THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS OF CHRISTMAS – PART 2
In this Part 2 we will end with two more WRONGS of Christmas and then do the RIGHTS of Christmas.
[7]. PRESENTS AND GIFT GIVING
This is a very, very vexed problem because the practice has become so entrenched, that if Christians refuse to participate in it then there is ostracism from family members and the public and friends who will call you mean. At the heart of this are the children and loved ones. Very problematic to decide.
I will not dictate to you what you must feel free to do. All I can do is share the origin of gift giving and leave this with you. Of course the outside world is ignorant of a Christian lifestyle and scorn Christians more and more in these days.
So, what is the origin of giving gifts, especially on the Christmas date? I will provide two quotes but these are not especially selected to drive home a particular point. What is said is well attested to in history.
[[ “The idea of giving presents at Christmas originated from ancient traditions, particularly the Roman festival of Saturnalia, and became associated with the Christian celebration of Jesus's birth around the 4th century AD. The practice was further popularized by the story of the Three Wise Men giving gifts to Jesus and later influenced by figures like Saint Nicholas.” ]] (Internet summary).
[[ “The celebration lasted for seven days through the 17th to the 23rd of December. The gift giving ceremonies were seen as a way of gaining fortune for the next year. People initially gave simple gifts like candles, cheap wines, fruits, nuts and the like. It was part of a celebration offered to the Roman god Saturn who was viewed to be the god of agriculture who gave vegetation and fruitfulness all year round.
This celebration went on until the fourth century, which was also the time that Christmas started taking over as the highlight of the season. Some Christians have found it quite disturbing, given that the origins of the tradition are pagan in nature, and choose not to celebrate by giving gifts.” ]] (From Christian Today).
These quotes above are not some bias from a couple of cranks. The facts these quotes contain, is well attested. It comes down as to whether Christians want to continue what was a pagan practice. As I said, I will not dictate to you. I know the difficulty with children and popularized belief.
What does upset me is the commercial push to buy and give gifts which are wrapped in Santa paper and reindeer and all these false Christian images. The pressure is enormous to buy gifts and give gifts (always at high retailers’ prices) and what is behind it, is greed and materialism.
[8]. THE MAGI – THE THREE WISE MEN
This association of the Magi with Christ's birth is wrong because these men did not come from the east to the manger. {{Matthew 2:1-2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews for we saw His star in the east, and have come to worship Him?”}}
These men travelled a long distance, and it is assumed they came from as far away as Persia – Iran - or from the Chaldean territory. It is believed they arrived some 18 months after Jesus’ birth (even up to 2 years). They were guided to where Jesus was which was a house not a manger – {{Matthew 2:11 “and THEY CAME INTO THE HOUSE and saw the Child with Mary His mother and they fell down and worshipped Him and opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.”}}
The 18 months journey comes from the men relaying to Herod the times of the original star until the time Herod slaughtered the infants. {{Matthew 2:16 “Then when Herod saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he became very enraged, and sent and slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its environs, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had ascertained from the magi.”}}
Just because there were 3 gifts mentioned does not mean there were only 3 men either! I do no more on the Magi as it does not pertain to Christmas. It is wrong to associate it with the First Advent.
[9]. THE CONCLUDING REMARKS ON ALL THIS
I know I will be called a kill joy and negative by some, but I love to get to the truth of a matter. In all I have done here, we can see quite easily that Christmas – December 25 – is of pagan origin. The trimmings of Christmas are pagan as well.
The awful man who took on Christian dress though he was not a Christian, was Constantine who married Christianity to paganism in 312 A.D. He it was who brought in all this to pass.
For some Christians, they have no dilemma whatever with any of this. They say they just overlook the pagan stuff but can they really do that when all they do is related to a secular Christmas and is pagan?
The purpose of this message is not to beat anyone around the head. It is awareness I want bring out. You decide for yourselves what is right for you. I will end this section on the WRONGS of Christmas with some statements:-
(a). Much of Christmas behaviour and practice is pagan in origin.
(b). Jesus was not born on December 25, probably more August/September.
(c). Commercialisation of Christmas is sickening. It is promotion of greed and riotous behaviour by many.
(d). Christians have a problem trying to balance what they see as the wrongs and the rights.
(e). The whole concept of Christmas in our generation is now 100% secular in some places such as mine.
(f). We do not lessen the difficulty parents have in threading their way through this.
(g). Any churches who go along with the false Christ, Santa Claus, and associated imagery, ought to be ashamed with themselves.
(h). Those churches who sing about a secular Christmas and who have Christmas trees, also need to be ashamed.
(i). Whatever might be argued as good or to overlook the serious matter, to entertain paganism is wrong.
(j). To expose children to error, even when later on they come to realise the truth, leaves a dangerous impression on the young mind. Is that really the correct thing to do?
(k). We compromise the truth when we practise what is wrong and concede to the pagan and secular world.
That will end the WRONGS of Christmas. We now turn to the RIGHTS.
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[C]. THE RIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS
Sadly this section is shorter than the one on WRONGS, and I suppose that’s because in this world the broad way is always more popular and accepted and promoted than the narrow way. Let us look at some of these RIGHTS of Christmas.
[1]. A CHANCE FOR FAMILIES TO GET TOGETHER
In the bible, families are very important. We can trace that right through time. There are so many scriptures we can use but I will quote these -
{{Ephesians 5:25 “HUSBANDS, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her,”}}
{{Ephesians 5:22 “WIVES, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord,”}}
{{Ephesians 6:1 “CHILDREN, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”}}
Possibly no other institution from the Lord is attacked so much as the family unit. The very concept of marriage has been destroyed in many ways. The Christian family has an obligation to each member in the family, and to each other Christian family.
I don’t know a great deal about the Amish or the Mennonites, but I know in their ranks they are very sound when it comes to the family unit.
The memory of family get togethers at Christmas when I was a boy in the 1950s and the depth of love in those families because of my godly maternal grandparents, will always remain with me. Us cousins had a wonderful time. There was the sharing of presents but none of the Santa, pagan hype.
The family and interfamily bonds are very precious. Christmas is a time when people make a special effort to travel to reunite with families. It needs to be encouraged especially these days when secular families are becoming so fractured. The world is in decline, so godlessness will increase and Christians will become more isolated. We must do all we can to combat that.
It is interesting that the very first Christmas, if we can call it that, was a family event – {{Luke 2:16 “and they came in haste and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.”}}
[2]. A CHANCE TO RECALL THE NATIVITY
We hold the Lord’s Supper/Communion weekly, which I think is the correct thing to do because in remembering the Lord’s sacrifice for us, we keep the importance of it ever before us. In a similar way Christmas is an opportunity again to remember that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.
It is sad but Christmas is the only time some Christians bother to think of that First Advent. It should always be part of our remembrances, but this one time in the year, provides that opportunity to recall this – {{Isaiah 9:6 “FOR A CHILD WILL BE BORN TO US, a son will be given to us, and the government will rest on His shoulders and His name will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”}}
I spoke about Christians and church folk, but it can also be the time when the secular unsaved can give thought to the meaning Christmas contains, especially in a world that becomes more detached and meaningless, as ours is doing.
Christmas is out of season and the reasons for that we covered in the first message. It lies at the feet of Constantine and paganism. Nevertheless, the event can be used to the Christian’s advantage. I recall people who used to go around with stickers that said, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” Maybe that is a bit corny, but it is true.
[3]. RENEW BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS
We hear of reconciliations that can be made with estranged family members, even husband and wife, at a funeral. That too could apply to a wedding, but I want to apply it to family gatherings at Christmas. The opportunity is there to get things right and renew relations between parents and children, wife and husband, relatives and former friends. When that happens it is a wonderful thing.
You know, Christmas is all about reconciliation. Here is one story that was unreconciled – {{Acts 7:26-27 On the following day he appeared to them as they were fighting together, and he tried to reconcile them in peace, saying, ‘Men, you are brethren. Why do you injure one another?’ but the one who was injuring his neighbour pushed him away, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and judge over us?”}}
It is not always like that though. Peace between warring parties is what the birth of Christ is about. {{Ephesians 2:13 “but now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ, for He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one, and BROKE DOWN THE BARRIER OF THE DIVIDING WALL.”}} That is the reconciliation that comes from God. We need the same sometimes in our relationships with others.
That renewal and reconciliation can also happen through Christmas cards.
[4]. GIVE AND RECEIVE PRESENTS
I spoke earlier on that in “The Wrongs of Christmas,” but it does not have to be wrong for Christians when approached correctly. Perhaps we could say, “It should not be confined just to Christmas.
I don’t dare say anymore about that, because it can have problems. There is always a right and wrong way to handle matters. I leave this to your discretion. Just one addition I will make.
It is said by some that present giving came from the Magi, though we saw in the first message, and in this one too, that is not so. The gifts of the Magi were very specific – gold for Christ's divinity; frankincense for Christ's sweetness and beautiful life; and myrrh for Christ's burial. What those gifts portrayed was “God among us whose beautiful life would end in sacrifice, crowned with the glorious resurrection.”
[5]. SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES
Some “church people” do their duty and attend church but it may not be all that meaningful for them. Some Christians are too lazy and don’t spend time in reading or searching the scriptures thoroughly. Christmas is that time when a pastor can direct people to the bible and encourage his people to read and meditate on passages that otherwise they don’t bother to consider.
The great nativity story in Luke in particular is one such passage. Luke is probably the most careful writer in the scriptures though all was written through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. This is Luke’s own methodology - {{Luke 1:1-4 “Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word have handed them down to us, it seemed fitting for me as well, HAVING INVESTIGATED EVERYTHING CAREFULLY FROM THE BEGINNING, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus so that you might know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.”}}
Blessed be those who have turned to look at scripture because they want to know better the birth and times of Christ. Search the scriptures; and fellow Christians, do not neglect the great gift of the scriptures to you.
The time is short because soon the Second Advent will be upon us. I believe that to be preceded by the Rapture and Tribulation, but the Second Coming is close. Long passed are the times when we have been careless in the word. This coming Christmas season, get into the word of God. Begin with the first three chapters of Luke.
[6]. YOUR OWN DECISION MAKING AT CHRISTMAS
Here is a challenging verse, also from Luke – {{Acts 2:44-45 “All those who had believed were together, and had all things in common, and they began selling their property and possessions, and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need”}}
The communal mindset of the early church was commendable. The poor and disadvantaged in the fellowship were not brushed aside and overlooked. We have that responsibility to poor believers, and to those persecuted also.
There are some Christians who are not so materialistic, and instead of presents given to each other, they look at means to help the less privileged in the church family. That might mean giving presents to others, or assisting them to have a decent Christmas meal. There are so many ways this can be executed. It is as the Lord leads. Some churches have programs in place, which is good, but I am focussing here, more personally.
[7]. CHURCHES AND CHRISTMAS MESSAGES AND CELEBRATIONS
When a church service is structured to make the celebration of the birth of the Saviour, a very memorable occasion, then it can be a joyous event. By this I mean that no pagan thing is allowed through the doors – no Santa stuff, no highlighting the secular aspect of Christmas, no singing of the world’s songs, no story telling based on Christmas myths and trappings.
Such services must recount the glorious event of the Saviour’s birth accompanied by the wonderful hymns of faith we call CHRISTIAN Christmas carols. I speak about the ones you rarely hear any more in shopping centres or on the radio because “that religious stuff” is unacceptable in modern society.
Some governments are trying to ban Christians as far right wing and a threat to “democracy”. Just yesterday I heard a disturbing report from Canada where the liberals there are mounting efforts to have Christianity banned. These are the days we live in.
Glorious hymns exist that some of us grew up with, but they are not too well known to the younger generation. I will list some of these Christian Christmas carols.
Hark the Herald Angels Sing (even though I do not believe angels sing. Not one scripture record.)
Once in Royal David’s City
Silent Night
O Holy Night
Joy to the World
O Come all Ye Faithful
Who is He
Away in a Manger
The First Noel
O Little Town of Bethlehem
AND THERE ARE OTHERS
In church services don’t paganise with trees and reindeer and candles and other forms of pagan expression. Don’t sing the false songs – The Holly and the Ivy, Jingle Bells, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, I Saw Three Ships, The Twelve Days of Christmas, O Tannenbaum (a German carol that translates to “O Christmas Tree” – singing to a tree?? What next!), and so many more.
Pastors, make the Christmas message a challenge to Christians not just some “feel good” story “for that time of the year”. The days we live in are becoming darker so we must preach the light. Jesus Christ is the Light of the World and His coming in Bethlehem was to bring the light – {{Isaiah 9:2 “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. Those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them.”}} Let us shine the true light at Christmas, not the polluted light of Santa Claus.
[8]. THE OPPORTUNITY FOR OUTREACH
We close with THE LAST OF THE RIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS. OUTREACH
Christmas cards are a personal thing and can be used for comfort and outreach. Some use them that way.
In a few denominations people go to church only at Easter and Christmas. This is one of the best chances for outreach that evangelical churches can use, so the opportunity must not be lost. I would say no more as this is best programmed by a church fellowship.
That brings us to the end of sharing a few thoughts on this matter, the positives and negatives of the Christmas season. Take from it what you can apply personally.
God bless you all. Amen!
AN ADDITION
I will paste a poem of mine.
CHRISTMAS WITH THE SHEPHERDS
Santa Claus and reindeer too
Are seen at Christmas time,
On greeting cards with frosted dew,
Along with silver bells that chime.
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Reindeer pull the sleigh they say
Across the sky at night.
And when the night has passed to day,
New presents greet the children’s sight.
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That is what the world will hold
In Secular concepts,
But Christians in their faith are bold,
And cling to biblical precepts.
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Shepherds long ago did hear
The message angels gave,
That Christ the Lord was born quite near,
The One God sent our lives to save.
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Angels in the sky above
(With shepherds in the field),
Were speaking of God’s peace and love;
God’s plan to them was there revealed.
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Straight away they left to see
The Babe in Bethlehem,
And found the Saviour with Mary -
Such glory God allowed for them.
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Christmas time is when we think
About the Christ who came,
For He’s the One who is the Link;
The Saviour of the world, His name.
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Jesus wants us all to know
In Him we must believe,
And to our friends we then will show
The Infant Christ, we do receive.
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2 November 1999 R E Ferguson 7-6-8-8
Stanza 3 added for this message.
