CHRISTIANS & CHRISTMAS
   
For centuries there has been an ongoing debate about whether Christians should celebrate Christmas, especially since the holiday has Catholic roots. Although many Christians decorate trees and lawns, send cards and exchange gifts, others have nothing to do with the holiday and even refuse to say, “Merry Christmas”. The following article (condensed) by the late defender of the faith - Gus Nichols, may shed 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. 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)  
   
(Yet)…there is nothing to prevent our enjoying the holiday 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 (later) 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 (daily, including) Christmas.
   
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Personally, I am thankful that billions of people around the world turn their thoughts to Jesus on the 25th of December. Moreover, I enjoy the lights, songs, and snacks – especially cookies! Regardless of your feelings about Christmas, avoid judging others for their feelings, unless they are promoting error.  
   
Jesus, always Jesus!  
   
Dennis  

Letter To God  
   
“Dear God,  
   
This is Billy again. I know that you are busy, but I have an important favor to ask. Would you make Sunday come on a different day?  If you do, I think my mom and dad will come back to church.  
   
You see, they always tell me that they are too tired to get up for church on Sunday.  
   
Dad works hard during the week, and on Saturday he plays golf or goes bowling, fishing or hunting. He says that Sunday is the only day left to mow the lawn, wash the car, shovel the driveway or get a long nap.  
   
Mom is no different.  She likes to go to the stores and shop on Saturday. On Sunday she vacuums the floors, washes the dishes and dusts everything. Then she takes a long nap.  
   
Even though they are tired, they usually stay up late on Saturday nights to watch TV and eat popcorn.
   
I really want them to go to church on Sundays so that I can go, too.  Whenever I ask them, they promise to start back to church soon, but ‘soon’ never seems to come.  I am worried because we do not pray together like we used to, and I think my dad lost his Bible.  
   
So can you make Sunday come on a different day?  Then maybe we can go to church like we did before. I really miss church.  
   
Love,  
   
Billy  
   
“And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4).  
   
Jesus, always Jesus!  
   
Dennis