WHY DO CHRISTIANS CELEBRATE PAGAN CHRISTMAS?
84THE BIBLE WARNS
Christmas is celebrated on December 25th but the Ukrainians do that on January 7th of the year.
The majority of Christians do celebrate Christmas in spite of the fact that Christmas originated from the pagans.
The commandments in the Bible strictly forbade the adoption of the beliefs and practices of the pagans (Leviticus 19:4). In Exodus 20:3, it is stated: "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." Observing and celebrating Christmas is sinning against the Ten Commandments which God gave the Israelites when they came out of the land of Egypt. It is quoted in 1 Kings 21:26, "And he did very abominably in following idols, according to all things ..." Futhermore, God said, "Defile not yourselves with the idols of Egypt: I am the Lord your God."
"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters ... (1 Cor.6:9)
THE BIZARRE ORIGINS OF CHRISTMAS
THE ORIGIN OF CHRISTMAS
SimpleToRemember.com
"In the 4th century CE, Christianity imported the Saturnalia festival hoping to take the pagan masses in with it. Christian leaders succeeded in converting to christianity large numbers of pagans by promising them that they could continue to celebrate the Saturnalia as Christians.[2]
D. The problem was that there was nothing intrinsically Christian about Saturnalia. To remedy this, these Christian leaders named Saturnalia’s concluding day, December 25th, to be Jesus’ birthday.
LAST TRUMPET MINISTRIES
The truth is that all of the customs of Christmas pre-date the birth of Jesus Christ, and a study of this would reveal that Christmas in our day is a collection of traditions and practices taken from many cultures and nations.
The date of December 25th comes from Rome and was a celebration of the Italic god, Saturn, and the rebirth of the sun god.
This was done long before the birth of Jesus.
It was noted by the pre-Christian Romans and other pagans, that daylight began to increase after December 22nd, when they assumed that the sun god died.
WIKIPEDIA ON CHRISTMAS
December 25 is not thought to be Jesus' actual date of birth, and the date may have been chosen to correspond with either a Roman festival,[6] or with the winter solstice. Modern customs of the holiday include gift-giving, Church celebrations, and the display of various decorations—including the Christmas tree, lights, mistletoe, nativity scenes, and holly. Santa Claus (also referred to as Father Christmas, although the two figures have different origins) is a popular mythological figure often associated with bringing gifts at Christmas for children. Santa is generally believed to be the result of a syncretization between Saint Nicholas and elements from pagan Nordic and Christian mythology, and his modern appearance is believed to have originated in 19th century media.
NIGHT OF REVELRY
WHY DO CHRISTIANS CELEBRATE THE PAGAN CHRISTMAS?
Christians still celebrate the pagan Christmas for many reasons even though they know that Christmas is from pagan origin. They probably tell themselves that God loves them and wants to make them happy. God is such a loving God that He can forgive anyone who asks Him.
In Isaiah 4:1 which states: And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach.
1. Churches are in the name of Christ only, but they preach their own doctrine. They profess with their mouths, but are not Christians in their hearts.
"Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:" (Isaiah 29:13).
EMPEROR CONSTANTINE
EMPEROR CONSTANTINE
2. For the first 300 years or so, Christmas was unheard of until Emperor Constantine came on the scene and made the Church into The Roman Church which introduced the mass of Christ's Church.
The Roman Catholic Church decided to compromise with the pagans by allowing them to continue their paganistic practice when they became Christians. The church was content to swell their number of adherents through merging Christianity and paganism. The practice has continued until the present day and Christmas merrily continues. The head of The Roman Catholic Church is the pope.
MARTIN LUTHER
MARTIN LUTHER
3. When Martin Luther broke away from the Catholic Church, he did not repudiate Christmas and the Lutheran Church still celebrate Christmas.
FROM BETHLEHEM ON CHRISTMAS EVE, SAT-7 to Broadcast Christmas Eve Service from the Christmas Lutheran ChurchDecember 19, 2007
Nicosia, Cyprus- Two thousand years ago, angels announced the good news of Christ’s birth directly to shepherds gathered on the hills around Bethlehem. This Christmas Eve, SAT-7 will broadcast a live service directly from the Christmas Lutheran Church in downtown Bethlehem, giving Arab Christians living across the Middle East and around the world the chance to participate in a celebration of Christ’s birth from within every town where the savior was born.
KING HENRY VIII
HENRY VIII
4. Henry VIII broke away from the Catholic Church because his first wife, Catherine of Aragon could not bear a son and he wanted to marry Anne Boleyn. Henry VIII became the head of the Anglican Church. Once again, the church observed the practice of celebrating Christmas. The practice of the church still embraces Christmas.
OFF SHOOTS OF THE ROMAN CHURCH
5. Churches which are off shoots of the Roman Catholic Church follow the mother church and there are many of them which are too numerours to list.
Some of the Churches that celebrate Christmas
Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, Episcopalian, Greek Orthodox, Lutheran, Methodist, Mormon, Unitarian Universalist, United Church of Christ.
COMMERCIALISM
6. Commercialism also plays an important part in keeping Christmas alive and kicking. A month before Christmas, advertising companies start their campaigns on working to lure the public in buying their products.
Dallas Fort Worth Commercial Santa Claus. Give your event a boost.... Hire Santa Today!
Hire Santa Claus for your Dallas Fort Worth corporate or business promotion. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus are available for many Dallas Fort Worth Christmas promotions including:
Christmas Retail store Promotions
Restaurant's Breakfast's with Santa
Christmas Tree Nurseries and Farms
National and Local Product Promotions and much more.
SELLING WHAT CUSTOMERS WANT
7. A feast for the eyes. Advertisers know how to lure the customers to buy the products either selling at a discount or other ploys of the trade. They know the psychology of what customers want, and how to lure buyers.
FESTIVE REVELRY
Visit Manchester For Some Fantastic Festive Revelry This Winter Visit Manchester For Some Fantastic Festive Revelry This Winter. ... get the Christmas shopping done while simultaneously engaging in some festive revelry. ...
Festive Revelry at Raffles Beijing Hotel - A Season of Merry Feasting
Christmas Eve –BBC NEWS | England | London | London's festive revelry reality London's festive revelry reality ... On a Friday night at the height of the Christmas office party season Christmas Eve Festive Revelry at Jaan Restaurant Experience the magic of Christmas with French fine dining at its finest. ...
BBC NEWS | England | London | London's festive revelry reality
London's festive revelry reality ... On a Friday night at the height of the Christmas office party season
People love fun, revelry, feasts, gifts, holiday.
TURN TO WORSHIPPING GOD
It is never too late to turn away from any pagan rites or rituals. God wants us to be pure and righteous. He will forgive us and we can change over into a new leaf and worship God only. Praise the Lord God for His mercy and love towards us.
But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollution of idols, ... (Acts 15:20).
"And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; ... Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you." (2 Cor. 6:16-17).
"For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God." (1 Thes.1:9).
"Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen" (1 John 5:21). Thank God and bless His name always. Amen.
The Lord God will listen to our prayers if we are sincere and want to change for the better. God will guide us to victory over evil. Praise and thank the Lord God.
Prophecy: Isaiah 4:1 Seven Women and One Man http://hubpages.com/hub/prophecy-isaiah
PROPHECY: ISAIAH 9:6: GOD'S MANIFESTATION - JESUS CHRIST http://hubpages.com/hub/prophecyisaiah9-6godsmanifestationjesus
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Comments
Very good. Every one should agree with this hub.
surefire
Thanks for commenting. I would sure like to see more comments.
Vladimir Uhri
Thank you for agreeing with me. It would please God if every one sees the light of the matter. God is forgiving and will only bless the good, pure, humble and righteous. Jesus will soon be returning for the second time, and we must be ready for our Lord and Saviour.
God bless.
God bless.
Commercialism has certainly penetrated into everything.
An interesting hub indeed! :)
Well said einron! Christmas used to be my favorite time of year...it was only about 2 years ago that I discovered the truth about Christmas and decided not to join in anymore!
Keep spreading the word!
quicksand
Thanks for commenting. Commercialism certainly pays an ernomous part in the celebration. Advertisements go out at least a month before Christmas. The retail stores for clothes, toys depend very much on the Christmas sale.
God bless.
LivingFood
Bravo! When you really want to seek the truth, you will find it. Thank God for the truth and the truth will set you free from all encumbrances.
You have guts to face the truth and not hide from a multitude of commitments of why you have to continue to celebrate the pagan rites.
A great number of pastors are encouraging their congregations to do so and their reason is that it brings in a lot of money for chartiy. They cannot see that God absolutely abhors paganism. I do give to charity but not because of Christmas.
1 Samuel 15:22-23 says:
Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubborness is as iniquity and idolatry.
You read of young children using their collection of money from various causes to give to those in need for Christmas. Does God appreciate the gesture?
Psalms 40:6, 8 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire;
I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
May God guide you into more truths. Praise the Lord. Obey the will of the Lord.
I want to begin celebrating His birth in the Spring not because of the timing of when we do it now, but because we have brought so much more into that if we were truely just celebrating His birth that we would not have around us - like the commercialism and the family guilt trips.
But we should also keep in mind that it is written by Paul that we should not put too much emphasis on the importance of dates and religious holidays. When we begin to do that we take the heart of the event out of it and focus on the rules nad regulations which sounds very much like those stiff-necked Pharisees.
RGraf
Thanks for your comments.
Paul was correct not to put too much emphasis on the importance of dates and religious holidays.
However, what I wrote in the hub are quotations from the Lord God not to follow the customs and rites of the pagans.
Hoping the Holy Spirit will guide and open our understanding of the Holy Scriptures.
God bless.
Very well covered. I just looked to see if you had covered Constantine and you did. However there is one mistake. There is NO GOD and the existence of Jesus cannot be proved. And forget Josephus "Antiquities of the Jews" The reference to Jesus was a later Christian forged addition.
eccles,
Thank you for commenting. I have read your profile and article. You seemed to have a bad view of Christianity from your childhood and I feel sorry that you were not able to solve the problem. Unless you were able to forgive, you will not be able to see why and how Jesus came into the world. I shall pray for you.
I also wrote about GOD'S MANIFESTATIONS: THE HOLY SPIRIT AND JESUS CHRIST, a repudiation of Trinity.
Take care and may God open your heart.
"I feel sorry that you were not able to solve the problem"
Einron, thank you for your reply, but what problem? I have solved my problem by realizing that Christianity is another fable. I know you don't like that, but you cannot think I am wrong and you can try to "convert me". I have a right to my opinion just as you have a right to your opinion. You can beilieve in the "Flying Spaghetti Monster" if you like, but that does not mean there is one. I gather you have read the BIble. Do you know who really wrote it and when? Are you confdent what you read now is excacty as it was originally written. You realize we do not have any original authored manuscripts for verification. Do you know about the Council of Nicea and what was done to the bible there?
So please no more prosletyzing.
eccles,
Sorry if I have offended you. My apology. I agree everyone is entitled to his own opinion. No one can change another person but God.
First Council of Nicea represented by the following: AD 325
Eastern Orthodoxy, Oriental Orthodoxy, Assyrian Church of the East, Roman Catholicism, Anglicanism, Lutheranism, Calvinism
Constantine changed the worship of God from Saturday to Sunday calling it the Lord's Day.
The first five books of the Bible were written by Moses.
See my hub on DEAD SEA SCROLLS EXHIBIT: ROM, TORONTO, CANADA, 2009-2010
Thanks for commenting.
why? because worldy "christendom" is a harlot, its defined in revelation in big CAPITAL LETTERS a warning, he who has a strong forehead shall know
You are right. A "harlot" sleeps with many men and any Christian who follows idol worshipping or idolatry is rightfully called a harlot.
Thanks for commenting. God bless.
each to his own my brother. you're right on with the facts but history and the world will continue to evolve and change. celebrate Christ's birth any day of the year - it doesn't matter, the only thing that matters is what's in your heart. knowing Christ and living in God's spirit is all that is asked. so many things start out ugly and get turned to good, so even though i know the facts, i chose to take this time to celebrate Christ's birth. isn't it wonderful that so many come together to celebrate Christ today and that so many hearts get opened and so much insight occurs during such an intense season? God bless your history lesson, may the facts be heard and may your readers act on what's in their hearts.
All who read the article have the right to their own opinion.
YOU WROTE: isn't it wonderful that so many come together to celebrate Christ today and that so many hearts get opened and so much insight occurs during such an intense season?
ANSWER: You are correct that many people celebrate Christmas
and are happy with the feasts, presents, drinking, etc. But what did God say about following pagan festivals?
But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollution of idols, ... (Acts 15:20).
"And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; ... Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you." (2 Cor. 6:16-17).
Pick your own choice. You are master of your life and destiny. Have a good day.
You are much more learned than I of course, and certainly your beliefs are not something I would even attempt to try changing but I would suggest that people who are seeking might want to review some of the other verisons of the bible and maybe contemplate the full meanings of what was said and in what context.
I do not agree that I am more learned than you or anybody else. I have learnt much more when I am writing a hub for I search out the bible verses and remember what others have preached before. I thank God for guiding me for I am wholly dependant on Him for the hubs that I write. You probably have more knowledge than me in other areas that I am not aware of.
You have a nice humble attitude which is pleasing to God. Pray and continue searching and you will find the right answer. Always pray to God for answers, and not other people.
I was hoping to reach out to more people and God led me to find out more deeply what the verses entailed.
It is a real pleasure to reply to you because you are open to discussion and not confrontational. I hope to be able to reply to more of your questions, especially in topics which I think would appeal to Christians. Thank you. God bless.
They celebrate it because the "churches" promote it instead of teaching the truth. In fact most church leaders have no idea about the unGodly roots of xmas. What ever happened to "not mixing the Holy with the profane"? Same thing that happened to so many other scriptural truths. They are not conducive to "church growth".
xmas is of cathiloc origin and was not taught in Christian churches until a couple hundred years ago.
celafoe,
It's a shame if the churches promote Christmas. Surely the ministers would have read the Bible about God's views on pagan rites and festivals. Don't they read the Bible?
Wow ! I am encouraged and amazed. Ive claimed Christ over 20 yrs. Christmas was my favorite day. Ive decorated my house with trees just to carry out the feel throughout the year. Two yrs ago I had another "conviction"@ Christmas. This time I searched it out. I no longer "celebrate" it as before. (Nor do I slam anyone who does) I simple do not participate and politely explain why when asked. I am now the "bad guy" in the family. Non Christians and Christians as well are bothered by me. I quietly donot participate. But people sometimes respond to me angrily. It is refreshing to read this by you. You put things into words better than I do. I appreciate your faithfulness to our Father.Thank You Keep on following in his footsteps humbley and faithfully. I believe The One True God has blessed many through your surrender to him. Love In Christ Our All in All
Terry,
I am so happy to hear you say that you have stopped celebrating Christmas, especially when God forbids us to refrain from pagan festivals.
It would be like living as harlots serving several men. God is righteous and we must also be.
You must not keep quiet when asked, but state your reasons. You must stand up for God and not hide behind a bush. Be a man and stand up for the truth for the truth will also set others free.
You will feel joyful when you speak the truth to others.
God bless you.
I hope that many, many non-Christians are won to the Lord from this page. If this only reaches people who are already Christians, then . . . well, I guess a lot of people are still going to hell. Thankfully, some Christians who read your words and take it to heart will not longer celebrate this pagan festival. So I guess it all works out in the end -- except for the people still going to hell.
Doc
Many thanks for your thoughts that many more non Christians will be won over to the Lord. I am concerned about Christians keeping the pagan festivals inspite of God's
objections. May God open their eyes to see that we cannot mix Christianity with pagan rites. You either serve God or Paganism.
Excellent info. My own reasons for quitting the xmas tree and its' trappings were the shock of finding so much paganism in xmas. In fact I've recently written a hub called "Happy Saturnalia". Hope you can find time to read it. Thanks
Am glad that God opened your eyes to the paganism in Christmas and hope that more people will see it too. God bless.
so does that mean now i don't have to celebrate christmas with the wife and kids? we can just do nothing that day?
wow and all this time I thought christ was born on that day....heck we celebrate it.....is it a sin to continue to buy christmas trees and derorations and spend time together for christmas supper? we don't worship any pagan gods, only god himself..........ok now i see why everyone who once was holy came undone....I am confused badly......
LastLegend
You have to make the decision yourself. No one can influence your decision. You believe in God and He says not to follow pagan festivals. If you still continue, you are disobeying God. That is the truth, and you reap the consequence.
May God open your eyes to the truth. God bless.
ok so no more christmas trees and lights.....or santa and reindeer decorations.............or santa claus stories for the kids........damn pagans and their festivals!!!!!!!!!
telling 4 young kids this is going to be hard.............
any advice???
LastLegend
Praise and thank God that you have made a decision on not keeping and celebrating Christmas any more. I am very glad that you have made the decision yourself and not on my prompting, but you own conscience.
I do not know the ages of your children. I suggest that you get together the whole family to pray and ask God to open the hearts and eyes of your family.
You must tell them the truth why you would not be celebrating Christmas. If they are old enough to read, go over the hub with them, and pray that God give you wisdom to answer their questions.
The truth is always the best route to go. Tell them that you cannot love God or paganism. Tell them the story of Christ's birth, that Jesus is God in the flesh (John 1:1,14). Appeal to them the love of God is not the buying of things to please God, but in praying with a good heart.
God will open your heart when you wish to obey Him. I will pray for you. It is very important that you pray together as a family probably at night after dinner before going to bed. This is good practice to unite the family. The family who prays together stays together.
God bless you and your family.
ok, but is the whole santa thing pagan rituals?what about snowmen or sleighs???? I mean saint nick was a man who gave his heart to less fortuante kids,tell me this is no pagan in anyway.
You either make a complete break or no break at all. The whole Christmas celebration is a farce. The songs about Christmas are very melodious and alluring, catching the imaginations of the people who listen like the sirens who lure and trap the unwary sailors.
What has snowmen and sleighs to do with the birth of Christ? Nothing? Enjoy making snowmen and ride on sleighs
but do not associate this with Christmas. Enjoy the beauty of nature and thank God.
Traditions had been going on for nearly two thousand years and it is very hard to break. Emperor Constantine gave the ruling in the early 320 A.D.
If you cannot part with all the Christmas folk lore and longing to salvage part of it, you will be like Lot's wife who turned back to look longingly at Sodom and was turned into a pillar of salt. Never live in the past nor in the future. Live for the present. Make a clean and complete break.
Look ahead to where Christ is leading you. Not only you, but your family as well as your circle of real friends. May the Lord God keep you strong and look ahead, not turning your head to the right or to the left. The truth will set you free. The children will not have to compare their Christmas gifts with those of their friends who receive bigger and better gifts. All glory to God.
May God bless you.
This is an interesting and detailed hub. However, I am shocked that you really believe that celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ will cause someone to be saved. God did not call us to give up any pleasure or enjoyment. Families make their own traditions. I love the Christmas season...not for the shopping and commercialism, but because there is more love during this time than is shown at any other time of the year. I have always and will always celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. I am not a pagan and I do not involve myself in pagan rituals or revelries. I am astounded that you would rip away the joys of the season from children!
Sorry, I did not mean to go off on you because I really do respect your right to your opinion.
Thank you for your comments though we differ in views. It is left to the reader to decide for himself/herself what is right or wrong in the eyes of the Lord God.
WHY DO CHRISTIANS CELEBRATE PAGAN CHRISTMAS
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WHY DO CHRISTIANS CELEBRATE PAGAN CHRISTMAS?
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surefire says:
10 months ago
Highly interesting info.