CHRISTIANS AND CHRISTMAS


For centuries there has been an ongoing debate about whether Christians should celebrate Christmas. Many display brightly lit trees, decorate their lawns and give gifts, while others oppose even saying, “Christmas”. The following (condensed) article, penned by the late Gus Nichols, may shed some light on the question.


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FACTS ABOUT CHRISTMAS:


There is no proof that Christ was born on December 25th. But He WAS BORN… He came down from Heaven to seek and save the lost. (Luke 2:8-12).


We can rejoice in Christ on December 25th just…as on the other 364 days of the year. We [should not] cease to be happy in Jesus at Christmas just to be different from others. Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS” (Phil. 4:4). This [means] Christmas [and] all other days...


Instead of revealing the date of Christ’s [birth], God has revealed the day on which He was raised from the dead — the first day of the week (Mark 16:8-9, Luke 24:1-47).  God… wants us to celebrate this day. It is…called the “Lord’s Day”. (Rev. 1:10; I Cor. 16:2; Acts 20:7)


There is nothing to prevent our enjoying the holiday season…called Christmas.  We may give and receive gifts…on December 25th or any other day of the year… In fact, we should “rejoice with them that…rejoice” (Rom. 12:15), at Christmas or any other time.  There is not enough happiness in the world anyway.


Finally, it is proof of the divinity of Christ to find…2000 years after [the fact]  that the…world wants to celebrate His birth…  Thank God for our Lord and His coming into the world, regardless of the exact date of His arrival by virgin birth.  We shall, therefore, go on teaching His truth [every day, including] Christmas.


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I am thankful that billions of people around the world turn their thoughts to the birth of Jesus around the 25th of December. I enjoy the lights, songs, and enhanced spirit of giving. Regardless of your feelings about Christmas, avoid judging others for their feelings unless they promote error. ("Let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival, or a new moon or sabbaths..." Col 2:16)


Jesus, always Jesus!


Dennis

PARABLE OF THE 3 TREES (Revised, author unknown. A wonderful story to read to children!) 
Once there were 3 young trees that longed to do something important in this world.
 
The first tree wanted to become a strong frame for a royal bed. One day some people came to the forest and cut the first tree down. It was hewn into rough pieces and nailed together to form a manger to feed cattle. Eventually it was sold for a pittance and placed in a stable in Bethlehem. The tree was heartbroken because it was reduced to feeding animals. However, one night Mary carefully laid her firstborn child - JESUS - in the manger. The manger trembled with delight.  "This is wonderful!  I never imagined that I would provide a bed for the Son of God!”
 
Years passed, and more men came to the forest to chop down the second tree. This tree dreamed of becoming a huge ship for transporting kings. But instead it was used as a small, smelly fishing boat. Eventually a man named Peter purchased it for a modest sum. The little boat was not at all happy. But one day, as it sat on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus of Nazareth stepped into it and began teaching a large crowd.  "This is wonderful!" it thought. "I never imagined that the Son of God would use me to preach His word."
 
More years elapsed, and Romans soldiers came to cut down the third tree. This tree hoped to grow so large that it would testify to the glory of God's creation by providing nests for birds and shade for animals. But the Romans had other ideas. After stripping its branches and bark, they chopped away until only two long, thick beams remained. They then connected the beams to form a cross. The tree was sick. "This is terrible!" it thought. "All I wanted to do was glorify God, and now they are going to kill someone on me!”
 
Shortly afterwards, a large crowd lined a street in Jerusalem. In the middle of the crowd was Jesus, carrying this tree. Eventually, He was nailed to it. As Jesus was dying, the tree heard Him speak words of compassion and forgiveness. Jesus then died, and the earth shook. Only then did the tree realize the significance of this moment! "This is wonderful! I never imagined that I would glorify God by enabling His Son to die for the sins of the world."
 
“Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Prov. 19:21)
 
Jesus, always Jesus!
 
Dennis
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