{"id":72167,"date":"2021-12-23T00:01:26","date_gmt":"2021-12-23T08:01:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/?p=72167"},"modified":"2021-11-28T10:09:04","modified_gmt":"2021-11-28T18:09:04","slug":"christmas-25-items-to-consider","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/church-history\/christmas-25-items-to-consider\/","title":{"rendered":"Christmas: 25 items to consider"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"\"\"
\n(Pixabay photo)<\/em><\/p>\n

COGwriter <\/a><\/p>\n

Many who claim Christianity celebrate December 25th as the date of Jesus’ birth.<\/p>\n

Yet, many do not understand the biblical or historical truth about it.<\/p>\n

Here is a list of 25 items people who keep Christmas seem not to fully consider:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. In Leviticus 23, God lists His festivals\u2013with specific dates.<\/li>\n
  2. In Jeremiah 10, God says not to follow pagan practices, such as using a decorated tree, in the worship of Him.<\/li>\n
  3. Nowhere in the Bible is the date of Jesus\u2019 birth mentioned.<\/li>\n
  4. Scripture opposes the view that Jesus could have been born in late December because the \u201ccensus would have been impossible in winter\u201d per The Catholic Encyclopedia<\/em> and because shepherds were not spending the night outside with their flocks then.<\/li>\n
  5. Nowhere in the Bible is anyone instructed to observe the date of Jesus\u2019 birth.<\/li>\n
  6. The Bible does not show that Jesus\u2019 disciples ever observed the date of Jesus\u2019 birth.<\/li>\n
  7. At the time of Christ, observant Jews did not celebrate birthdays, nor did early Christians.<\/li>\n
  8. The Apostle Paul wrote that Christians were not to use demonic pagan practices (1 Corinthians 10:20).<\/li>\n
  9. Christmas was NOT part of the \u2018faith once for all delivered to the saints\u2019 (Jude 3).<\/li>\n
  10. Early church writings do not show that any Christian observed the date of Jesus\u2019 birth.<\/li>\n
  11. The sun god Mithras was allegedly born on December 25th as the season was celebrated as the rebirth of the sun.<\/li>\n
  12. Pagans celebrated the sun-god Mithras and the god of agriculture Saturn in late December each year with lights, wreaths, parties, and gift-giving.<\/li>\n
  13. About 2 centuries after Jesus was born, Tertullian wrote that people in what we would now call the Eastern and Roman Catholic churches, used wreaths and lights, gave gifts, etc. in late December to be like the heathen. Pagan worship really is the \u201creason for the season.\u201d<\/li>\n
  14. Tertullian condemned those practices as demonic and idolatrous and further wrote that those who professed Christ should not honor pagan gods in their worship.<\/li>\n
  15. The pagan Emperor Constantine worshiped the sun-god Mithras and celebrated Jesus\u2019 birth on December 25th starting in 336 A.D.<\/li>\n
  16. Roman pontiffs followed Emperor Constantine\u2019s lead and in 354 A.D., Bishop Liberius of Rome ordered the people to celebrate on December 25.<\/li>\n
  17. The anti-Semite Constantinople Bishop John Chrysostom, who opposed the biblical holy days, got a December 25th<\/sup> celebration adopted in his area by 395 A.D.<\/li>\n
  18. The word for Christmas in late Old English is Cristes Maesse<\/em>, the Mass of Christ, first found in 1038, and Cristes-messe<\/em>, in 1131. It most certainly did not come from the Bible.<\/li>\n
  19. The \u201ctwelve days of Christmas\u201d originally came from the 12 days of Yuletide which began at sunset on December 20, known as Mother Night, and ended on the night of December 31, the Night of the Oak King and the Roman day of Hecate.<\/li>\n
  20. Mistletoe came from the pagan Druids.<\/li>\n
  21. Yule logs were originally a scandal to the Church of Rome, but were later embraced.<\/li>\n
  22. Roman Catholics originally condemned Protestantism as the \u201cTannenbaum religion\u201d because of what are called Christmas trees. But now Vatican City prominently displays one each year.<\/li>\n
  23. It is wrong to bear false witness, including telling lies about the mythological Santa Claus.<\/li>\n
  24. The New Testament teaches, “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons. Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?” (1 Corinthians 10:21-22).<\/li>\n
  25. Christmas is NOT a biblical nor truly a Christ-centered holiday. It is a sentimental and commercialized pagan tradition.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    And those, plus the 25th (1 Corinthians 10:21-22) are in a related sermon:<\/p>\n

    \n
    \n
    \n
    \n
    \n

    \"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

    1:11:08
    \n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    \n
    \n

    25 Reasons to Not Keep Christmas<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    Christmas is a distraction from the Gospel of the Kingdom of God<\/a>. It is not a Christ-centered holiday as its proponents sometimes claim.<\/p>\n

    Christmas has the wrong emphasis and is not based on truth.<\/p>\n

    Jesus taught:<\/p>\n

    24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. (John 4:24)
    \n<\/span><\/p>\n

    7 And in vain<\/span> they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ (Mark 7:7)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    Of course, it is vain and bearing false witness to deceive children about Santa Claus.<\/p>\n

    There is a right way and a wrong way to live and worship God–do not base this on your emotional feelings about what is right:<\/p>\n

    8 You shall not at all do as we are doing here today–every man doing whatever is right in<\/span> his own eyes– … 25 do what is right in<\/span> the sight of the Lord. … 32 Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it.<\/strong> (Deuteronomy 12:8,25,32)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    God did not command keeping Christmas: pagans came up with it.<\/p>\n

    Consider also what the Apostle Paul wrote:<\/p>\n

    21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons. 22 Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He? (1 Corinthians 10:21-22)<\/p>\n

    17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.<\/p>\n

    20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:17-24)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    Christians are to put off pagan ways, and live according to the truth, not longing for improper traditions.<\/p>\n

    Wiccan’s (witches) still keep Yule and teach the altar on Yule should face north and that the area is decorated with Holly and Mistletoe. They think that is good.<\/p>\n

    The foundation of Christmas is demonic paganism and lies.<\/p>\n

    Consider something else that Jesus had recorded:<\/p>\n

    \n
    14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. <\/span>15<\/span> But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. (Revelation 22:14-15)
    \n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    Which are you?<\/p>\n

    One who keeps God’s commandments or one who prefers to practice the idolatrous lie of Christmas?<\/p>\n

    Should You Keep God’s Holy Days or Demonic Holidays?<\/a><\/p>\n

    Some items of possibly related interest may include:<\/em><\/p>\n

    What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Christmas and the Holy Days?<\/a> Do you know what the Catholic Church says were the original Christian holy days? Was Christmas among them? Is December 25th Jesus’ birthday or that of the sun god? Here is a link to two related sermon: 25 Reasons to Not Keep Christmas<\/a> and What do Catholic and other scholars teach about Christmas? <\/span><\/a>
    \n    Should You Keep God’s Holy Days or Demonic Holidays?<\/a> This is a free pdf booklet explaining what the Bible and history shows about God’s Holy Days and popular holidays. A related sermon is Which Spring Days should Christians observe?<\/a>
    \n    The Ten Commandments: The Decalogue, Christianity, and the Beast<\/a> This is a free pdf book explaining the what the Ten Commandments are, where they came from, how early professors of Christ viewed them, and how various ones, including the Beast of Revelation, will oppose them. A related sermon is titled: The Ten Commandments and the Beast of Revelation<\/a>.
    \n    What Did the Early Church Teach About Idols and Icons?<\/a> Did Catholic and Orthodox “saints” endorse or condemn idols and icons for Christians? A related sermon is available: The Second Commandment, Idols, and Icons<\/a>.
    \n    Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Continuing<\/em> Church of God?<\/a> Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions. [Portugu\u00eas: Qual \u00e9 fiel: A igreja cat\u00f3lica romana ou a igreja do deus?<\/a>]
    \n    Why Should American Catholics Fear Unity with the Orthodox?<\/a> Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster? Is doctrinal compromise good? Here is a link to a related video Should you be concerned about the ecumenical movement? <\/a>
    \n    Will the Interfaith Movement Lead to Peace or Sudden Destruction?<\/a> Is the interfaith movement going to lead to lasting peace or is it warned against? A video sermon of related interest is: Will the Interfaith Movement lead to World War III?<\/a> and a video sermon is also available: Do You Know That Babylon is Forming?<\/a>
    \n    What Did the Early Church Teach About Idols and Icons? <\/a> Did the early Church use icons? What was the position of Christians about such things? A related sermon is available: The Second Commandment, Idols, and Icons<\/a>.
    \n    What is the Origin of the Cross as a ‘Christian’ Symbol?<\/a> Was the cross used as a venerated symbol by the early Church? Two related YouTube videos would be Beware of the ‘Ecumenical Cross’<\/a> and Origin of the Cross<\/span><\/a>.
    \n    Did the True Church Ever Teach a Trinity?<\/a> Most act like this is so, but is it? Here is an old, by somewhat related, article in the Spanish language LA DOCTRINA DE LA TRINIDAD<\/a>. A related sermon is available: Trinity: Fundamental to Christianity or Something Else?<\/a> A brief video is also available: Three trinitarian scriptures?<\/a>
    \n    Do You Practice Mithraism?<\/a> Many practices and doctrines that mainstream so-called Christian groups have are the same or similar to those of the sun-god Mithras. December 25th was celebrated as his birthday. Do you follow Mithraism combined with the Bible or original Christianity? A sermon video from Vatican City is titled Church of Rome, Mithras, and Isis? <\/a>
    \n    Hanukkah: Jewish Christmas and Hidden Key to Prophecy? <\/a> Originally a Jewish national holiday, has Hanukkah morphed into a Jewish Christmas? Does it hold hidden secrets to prophecy? Here is a related video: Hanukkah, Tradition, and Prophecy<\/a>.
    \n    Canadian & Philadelphian Mummers Parades: Another tie to Saturnalia<\/a> In Canada there is a ’12 days of Christmas’ celebration involving Mummers. In Philadelphia, a parade is held on New Years. Does this come from the Bible or where?
    \n    Was Jesus Born in the Grotto of the Nativity?<\/a><\/span> Was Jesus born in a below ground cave? Was Jesus born below the “Church of the Nativity”? Were the wise men there?
    \n    How did December 25th become Christmas?<\/a> Was Jesus born then? If not, why December 25? Here is the article translated into Mandarin Chinese 12g\b25e\u00e5gT\u000ef\/`\u000eNH\u02c6\u00ab\u2039\u00b8Y\u001aW\u00fawcv\u201eO\u00e1N\u00f0\u20ac\u0005\u2018\u00c7~\u00b3v\u201e<\/a>.
    \n    Is Keeping Christmas a Sin?<\/a> Is keeping Christmas acceptable for true Christians? What are some scriptures to consider?
    \n    Did Early Christians Celebrate Birthdays?<\/a> Did biblical era Jews celebrate birthdays? Who originally celebrated birthdays? When did many that profess Christ begin birthday celebrations? A related sermon video is available and is titled: Birthdays, Christians, and December 25th<\/a>.<\/span> French language: O\u00f9 est la vraie \u00c9glise Chr\u00e9tienne aujourd\u2019hui?<\/a>
    \n<\/strong>    Where is the True Christian Church Today?<\/a> This free online pdf booklet answers that question and includes 18 proofs, clues, and signs to identify the true vs. false Christian church. Plus 7 proofs, clues, and signs to help identify Laodicean churches. A related sermon is also available: Where is the True Christian Church? <\/a>Here is a link to the booklet in the Spanish language: \u00bfD\u00f3nde est\u00e1 la verdadera Iglesia cristiana de hoy?<\/a> Here is a link in the German language: WO IST DIE WAHRE CHRISTLICHE KIRCHE HEUTE?<\/a> Here is a link in the French language: O\u00f9 est la vraie \u00c9glise Chr\u00e9tienne aujourd\u2019hui?<\/a> Here is a link to a short animation: <\/b>Which Church would Jesus Choose?<\/a>
    \n<\/b>    Continuing History of the Church of God<\/a> This pdf booklet is a historical overview of the true Church of God and some of its main opponents from Acts 2 to the 21st century. Related sermon links include Continuing History of the Church of God: c. 31 to c. 300 A.D<\/span><\/a>. and Continuing History of the Church of God: 4th-16th Centuries<\/a> and Continuing History of the Church of God: 17th-20th Centuries<\/a>. The booklet is available in Spanish: Continuaci\u00f3n de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios<\/a>, German: Kontinuierliche Geschichte der Kirche Gottes<\/a>, French: L \u0019Histoire Continue<\/em> de l \u0019\u00c9glise de Dieu<\/a> and Ekegusii Omogano Bw\u2019ekanisa Ya Nyasae Egendererete<\/a>.
    \n<\/b>    The Gospel of the Kingdom of God<\/a> This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. Here are links to three related sermons: The World\u2019s False Gospel<\/a>, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments<\/a>, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution<\/a>.
    \n<\/b>    Tradition and Scripture: From the Bible and Church Writings<\/a> Are traditions on equal par with scripture? Many believe that is what Peter, John, and Paul taught. But did they? A related sermon is titled Tradition and Scripture<\/a>.
    \n<\/b>    The History of Early Christianity<\/a> Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    (Pixabay photo) COGwriter Many who claim Christianity celebrate December 25th as the date of Jesus’ birth. Yet, many do not understand the biblical or historical truth about it. Here is a list of 25 items people who keep Christmas seem not to fully consider: In Leviticus 23, God lists His festivals\u2013with specific dates. In Jeremiah […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-72167","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-church-history"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t