CHRISTMAS AND THE CHURCH
Introduction
It is Christmas time
But the church seems to ignore this holiday.
We have a party, but no tree, pageant, etc.
Holidays and the Church
Galatians 4:10-11 - 10You observe days and months and seasons and years. 11I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain.
This passage forbids the imposing of Jewish holy days on the church.
Jewish Christians were free to observe Passover, Pentecost, etc. if they wanted to.
Paul observed Pentecost and other Jewish holy days.
The church is forbidden to bind, establish religious holy days (holidays).
This rule applies to fasts and feasts.
The only holy day for NT Christians is the first day of the week.
Acts 20:7
1 Corinthians 16:1-2
Matthew 28:1
NOTE: About singing songs about the birth of Jesus.
They are biblical, true, spiritual songs
They should NOT be sung only in December.
We should sing about the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus all year.
Holidays and the Individual
Romans 14:5-7 - 5One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. 6He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks. 7For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself.
As individuals we have been given liberty to observe a day (or not observe a day) as we choose, as long is God is glorified.
What can individual Christians do on December 25?
Spend the day reading about the birth of Jesus and singing songs about His birth
Decorate a tree, send cards, exchange gifts
Say, “Merry Christmas”
Decorate the house with lights
Spend the day with family
Normal routine as on other days
Nothing