TITLE: Can I celebrate Christmas?

TEXT: Romans 14:5-7

PROPOSITION: God has instructed us about holiday observations.

QUESTION: How?

KEY WORD: Observations

INTRODUCTION:

1.     Here it is – Christmas time again.

2.     Some are confused – because we DON’T have special programs, services.

3.     Some are confused – because – we DO have a party.

1. Arguments AGAINST:

          In syllogism form of logic, it is argued:

Major: Christmas is of (pagan, Catholic, denominational, worldly) origin.

Minor: All things of (pagan, Catholic, denominational, worldly) origin are wrong.

Conclusion: Therefore, Christmas is wrong.

1.     Pagan origin.

A.    So are days of week – Pagan deities

B.    Months of the year – Pagan deities or Roman emperors.

C.    Other customs and superstitions – “Knock on wood.”

2.     Roman Catholic origin – So are candles, church weddings, and church funerals.

3.     Denominational practice – Sunday school, orphan homes, Sunday night worship, Wednesday night Bible Study (Prayer meeting), Bus ministries, church related colleges, radio and TV programs. NOTE: Just because someone in a denomination thought of it first, does not make it wrong.

4.     Worldly origin – Microwaves, TV, heat and AC. Reject modern world = Amish Community.

2. What can we do on December 25th?

1.     Anything you can do on any other day.

2.     Family, friends, gifts, cards

3.     Gifts, trees, parties, decorations

4.     Worship, talk about the birth of Christ

5.     Special service, sing birth songs

3. Scriptural Studies

          1. Gal. 4:10-11

A.    Caution:  This has reference to the "binding" of Jewish holy days.

B.    Does this apply to the observance of any day as special?

C.    It would forbid birthdays, anniversaries, etc.

          2. Romans 14:5-7

A. Personal Liberty

a.     One can observe the day

b.     Another can choose to ignore (not observe) the day

c.     BOTH are doing right

                    B. Make sure that God is glorified

a.     Apply to fasts, days of prayer

b.     Problem is NOT in observing or not observing

c.     Problem is in BINDING EITHER of these

4. Let's Talk About:

1. The date:

1.     Pagan worship of the sun god (shortest day)

2.     Several dates at first – Dec. 15 & Jan. 6

3.     Settled on Dec. 25^th – a compromise

4.     Biblical facts lean toward a late spring / early summer

                                                    i.     Shepherds in the fields all night

                                                   ii.     Some speculation Jesus was born on Day of Atonement

                                                 iii.     Others believe he was born on Passover

          2. Gift Exchanges

1.     Learning the blessing of sharing? Acts 20:35 I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "

2.     Ask children, "What are you giving?"

          3. The word "Christmas"

1.     Old English  "Christes Messe" = “mass of Christ”

2.     French word "Noel" – “birthday”

3.     What about using "Xmas"?

                                                 iv.     "Mas" still means mass

                                                  v.     "X" = Roman symbol for Christ and cross

                                                vi.     REAL PROBLEM:
Seeking to avoid Rome, we bypass Jerusalem.

Conclusion:

1.     As the church – we have no authority to celebrate, impose ceremony or rituals on members.

2.     As individuals – we are free to celebrate (or not celebrate) any day – AS LONG GOD IS GLORIFIED IN WHAT WE DO.