We're Not Putting X-Mas Trees Up!

[Antipas]

I'll probably get in trouble for saying this...but I have to say what's right...

I'm not angry with you personally Bro EB (I don't really know you), but I don't appreciate it being insinuated that I'm (or anyone else on this forum for that matter) is a pagan, Catholic, or idolator merely because we have Christmas trees. We don't worship them, nor are we Catholic. To say such is to tell an untruth, a slanderous untruth.

That's the truth.

[Neck]

Originally Posted by Antipas

I'll probably get in trouble for saying this...but I have to say what's right...

I'm not angry with you personally Bro EB (I don't really know you), but I don't appreciate it being insinuated that I'm (or anyone else on this forum for that matter) is a pagan, Catholic, or idolator merely because we have Christmas trees. We don't worship them, nor are we Catholic. To say such is to tell an untruth, a slanderous untruth.

That's the truth.

I agree.

I have never asked my Christmas tree to heal my kids.

But there was one who died on a tree so they could live and have their healing....

[All4one]

I will be putting a Christmas tree up. I dont plan to worship it though, I just like the ombience. I also have a menorah that I like, but I am not Jewish.

[Evang.Benincasa]

Originally Posted by Antipas

I'll probably get in trouble for saying this...but I have to say what's right...

If you ever want to say something to me that you feel might get you banned.
You are always welcome to speak to me in private.

Originally Posted by Antipas

I'm not angry with you personally Bro EB (I don't really know you),

At me? I never think anyone is angry with me, I believe they are angry at typed words, and thoughts that come across their monitor screens.
Nothing is personal, because everyone outside of ourselves are out of our control. We cannot force, or demand anyone to accept or believe what we believe. Nor, can we ever change anyone's mind. The only person who can change anyone's mind is ourselves. We take in the information and process the information, and then it's all on us. We cannot blame pastors, teachers, fathers, mothers, siblings, or God. It's all on us. If we were sitting together, at a Bible study table at Barnes & Nobles, we would have a great time.
I have no doubt of that. It is the typed word that comes across as black and white. When I add my humor to it, sometimes it comes across like number 3 grit sandpaper. I will always apologize for hurting someone's feelings, but won't apologize for presenting the Truth. I feel strongly about the whole xmas thing being false, and make no bones about it. I teach my church family the same, and my family. I have many preacher friends who do xmas, and they know my opinions. Again, you cannot force or "make" anyone believe what you believe. It's that simple. I just present what I know, and to my best to refute what I think is way too bizarre to be of Christ.

Originally Posted by Antipas

but I don't appreciate it being insinuated that I'm (or anyone else on this forum for that matter) is a pagan, Catholic, or idolator merely because we have Christmas trees. We don't worship them, nor are we Catholic. To say such is to tell an untruth, a slanderous untruth.

You are being way to dramatic, and the reason is this. The xmas is Catholic in it's origin, and has trimmings from at least 20 different pagan rituals. Those are stone cold facts. You want a tree? Do as you please, but don't get offended when someone tells you like it is. If a non-Christian walked up to you and wanted to know all about your faith, and started to tell you the origins of the xmas, would you get upset? Or tell him that, yes, it originated with the Eastern and Western Orthodox churches, which borrowed from different pagan rituals. Believe me, they smile and want to know more.

Originally Posted by Antipas

That's the truth.

Truth is fact that cannot be shut down.

Be blessed

In Jesus name

Brother Benincasa

www.OnTimeJournal.com

[holinesswoman]

I see this topic of discuusion goes on. i had hoped after what I said yesterday we could all come to an agreement on this pagan Christmas tree issue we have going here.

My knees have never bowed before a Christmas tree and they will continue unbent.

The book of Issiah strongly speaks against the cutting down and the adorning of a tree.

We are not to adorn ourselves, surely we can see how wrong it is to adorn a tree with silver and gold.

[All4one]

Originally Posted by holinesswoman

I see this topic of discuusion goes on. i had hoped after what I said yesterday we could all come to an agreement on this pagan Christmas tree issue we have going here.

My knees have never bowed before a Christmas tree and they will continue unbent.

The book of Issiah strongly speaks against the cutting down and the adorning of a tree.

We are not to adorn ourselves, surely we can see how wrong it is to adorn a tree with silver and gold.

How right you are, holy woman! Can you believe some of the preachers on this forum wear neck ties to adorn their bodies? And some of the unholy women are going to church without nylons?

[holinesswoman]

Originally Posted by All4one

How right you are, holy woman! Can you believe some of the preachers on this forum wear neck ties to adorn their bodies? And some of the unholy women are going to church without nylons?

I have never seen such. Are you just teasing?

[All4one]

Originally Posted by holinesswoman

I have never seen such. Are you just teasing?

No mam, I aint teasin! I always look at the womens legs to see if they have nylons and some dont!

[bkstokes]

Maybe this has been posted before,

But couldn't this whole issue be considered one of those issues were Paul talks about people being weak and strong in their conscience.

[OneAccord]

Christmas trees of pagan origin? Well, yes, it doesn't take a great deal of study to come to that conclusion. However, if we stop to think about it, there are a great number of things we do that orginate in pagan custom. There are objects scattered about in our homes that are of pagan and/or Catholic origin. So, while we rail gainst the evils of the Christmas tree, why do we take such a narrow view of what we stand against?

Steeples on churches. This is an enlightening study. If we learn where this custom came from, we mighe "rethink" the idea of church steeples.

Statuettes: Those little "what nots" scattered about your house. Graven Images, originally designed to "worship" the image of a person or thing.

Marriage/Funeral ceremony: No scripture for either. Pagan/Catholic origin.

Sunday worship: We all know who changed the Sabbath, now don't we?

So...are any of these things wrong? That depends. If we, celebrate, say Easter, is that wrong? Depends on why we celebrate it. To honor the Great Easter Bunny or some pagan god? Well, yes, that would be wrong. But to honor Christ and His resurrection? How can that be wrong? Do we put up the Christmas tree to worship Nimrod or some false god? Or do we recognize the Birth of Christ? Even though there is no Biblical precedence for recognizing His Birth, how can it be wrong to honor the Lord?

God looks at the intent of the heart. The question we have to ask ourselves is: "What is my intent in putting up a Christmas Tree?" To worship the Sungod, or whatever god the pagans worshipped.? That would be wrong. But if it is our intent to honor Christ, to promote family unity, to use the Christmas season to share the Gospel story with others, to give gifts, and provide for those in need, how can that be wrong? Church steeples... of pagan origin? Yes, but does that make it sinful to attach one to a church building? No, because the purpose (intent) of the church steeple has changed, just as the use of the Christmas tree has changed. Whether we are against Christmas trees, or for them, we have to ask ourselves, "What is my intent?" Sometimes we aren't even aware of out intent. But, I am assured of this: God knows the very intents of the heart.