiority and financial contributions are tax deductible.
Yet, Christmas, so bemoaned and being commercialized, is the one occasion where people are encouraged to give in anticipation of nothing in return. Is the problem that money spent in this high form or worship goes to business rather than Church?
Maybe we should enjoy the season for what it is- not diagnosing the agendas of others nor self-deprecating ourselves for missing our own expectations. Or, maybe, if we approached worship from a different perspective the rest of the year, Christmas would take on a purer meaning for us, for our community and for God.
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veggirl
Full Member
Greetings!
Posts: 103
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Post by veggirl on Dec 17, 2008 18:50:11 GMT -8
last weekend on moody radio they had a Hanukkah special, it was wonderful, and they even said that Jesus celebrated Hanukkah in the bible, so maybe christians do want to change but don't know how.
However after the special they played christmas pagan music and this is a christian station.
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