Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Why We Don’t Celebrate Christmas

Some of my readers may wonder why it is that there has not been any Christmas stuff on here – no recipes, no references, etc.  We do not celebrate the holiday, and here is a page explaining why for those who might be interested in the reason (no, we are NOT Jehovah’s Witnesses):

Why We Don’t Celebrate Christmas

If you are interested in reading more information on this subject I have further information posted here:

Christmas – Holy or Profane?

If you are not interested in making a decision between righteousness and unrighteousness on this subject please don’t go to these pages.  It is not a matter to be treated lightly nor with the attitude that “it really doesn’t matter that much”, and “I have the liberty to do as I please”.  Once you are informed on this subject you will answer to God (not me or us) for your decision. 

I waited to post this article here till after the holidays were over so that readers could have some time to digest it before the next “holiday season” rolls around.  Some people become very sensitive and defensive if this subject is addressed just before the “Christmas season”, and thus refuse to think biblically and graciously.

I am not posting this to start a debate.  I don’t wish to argue with anyone about it.  Our convictions on this subject are not up for debate.  If you don’t agree, fine.  It’s your choice.  But, anyone who sends a comment that is intended to make me feel guilty or uncomfortable about this can be assured that it will not be posted. :-)  I don’t dislike people because they celebrate Christmas, nor do I disrespect them.  All I ask is some respect and Christian grace in return.  We used to celebrate Christmas ourselves.  I know that it is not easy to make the separation on this.  But, if you set out to destroy my conviction or to make me feel “ungodly” for this choice, I can’t answer for that.

Lamentations 3:35 To turn aside the right of a man before the face of the most High, 36 To subvert a man in his cause, the Lord approveth not.

A lot of people will quote Romans 14:12 to justify their choice to continue celebrating,  “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.”  They don’t seem to stop and think about the fact that this verse works two ways – if they have chosen wrongly to defend and maintain the Christmas tradition, they will answer for that as well as if they were doing the right thing; and they don’t seem to think about the implications of answering for such a large matter as celebrating Christ’s birth in a pagan context. 

On the other hand, they don’t seem to think much about the fact that those of us who have chosen *not* to celebrate this holiday also will give account of ourselves before God, and therefore, they have no right nor business to try to convince us to defile our consciences in returning to something that we know and are convinced is ungodly and even blasphemous.  I find it ironic that, for those of us who abstain, the consequences of being wrong seem much less fearful than for those who insist on continuing to celebrate.  If we are wrong, there is no scripture commanding us to celebrate Christ’s birth, and on the contrary there is much scripture instructing us not to mix idolatry with the truth.  If those who observe Christmas are wrong, though they are not forbidden to celebrate Christ’s birth, they are certainly commanded not to mix righteousness and unrighteousness.

2 Corinthians 6:14 …what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols?…

Selah.

5 comments:

  1. Hi, M.E.,
    Thank you for this post! This is our first year Christ-mass free! As a former practicing Roman Catholic, it is such a relief to FINALLY except the truth our Father has set before us and to UNDERSTAND that His truth applies to this "season", also! It was a hard pill to swallow for a couple of years even after leaving catholicism. Especially, when so many Protestants practice this having NO IDEA that they are worshipping the LORD through the vanity of a man made tradition.
    "IRONICALLY" I have actually been allowed by our Father to witness MORE about the TRUTH of our Lord and Saviour NOT celebrating! OUR GOD IS A GOOD GOD!
    IT IS TRUE WHAT OUR LORD SAYS IN HIS WRITTEN WORD:
    *John 8:32*
    32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I praise the Lord that you were able to make this decision. My God grant you strength to persevere in it. One of the things I've appreciated over and over has been the freedom from celebrating this holiday. Sometimes I'm drawn back by the glitz and prettiness of the holiday, but every year for some time now the Lord has ultimately given me a good reason to be thankful we don't celebrate - lack of funds, sickness, sorrow, weariness, and more. Instead, December has become something that I anticipate each year now that we can draw back and focus on other things during this month when everyone else is so distracted and terribly busy. I miss the fellowship with the believers, but I appreciate the quietness of this time for us.

      My family also found that not celebrating presented more opportunities to witness of God's truth. It is a sort of supreme irony when cast against the accusation that those who don't celebrate Christ's birth at this time and in the usual tradition are "dishonoring Jesus". God does have a sense of humor in some things. :-)

      Delete
    2. AMEN AND GLORY TO GOD! Yes HE does have a sense of humor in some things!Each year will be easier to deal with family. Since this is the first year it has been a WEE rough! BUT I know what really matters is what OUR FATHER in Heaven thinks. When I need reassuring He reminds me of Aaron and the golden calf. The best answer for those that try to sway me back is answered with a question:
      "You do realize that trying to sway someone back after they have been convicted by God the Father not to do something is blasphemy against Him, right?"

      Delete
    3. It can be really difficult to deal with close friends and family on this subject. I well know.
      Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

      Delete
    4. By the way, my post tomorrow is dealing with this subject, especially in relation to how children should answer others.

      Delete