The Reason For The Season
Every year I receive comments about the same controversy – Christmas. In spite of all the tradition associated with the “birth of Jesus,” Christmas was originally a very pagan holiday. The Romans celebrated it as Saturnalia, a week of lawless disorder in efforts to appease the gods, culminating in the death of an innocent victim. The Greeks observed the same sort of holiday complete with sexual immorality and torture. The Church adopted this holiday by converting it into a Christian celebration during the 4th Century, a time when large numbers of pagans entered the fold of the official Church. Unfortunately, the pagan masses continued to celebrate in the old way, with drunkenness, sexual license and other abuses. There is historical evidence that some of these practices continued into the Middle Ages, aimed at humiliating Jews as the enemies of the Church. As late at 1881, anti-Semitic brutality was still associated with “Christmas” in some areas in Europe.
But Christians have short memories and the Church does a marvelous job of cleaning up its own despicable history. I am quite sure that no course in Church history has ever mentioned the debauchery of Saturnalia as the basis of Christmas. Historically, the reason for the season was an excuse to do whatever human lust demanded without repercussions. Try putting that under the tree.
Today we have been Christianized. Today the reason for the season is the birth of Jesus. Today Christmas is as disconnected from its pagan origins as it is from any Scriptural foundation. But its origin cannot be discounted. Since God instructs us to avoid any semblance of pagan idolatry, Christmas presents Torah-observant believers with a difficult problem. If Christmas was still observed in the manner of Saturnalia, no true Christian would participate. In fact, Christians would protest. But because we don’t think of Christmas as pagan, and we don’t observe it with rape, drunkenness and torture, we can’t imagine it has any immoral impact on our lives. Furthermore, for the vast majority of our culture, Christmas isn’t really about the Christ either. It’s about presents, parties and good cheer. It is patently obvious that Jesus was not born on December 25. That doesn’t stop most Christians from celebrating His birth on that day. They just don’t realize, or observe, that the holiday was pagan.
Should Christians stop celebrating Christmas? If we know the history, and we disavow any connection to the pagan origins, can we still observe such a date as a “sacred” celebration? Or are we required to remove Christmas from our lives because it has such a terrible history behind it? Can’t we simply take the opportunity to be with our families, enjoy giving, celebrate God’s goodness, fellowship and grace without endorsing the pagan origins?
Frankly, I’m not quite sure. But I do recognize some interesting precedents. Genesis is replete with pagan cultural symbols that have been “converted” by God into acceptable patterns of righteousness. Circumcision was practiced in ancient cultures long before it became a sign of the covenant. It was originally a rite of passage associated with sexuality. God made it His sign by changing its context. The pagan mythology of the creation of the world was altered by God in the Genesis account. Some pagan symbols and language remained, but they were altered to fit God’s description (consider the symbols of the “deep” and the lack of sexual references in the creation of matter). God adapts culture to His purposes when necessary. Of course, there are many references excluding and avoiding other cultures practices. The Bible seems to use both methods of dealing with pagan rituals.
Perhaps the real issue here is the conscious decision to embrace those who are still under the delusion of the season. If I turn my back on them by excluding myself from their fellowship, have I offered a witness to the truth of the Messiah? Or have I offended their unknowing sensitivities, causing them to move even further from Torah because they see my actions as “legalism”? What if I celebrated family, giving, fellowship and all the social relationships that I have opportunity to do and simply told my friends and family, “You know, I so glad to be with you and share in this happiness, but it’s really not about the birth of my Lord. No one really knows when He was born. The Bible doesn’t tell us because that’s not what’s really important.” That would open the conversation so I could explain to those who need to know without making them think I’m “too good” for them. Maybe unity requires flexibility on my part, just as unity required flexibility on the part of the “stronger” in Paul’s letter to the Roman believers.
For now, I choose to take advantage of this time of the year to visit with my family, share gifts and enjoy the excitement of small children as they open presents. I know it’s not about Jesus. I know the history, so I don’t pretend Christmas didn’t begin as a pagan orgy. My struggle today is how my actions appear to others. I don’t want to endorse paganism but I am not yet convinced that contemporary Christmas is now anything more than a worldwide sales campaign. Tradition has been adapted once again to fit the culture.
I have Torah-observant friends who will not celebrate Christmas at all, and for good reason. It was completely pagan. I have Torah-observant friends who recognize its origins and don’t celebrate it as Jesus’ birth, but still enjoy the best parts of family connections. Perhaps this is one of those “convinced in your own mind” issues. This much I know for sure. The reason for the season has nothing to do with my Savior.
Hi Skip & all, As a pastor I must agree with your writings here, Christmas was & is a pagan holiday that has been “Christianized.” -I do take the opportunity during services to explain this holiday’s pagan past…but there are those who want a neat & clean holiday cheer with no history. Thank you for these thoughts of yours as I will make note of them. To you and your loved ones, may you have a blessed time with family and those dear. Matt Miller
Thank you for this post, Skip. I am sure that most of us in the community have our own unique versions of “Christmas Past.” While we verbally emphasized ‘the reason for the season,’ our behavior was barely indistinguishable from anyone else obsessed with the materialistic gluttony which has come to represent the ‘holidays.’
It has been a weight, the last few years, to feel this pull between the knowledge of paganism, and the desire to gather with loved ones and enjoy the fellowship. I definitely have needed a more gracious outlook about these ‘traditional’ holidays (that I was taught) which are here to honor God. Much of the teaching I have seen would have me be confrontational with family and friends, and if the Father requires that, so be it – but I do not think that is called for at this time.
I just noticed the new book by Toby Janicki, at First Fruits of Zion, entitled, “What About Paganism?” The review looks like it might lend a bit of balance to the understanding we need. Some days, I feel like I am beginning all over, in kindergarten!
This is beautiful Brother Skip. Each year for the past 25 years or better, and more intensely over the past 2 years, I have and still struggle with this as I do many of the challenges God places before me. To me, what this all boils down to is…what does it mean to be TRULY Torah observant? All the obvious history aside, what is in my heart? Is it, MY private interpretation or can I truly love YHWH with all He has made me to be at this point as I learn to love others. If I recall correctly, He loved us BEFORE we loved Him, while we were yet sinners! So, yes, I will continue to ask Him for wisdom and direction as my family gathers together in my home this year, sans Christmas Tree, lights and most other holiday dressings, but with an overwhelming love for them. And, may I add, I am praying for the opportunity to share some good news with them too!
So then I guess we should start helping all those who are trying to disassemble anything to do with Christmas. Apparently the birth of Jesus should not be celebrated now on a set-aside day because the DAY started off as a pagan reason to celebrate. Let’s forget the progress we’ve made in spreading the reason for the season to redirect people from their pagan practices to a celebration of God’s goodness. After all, we wouldn’t want to step on the toes of anyone who still sees pagan practices during this time. Maybe we can celebrate someday when there are no more pagan practices – oh, that won’t work because the reason we shouldn’t celebrate now is because there WERE pagan practices and we can’t change the past. Guess we should forget that the light has come and people are seeing that light and want to celebrate with a new reason. GOD HELP US!
Are you upset because Christmas started as a pagan holiday or because there are those who feel they must depart from prior pagan rituals? As I pointed out, God often used pagan practices and beliefs in His word, but He altered them to fit His purposes (e.g. circumcision). It is quite obvious that most people celebrating Christmas have no idea of its true history. That’s OK since cultural meanings change over time. But does that make Christmas a “holy” day? I think not. It is not instituted by the Scripture or by God. Some days are but this is not one of them. So that means the culture invests meaning in the day, not the Word. Furthermore, a bit of reflection will show that the DAY of Yeshua’s birth was completely irrelevant to the Scriptures. They don’t even give us a clear picture of the season.
Christmas is now so much a part of the Christian tradition that it seems as if it is a sacred event. But it is a sacred event because men made it so, not because God ordained it. That doesn’t mean it isn’t valuable as a celebration of Yeshua’s birth, but perhaps it should have no more weight than what it is given in the gospels. Traditions are especially difficult to investigate. It’s like the gentleman who told me that the King James Bible was the only Bible endorsed by God. Tradition, not Scripture, often governs our actions and attitudes. If we want to align ourselves with what God requires of us, we will need to put everything under the microscope. That’s painful sometimes.
Does this mean we throw out Christmas? Well, we certainly don’t need Christmas in order to advance the materialist culture. So we could dispense with all the shopping. And we know that Christmas is not the day of his birth, although we could treat it like “President’s Day” which isn’t the real day of any President’s birth. My point is that even after all this, Christmas is a great CULTURAL holiday that allows us to do things with family, to fellowship, to share the “good news”, to give and to do those things that glorify Him anyway. It’s just not quite what the Church claims. So? Celebrate what God ordained as God ordained. Celebrate the rest if you wish. But don’t confuse the two.
Celebrate what God ordained as God ordained. Celebrate the rest if you wish. But don’t confuse the two.
Exactly!! The Lord commanded us to follow His precepts and not do as the pagans did. So its really a two-fold situation. On the one hand, what we must begin doing (observing the ordained feasts) and on the other, what we need to stop doing.
Personally, I dont struggle much with Christmas at home, I just dont celebrate it. No tree, no gift-giving, no problem. But when Im invited to someones home to share in festivities, I go glady. . Im very cautious not to bring the subject up, but if Im asked, I tell them what my path has led me too. No condemnation, no arguments. In a culture where everyone is free to “do their own thing” it usually doesnt cause any problems.
At some point I stopped trying to please others and focused on pleasing God, and loving my neighbor as myself. Some people might not understand or approve my decision, but that happens with most of my christian lifestyle choices anyways. The first few years are the worst.
Its much more difficult to celebrate the Feasts I must, which Im much less familiar with, than not celebrate Christmas. What does one do during Tabernacles?? those are my concerns regarding feasts. Help anyone?
I think it would be nice (helpful) to know how others celebrate the ordained days. There isn’t a messianic congregation around here that I know of, so how do these ordained feasts and such get celebrated? I guess, how much can be done if we’re not part of a congregation that actually knows anything about the ordained days? And how?
I too, as many others, have contemplated X-mas. To me, I agree, “Jesus is not the reason for the season.” “We are.” May I explain?
Christmas is a time of remembrance. It, to me, a mnemonic device, tied to family, friends and centered around a tree and One who gives gifts. Combined with my active “Christian” imagination, I “use” this time of year (starting with the Thanksgiving “holy day”, (my personal favorite) and lasting into the New Year, this “season” of life is a time of great rejoicing as I remember the incarnation of the Word made flesh. Witnessing opportunities abound to share the good news (yes, the gospel) of Christ.
I am well aware there is a 364/365 chance, Christ was not born on December 25th. But it is a day when we give gifts to each other in remembrance of the greatest gift ever given to Adam, (Unto us a Child is born). Yes, G-d so loved, He gave. “Both” the greatest love and the greatest gift- and we, my dear friends are the reason for the season. He came for us as the perfect propitiating, atoning Sacrifice for the sins of all the world and for all time. “Both” Son of G-d and Son of man. The union of Creator and creature, the human and the divine, the word Incarnate, Jesus (who is the) Christ, the only begotten, never to be forgotten, crucified,buried, resurrected, now living G-d/man.
Yes, I will worship and bow down, just as the shepherds did, over two thousand years ago, somewhere outside of the city of Bethlehem, when the Bread of life was born in the House of Bread.
We were not there then, but we are here now and there is yet another “event” to be, in the ever unfolding sovereign and sacred plans of our Elohim. There is yet to be another appearance of our glorified Savior who is returning to earth again to “gather together” both the living and the dead. -Are we ready?
And what BTW, may we give unto Christ this Christmas? Should we give unto the LORD the glory due His name? “Through Him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to G-d, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name.” (Hebrews 13.15) Should we “revisit” Isaiah 53 for a review? “Thou shalt call His name_____________ for He will save His people from their sins. -Say what?? -What was that name again?
Over the last year I have taught a small class through the Pentateuch. It was suppose to be a class that did the Old Testament in one year but in the end we have only made it through the first 5 books. One thing that is very clear is that all of what we have studied point to Yeshua. The really neat thing that happened during this time was that I also began also teaching a class in Galatians. This put me on a head on collision with what is law. It is interesting that the word Torah means instruction or teaching, but it is so much more. I have read that it is to hit the mark or shoot for the mark with the goal to hit it. The most interesting thing I came across is in Frank Seekin’s book, in which the pictographs show it as “what comes from the man on the cross”. In Romans 10:4 it says that Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. The Complete Jewish Bible its translation for Romans 10:4 I think captures the verse better – “For the goal at which the Torah aims is the Messiah, who offers righteousness to everyone who trusts.” Again as I have studied and see over and over again is that everything points to Yeshua. It is also clear that G-d wants us to live lives in such a way that we are set apart and holy. Why? So that our lives point people to Yeshua. We are just finishing up the Festival of dedication (Hanukkah) which was not one of the appointed times set forth in the Torah. What is really amazing about that Festival is that there was truly a miricle that happened in G-d’s provision and then Yeshua used it to draw people to him and to the Father. I know that Christmas has strong pagan origin but I have seen and read of many amazing things that G-d has done during this time of year if only by His grace and mercy. So the question that I would have to ask is durring this crazy time of year does my life point people to Yeshua. G-d is more interested in our hearts – do we love him with all our heart. While studing Numbers I noticed starting in chapter 28 a review of our worship of the Father. There were daily, weekly (Sabbath), monthly, and the Feasts which are part of a yearly cycle. What I saw is that G-d desires to have us worship him all the time. Yet he has designed unique reminders into his teaching to keep us focused on the mark so we will not wonder to far and find we are not hitting the mark due to our sinfullness. Yes, our churches today are more of an enterprise than a body, but that should not stop us from pausing during the craziness of it all and remember that Yeshua came and tabernacled with us and that G-d’s desire is to tabernacle with all of His people. As Skip pointed out that this is not really about the birth of Yeshua, and therefore use this time as an opportunity to still point people to Yeshua just as Jesus used the Festival of dedication to point to himself and the Father.
Hi Skip,
I went through your self-torture about the Christmas and Easter celebrations over45 years ago and had to come to the same conclusions before it tore my personal family apart. I sincerely pray God will forgive all of us if we are wrong.
Your brother in Christ,
Bill Cummins
We call it Paganmass and steer clear of man’s tradition.
This is a struggle for me every year and has been since my early 20’s. In so many ways I feel as if I live in Egypt (metaphorically) and much of what I do is because of an inherited culture and elements outside my control. I realize I do not live in a vacuum; despite the great lack of authentic community. The traditions of others do impact and affect me. I too feel warm and fuzzy when I hear Gene Autry singing about a fictitious red-nosed reindeer, or the animated chipmunks singing about a frosted over snowman. At the same time I long to walk in the ways of my Beloved and honor Him by living life as He has called and invited me. I wrestle like you. Like Bono, I still haven’t found what I’m looking for. I need Messiah to return and set me straight. I’m tired of baking bricks.
I don’t mind the bricks. Its the lack of straw that kills me. 😉
I have also wrestled with the issue of Christmas. From a pastor’s perspective, I have been challenged with how much truth about the past of Christmas should be given to the congregation. My approach has been to encourage the celebration of Biblical feasts and holidays while at the same time acknowledging our cultural holiday. If the person wants to celebrate the birth of Yeshua on December 25TH, so be it. If the person chooses not to do so, so be it. The main point is not to allow the difference to divide the community. Yes, it is a holiday that seems destined to bail out retailers who seek to make a profit. Yes, Yeshua was not born in December, but He was born on some day. Yes, the holiday has very pagan roots. However, they are not my roots. I do not allow the past actions of the ungodly to dictate my life today. Therefore, I attempt to guide the family of believers to be gentle in their approach of others that may disagree with them. JMO
Wow! Thanks for posting this (and the Romans 13 one). Both of them were insights that hit home with some of the questions I struggle with. Christmas is especially difficult because it’s so commercial, and because I know about its pagan roots (History teacher once, now English teacher). Having two little children adds another kink to the issue because I have to decide what to tell them about all the hoopla, the lights, the gifts, and all of their relatives telling it’s about Yeshua’s birth. At this point they’re probably too young to care, but within the next year or so they’ll get it. I like the idea of making it about family and giving and being thankful for all that we have.
Thanks again for writing about this. 🙂
Oh, but it’s interesting how we celebrate a fictional birthdate, but isn’t Hanuka (sorry if I spelled that wrong) a Jewish holiday that was added much later in history, too… so technically it’s not one of the Biblical holidays, either. Or am I wrong?
Your right, if you read only our Protestant English Bible. But then Jewish scared literature is a bit larger than our version.
Asked the question: WWJD?( What would Jesus(Yeshua) do?)
(Amanda Yeshua took part in Chanuka and all the Jewish traditions)
Did He do this thing called Christmas?( Did He celebrated his birthday? Not?
Would Yeshua like to be present at this birthday party, the same day they proclaimed a festival for all the other pagan gods with all the fertility symbols hanging on the fertility tree? Not such a special day then after all? How would your husband feel, if you celebrated his birthday on a old boyfriends’ birth date? ( and as for birthdays: isn’t the only birthday we read about in the Scriptures that of Pharaoh’s Gen 40: 20?)
Skip, I agree with you on the examples you gave on how God turned pagan traditions to fit His purpose. But God gave direct orders in His Word for that. Where do I find the direct order in the Scriptures for turning a pagan feast into a Godly one. Christmast was not a God given festival, stolen by Satan and then taken back by the Christians. It’s pagan to start with.
Not only should the altars be broken down, but also the pictures in our heads should be removed. Doesn’t YHVH despise any form of paganism and idolatry?
Come on peoples of YHVH, lets stand tall before the world and be on your our faces before our King!
Get the family together on another day, give presents the whole year through, eat( ( making covenant!!) and feast together on YHVH ‘S terms and make a plan for the sake of your God. This year, lets heed to Yeshua’s words in Mark 7: 8-16!
You make some very good points. Clearly, the struggle is not with the actual information. It’s with breaking a very long tradition and facing the social rejection that comes with that. But there are a lot of traditions that need breaking so I don’t see why this one should cause such a stir. Of course, it does cause a big stir which means it must really have a grip on us.
Good morning Luzette!- as I was reading your post this a.m., these words were “highlighted” in my mind and I would like to comment upon them: “how God turned pagan traditions to fit His purpose.”
I don’t know why, but I was reminded of my beginnings. I too,was once a pagan, without G-d and having no hope. I was lost, but Jesus found me, found the sheep that went astray.. He threw His loving arms around me and drew me back into His way.. Oh yes, I’ll sing the wondrous story.. -of the Christ who died for me. Sing it with the saints in glory, gathered ’round the crystal sea..
Is it possible to have Christmas without Christ? Absolutely. We’ll call it- “x-mas”. Alas, but even the “X” reminds me of the cross. “Rats.” Just can’t get away from it can I. Not only pagan roots, but pagan still in the way this “holiday” or “holy day” is celebrated. Is Christmas scriptural? No. Is it “traditional?” Yes. Celebrated differently all over the world and yet, (and I like the “yet” part)- it is a time or a “season” to remember the greatest Gift ever given this world. The Gift, the Giver and the Giver of all good gifts may be present, if we allow this “artificial” celebration (it would be authentic if it were scriptural..) and participate in the “remembrance” of the birth of our Savior.
To be blunt, (and it is not a good idea to be blunt-nevertheless)- I would ask this question to all who read these words (and good morning to all..)- is Jesus (who is the) Christ, the promised ONE? Is He Yeshua HaMashiach, G-d incarnated into flesh? Did the Creator become the created? Or as John the Baptizer lamented in prison- “are you the ONE, or do we look for another?”
This question I would present to Jew and Gentile alike.. This question was first asked by Pharoah but the question endures even until today: “Who is the LORD, that I should obey Him?” What did the mother of Yeshua (the virgin Mary) say unto the servants and why did she say this?.. “Whatever He says unto you- “do it.” Did she know something we don’t? –
Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you’ve delivered, will soon deliver you.
Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with His hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God?
The blind will see, the deaf will hear and the dead will live again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the Lamb.
Mary did you know that your baby boy is LORD of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven’s perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you’re holding is the great I AM?
She knew. -Do we?
Make covenant?
When the time came, Yeshua and the talmudim reclined at the table, and He said to them, “I have really wanted so much to celebrate this Seder with you before I die! For I tell you, it is certain that I will not celebrate it again until it is given its full meaning in the Kingdom of G-d.” Then, taking a cup of wine, He made the b’rakhah and said, “Take this and share it among yourselves. For I tell you that from now on, I will not drink the `fruit of the vine’ until the Kingdom of G-d comes.” Also, taking a piece of matzah, He made the b’rakhah, broke it, gave it to them and said, “This is my body, which is being given for you; do this in memory of me.” He did the same with the cup after the meal, saying, “This cup is the New Covenant, ratified by my blood, which is being poured out for you.
“Behold, the (perfect, Passover) Lamb of G-d, Yeshua HaMashiach..” From the cradle to the cross and until His coming coronation as King of kings and LORD of lords,- “He is the Christ.” -Or do we wait for another?
Thanks for the post. For the past couple of years we struggled and gave in by visiting friends and family — we even tried to share Messiah not being born then and about its pagan roots, really LOL ha ha — but guess what, it fell on deaf ears, our friends listened, smiled, and kept going – even our Pastor friend. Looking back I guess that is NOT the time to share. And we have to watch what we are eating! Also when we invite them to our biblical feasts there are excuses.
So now, we called it quits, we’ll visit after the event. Torah teaches ‘against mixing’ cloths and other things, as I understand it. We have to draw the line somewhere and at sometime, God forbid that someone should say; ‘but you celebrated … with us’.
I have read a lot of the comments and I think we are missing some basic understanding of what the book of Luke says.
I think you can know when the Messiah was born when you look at God’s festival times. In Luke chapter 1, Zacharia is serving in the course of Abia in the temple. (1Chr 24: 7-19 and 1Chr 28: 11-13) describes the course of Abia.
The end of his service puts the time around late June for us. This is the start point for the conception of John the Baptist. Six months later the angel sees Mary and tells her she will conceive Yahshua. The conception point of this event coincides with Hanukkah which is the festival of lights. Mary then travels and stays with Elizabeth for three months at which point she then leaves and does not stay for the birth because this is around the time of Passover and Mary must perform the duties of Passover in her own home according to Torah. John the Baptist is then born during Passover. Of intrest it is customary for Jews to set out a wine gobblet during the Passover Seder meal, in anticipation of Elijah. This is based on the prophecy of Malahi.
Six months after Passover places the arrival of Yahshua during the feast of Tabernacles, the feast where God dwells with man. All men all are required to stay in a succah, which in old English is transalted as Manger.
You can either have the worlds view of the pagan traditions of Christmas or we can discover the Creators original design and not try to change his picture. I don’t beleive it’s been hidden in Scripture but matches up nicely with God’s festivals and His timing.
There is a lot more detail that could be said including the end times during the Millenial reign when all men will come and observe the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem.
Thanks Randy for your elaboration. However, there are other Torah observant Messianic Jews who do not agree with your timing. The point is that the gospels give NO WEIGHT to the actual day of the event. It happened. Does it really matter when? Isn’t that a fixation of a mindset that wants all the answers? Look how much information we are given about Yeshua’s childhood, early adult years, etc. Almost none. 1 verse out of all the gospels. 1 story. Why? Because it is not important to the real message.
Can it be that it causes such a big stir is because one, it is a “tradition” and traditions are always hard to break, especially when there is so much emotion tied to them. This leads us into to the second reason. Does it cause such a stir because some how somewhere deep down inside of each of us we see, and feel that Satan is winning. YHWH and Yeshua are becoming less and less important in the world and people are becoming numb to this. The push for making Christmas so much more a focus on Yeshua’s birth is that we see Him being dismissed from every other area of our lives and we are afraid. Afraid that we are losing and if we decide to not “celebrate” Christmas we are giving into the erasing of YHWH and Yeshua from yet another area of our life? I feel that maybe many Christians have started to take a stand on this subject is because maybe they are feeling they are loosing control and it is their way of hanging on to some idea of control. It’s interesting though how many of these will spend hours sending out emails and talking about “Jesus is the Reason for the Season”, when they are asked to volunteer to serve the poor, work in a soup kitchen or mentor an at risk youth, thy say they have not time.
I guess in the end…wether we agree on celebrating it or not, Christmas does refocus many people’s mind on YHWH and the birth of Yeshua Messiah. As you said Skip YHWH uses everything and anything to bring glory to Him. So if He decides to use a pagan holiday, or once pagan holiday, to slightly open the door to a heart that He is knocking on, and He decides to allow me to be honored and be used by Him to bring more of His love and grace and mercy into this world then let “Christmas” come….as long I am also available for Him to use me on President’s day too! 🙂
May YHWH Father God, Our Elohim, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, continue to bless all of you today, tomorrow and always. May His light shine gloriously through and His love continue to flow from you as each of you go into the world everyday, so that all the glory and honor and praise be given to the one and the only YHWH Father God.
A great comment. We make a very big deal of a memorial event but “neglect the weightier matters of the Torah.”
“Tradition has been adapted once again to fit the culture.”
That’s hitting the nail on the head, Skip. I believe this is the reason for the season for most Americans. Working in retail is quite revealing….and disheartening.
You got that right Ivan. I spent 25 years of too pooped to party after 60+ hours a week from September through mid January, breaking up “cat” fights and having to call the police to haul off drunks and shoplifters during the Christmas shopping frenzy. Come to think of it, not too much out of the normal, just massive amounts MORE of it!!
Re: Date of Y’shua’s birthday. Could it be around Sukkot? See I Chronicles 24:1-10 which deals with the divisions of the priests, particularly verse 10, which indicates Abijah had the 8th lot. See Luke 1:5 which deals with Zechariah (who was a priest of Abijah’s division) serving in the Temple and the subsequent announcement that his elderly wife would bear a son. Luke 1:23-36 tells us after he returned home Elizabeth conceived. We know that in the 6th month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, Mary was visited by Gabriel re: her conception. If each priestly group served 2 weeks, beginning with Aviv, which was the first month of the Biblical ecclesiastical year and begins about 21 March–around Passover–now called the the month of Nissan, Zechariah would have finished his Temple service about 11 July. Our calendar differs from the Jewish calendar, but this could give an approximation. See John 1:14 The Word became flesh and tabernacled (sukkah) among us. Add’l light appreciated.
Good logical flow. Maybe you’re right. There are clues. But once again notice the weight put on the day of the birth in Scripture. Almost none. The “birth” day didn’t really matter much to the New Testament authors or they would have included it. They include all kinds of other details, even the time of the day when certain events took place. But when it comes to the birth day, not a word. We can search the Scriptures for clues to the event, and it is a good exercise because it helps us see why YHWH’s festivals are prescribed by Him in anticipation of His plan, but in the end, we can’t be certain. We have to put the same emphasis on this event that Scripture puts on it, and be content with that.
How can we understand Christmas and other Christianized pagan traditions in light of Duet 28-32? This commands against worshiping our G-d as the gods are worshiped. The reason stated hear is to prohibit abominable practices like child-sacrifice (pleasing to Molech). How can we understand if this text is for everyone for all time or constrained somehow? (such as trees with lights are not abominations but torture is)
That is Duet 12:28-22
I think the key here is the idea of “worship.” I don’t believe that any Christian celebrates Christmas as worship to a false god, even if they celebrate in ignorance about the origins of the event. I also believe that since Christmas is now a nearly worldwide holiday, it is a perfect time to acknowledge that it isn’t about worship but it can be used to nurture family, enjoy fellowship and praise YHWH. I won’t be worshipping an idol on Dec. 25. It will be another day to praise Him. I know that it is not the day of Yehsua’s birth, but it is a day that I can redeem from its past by praising the One True God. So, I can forgo all the pagan symbols but still enjoy the time with the ones I love. And if anyone asks what Christmas means to me, I have the opportunity to delicately explain why it is another one of His days, but not THE DAY. On top of all that, Dec 21 was the original day of Saturnalia since it was the winter equinox, but nobody really cares about the mistake in the calendar that shifted the day to Dec 25.
While Hannukah is not, as some of my Jewish friends say, a Biblical Holiday, it still is a time where we can reflect on the Light G_d brought into the world. I continue that idea with our Christmas celebration, after Hannukah, using the light concept and not the birthday one. It gives me a literal season, from Rosh Ha Shanah (New year1) to Jan 1,(New Year 2), to reflect on how my relationship with Yeshua shows light to the world. That way, instead of celebrating birth, I can concentrate on Yeshua’s Yahrzeit at Passover; around the same time I must acknowledge the Yahrzeits of my GGrandparents and my Grandmother. This practice helps me to understand the importance of their lives as part of Israel and part of me. This year, as in others, I am rethinking what everything means. Reforming…always reforming…..growth can be chaotic.
This may come as a shock to some but I would like to confess before my friends this morning, I too, have been as you call it, “Christianized.” In all honesty, I was born one of “those” pagans. I was not born into the family of G-d. I have a sordid history. Would you like for me to tell you all the gory details? It would cause a sailor to blush.. (sorry to cast aspersions on all sailors who may be reading this)..
Our Bible tells of the birth of Yeshua. Yes, dear brothers, it does. Why? Because my Jewish friends, because my Gentile friends, on that particular day.. -was it December 25th?- there is a 1 in 365 “chance” it was!). Does this “pagan” holiday.. and BTW what is the origin of the word “holiday” brother Skip? “Holy Day”, Yes. Holy Day. Is this what the “fuss” is all about?
My dear friends, every day is Christmas. Get it? Got it? Good.. We do not “worship” a day. We worship the Christ who was and is and is to come. The Messiah who was and is, G-d incarnate. This is the sticking point is it not? -Did G-d (the Logos) become flesh (the stuff you and I are made of) and dwell among us. I ask point blank.. (and this question is to the Jew first, and also to the Greek- sound familiar?) Did G-d, yes- YHWH, become a man. Was YHWH born of a virgin and enter into our world as the “only begotten Son”, seed of a woman? Was G-d born in a barn? Shall we review the “story” one more time? We could fill in all the details if you would like.. – it’s all there.. read the Book.. (again..).
And may you have many “aha” moments. Oh, my Jewish friends, please, please tell me- I really want to know- the Messiah has not yet come (according to some). How the Holy Breath has been pounding me with the question of John the Baptizer. He asked this question, while languishing in prison and awaiting his execution. Mighty John, not a greater born of woman, according to the words of our Master.. but John also was fallible- just like you and me, and may I say for this, praise G-d, he was human. Amen. Why? because my friends, so am I. Very human. And (praise G-d) so is (not was my friends- is..), Jesus.
We say “Skip”, but that is not his full or “official” name. “Skip” is not what is written on his birth certificate.. but when I say “Skip”, we (the readers and supporters of this wonderful website) know “who” this “Skip” guy is. (And praise G-d for Skip.. amen?) lol..
The question John asked is the same question I want to ask all my Jewish friends everywhere.. He (prophetically) asked, “Are you the Christ (the Annointed) or shall we look for another?” Oh please, -do not overlook this.. Is He the Christ? -or shall we look for another? “Remember” the confession of Peter? Was his “confession” accepted by Yeshua? Is our confession the same as Peter’s? Or are we still looking for “Another?” Oh friends, how we (desperately) need to know the word(s) of G-d. Where are His words found? In a scroll.. in a leather-bound book sitting on a shelf somewhere collecting dust. Oh, how “we” do err, not knowing the scriptures.. (yes, O.T.). Once again, (are we listening?).. -maybe we could “ask” for a new set of hearing ears, or we could ask (Him) for eyes to see clearly.. after all.. He is still in the miracle working business- that is what He does? right? How about the “miracle” of penetrating a thick skull and a hard heart? Is He able? lol!.. Yes! Hallelujah!- very much so..
If this “Jesus” is not the ONE we have looked for, then what are we waiting for? What does the Messiah (the Annointed) look like? Surely he wears some sort of cape- maybe with a big “S” on the chest? (“S” stands for Savior, right?) Excuse me.. but -“oy.”
Move over Paul, I coming to sit by you.. “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer for Israel is that they may be saved.” My testimony?- “I was sinking deep in sin, -far from the peaceful shore..-very deeply stained within, sinking, to rise no more. But, the Master of the seas heard my despairing cry, -from the waters lifted me, -now safe am I. Love lifted me. Love lifted me.- When nothing else could help.. love lifted me. Calvary’s love, calvary’s love- priceless gift -Christ makes us worthy of. The deepest sin can’t rise above- Calvary’s love. Oh what a Savior, oh Hallelujah! He gave His life’s blood- for even me..
Too much to say, and too little time. What a crush. Yes, we see the signs- “Jesus is the Reason for the Season” and how we long for a scriptural basis, to believe, -don’t we? Hallelujah, for this hunger! “What saith the scripture” is our foundation for living- is it not? Oh, how we need the word(s) of G-d. Are you listening “pastors?” Remember the words of Yeshua to all under-shepherds, “feed my sheep.” And what is our “food?” lol!- “thy words were found, and I did “eat” them, and they became unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart.” Do we love the word of G-d? (“both” written and Living..lol!) What did Yeshua say? “If you abide in me and my words abide in you..” Let us (together) pull up a chair to G-d’s Table and feast! It is a day of celebration – “today!” Messiah has come. Is this good news? – Should we share this news? Or should we keep it quiet and be be accumulators and hoarders? Oh, yes, I have contemplated Christmas and here is a scriptural reason for “both” Thanksgiving (the forgotten holiday- crowded out by the rush and crush of consumerism) and “black” Christmas. During this season, I am reminded of a Redeemer. I am reminded of a cradle, shadowing a cross. I am reminded of the scriptural “reason for the season” and (to me) it is this.. encompassing both “man-made” and heaven-sent holidays: “Thanks be to G-d for His unspeakable gift.” Uh.. what gift are we talking about here? Was a “Gift” given to us? No my friends – the focus is not on the day. No, no and no. The focus is on the fact, “the Word became flesh.” He did. -“Just the facts, m’am.” Should we celebrate? “Only” every time we draw a breath. “Only” every day we rise from our sleep and take our first step. Yes, every day is “Christmas”- another day to celebrate Christ. Our focus (both Jew and Gentile) is Him.
The “good news.” The birth, life, death, resurrection, ascension, second coming, and coronation of the Lamb of G-d which has taken away the sins of the world. Do we have a “reason” to celebrate? lol! – I think so..