Xmas

[marakorpa]

My Mistake: Should Read ......is the 25th December NOT the birthdate. But if as you say many know that this is incorrect, why don't you check to see what else is incorrect. The Nativity scene is a bit imaginative, don't you think? Especially when the Maggi didn't get to see Jesus for two years after his birth when he and his parents were in the house. And nowhere is Three wise men mentioned. And the Maggi were on a mission to find Jesus and report his whereabouts to King Herod so that Herod could have Jesus killed. However, an angel warned Jesus parents and they fled to Egypt.

Then you might check the amount of pagan ritual used in the celebration of "Jesus' Birthday", Jesus must be really unimpressed with mankind who spend so much time on lies and allegations.

Just imagine the happiness that God, Jesus and the heavenly angels would have to hear your praises to the creator through the purpose of Jesus in prayer and admiration every day, not just a couple of happy happy days with elves and Santas, eggs and rabbits with a sprinkling of what some think is Christianity.

 

[oldethennew]

If you mean that the date is incorrect, fair enough. But there was a birthday, and probably in early September rather than late December.

Regardless of your comments, there are many positive things about remembering the birth of Christ, and its significance for all humanity, and that is where your focus should be. Unless you are simply an unbeliever.

I
================================================

of course, all who truly Love our Christ, just simply Love Him - no 'birthdays' have ever been instituted in our life-line for
expressing our Love for Him and His Holy Sacrifice - thus said, let us give our very best each and every day to Him in our
Love/Thankfulness for being able to acknowledge what He has done for US in His Holy Pure Love..

 

[kaylagrl]

3

Let's say: It isn't your birthday, but some other people want this time of the year to celebrate a birthday that didn't happen. Now not only is it not your birth date, you, as you grow up, don't celebrate your birthday anyway and have never in your 33 years of life, but the others demand that you do so that they can have family feasts that usually the mother of the family slaves, saves and labours over, cleaning up the scraps after the event. And what an event; families that are a bit disconnected get to bring up old arguments in their cups, even to the point of physical violence.

You look upon your birthday celebration as a big waste of time, and not about your ethics at all, but next year, when the money moguls get the tinsel out, your birthday will be used as an excuse for the damage done.

Don't think that the money, alone, wasted could be put to better use? Don't you think that the kids, when they find out there is no Santa, start to believe that it is all right to lie? Don't you think that seeing the family argue over who got the best present and why is distressing?

I bet you do when the last stubbie falls and you regret the argument you had with your least often seen relative...I bet you do.

I laugh, as it never happens to me.

We get this every Christmas,this same post. I usually remind people of a few things...

1. Christmas plays are a tool to share the Gospel. Many that would never set foot in a church come to see a play and get the Gospel message.

2. Christmas is about giving another tool of the Gospel. My parents took in a family yrs ago for Christmas. The father had left the family high and dry with a younger woman. My parents bought all 4 kids gifts.They are all saved today and have never forgotten that Christmas.

3. Christmas is a time to spend with family. A lot of us have unsaved family. Christmas is a time of year you can share the Gospel like no other. A baby in a manger is familiar to many people,but you can share the rest of the good news.

There are many ways the Gospel can be shared during the Christmas season where people are more open to the Gospel. My cousin called my father the other night. He is an atheist and an alcoholic. He hadn't talked to my dad in years though they talk through FB. Before the convo ended he told my father that he loved him so much. Something he has never said before. The season of Christmas is an open door to spread the Gospel to a dark world. We don't know the exact day He was born,but we know He was and without His birth there would be no death to save a lost world.

Listen to the words of O Holy Night,Silent Night,O Little Town of Bethlehem etc. Each song sharing the Gospel. I've heard all these songs on the radio that would never play a Christian song otherwise. Just a few thoughts.

 

[carl11]

Then you might check the amount of pagan ritual used in the celebration of "Jesus' Birthday", Jesus must be really unimpressed with mankind who spend so much time on lies and allegations.

It is no different than that of Easter which to happens to be a pagan ritual also would it not ? And yet all kinds of religions celebrate
this day as he was resurrected from the memorial tomb I suppose you do not then.

 

[melita916]

i hope everyone had a great day today. i celebrated yesterday with my family. today was a lazy day with my husband and mother-in-law lol. we watched "a christmas story" on tv. then, for dinner, we continued our new family tradition and went to a chinese buffet! this is my 2nd christmas with my husband, and last year, we decided it will be our family tradition

 

[marakorpa]

I
================================================

of course, all who truly Love our Christ, just simply Love Him - no 'birthdays' have ever been instituted in our life-line for
expressing our Love for Him and His Holy Sacrifice - thus said, let us give our very best each and every day to Him in our
Love/Thankfulness for being able to acknowledge what He has done for US in His Holy Pure Love..

Isn't remembering his birthday detracting from his ransom sacrifice, which is far more important than any date of birth? Again, Don't you think that if it is was to be God's will that Jesus' birthday was celebrated that there would be much more information on that time and date?

I mean no one any harm, and I know that if your beliefs are challenged it is a bit disconcerting. I have a natural mind for checking out information that is handed to me as Truth, I think most of us have the same, it is the use of this that matters.

Nearly all the respondents to my posts have challenged my beliefs, it matters not to me, I don't get angry, I often get a laugh out of the answers. but mainly can see that the answers do not match the scriptures of the Holy Bible, and that is the Word of God not man.

 

[Dino246]

My Mistake: Should Read ......is the 25th December NOT the birthdate. But if as you say many know that this is incorrect, why don't you check to see what else is incorrect. The Nativity scene is a bit imaginative, don't you think? Especially when the Maggi didn't get to see Jesus for two years after his birth when he and his parents were in the house. And nowhere is Three wise men mentioned. And the Maggi were on a mission to find Jesus and report his whereabouts to King Herod so that Herod could have Jesus killed. However, an angel warned Jesus parents and they fled to Egypt.

If you're going to rail against the errors of others, you should make sure you have your facts straight.

It's "magi" (lower case), not "Maggi". Maggi is a condiment.

Scripture doesn't state that the magi arrived two years after Jesus' birth. Rather, it states that Herod ordered that the male children two years old or less be killed. It's possible that the magi had been following the star for several months and that Herod picked two years to ensure the soldiers killed the right boy. Given that Joseph was a resident of Nazareth, it is far more likely that he and his family were in Bethlehem no more than a few weeks; just long enough for Mary to recover for traveling.

The magi weren't on a mission for Herod; he imposed a mission on them. They didn't return to report to him.

Then you might check the amount of pagan ritual used in the celebration of "Jesus' Birthday", Jesus must be really unimpressed with mankind who spend so much time on lies and allegations.

I suspect Jesus is less impressed with those who ignorantly criticize others instead of showing them His love.

Just imagine the happiness that God, Jesus and the heavenly angels would have to hear your praises to the creator through the purpose of Jesus in prayer and admiration every day, not just a couple of happy happy days with elves and Santas, eggs and rabbits with a sprinkling of what some think is Christianity.

Your issue is with the secularization of Christmas. How other Christians choose to celebrate the incarnation is none of your concern. Instead of railing at those who recognize Christ as Lord, why don't you go and preach the good news to unbelievers.

 

[bygrace]

Let's say: It isn't your birthday, but some other people want this time of the year to celebrate a birthday that didn't happen. Now not only is it not your birth date, you, as you grow up, don't celebrate your birthday anyway and have never in your 33 years of life, but the others demand that you do so that they can have family feasts that usually the mother of the family slaves, saves and labours over, cleaning up the scraps after the event. And what an event; families that are a bit disconnected get to bring up old arguments in their cups, even to the point of physical violence.

You look upon your birthday celebration as a big waste of time, and not about your ethics at all, but next year, when the money moguls get the tinsel out, your birthday will be used as an excuse for the damage done.

Don't think that the money, alone, wasted could be put to better use? Don't you think that the kids, when they find out there is no Santa, start to believe that it is all right to lie? Don't you think that seeing the family argue over who got the best present and why is distressing?

I bet you do when the last stubbie falls and you regret the argument you had with your least often seen relative...I bet you do.

I laugh, as it never happens to me.

this is a very judgemental post and clearly from one who own family from what I see is dysfunctional. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas, and instead of anger and resentment to others. I hope you would look to do good and for others. I had a family member die last year of Christmas Eve, and we as a family came together prayed and bless each other with gifts and served others to by giving to those who had not.

 

[Dino246]

Isn't remembering his birthday detracting from his ransom sacrifice, which is far more important than any date of birth? Again, Don't you think that if it is was to be God's will that Jesus' birthday was celebrated that there would be much more information on that time and date?

Jesus' death on the cross would not be possible without His incarnation. Your speculations are irrelevant. If Jesus told you not to celebrate Christmas, then don't celebrate it. He hasn't told me that.

I mean no one any harm, and I know that if your beliefs are challenged it is a bit disconcerting. I have a natural mind for checking out information that is handed to me as Truth, I think most of us have the same, it is the use of this that matters.

You claim to mean no one any harm, but here you are being a jackdonkey nonetheless.

Bray tell, exactly what do you hope to accomplish?

 

[bygrace]

Saved at birth: It was through the ransom sacrifice of the son of God that we had the sin of Adam removed from our life. Through Adam sin entered the world and through sin death. That is what I meant by being saved at birth.

The Birthday that didn't happen: was Jesus born on the 25th of December or is that the day of the Babylonian and pagan god Sol? How many pagan rituals are inculcated in the Xmas rites?
These things are the arrogance of mankind, not from Christian concepts and I also said in my opening stanza that I believe that the Bible is the "Workshop Manual for Christians" this workshop manual does not contain the need, the origin and the present day concepts of Xmas. or maybe I have missed them in my readings and studies.

If the roots are rotten, etc. Xmas is rotten to the core, you are so right.

The Bible says: Better the day you die than the day you are born.

There are only two birthdays mentioned, both from pagans of the time. Pagan being those that worshipped false gods.

I do not apologise for not 'tickling your ears' the clergy will do that in gobfuls this time of the year, where many have much and many more have nothing but suffering.

you are very ignorant. The 25 of dec was a date the Church picked to combat pagan practices. The truth is no one knows when Jesus was actually born (the atcual date or day). The Church choose a date to observe the birth of the Savior. Only Athiest, Pharisees, and legalistic control freaks would have an issue with this date.

 

[melita916]

oh! this past sunday, we had our christmas service at our local fellowship. it was the 1st one for me at my new fellowship. pastor opened with a passage and prayer. between songs, members of the congregation read passages of the birth of Jesus. after a few readings and songs, pastor preached on Simeon's encounter with Jesus at the temple when Jesus was dedicated.

i had the honor of singing one of the songs during music times. i found out the saturday before at practice i was singing this song because the lady who is the main vocalist was out of town lol!

 

[marakorpa]

If you're going to rail against the errors of others, you should make sure you have your facts straight.

Wham Bam, Thank you ma'am

It's "magi" (lower case), not "Maggi". Maggi is a condiment.

Scripture doesn't state that the magi arrived two years after Jesus' birth. Rather, it states that Herod ordered that the male children two years old or less be killed. It's possible that the magi had been following the star for several months and that Herod picked two years to ensure the soldiers killed the right boy. Given that Joseph was a resident of Nazareth, it is far more likely that he and his family were in Bethlehem no more than a few weeks; just long enough for Mary to recover for traveling.

The star is put forward as being the direction from God, where it is really the direction of Satan. And again you are correct, Matthew seems to indicate it was maybe around a year later, but certainly not when Jesus was in the stable.

The magi weren't on a mission for Herod; he imposed a mission on them. They didn't return to report to him.

Double speak: Either way they were on a mission for Herod


I suspect Jesus is less impressed with those who ignorantly criticize others instead of showing them His love.

Most likely! Thank you for your showing.


Your issue is with the secularization of Christmas. How other Christians choose to celebrate the incarnation is none of your concern. Instead of railing at those who recognize Christ as Lord, why don't you go and preach the good news to unbelievers.

If you believe in all the ritualised pagan celebrations you are not a believer in Christianity, How can you be?

 

[oldethennew]

are you saying that,???

are you intimating that 'we' you and i' are on the same page???

 

[bygrace]

Let's say: It isn't your birthday, but some other people want this time of the year to celebrate a birthday that didn't happen. Now not only is it not your birth date, you, as you grow up, don't celebrate your birthday anyway and have never in your 33 years of life, but the others demand that you do so that they can have family feasts that usually the mother of the family slaves, saves and labours over, cleaning up the scraps after the event. And what an event; families that are a bit disconnected get to bring up old arguments in their cups, even to the point of physical violence.

You look upon your birthday celebration as a big waste of time, and not about your ethics at all, but next year, when the money moguls get the tinsel out, your birthday will be used as an excuse for the damage done.

Don't think that the money, alone, wasted could be put to better use? Don't you think that the kids, when they find out there is no Santa, start to believe that it is all right to lie? Don't you think that seeing the family argue over who got the best present and why is distressing?

I bet you do when the last stubbie falls and you regret the argument you had with your least often seen relative...I bet you do.

I laugh, as it never happens to me.

and FYI "XMAS" is an Athiest response to the word Christmas. KNow your history before to attack other on this day. Before you speak of Pagan and attack others for what you think is Pagan practices, yet you start a thread with an atheist symbol Put Christ back into the Mass.

 

[marakorpa]

you are very ignorant. The 25 of dec was a date the Church picked to combat pagan practices. The truth is no one knows when Jesus was actually born (the atcual date or day). The Church choose a date to observe the birth of the Savior. Only Athiest, Pharisees, and legalistic control freaks would have an issue with this date.

Or me, I suppose. I have no issue with this date being the date of a pagan festival, none what so ever. There is only one date that Jesus told his disciples to keep, but you would know that it is Nisan 14 with an uppercase N.

 

[marakorpa]

and FYI "XMAS" is an Athiest response to the word Christmas. KNow your history before to attack other on this day. Before you speak of Pagan and attack others for what you think is Pagan practices, yet you start a thread with an atheist symbol Put Christ back into the Mass.

Why would an atheist have a word for Christmas? Check the net for the Churches use of Xmas it even states that it is where the symbol comes from.

 

[bygrace]

Or me, I suppose. I have no issue with this date being the date of a pagan festival, none what so ever. There is only one date that Jesus told his disciples to keep, but you would know that it is Nisan 14 with an uppercase N.

the idea that pagans don't have days of importance to those who hold any day, that Christians may hold for a different reason altogether; is somewhat controlling. You bring up Passover now? Nisan 14? or is it the 15? The Passover and Christmas are two different things. Christ-mass has to do with the Advent.

 

[oldethennew]

Isn't remembering his birthday detracting from his ransom sacrifice, which is far more important than any date of birth? Again, Don't you think that if it is was to be God's will that Jesus' birthday was celebrated that there would be much more information on that time and date?

I mean no one any harm, and I know that if your beliefs are challenged it is a bit disconcerting. I have a natural mind for checking out information that is handed to me as Truth, I think most of us have the same, it is the use of this that matters.

Nearly all the respondents to my posts have challenged my beliefs, it matters not to me, I don't get angry, I often get a laugh out of the answers. but mainly can see that the answers do not match the scriptures of the Holy Bible, and that is the Word of God not man.

=========================================
your 'laughs' are disconcerting! your reply to others is dis-resprectiful, your self proclaimed 'knowledge' is shameful'...

 

[Dino246]

Wham Bam, Thank you ma'am

I'm not a 'ma'am'.

The star is put forward as being the direction from God, where it is really the direction of Satan. And again you are correct, Matthew seems to indicate it was maybe around a year later, but certainly not when Jesus was in the stable.

Ah, now we have "direction of Satan" as the explanation for the magi. Anything else you want to add to Scripture while you're at it?

Double speak: Either way they were on a mission for Herod

Um, no. That's poor logic. Herod's direction didn't magically turn their pre-existing mission into "his" mission.

If you believe in all the ritualised pagan celebrations you are not a believer in Christianity, How can you be?

"If"... followed by irrelevant speculation.

 

[bygrace]

Why would an atheist have a word for Christmas? Check the net for the Churches use of Xmas it even states that it is where the symbol comes from.

NO "X" can mean Christmas if it is used in a pronounce with the word Christmas. However, many of those who do not hold to Christ use EXMAS to remove the context of Christ.