Many Christians answer: Why do you ask? I know it is a pagan feast but that is not important, we celebrate the birth of baby Jesus. I remember Jesus and teach my children to do the same - it's all about Jesus. Someone answered: We know its not really Christian but we do it for the sake of the children. If the world would like to celebrate the feast of the lights, it is their problem, not mine.
Some are even prepared to admit that it was started by some roman catholic priest that cared for children in an orphanage and that it has nothing to do with Jesus Christ; but everyone is enjoying it.
One writer argued: It is significant that the celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ every year benefits, not only the Christian believers, but all people in every culture touched by it. Economically the benefits are huge, not only for the retailers, but for the whole national economy. Charities benefit enormously at this time of year. The poor, the sick, the homeless, the underprivileged are all likely to benefit because of the prevailing Christmas spirit. It is a time to show appreciation to those who perform menial, but essential, services to us, for example, those who remove the rubbish, etc. You do not find this in any other festival in any other culture or religion. You see, Jesus Christ came as the only Saviour of all mankind, not just for those who happened to have been born into a Christian family or nation. Every year the message of hope to all humanity goes out, a reminder that God really does love us and has made provision for our deepest need - the problem of sin.
Is this what Christmas has become for Christians: an excellent financial source for charities, that every culture is touched by it? Where do we find that in the Bible? The way I understood the Bible is that Jesus Christ of Nazareth and Him crucified should be taught, according to what Paul said.
1Corinthians 2:1-2 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
Is it that simple? Can we take anything and turn it into a Christian event?
No, we can't. The Bible, the Word of the Living God, Jehovah, makes it very clear:
Ezekiel 22:24-31 Son of man, say unto her, Thou art the land that is not cleansed, nor rained upon in the day of indignation.
25 There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof.
26 Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they showed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them.
27 Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain.
28 And her prophets have daubed them with untempered mortar, seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord GOD, when the LORD hath not spoken.
29 The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully.
30 And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.
31 Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord GOD.
Have the Christian preachers: pastors, dominees, priests, fathers or ministers become those that preach only those things people would like to hear?
Are the current preachers the ones that are misleading the Church of Jesus Christ because we are not prepared to stand up for the Truth: Jesus Christ? Have they become 'her' priests, 'her' princes, 'her' prophets?
If this is true, then the Word of Jehovah, has terrible news for them:
Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
Most preachers quote this scripture only up to the colon (:), and forget about the rest of the verse. The Lord God Almighty wanted all preachers to understand the consequences of rejecting knowledge, and still does, and how it defines those that are teaching the Word of God in the Church.
Let me put it in plain understandable English what the Lord God Almighty said: My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you, that you shall be no priest to me: seeing you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.
But we do it for our children! If you reject knowledge; The Lord God Almighty will forget your children. Are you prepared for that?
I'm just asking.