{"id":98657,"date":"2025-12-20T00:01:38","date_gmt":"2025-12-20T08:01:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/?p=98657"},"modified":"2025-12-20T06:15:33","modified_gmt":"2025-12-20T14:15:33","slug":"sermon-a-biblical-examination-of-christmas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/church-history\/sermon-a-biblical-examination-of-christmas\/","title":{"rendered":"Sermon: A Biblical Examination of Christmas"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

Is Christmas biblical? Is it based on truth? Was it an original Christian holy day?<\/p>\n

The Continuing<\/em> Church of God<\/a> is pleased to announce the following sermon from its ContinuingCOG <\/a>channel:<\/p>\n

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1:11:10<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Biblical Examination of Christmas<\/a><\/h3>\n
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Should Christians celebrate Christmas? Did Jesus or the Apostles observe it or tell people to do so? Jesus said that true worshippers worshipped God in truth. What is the scriptural and historical truth about Christmas? What does the word Christmas (Cristes Maesse) mean? Could Jesus have been born on December 25th according to ‘The Catholic Encyclopedia’ in regards to the census in the 2nd chapter of Luke’s gospel account? Was December 25th the ‘birthday’ of the sun god Mithras? Was there an ancient celebration involving gift-giving in the Winter? Did Emperor Constantine get Jesus’ birthday celebrated on 25 December starting in 336? Do Roman Catholic sources admit that they compromised with paganism for its adoption? What about evergreen trees, wreaths, and candles? Does the Bible discourage adopting pagan religious practices? Are Christians supposed to be separate and avoid the unclean? Should Christians blend demonic, idolatrous practices in their worship? Is it actually wrong to lie to your children about Santa Claus? Was Nicholas of the 4th century, really a saint? What about the holy days of the Bible? Should Passover, the Days of Unleavened Bread, Pentecost, Trumpets, Atonement, Tabernacles, and the Last Great Day be kept by Christians? If so, what do they represent? Are Christians to accept “many wonders” as proof of the validity of traditions associated with Christmas? Could Christmas observe be a type of lawlessness that Jesus condemned? Dr. Thiel addresses these matters and more in this sermon.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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Here is a link to the sermon: Biblical Examination of Christmas<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Some items of related interest may include:<\/em>A Biblical Examination of Christmas: Truth and History<\/a> Does the Bible point towards or against the observance of Christmas? What about early Christians? Here is a link to a related sermon: Biblical Examination of Christmas<\/a>.
\nIs Keeping Christmas a Sin?<\/a> Is keeping Christmas acceptable for true Christians? What are some scriptures to consider?
\nThe Plain Truth About Christmas<\/a> Booklet written by Herbert W. Armstrong. A related sermon, with additional information, is also available: The Plain Truth About Christmas<\/a>. Here is a link to the sermon dubbed in the Spanish language: La Verdad Acerca de la Navidad<\/a>.
\nA Biblical Examination of Christmas: Truth and History<\/a> Does the Bible point towards or against the observance of Christmas? What about early Christians? Here is a link to a related sermon: Biblical Examination of Christmas<\/a>.
\nWhat Does the Roman Catholic Church Teach About Christmas and the Holy Days?<\/a> Do you know what the Roman 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 sermons: 25 Reasons to Not Keep Christmas<\/a> and What do Roman Catholic and other scholars teach about Christmas? <\/span><\/a> Here is a link to a sermon in Spanish: Guardaban la Navidad los Primeros Cristianos?<\/a>
\nProtestant and Roman Catholic Arguments for Christmas<\/a> Various ones believe that Christians should celebrate Christmas. Do their arguments stand up to biblical or historical scrutiny? Here is a link to a related sermon: Arguments for Christmas?<\/a>
\nDid 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>.
\nShould 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. Two related sermons would be Which Spring Days should Christians observe?<\/a> and Fall Holy Days for Christians<\/a>.
\n<\/span><\/span>What was the Parting from the Way?<\/a> What was the parting of the ways? Have most who profess Jesus as Lord gone the broad and wrong way? What does the Bible teach about continuing the original faith? Who does history show held to it? Who holds to it now? Here is a link to a related sermon: Parting from THE WAY<\/a>.
\nHope of Salvation: How the Continuing<\/em> Church of God Differs from Protestantism<\/a> The CCOG is NOT Protestant. This free online book explains how the real <\/em>Church of God differs from mainstream\/traditional Protestants. Several sermons related to the free book are also available: Protestant, Baptist, and CCOG History<\/a>; The First Protestant, God\u2019s Command, Grace, & Character<\/a>; The New Testament, Martin Luther, and the Canon<\/a>; Eucharist, Passover, and Easter<\/a>; Views of Jews, Lost Tribes, Warfare, & Baptism<\/a>; Scripture vs. Tradition, Sabbath vs. Sunday<\/a>; Church Services, Sunday, Heaven, and God\u2019s Plan<\/a>; Seventh Day Baptists\/Adventists\/Messianics: Protestant or COG?<\/a>; Millennial Kingdom of God and God\u2019s Plan of Salvation<\/a>; Crosses, Trees, Tithes, and Unclean Meats<\/a>; The Godhead and the Trinity<\/a>; Fleeing or Rapture?<\/a>; and Ecumenism, Rome, and CCOG Differences<\/a>.
\nBeliefs of the Original Catholic Church: Could a remnant group have continuing apostolic succession?<\/a> Did the original \u201ccatholic church\u201d have doctrines held by the Continuing<\/em> Church of God? Did Church of God leaders uses the term \u201ccatholic church\u201d to ever describe the church they were part of? Here are links to related sermons: Original Catholic Church of God?<\/a>, Original Catholic Doctrine: Creed, Liturgy, Baptism, Passover<\/a>, What Type of Catholic was Polycarp of Smyrna?<\/a>, Tradition, Holy Days, Salvation, Dress, & Celibacy<\/a>, Early Heresies and Heretics<\/a>, Doctrines: 3 Days, Abortion, Ecumenism, Meats<\/a>, Tithes, Crosses, Destiny, and more<\/a>, Saturday or Sunday?<\/a>, The Godhead<\/a>, Apostolic Laying on of Hands Succession<\/a>, Church in the Wilderness Apostolic Succession List<\/a>, Holy Mother Church and Heresies<\/a>, and\u00a0Lying Wonders and Original Beliefs<\/a>. Here is a link to that book in the Spanish language:\u00a0Creencias de la iglesia Cat\u00f3lica original<\/a>.
\nBeware: Protestants Going Towards Ecumenical Destruction!<\/a> What is going on in the Protestant world? Are Protestants turning back to their \u2018mother church\u2019 in Rome? Does the Bible warn about this? What are Catholic plans and prophecies related to this? Is Protestantism doomed? See also World Council of Churches Peace Plan<\/a>.
\nWill 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>
\nDid Early Christians Celebrate Easter?<\/a> If not, when did this happen? Where did Easter come from? Is Easter supposed to be Passover? What do scholars and the Bible reveal? Here is a link to a related video: Amazing Facts About Easter<\/a>.
\nPassover and the Early Church<\/a> Did the early Christians observe Passover? What did Jesus and Paul teach? Why did Jesus die for our sins? There is also a detailed YouTube video available titled History of the Christian Passover<\/a>.
\nThe Bible, Peter, Paul, John, Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, Roderick C. Meredith, and Bob Thiel on Church Government<\/a> What form of governance did the early church have? Was it hierarchical? Which form of governance would one expect to have in the Philadelphia remnant? The people decide and\/or committee forms, odd dictatorships, or the same type that the Philadelphia era itself had? What are some of the scriptural limits on ecclesiastical authority? Do some commit organizational idolatry? Here is a Spanish language version La Biblia, Policarpo, Herbert W. Armstrong, y Roderick C. Meredith sobre el gobierno de la Iglesia<\/a>. Here is are link to two sermons: Hierarchical Governance and Corruption<\/a> and Church Governance<\/span><\/a>.
\nIs God Calling You?<\/a> This booklet discusses topics including calling, election, and selection. If God is calling you, how will you respond? Here is a link to a related sermon: Could God be Calling You?<\/a> A short animation is also available: Is God Calling You?<\/a>
\nProof Jesus is the Messiah<\/a> This free book has over 200 Hebrew prophecies were fulfilled by Jesus. Plus, His arrival was consistent with specific prophecies and even Jewish interpretations of prophecy. Here are links to seven related sermons: Proof Jesus is the Messiah<\/a>, Prophecies of Jesus\u2019 birth, timing, and death<\/a>, Jesus\u2019 prophesied divinity<\/a>, 200+ OT prophecies Jesus filled; Plus prophecies He made<\/a>, Why Don\u2019t Jews Accept Jesus?<\/a>, Daniel 9, Jews, and Jesus<\/a>, and Facts and Atheists\u2019 Delusions About Jesus<\/a>
\nIs God\u2019s Existence Logical?<\/a> Is it really logical to believe in God? Yes! Would you like Christian answers to give atheists? This is a free online booklet that deal with improper theories and musings called science related to the origin of the origin of the universe, the origin of life, and evolution. Two animated videos of related interest are also available: Big Bang: Nothing or Creator?<\/a> and A Lifegiver or Spontaneous Evolution?<\/a>
\nUniversal OFFER of Salvation, Apokatastasis: Can God save the lost in an age to come? Hundreds of scriptures reveal God\u2019s plan of salvation<\/a> Will all get a fair chance at salvation? This free book is packed with scriptures showing that God does intend to offer salvation to all who ever lived\u2013the elect in this age, and the rest in the age to come. Here is a link to a related sermon series: Universal Offer of Salvation 1: Apocatastasis<\/a>, Universal Offer of Salvation 2: Jesus Desires All to be Saved<\/a>, Mysteries of the Great White Throne Judgment (<\/a>Universal Offer of Salvation part 3)<\/a>, Is God Fair<\/a>, Will God Pardon the Ignorant?<\/a>, Can God Save Your Relatives?<\/a>, Babies, Limbo, Purgatory and God\u2019s Plan<\/a>, and \u2018By the Mouth of All His Holy Prop<\/a>hets\u2019<\/a>.
\nChristians: Ambassadors for the Kingdom of God, Biblical instructions on living as a Christian<\/a> This is a scripture-filled booklet for those wishing to live as a real Christian. A related sermon is also available: Christians are Ambassadors for the Kingdom of God<\/a>.
\nThe 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>.
\nThe 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>.
\nWhere 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>
\nContinuing 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<\/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>, and Ekegusii Omogano Bw\u2019ekanisa Ya Nyasae Egendererete<\/a>.
\nCCOG.ORG<\/a> Continuing<\/a><\/em> Church of God<\/a> The group striving to be most faithful amongst all real Christian groups to the word of God. There are links to literature is about 100 different languages there.
\n<\/a>Congregations of the Continuing<\/em> Church of God<\/a> This is a listing of congregations and groups of the Continuing<\/em> Church of God around the world.
\nContinuing<\/a><\/em> Church of God Facebook page<\/a> This has news and prophetic information.
\nContinuing<\/a><\/em> Church of God, Africa, Facebook page<\/a> This has news and prophetic information.
\nContinuing<\/a><\/em> Church of God, Canada, Facebook page<\/a> This has news and prophetic information.
\nContinuing<\/a><\/em> Church of God, Europe, Facebook page<\/a> This has news and prophetic information.
\nCCOG.AFRICA<\/a> This is a website targeted towards those in Africa.
\nCCOG.ASIA<\/a> We in the Continuing<\/em> Church of God also have the url www.ccog.asia which has a focus on Asia and has various articles in Mandarin Chinese as well as some in English, plus some items in other Asian languages. \u6211\u4eec\u5728\u7ee7\u7eed\u795e\u7684\u6559\u4f1a\u4e5f\u63d0\u4f9b\u6b64\u7f51\u5740 www.ccog.asia<\/a>, \u5173\u6ce8\u4e8e\u4e9a\u6d32\u5e76\u4e14\u6709\u5404\u79cd\u5404\u6837\u7684\u4e2d\u82f1\u6587\u6587\u7ae0\uff0c\u5176\u4e2d\u4e00\u4e9b\u7528\u83f2\u5f8b\u5bbe\u8bed\u7ffb\u8bd1\u7684\u6587\u7ae0\u4e5f\u6b63\u5728\u8fdb\u884c\u4e2d\uff0c\u51c6\u5907\u6dfb\u52a0\u5230\u8fd9\u4e2a\u7f51\u7ad9\u4e2d\u3002 Here is a link to our Statement of Beliefs in Mandarin Chinese \u7ee7\u7eed\u795e\u7684\u6559\u4f1a\u7684\u4fe1\u4ef0\u58f0\u660e<\/a>.
\nCCOG.IN<\/a> This is a website targeted towards those of Indian heritage. It has a link to an edited Hindi translation of The Mystery of the Ages <\/em><\/a>and is expected to have more non-English language materials in the future.
\nCCOG.EU<\/a> This is a website targeted toward Europe. It has materials in more than one language (currently it has English, Dutch, and Serbian, with links also to Spanish) and it is intended to have additional language materials added.
\nCCOG.NZ<\/a> This is a website targeted towards New Zealand and others with a British-descended background.
\nCCOGCANADA.CA<\/a> This is a website targeted towards those in Canada.
\nCDLIDD.ES La Continuaci\u00f3n de la Iglesia de Dios.<\/a> This is the Spanish language website for the Continuing<\/em> Church of God.
\nCG7.ORG<\/a> This is a website for those interested in the Sabbath and churches that observe the seventh day Sabbath.
\nPNIND.PH Patuloy na Iglesya ng Diyos<\/a>. This is the Philippines website Continuing<\/em> Church of God. It has information in English and Tagalog.
\nCCOG Animations<\/a> YouTube channel. The Continuing<\/em> Church of God has some animations to teach aspects of Christian beliefs. Also available at BitChute COGAnimations https:\/\/www.bitchute.com\/channel\/coganimations\/<\/a>
\nBible News Prophecy<\/a> channel. Dr. Thiel has produced hundreds of videos for the BibleNewsProphecy<\/a> channel. You can find them at them on YouTube at BibleNewsProphecy https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/BibleNewsProphecy<\/a>, plus also on Vimeo at Bible News Prophecy https:\/\/vimeo.com\/channels\/biblenewsprophecy <\/a>as well as on Brighteon Bible News Prophecy https:\/\/www.brighteon.com\/channel\/ccogbnp<\/a> and Bitchute Prophecy https:\/\/www.bitchute.com\/channel\/prophecy\/<\/a>
\nCCOGAfrica<\/a> channel. This has messages from African pastors in African languages such as Kalenjin, Kiswahili, Embu, and Dholuo. Also available at BitChute COGAfrica https:\/\/www.bitchute.com\/channel\/cogafrica\/<\/a>
\nCDLIDDSermones<\/a> channel. This contains messages in the Spanish language
\nBibleNewsProphecy Podcast<\/a>. This has audio-visual podcasts of the Bible News Prophecy channgel. It plays on i-Phones, i-Pads, and Windows devices that can play i-Tunes.
\nBible News Prophecy<\/a> online radio. This is an audio version of the Bible News Prophecy<\/em> videos. It is also available as a mobile app<\/a>.
\nContinuingCOG<\/a> channel. Dr. Thiel has produced scores of YouTube video sermons for this channel. Note: Since these are sermon-length, they can take a little longer to load than other YouTube videos. Also available at BitChute COGTube https:\/\/www.bitchute.com\/channel\/cogtube\/<\/a>
\nStatement of Beliefs of the Continuing<\/em> Church of God<\/a> \u201cContend earnestly for the faith once for all delivered to the saints\u201d (Jude 3, NKJV), \u201cLet brotherly love (Philadelphia) continue\u201d (Hebrews 13:1) \u201d & continuing stedfastly in the teaching of the apostles\u201d (Acts 2:42 YLT). <\/em> So, what does that really mean in terms of specific beliefs\u2013the Statement gives answers? Here is a related link in Spanish\/espa\u00f1ol<\/span>: Declaraci\u00f3n de las Doctrinas de la Continuaci\u00f3n de la Iglesia de Dios<\/a>. Here is a related link in Tagalog: Paglalahad ng Mga Paniniwala ng Patuloy na Iglesya ng Diyos<\/a>. Here is a related link in Mandarin Chinese ~\u00e7~\u00edy^v\u201eeYO\u001av\u201eO\u00e1N\u00f0X\u00f0f\u000e<\/a>. Here is a related link in Kiswahili: KATIKA LUGHA YA KISWAHILI<\/a>. Here is a related link in Dutch: Verklaring van geloofspunten van de Continuing<\/em> Church of God<\/a>. Here is a related link in Deutsche (German): Glaubenserkl\u00e4rung der Continuing<\/em> Church of God<\/a>. Here is a related link in Italiano: Dichiarazione del Credo della Continuing<\/em> Church of God<\/a>. Here is related link in the French language: D\u00e9claration des croyances de L\u2019\u00c9glise Continue<\/em> de Dieu<\/a>. Here is a related link in the Chichewa language: ZIKHULUPIRIRO ZA MPINGO WA CONTINUING CHURCH OF GOD<\/a>. Here is a link in Romanian: Declara\u021bia de credin\u021be a continu\u0103rii Bisericii lui Dumnezeu<\/a>. Here is a link in Portuguese: Declara\u00e7\u00e3o de Cren\u00e7as da Continua\u00e7\u00e3o da Igreja de Deus<\/a>. Here is a link in Russian: \u0423\u0442\u0432\u0435\u0440\u0436\u0434\u0435\u043d\u0438\u0435 \u0432\u0435\u0440\u043e\u0432\u0430\u043d\u0438\u0439 \u043e \u043f\u0440\u043e\u0434\u043e\u043b\u0436\u0435\u043d\u0438\u0438 \u0426\u0435\u0440\u043a\u0432\u0438 \u0411\u043e\u0436\u044c\u0435\u0439<\/a>. Here is a link to a related English-language sermon: Beliefs of the Continuing Church of God<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Meta AI illustration COGwriter Is Christmas biblical? Is it based on truth? Was it an original Christian holy day? The Continuing Church of God is pleased to announce the following sermon from its ContinuingCOG channel: 1:11:10 Biblical Examination of Christmas Should Christians celebrate Christmas? Did Jesus or the Apostles observe it or tell people to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,6,5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-98657","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-church-history","category-cog-news","category-doctrine"],"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