Defending the Bible at Christmas
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Sundi Jo Graham on -
I haven't encountered attacks or questions, but I have encountered the silent treatment. Some people reply with a nod or nothing when I say Merry Christmas. Some reply with a surprised look like "Oh.. You're one of us."
Saying "Happy Holidays" has become the norm and it's unfortunate. But I am reminded that I don't have to conform to the patterns of this world.
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Permalink Reply by Jeff Brace on -
I have had those same experiences Sundi. But it is really nice to run into other believers who are thrilled to hear those words. It always amazes me.
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Permalink Reply by Will Kinney on -
Hi Jennifer. It's going to get harder to "defend the Bible" since most Christians today do not believe "The Bible" or ANY Bible is the complete, inspired and 100% true words of God. Those are the facts, and I did not make this up.
See for yourself - http://brandplucked.webs.com/thebiblenotinspired.htm
"He that hath ears to hear, let him hear." Matthew 11:15
God bless,
Will Kinney
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Permalink Reply by Sundi Jo Graham on
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Yes. Are we going to have to get our own secret code soon?
Jeff Brace said:I have had those same experiences Sundi. But it is really nice to run into other believers who are thrilled to hear those words. It always amazes me.
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Permalink Reply by Gabriel Jones on -
I'm not encountering attacks but sometimes wonder why we still sing Christmas songs.
I mean, Christ didn't come into the world yesterday or something!!!
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Permalink Reply by David Thomas Posey on -
I can't speak for everyone, but I know why I sing Christmas songs. Christmas songs (at least the spiritual ones) tell of an important part of God's work for us, the birth of Christ our Lord, Who came to live and die for us. Anything Christ did (or does) is important to think about and remember, and songs are a fantastic way to keep things in mind. They are also a way of teaching and/or proclaiming the Word of God to those who might not be reading it. Christmas songs and any other hymns have the opportunity to reach people with the truth that might not listen to someone running around quoting Scripture or preaching.
As far as Christ being born yesterday, that doesn't matter. He was born for us, and it doesn't matter whether He was born yesterday, today, two thousand years ago, or anything else. He is born, and that is something we should praise God for; songs are a great way to praise God.
Gabriel Jones said:I'm not encountering attacks but sometimes wonder why we still sing Christmas songs.
I mean, Christ didn't come into the world yesterday or something!!!
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Permalink Reply by Gabriel Jones on
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True, but here are some weird carols I think should not be sung anymore.
a. While Shepards Watch Their Flocks
reasons: a. the tune is terrible b. i don't like the words
b. O Little Town of Bethlehem
reasons: a. Hey with this song it seems like we are beginning to worship Bethlehem
David Thomas Posey said:I can't speak for everyone, but I know why I sing Christmas songs. Christmas songs (at least the spiritual ones) tell of an important part of God's work for us, the birth of Christ our Lord, Who came to live and die for us. Anything Christ did (or does) is important to think about and remember, and songs are a fantastic way to keep things in mind. They are also a way of teaching and/or proclaiming the Word of God to those who might not be reading it. Christmas songs and any other hymns have the opportunity to reach people with the truth that might not listen to someone running around quoting Scripture or preaching.
As far as Christ being born yesterday, that doesn't matter. He was born for us, and it doesn't matter whether He was born yesterday, today, two thousand years ago, or anything else. He is born, and that is something we should praise God for; songs are a great way to praise God.
Gabriel Jones said:I'm not encountering attacks but sometimes wonder why we still sing Christmas songs.
I mean, Christ didn't come into the world yesterday or something!!!
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Permalink Reply by David Thomas Posey on
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I didn't say I like every Christmas song. O little town of Bethlehem does seem silly at parts (although there are rich and beautiful truths in parts of it. The tune to "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks" may not be appealing to you, but it was written by George Haendel, who was inducted into the Royal Society because of his music. This is no reason to keep the song, but no reason to trash it either. Would you also abolish the Hallelujah Chorus? The words to "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks" are basically retelling the message of the angels to the shepherds, which is part of Scripture.
Now, even if we agreed that these songs should be thrown out, why attack the whole set of Christmas songs just because we don't like part of them? That would be like saying, "I don't like houses because those two are ugly." There is no reason for you or anyone else to be forced to sing Christmas songs, but there is no reason for the rest of us to stop.
Gabriel Jones said:True, but here are some weird carols I think should not be sung anymore.
a. While Shepards Watch Their Flocks
reasons: a. the tune is terrible b. i don't like the words
b. O Little Town of Bethlehem
reasons: a. Hey with this song it seems like we are beginning to worship Bethlehem
David Thomas Posey said:I can't speak for everyone, but I know why I sing Christmas songs. Christmas songs (at least the spiritual ones) tell of an important part of God's work for us, the birth of Christ our Lord, Who came to live and die for us. Anything Christ did (or does) is important to think about and remember, and songs are a fantastic way to keep things in mind. They are also a way of teaching and/or proclaiming the Word of God to those who might not be reading it. Christmas songs and any other hymns have the opportunity to reach people with the truth that might not listen to someone running around quoting Scripture or preaching.
As far as Christ being born yesterday, that doesn't matter. He was born for us, and it doesn't matter whether He was born yesterday, today, two thousand years ago, or anything else. He is born, and that is something we should praise God for; songs are a great way to praise God.
Gabriel Jones said:I'm not encountering attacks but sometimes wonder why we still sing Christmas songs.
I mean, Christ didn't come into the world yesterday or something!!!
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Permalink Reply by Brian Guiley on -
I've encountered a number of different 'attacks' around Christmas, both in and our of the community of Christians. Some think it's bringing pagan practices into the worship of God, some think it's a pagan holiday, some cite that they don't know when Christ was born, and others that it's a religious holiday and should be ditched with all religion.
I enjoy and continue to celebrate Christmas as what it is to me. That we don't know the day of Christ's actual birth does not matter to me, as we then choose a day to remember and celebrate the occurrence, for the event, not the day. (I sometimes do this with birthdays in my own family, as we'll celebrate on a weekend to maximize attendance when the birthday itself is on a weekday).
Regarding the Pagan holiday, I am aware that many 'christian' holidays are celebrated on or around the time of pagan celebrations. This was done deliberately by the 'church' to allow christians a reason to celebrate, but to bring the attention of it to God, rather than to the pagan god's or rites. I see no reason to discount this. Are christians not allowed to 'celebrate' life or have joy? No, we just have a much better reason to do so. Along this same line, the 'pagan' practices (yule logs, stockings, trees, lights, etc) - some can be more directly traced than others, but again are usually given new meaning by christians. I do not consider these things in the way the pagan does (along similar vein, I burn candles, but not to pagan gods, as pagans do. Should we not burn candles because some pagans do to their gods?) - nor do I worship them. I use them as reminders and celebratory practices around a birthday party (for Christ).
So far as "religious holidays" are concerned, it was recently pointed out to me, 'holiday' is a derivation of 'holy day' and in fact all holidays were 'revered' days or 'revered' events.
Anyway. My two bits.
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Permalink Reply by David Thomas Posey on
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Great points, Brian. I have heard many times from different preachers that Christ could not have been born on the twenty-fifth, or that we should never have Christmas trees, and one popular group around here doesn't believe in celebrating Christian holidays. They all have points, but there is one point I would point out to them: some folks regard every day alike, some esteem one day above another; if they regard it, they regard it to the Lord, but if they don't regard it, to the Lord they disregard it (paraphrased from Romans 14). So, it doesn't matter whether you celebrate special occasions or not as long as you honor the Lord. Some people get too carried away with holidays and need to focus more on living their everyday life right; others get too focused on not celbrating holidays and cause division among brethren (and also miss a great opportunity to witness to the world). Whatever we do, we don't need to do it from our hearts and to the Lord, and not fight over something good.
Brian Guiley said:I've encountered a number of different 'attacks' around Christmas, both in and our of the community of Christians. Some think it's bringing pagan practices into the worship of God, some think it's a pagan holiday, some cite that they don't know when Christ was born, and others that it's a religious holiday and should be ditched with all religion.
I enjoy and continue to celebrate Christmas as what it is to me. That we don't know the day of Christ's actual birth does not matter to me, as we then choose a day to remember and celebrate the occurrence, for the event, not the day. (I sometimes do this with birthdays in my own family, as we'll celebrate on a weekend to maximize attendance when the birthday itself is on a weekday).
Regarding the Pagan holiday, I am aware that many 'christian' holidays are celebrated on or around the time of pagan celebrations. This was done deliberately by the 'church' to allow christians a reason to celebrate, but to bring the attention of it to God, rather than to the pagan god's or rites. I see no reason to discount this. Are christians not allowed to 'celebrate' life or have joy? No, we just have a much better reason to do so. Along this same line, the 'pagan' practices (yule logs, stockings, trees, lights, etc) - some can be more directly traced than others, but again are usually given new meaning by christians. I do not consider these things in the way the pagan does (along similar vein, I burn candles, but not to pagan gods, as pagans do. Should we not burn candles because some pagans do to their gods?) - nor do I worship them. I use them as reminders and celebratory practices around a birthday party (for Christ).
So far as "religious holidays" are concerned, it was recently pointed out to me, 'holiday' is a derivation of 'holy day' and in fact all holidays were 'revered' days or 'revered' events.
Anyway. My two bits.
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Permalink Reply by Bryan Brodess on
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I was reminded yesterday while talking with someone about a Christmas program we would like to put on. Christams and Easter are two times a year alot of people who do not normally go to Church go. I think if even one person comes to Christ for every ten Churches, it would be worth it.
David's quote of romans is a perfect example. Yes they may come from Pagain ritual, But as long as we think of Christ and give God the credit. I see no reason not to celebrate. The OT was full of religious holidays of "remembering" things God did for Israel, That is they way I look at Christmas and Easter.
The songs are special. Christmas would not be the same without them. Things like oh little town of Bethlehem are great for the kids. Remember when we were kids?
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