CHRISTMAS … PERPETUATING A LIE

When I was born again I knew certain things. I knew them because I had become indwelt by the Holy Spirit and knew the Word of God. I knew that the Halloween celebration was pagan and occult in origin. I knew Roman Catholicism was “another gospel.” I knew that we were to love our enemies. And I knew that Christmas was not of the Lord.

When I started attending church, I could never understand why most “born again” churches accepted Roman Catholicism as a valid Christian denomination. Halloween would roll around and I couldn’t understand why many churches would celebrate Halloween in some way. Then I couldn’t understand why the churches had become so political, so pro-war, and so pro-military. And of course I couldn’t understand why there was a Christmas tree in church. It has taken me a long time to realize that the institutional church is in apostasy. The world has entered the church, and all the things that I have mentioned above are all of the world. They all go together. I finally got it!

We as human beings are very influenced by our peers. Christmas has been one of those issues for me. I feel it’s time to share, with those who would be interested to hear, why I do not celebrate Christmas. Maybe a better way of saying it would be why I try not to celebrate Christmas. It seems to me that there is something supernatural “surrounding” the celebration of Christmas, because the pull to conform is incredible. This is what the Lord has shown me:

(1) SCRIPTURE TELLS US TO REMEMBER THE LORD’S DEATH, NOT HIS BIRTH

1 Corinthians 11:24-26 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.

The Christmas deception/seduction can be very subtle. Christmas takes the focus off of Christ’s atoning death and the sinfulness of sin. Instead of focusing on the risen King of Kings, Christmas focuses on the “infant Jesus.” The spotlight is on baby Jesus, Mary, & Joseph, the “holy family” of the Roman Catholic Church. When my husband was in Catholic school, he had to write “JMJ” at the top of all his assignment papers. So at Christmastime we have little Jesus, big Mary. By celebrating the birth of Jesus we are doing the exact opposite of what Jesus said we should be doing. That fact made me do some thinking. Jesus told us to remember His atoning death not His birth. Should we, as born again Christians, add to God’s word?

(2) PERPETUATING A LIE

James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

The celebration of Christmas is of pagan origin, not biblical. The Roman Catholic Church took a popular pagan winter festival (the winter solstice) and changed it’s name to Christmas. The word Christmas is an abbreviation of the words “Christ’s Mass.” In the Roman Catholic Church, the Mass is called “the holy sacrifice of the Mass.” It is called that because during each Mass Christ’s sacrifice is repeated. Rome teaches that, during the Mass, the communion bread is changed into the actual body and blood of Jesus Christ. The communion bread, called the host, is then worshiped and adored. This is idolatry, and an abomination. With a broken heart I tell you that multitudes are under the influence of this deception. Unless they repent of believing Rome’s sacramental/works gospel, and believe the true gospel, they will perish in hell forever. How can I, in good conscience, go around saying Merry Christmas when I know what these words mean? As I said before, it seems to me that there is something supernatural “surrounding” this holiday, there’s something “robotic” about it. December comes, and everyone seems to take their appointed place, perform their appointed tasks, and say their appointed words. Who is the initiator of this day called Christmas? Is it Jesus? Would Jesus perpetuate a lie? In addition, unsaved people belonging to various religions see the idolatry and frivolity associated with Christmas and it hinders them from coming to the Lord.

(3) UNEQUAL YOKING WITH UNBELIEVERS

2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Celebrating Christmas causes Christians to yoke unequally with unbelievers. These are just a few of my thoughts on this. If we witness as we should, including both the love of God and wrath of God, would the unsaved really want to celebrate Christmas with us? My experience has been no, they would not. If we don’t witness as we should, how can we joyfully celebrate the birth of Christ with unbelievers, knowing the wrath of God is upon them? Are we giving them the right message when we do that? Are we leading them to think they are fine just the way they are?

(4) PRINCIPLES FROM PILATE’S LIFE

There are certain principles to be gleaned from the life of Pilate. Years ago as I was seeking the Lord about celebrating Christmas I was led to study the following. I believe the principles apply. There are many reasons why we don’t do what we know to be right.

The following are study notes from the New Life Application Bible:

“For Pilate there was never a doubt about Jesus’ innocence. Three separate times he declared Jesus not guilty. His fear of the pressure the Jews would place on him controlled his decision to allow Jesus’ crucifixion. Pilate went against what he knew was right. We share a common humanity with Pilate. At times we know the right and choose the wrong. He had his moment in history and now we have ours. What have we done with our opportunities and responsibilities? What judgment have we passed on Jesus?

In fairness to Pilate, he really didn’t want Jesus to be crucified. In fact, he even tried to set him free. But in the end Pilate gave in to the insistent shouts of the bloodthirsty crowd. Pilate’s sin was merely to turn away and give them what they wanted – his was the sin of complicity.

Pilate chose the easier path rather than standing up against the crowd. There are times when we would all like to just blend into the crowd. Sometimes holding to a belief or an opinion that sets us apart is just too threatening – just a little too exposing. We long for the warm approval of our peers, the welcoming slap on the back and the feeling that we are part of the “collective” – and sometimes even at the cost of truth and justice.

Pilate caved in under political pressure. He abandoned what he knew was right. When we lay aside God’s clear statements of right and wrong and make decisions based on our audience, we fall into compromise and lawlessness. God promises to honor those who do right, not those who make everybody happy.

Pilate’s greatest sin was compromising what he knew to be true and right for the sake of position, status, and personal gain.

Pilate wanted to release Jesus, but the crowd loudly demanded his death, so Pilate sentenced Jesus to die. No doubt Pilate did not want to risk losing his position, which may already have been shaky, by allowing a riot to occur in his province.

When the stakes are high, it is hard to stand up for what is right. Had Pilate been a man of real courage, he would have released Jesus no matter what the consequences. But the crowd roared, and Pilate buckled. When you have a difficult decision to make, don’t discount the effects of peer pressure. Realize beforehand that the right decision could have unpleasant consequences: social rejection, career derailment, public ridicule. Then think of Pilate and resolve to stand up for what is right no matter what other people pressure you to do.

Pilate had no good excuse to condemn Jesus, but he was afraid of the mob.

In making no decision, Pilate made the decision to let the crowds crucify Jesus. Although he washed his hands, the guilt remained. Washing your hands of a tough situation doesn’t cancel your guilt. It merely gives you a false sense of peace. Don’t make excuses – take responsibility for the decisions you make.”

So there it is. This is what I believe the Lord is showing me. I know He is showing similar things to other believers. I hope I have given you some food for thought. My prayer is that we, as God’s children, will allow Him to continue guiding us into all truth.

Jesus said …  John 7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

See also … CHRISTMAS – A Poem

and … CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD