https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3U58R-KYxI&t=79s
Should Christians Celebrate the Birth of Jesus?
The birth of Jesus Christ is one of the most significant events in the history of Christianity. It marks the fulfillment of God's promise to send a Savior to the world, who would redeem humanity from sin and death. The birth of Jesus is also a sign of God's love and grace, as He chose to become incarnate in human flesh and dwell among us.
However, some Christians may wonder whether they should celebrate the birth of Jesus, especially on December 25th, which is commonly known as Christmas. There are different opinions and perspectives on this issue, and some of the factors that may influence one's decision are:
- The origin and meaning of Christmas. Some Christians may argue that Christmas is a pagan festival that was adopted by the early church to replace the Roman celebration of Saturnalia, which honored the god of agriculture and harvest. They may claim that many of the customs and traditions associated with Christmas, such as the use of evergreen trees, wreaths, candles, and gift-giving, have pagan roots and are not biblical. They may also point out that the Bible does not specify the exact date of Jesus' birth, nor does it command or encourage Christians to celebrate it. Therefore, they may conclude that celebrating Christmas is a compromise with the world and a violation of God's commandments.
- The purpose and spirit of celebrating Jesus' birth. Other Christians may argue that celebrating Christmas is a legitimate and meaningful way to honor and worship Jesus, who is the reason for the season. They may claim that while the origin and date of Christmas may be uncertain or disputed, the essence and message of Christmas are clear and true: God became man to save us from our sins. They may also point out that many of the customs and traditions associated with Christmas can be used to symbolize and teach biblical truths, such as the light of Christ, the gift of salvation, the peace and joy of God's presence, and the hope of eternal life. Therefore, they may conclude that celebrating Christmas is a matter of personal conviction and liberty, and a way to express gratitude and love to God.
Ultimately, whether Christians should celebrate the birth of Jesus or not depends on their conscience and their relationship with God. The Bible teaches that "everything that does not come from faith is sin" (Romans 14:23), and that "whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). Therefore, Christians should seek God's guidance and wisdom on this issue, and respect each other's choices without judging or condemning one another. As Paul wrote in Romans 14:5-6, "One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God."
Blessings
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