It's sad how angrily some Christians protest the idea of celebrating Christmas. They grouch about the pagan roots associated with the holiday and insist that Christ never meant for us to commemorate his birth.
To me, Christmas is a time of joy. The resounding message in our Christmas celebrations ought to echo with notes of joy--joy to the world, joy to you and me! My basis for this is Luke 2:10-11, when the angel announced, "I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."
The good news of Christmas is the gospel. It's about the greatest gift of all time—God gave us Jesus Christ, his Son, who brings great joy to everyone who receives him. The purpose of Christmas is to share this gift. And what a perfect opportunity! It's a holiday that focuses on the Savior of the world. That is why I celebrate Christmas.
If you don't know Jesus Christ as your Savior and you'd like to experience great joy, may I invite you to receive his gift of salvation right now, and join me in celebrating Christmas? It's very simple. Here's how:
- Admit you are a sinner. (Romans 3:23; 10:9-10)
- Believe Jesus Christ died on the cross to save you from sin and death and give you eternal life. (Romans 5:8; John 3:16)
- Recognize your sin before God and let him help you turn from your old life to a new life in Christ. (Acts 3:19; 2 Corinthians 5:17)
- Receive, by faith in Jesus Christ, his free gift of salvation. (Ephesians 2:8)
If you've just received Jesus, Merry Christmas! Why not celebrate by telling someone? You can leave a comment below or post a note in the forum.
Learn More About the Gift of Salvation:
- Why Become a Christian?
- How to Become a Christian
- Pray A Salvation Prayer
- What's Next? Getting Started ...
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Christ wasn’t born on Dec.25th as Luke stated, “the shepherds were out in the fields”; they are not out in the wintertime. Of all God’s servants in the new and old testament, none practiced “birthdays”. In Luke Ch.19, Jesus tells us how he wants to be remembered;it was not his birth. It is a pagan custom adopted by the churches. Not practiced by true Christians today. Or even when Jesus walked the earth!
It’s really ashame that so many christians serve a God that does not allow them to have the joy of celebrating the birth of their precious Saviour. It’s not about the calendar day of the year but about His first coming to us and became one of us. Too bad they are so bound by their legalistic chains that no joy is permitted in their lives. Christ came to make us free from the chains!
Romans 8:1-2 1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,[a] 2because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.
Happy Birthday JESUS!!!
First of all, lighten-up, Jim. We realize that December 25th probably wasn’t Jesus’ actual birthday. We also realize that the wise men were not really there either or that there were 3 of them. Be careful defining who are or are not “true Christians”.
We are, as Rick Warren points out, celebrating the Good News! Merry Christmas!
ummmm…no mention of repentance in the “plan of salvation.” easy-believism…
Even so jesse, i do believe that to make it at the feet of Jesus, to begin with repentance is a must. And accept that you are a sinner. Humble yourself before the Lord, and He will lift you up.
Only those whose hearts are not filled with God’s love would question the celebration of Christmas. Christmas is about love. God loves mankind so much that he gave us Jesus to live among us and then die for us, just so we could be saved and have eternal life. Christmas and Easter are both special occasions the we should especially recognize and thank our God for his grace and mercy on our souls. Merry Christmas to one and all!
One of the amazing things about the truth of the Gospel: the laws were fulfilled by Christ.. all of them. We are set free from their judgement. All things are now possible , not all beneficial. Celebrating our saviour is not a matter of how but who. One man holds a day Holy , another holds each day the same.. let each be convinced of it and let not another judge your freedom. If we understand that.. then the holidays matter little. There is not longer ,’do not touch , do not handle’.. these all perish with the use.. but joy and peace in the Holy Spirit of God. So Christmas trees seem like the pagan trees of foul worship.. so what.. we do not worship a false God. We are free! Our heart is clean in faith and good conscience. Let no man judge your freedom. I praise God for Christ and Hanukkah is my celebration of Him. God is the judge.. not man. Keep good conscience and forgive , bless one another.. yes love one another.