December is here, and in a great many heads, this month brings thoughts of giving gifts. Yet, there are many people today who have serious concerns regarding the manner in which we celebrate Christ's birth. Christmas is a celebration of which many Christians are usually divided over. Let's take a few moments to consider some of the more commonly asked questions about Christmas. We have to avoid the attitude that says "Don't bother me with the facts, I have made up my mind already."
Another common question revolves around Santa Claus and the practice of giving gifts?? What few people seem to be aware of is that Santa is Christian rather than pagan in origin. As a matter of fact, Santa Claus is an Anglicized form of the Dutch name "Sinter Klaas." Sinter Klaas in turn represents a Christian bishop of the fourth century named "Saint Nicholas."
Nicholas was born to a wealthy Christian family in Patara in around 280 AD. The place is near Myra in modern-day Turkey. He was so kind and pious that he helped anyone who came his way and soon many legends about his good deeds became popular. Later, he became the Bishop of Myra. He had inherited a large property, which he used from time to time to help the poor and the sick.
According to tradition, Saint Nick was not only kind and generous towards children but he apparently attended the Council of Nicea in A.D. 325, where he supported the biblical doctrine of the Trinity.
While it is likely true that Saint Nick gave toys to tots, it's obviously pure mythology that he presently lives at the North Pole in a toy factory, knows if we've been bad or good, and flies around in a sled pulled by reindeer.
In truth, Santa is not essential to Christmas -- but he does represent an excellent opportunity for sharing Christ with your kids. Why not ask them this Christmas if they know who Santa really was. Perhaps not only Santa can be saved but so will one or more of your loved ones.
Regarding the practice of giving gifts, Jehovah's Witnesses in particular are quick to assert that this practice not only leads to commercialism, but can be tied to the pagan practice of astrology as well. As they put it, the word "Magi" in the original Greek refers to "astrologers."
History reveals, however, that the Magi were not singularly stargazers but were schooled in the arts and sciences of their day as well. Thus, the translation "wise men" makes a great deal more sense than the transliteration, "astrologers."
It is also important to note what Scripture clearly says about the Magi. Namely, the "wise men" were led by God. Both the star that led them to Christ (Matt. 2:9) and the dream through which they outwitted Herod (vs. 12) were used by God to guide and direct them.
The Jehovah's Witnesses are quick to point out that the wise men gave gifts to Christ, not to one another. But that misses the point entirely. Obviously our risen, reigning Redeemer doesn't need a thing. However, when we give to one another, Christ considers that as good as giving unto Him (Matt. 25:37-40).
Perhaps your ability to sensitively and effectively dispel the Watchtower's mythology with regard to gift-giving will open a door for you to discuss the deity of Christ with them as well. And perhaps as a result of your discussion, the Jehovah's Witness may receive the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ. Jehovah's Witnesses can be reached, you know, and the Holy Spirit can use you as a part of the process.
Christmas is never commanded nor prohibited in the New Testament. It is thus a grey area and Christians should be free to exercise their conscience as to whether they wish to observe this feast or not. Paul points out that the observance of days should never be a divisive issue with Christians. As long as the day is regarded to the Lord, it is acceptable to Him (Romans 14:4-6). Christians who celebrate Christmas do so to glorify God for His unspeakable gift, His Son.
Now more than ever it is incumbent for believers to be ready to give answers to questions concerning Christmas. For, indeed, the true meaning of Christmas has become lost in our culture. Multitudes tragically reinterpret the meaning of Christmas as merely "good will toward men."
Of course, not to appreciate the human longing for love and happiness would be a dreadful mistake. However, Christians should help nonbelievers recognize that the true meaning of Christmas lies elsewhere. When the angels announcing Christ's birth sang of "good will toward men" (Luke 2:14), they were not singing about men showing good will toward men, but God showing good will toward men. He did this through the singular act of sending His Son to us as the Savior of the world.
By becoming a human being, dying on the cross for our sins, and rising from the dead, Jesus Christ overcame sin, death, and the grave. In short, Jesus was born to overcome the very things that would destroy the human spirit of love, life, and liberty. Jesus was born to give us the greatest gift of all -- the gift of salvation.
This year you can be an instrument of God's grace by sharing with people around you the Good News of the greatest gift of all -- a gift that truly keeps on giving.
Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.
Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall,
the genial flame of charity in the heart.
Another common question revolves around Santa Claus and the practice of giving gifts?? What few people seem to be aware of is that Santa is Christian rather than pagan in origin. As a matter of fact, Santa Claus is an Anglicized form of the Dutch name "Sinter Klaas." Sinter Klaas in turn represents a Christian bishop of the fourth century named "Saint Nicholas."
Nicholas was born to a wealthy Christian family in Patara in around 280 AD. The place is near Myra in modern-day Turkey. He was so kind and pious that he helped anyone who came his way and soon many legends about his good deeds became popular. Later, he became the Bishop of Myra. He had inherited a large property, which he used from time to time to help the poor and the sick.
According to tradition, Saint Nick was not only kind and generous towards children but he apparently attended the Council of Nicea in A.D. 325, where he supported the biblical doctrine of the Trinity.
While it is likely true that Saint Nick gave toys to tots, it's obviously pure mythology that he presently lives at the North Pole in a toy factory, knows if we've been bad or good, and flies around in a sled pulled by reindeer.
In truth, Santa is not essential to Christmas -- but he does represent an excellent opportunity for sharing Christ with your kids. Why not ask them this Christmas if they know who Santa really was. Perhaps not only Santa can be saved but so will one or more of your loved ones.
Regarding the practice of giving gifts, Jehovah's Witnesses in particular are quick to assert that this practice not only leads to commercialism, but can be tied to the pagan practice of astrology as well. As they put it, the word "Magi" in the original Greek refers to "astrologers."
History reveals, however, that the Magi were not singularly stargazers but were schooled in the arts and sciences of their day as well. Thus, the translation "wise men" makes a great deal more sense than the transliteration, "astrologers."
It is also important to note what Scripture clearly says about the Magi. Namely, the "wise men" were led by God. Both the star that led them to Christ (Matt. 2:9) and the dream through which they outwitted Herod (vs. 12) were used by God to guide and direct them.
The Jehovah's Witnesses are quick to point out that the wise men gave gifts to Christ, not to one another. But that misses the point entirely. Obviously our risen, reigning Redeemer doesn't need a thing. However, when we give to one another, Christ considers that as good as giving unto Him (Matt. 25:37-40).
Perhaps your ability to sensitively and effectively dispel the Watchtower's mythology with regard to gift-giving will open a door for you to discuss the deity of Christ with them as well. And perhaps as a result of your discussion, the Jehovah's Witness may receive the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ. Jehovah's Witnesses can be reached, you know, and the Holy Spirit can use you as a part of the process.
Christmas is never commanded nor prohibited in the New Testament. It is thus a grey area and Christians should be free to exercise their conscience as to whether they wish to observe this feast or not. Paul points out that the observance of days should never be a divisive issue with Christians. As long as the day is regarded to the Lord, it is acceptable to Him (Romans 14:4-6). Christians who celebrate Christmas do so to glorify God for His unspeakable gift, His Son.
Now more than ever it is incumbent for believers to be ready to give answers to questions concerning Christmas. For, indeed, the true meaning of Christmas has become lost in our culture. Multitudes tragically reinterpret the meaning of Christmas as merely "good will toward men."
Of course, not to appreciate the human longing for love and happiness would be a dreadful mistake. However, Christians should help nonbelievers recognize that the true meaning of Christmas lies elsewhere. When the angels announcing Christ's birth sang of "good will toward men" (Luke 2:14), they were not singing about men showing good will toward men, but God showing good will toward men. He did this through the singular act of sending His Son to us as the Savior of the world.
By becoming a human being, dying on the cross for our sins, and rising from the dead, Jesus Christ overcame sin, death, and the grave. In short, Jesus was born to overcome the very things that would destroy the human spirit of love, life, and liberty. Jesus was born to give us the greatest gift of all -- the gift of salvation.
This year you can be an instrument of God's grace by sharing with people around you the Good News of the greatest gift of all -- a gift that truly keeps on giving.
Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.
Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall,
the genial flame of charity in the heart.
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