What's wrong with Christmas?

[T_More]

If memory serves me, the method of crucifixion to put someone to death came from the Persians and was witnessed and adopted by the Greeks during Alexander the Great’s conquest there. Since the Romans pretty much took everything of the Greeks and made it their own, that’s how they came to use it as a method of execution. I don’t know how reliable this info is, I just to remember reading this in the past.

It never ceases to amaze me how people seem to think that if something fell on the same day, this somehow makes them pagan. Everyday in Roman times was a pagan celebration of some sort or another. I was a JW and they went over the top with this line of thinking. How far does someone want to go? Why don’t we throw out wedding rings, since they have a “pagan” origin? How about weddings themselves? It all comes down to intent. We don’t know the exact date of Christmas and it doesn’t matter. The Word became flesh, the greatest gift God gave to mankind! The Nativity was the scene of this monumental event and it was obviously a time of great joy. Our Lord and Saviour was given gifts by the Magi. If this wasn’t important, why mention it in scripture?

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

What’s wrong with Christmas? Egg Nog always gives me heartburn! LOL

 

[Jimmy_B]

What’s wrong with Christmas? Egg Nog always gives me heartburn! LOL

I like Egg Nog.

 

[reluctanthero]

My involvement in online discussions on matters of faith has led me back to the Church. However, one point of contention is the paganistic origins of the date on which Christmas is celebrated. I have been repeatedly scorned for participating in Christmas openly and have been told I am worshipping pagan gods. It does bother me on a level that we know better when Jesus’ birth was and it doesn’t line up, but when I press them for answers on exactly what it is I am doing by celebrating Christs’ birth on that day that causes me to worship pagan gods…they ignore it, calling me blind. LOL!

 

[Matthew_Holford]

… and most evidence point out unto mid September.

What evidence is that? I agree, as I think most would, that Jesus wasn’t born on 25th December. My understanding was that it would most likely have taken place in spring. Plus, isn’t celebrating our Lord’s birth what is important rather than knowing the exact calendar date on which it occurred?

 

[Matthew_Holford]

The Bible may not instruct us to celebrate the Lord’s birth. Does it instruct us to celebrate every other celebration in the liturgical calendar? Do we need biblical edicts before we can celebrate any celebration?

 

[puzzleannie]

What’s wrong with Christmas? Has this doctrine that allows for personal interpretation of the Bible, gone too far?

I brought this up, on another thread here at CAF; that Christmas is a Catholic tradition, when discussing Sola Scriptura, or “Bible Alone” and the “Traditions of Men”. To my surprise, ok, maybe I wasn’t that surprised… a Fundamentalist Christian posted that they (Fundamentalist) actively oppose celebrating Christmas. At least he is consistent.

My questions here are -

Where in the Bible does it say that we are to celebrate Christmas?

If it’s not in the Bible, should it be done?

And finally, doesn’t the celebration of Christmas, fall under, the “Traditions of Men”?

Thank you, your thoughts?

my thoughts are the last big group to make that argument were the Puritans. when is the last time you saw a Puritan?

 

[JonNC]

The Bible may not instruct us to celebrate the Lord’s birth. Does it instruct us to celebrate every other celebration in the liturgical calendar? Do we need biblical edicts before we can celebrate any celebration?

No Matthew, absolutely not.

Jon

 

[Matthew_Holford]

No Matthew, absolutely not.

Jon

Thanks, Jon. I didn’t think we did. I never quite understand people who want to constantly find answers to everything in the Bible, especially when Catholics pose the question. We also have something called Sacred Tradition, we don’t rely on the Bible alone. Plus, I don’t see why we need permission to celebrate such an important event. I always remember from my teenage years when a priest likened (I’m not going to re-tell this as well as the priest first told it) Christ to a rose. Christmas is important like the appearance of the rose-bud, the promise of something to come. Easter is the rose in full bloom. I always remembered that and thought it was a beautiful analogy. It’s great to admire the beauty of a rose in full bloom and to smell its fragrance. But, the appearance of the rose bud is a cause for celebration, without that rose bud we’re not going to have the rose.

 

[JonNC]

Thanks, Jon. I didn’t think we did. I never quite understand people who want to constantly find answers to everything in the Bible, especially when Catholics pose the question. We also have something called Sacred Tradition, we don’t rely on the Bible alone. Plus, I don’t see why we need permission to celebrate such an important event. .

What bothers me, Matthew, is the twisting of sola scriptura into something it is not - it is not a rejection of Tradition or traditions. Some of the most moving and inspiring writings regarding the faith are written subsequent to scripture - in words, and even in song.

I always remember from my teenage years when a priest likened (I’m not going to re-tell this as well as the priest first told it) Christ to a rose. Christmas is important like the appearance of the rose-bud, the promise of something to come. Easter is the rose in full bloom. I always remembered that and thought it was a beautiful analogy. It’s great to admire the beauty of a rose in full bloom and to smell its fragrance. But, the appearance of the rose bud is a cause for celebration, without that rose bud we’re not going to have the rose

It is a beautiful analogy. Your priest was a very insightful and well-spoken man.

Jon

 

[Matthew_Holford]

What bothers me, Matthew, is the twisting of sola scriptura into something it is not - it is not a rejection of Tradition or traditions. Some of the most moving and inspiring writings regarding the faith are written subsequent to scripture - in words, and even in song.

Jon

I’m in agreement with you. I just find it a “protestant-thing” when people say: “justify that with a quote from the Bible”. Very often quotes are given whose literal meaning may seemingly prove a person’s point. As we know these are often taken out of context from the whole style of writing of the relevant biblical book and the material of the book.

Sometimes, I even wonder if anyone with this mindset has been pulled over by the police and said to the officer where does the Bible say I need a driving licence. Apologies for the sarcasm but I really do feel some people take it to that extreme.

Matt