We're Not Putting X-Mas Trees Up!

[Digging4Truth]

Originally Posted by ILG

I think that's fine. I have nothing against personal convictions or conservative beliefs unless a person does it because they feel they have to (or be lost) or if they feel superior to another.

The most interesting point in your post ILG is this..

If I...

• Felt that this was some work that I must fulfill to be saved.
• Felt that this made me superior to another.

Then on both points... I would be in sin. What a cruel irony huh?

Even in doing right we must be careful of our spirit lest we do right in the wrong spirit.

More than all I strive to do or not do... Lord help my purpose & the spirit in which i live my convictions be as pleasing as any of the actions.

[Digging4Truth]

Originally Posted by Ferd

I knew this before you posted this today. and it is one of the things that I deeply appreciate about you my Brother.

I appreciate your kind words Ferd.

This "doctrine" that I love so much has much harm done to it by the spirit of some who share it.

As with all that we know and love in our walk with the Lord much could be accomplished if we held our convictions in a spirit equal to (as much as lieth within us) that exhibited by our Lord, Christ and example.... Jesus

[Antipas]

It's just an assult on European culture. The Christmas Tree is just an ancient European tradition. Trees are no longer part of worship, now it's just a seasonal decoration.

As for Christmas, it's date is established on the basis of the Jewish concept of integral age and early Judaic Christians viewed this season as when Christ was born before Christianity ever spread throughout Europe. In addition the estimated time of Christ's birth based on integral age coincidently fell during a week long Roman festival that had fallen out of favor and WASN'T EVEN OBSERVED during the time of Christ or for the first generations Christianity. It wasn't until a Roman Emporer, I think his name was something like Aurelius, tried to RE-INSTITUTE the pagan festival to combat the growing enfluence of Christianity and it's observance of Christ and his birth.

Also, side note...the Legend of Santa Clause is primarily rooted in stories regarding the life of the Bishop of Myra, St. Nicolas. St. Nicolas was a pius and faithful man and many miracles were attributed to his ministry. He attended the council of Nicea and challenged Arius' notion that Christ wasn't God, yet the Trinitarians struck his name from the record of attendees after he refused to acknowledge the Trinity. That indicates that St. Nicolas may have been a Modalist, or Oneness believer. Also note...historically Modalists found Myra a place of refuge.

Christmas is a very Apostolic holiday.

[George]

I was taught the scripture in Jeremiah was referring to cutting trees and making a god of them much like totem poles. The people lavishly cut, trimmed the trees and formed them into gods.

[George]

So called Christians that want to replace Christ with an "X" and condemn the Christians that celebrate Christ birth are spiritual Scrooge's.

[Esther]

Originally Posted by Digging4Truth

Nor do I.

I believe the pertinent point in that chapter is the instruction to "learn not the way of the heathen"

Also... the point that keeps being made that one does not worship the tree.

To me this misses the point.

It isn't, by the most far flung stretch of the imagination, a position that one worships the tree. That is ludicrous.

When the pagans brought the tree into their home long before Christ was born they didn't worship the tree either. The tree was brought into their homes as a part of their worship and remembrance of their pagan deities.

The issue, to me is that this practice, whose roots is clearly in pagan instruction and not in biblical standing, has been made a part of ones worship of the true and living God.

Of course no one is worshiping the tree... that would be ridiculous to even suggest such.

You seem to contradict yourself here???

[berkeley]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

Rom. 14 applies to holydays commanded by God in the OT NOT pagan holidays 'christianized' by the Roman church.nIt does not apply. Apples and oranges.

But you partake of a Christmas meal!!!!

[Antipas]

Personally, I think we should take dominion over every day in the Calendar and if it was used as a pagan festival...take dominion and use it to glorify Christ Jesus our Lord. In ancient times they'd tear down a pagan temple and build a church. Muslims tear down churches and build Mosques. David took Goliath's sword, wrapped it, and kept it behind the Ephod in the tabernacle.

Taking Christmas and glorifying Christ with it is part of our Dominion mandate.

At least that's my opinion. God bless.

[Antipas]

December 25th (along with every other day of the year) belongs to Jesus Christ. Don't just wimp out and give it to the pagans...make them fight for it.

[Digging4Truth]

Originally Posted by Antipas

December 25th (along with every other day of the year) belongs to Jesus Christ. Don't just wimp out and give it to the pagans...make them fight for it.

You cover December 25th....

I'll take June 22nd.

Anybody else gonna take a day?