Pod Prep How to Graciously & Intelligently Handle the Christmas Season
DO NOT APPEAR TO BE ATTACKING CHRISTIANITY and helping EVIL!
We do not support atheists and other anti- God forces in society. They usually do not mind the ‘season of lights’ but do not want the name of Jesus Christ mentioned. They often do not want any of the Biblical scenes such as the manger to be displayed. The anti-God forces of earth worship resent Christianity. The opposition is offensively strong during the Xmas season. We do not support anything they do. Psalm 14:1-2 says these atheists are corrupt. They are supporting abominable works. We should not be unkind or condescending to people who believe in Christmas. The death and birth of Christ is one of the most strongly supported events in human history.
AVOID CHRISTMAS STRESS
If someone says ‘Merry Christmas’ be sure to respond graciously and in a kind friendly fashion with a nice greeting like thank you. The Pew Research poll reveals that 81% of Americans believe in the virgin birth of Christ. They have some belief in the Bible therefore and that is a good facet of America. Other prosperous western nations are not so blessed. If we want others to like us and be able to get along with others and persuade them, we should start off with our areas of agreement. See I Cor 9:19-23. The season brings greater stress to most people because of the pressure of the avalanche of commercialism. Some feel the pressure of trying to avoid Christmas, the music and the shopping frenzy. They suffer ‘avoiding Christmas’ stress. Relax and ignore the rampant commercialism and drinking etc. Do not fear Christmas, relax. We do not need to fight against it. God will straighten out all religious and political issue soon.
REMEMBER CHRIST IS THE GOD OF ANCIENT ISRAEL
Christ is the God of the Old Testament. See John 1:1-4, 14, 29, 34. He gave the laws to Moses and later, came to earth to die for us and become Jesus Christ! All things in the O.T. are in line with the wishes of Jesus Christ. Jeremiah 7:2-4 condemns trees that are decorated and used to represent pagan gods. How should we feel about Christmas Trees? God who became Christ does not like for His people to borrow things from paganism especially in worship of Him. We can just ignore the pagan symbols and decorations. Remember people mean well. They just do not know the true origins of the date or customs.
WHEN WAS CHRIST BORN
Since Christ died at age of 33 and half and died on Passover in the Spring he could not have been born in December. Luke 2:8 tells us that Christ was born when it was warm enough to keep sheep outdoors. He was not born in the winter. The evidence from the courses of the priest also proves that He was not born in late December. See Luke 1:5. His birth was around the Feast of Tabernacles. We should celebrate His life and future reign at the Feast. We should encourage anyone who will listen to try keeping the Feast instead of Xmas. They will get so much more spiritually. The contrast will be startling. Most know that the date for Christmas was borrowed from the Roman Empire Saturnalia. Be kind and gracious during the season and maybe later they will believe us on these and other issues!
