One young Christian woman and I had a heated discussion on this topic last year. She and her husband have now left our church. Sad that we couldn't have agreed to disagree amicably, and I do forgive her, although I wish they would come back to our church and know we can disagree amicably and still fellowship together in Christ.
Merry Christmas
and not "Happy Holidays". Of course some folks think "Happy Holidays" is the best because it's politically correct. It's almost as if PC is the new religion for many.
Of course we don't have to flaunt our tradition in the face of those who we know for certain celebrate Hanukkah and who have not embraced Jesus as the Messiah at this time. Why can't I wear the T-shirt that says "Jesus is the reason for the season"? Maybe this T-shirt is a little cheesy like the movie "Saving Christmas".
THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS is not about gifts of course, but about the great event that happened in history. Of course we do not know that December 25th is the day the Messiah was actually born, but we do have this biblical history from the Old Testament of yearly celebrations. I am loving hearing Christmas carols and mailing greetings to friends and family. As a new widow, I appreciate all the family I do have left and plan to spend the holidays with some of them. I am writing this on some of my Christmas greetings:
JESUS ENTERED OUR WORLD
TO TEACH US HOW TO LIVE
AND HOW TO DIE WITH CONFIDENCE.
Hugs and Merry Christmas,
Carol
Hugs and Merry Christmas,
Carol
This was just lovely to read. I know that some of the Baptist churches do not celebrate Christmas either, but mine does. :) They are very active in our little town. Today there is a live nativity at the community center and the churches in town here are singing. I wish I were going but it is raining and I am very very tired. If I had not done all I did today I could have gone but this needed to be done. Anyhow I was very happy when I came to church last week and saw a little nativity set up by the altar. I found a photo of me when I was 6 in first grade, I was dressed as an Angel! I was in the school play and I sang o come o come emmanuel. I can remember it. I am going to show it to my grand daughter tomorrow when I see her and maybe post it on facebook.. we shall see..
ReplyDeleteGreat to pass on these traditions to your granddaughter, Mary.
DeleteHugs,
Carol
I like what you are writing on your Christmas greetings, Carol. That is so true about Jesus. To be honest, I've struggled with celebrating Christmas since my mom died back in 2006 twelve days before Christmas. I'm always happy when the season is over, though I am very thankful of the gift of Jesus :)
ReplyDeletebetty
My first husband died the day after Christmas years ago and it was then a struggle for me also for several years.
DeleteSix months will have passed since my second husband died and yes I can celebrate the birth of Jesus because He indeed helps us with life and death.
Hugs,
Carol
I forgot to mention, the credits to "Saving Christmas" include "Postmil Factory"!
ReplyDelete"Of course we do not know that December 25th is the day the Messiah was actually born, but we do have this biblical history from the Old Testament of yearly celebrations." Could you explain what you mean by this? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteAndrew, I am referring to Leviticus 23 where the Sabbath is first mentioned in the chapter and then Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, Pentecost, Trumpets, Atonement and Tabernacles. Also later Purim and Hanukah are yearly observances.
DeleteOne year I taught in an Orthodox Jewish Yeshivah and was so impressed with the Jewish families who in obedience yearly observed these events.
In the New Testament, we are told to not argue over these events in Colossians 2:16 and 17 and Romans 14:5. If you want to argue this point, then you are judging me as in Colossians. We are to be “fully persuaded in our own mind” according to Romans.
In a secular age which touts Happy Holidays over Merry Christmas, I am so determined to keep Christ in Christmas. It so grieves me that Christians will argue over this point--not at all edifying to the Happy Holidays crowd in my opinion.
I still don't see what OT festivals, which were all types and shadows which have passed and shouldn't be celebrated today, have to do with the man-made Christmas celebrations.
ReplyDeleteAndrew,
DeleteWe may agree to disagree on this. I have not heard your position on Col. 2:16-17 and Romans 14:5. I would like to quote from your blog "Lose Your Life" where you wrote a series in 2010 on Christmas: "In my last Christmas post I talked about the celebration of Christmas in both public worship and private homes. I concluded that Christmas celebration has no place in public worship, but liberty is given to the Christian in how he celebrates it privately or personally." You are making a lot of assumptions about this widow and her corporate worship in a Reformed church and her need to be with family at this time of year. Please allow me that liberty. Thanks, Andrew.
And, by the way, best to you and your family always.
Cordially,
Carol Noren Johnson
Sister, I am not making any judgments regarding your choice to celebrate Christmas privately - as you correctly quoted me, there is liberty in some areas for Christians regarding the private celebration of Christmas. I was just better trying to understand your logic for a defense of your Christmas celebration. Blessings to you also during this month and the coming new year.
DeleteThanks, Andrew. Logic? Me? This blog has always been about stretching theologically for me as I noted in the above "Origin of Blog".
DeletePlease pray for that couple I referred to in paragraph two above and also that I make it through this season. So glad I can be with family at this time.
Here is my post from my blog about my late husband's dementia.
ReplyDeletehttp://plantcityladyandfriends.blogspot.com/2014/12/a-christmas-memory.html