How could it be that this symbol is at once pleasing to Father AND also Mr. Obama (see here, for example)… i.e., simultaneously celebrated by non-believers and commercial establishments for crass and cynical purposes AND also holy and sacred and central to the purpose of Y'shuah, his birth, life, death and resurrection.

I have read several well-argued defenses of Christmas traditions, including trees, but have so far have found none which argue from anything more than permissibility.

I don't know about anyone else, but when my kids start pressing me for details on what they can get away with, it breaks my heart, signaling to me that they care more about how far they can push my patience than about any desire on their part to know and please me.

I suspect it is much the same with OUR Father in Heaven — i.e., not so much a matter of salvation or sin but of sanctification.

Peace,
Deirdre

Thank you,
Deirdre

Your comments regarding abstaining from all holidays and commemorations, such as birthdays, contain thoughts that I am sure others have pondered as well. I thank you for writing and sharing your thoughts with us.

Personally, I have never been one to celebrate civil holidays such as Memorial Day, Veteran's Day, Labor Day, President's Day, etc.. If the government, banks, schools, and various employers want to give their workers a day off on specific days, then that is their prerogative.

I do believe that Christmas and Easter are quite different matters. None of the other dates and commemorations are related to Christ and Christianity. I am reminded of the words of the apostle Paul:

I Corinthians 5:12-13
For what have I to do with judging outsiders ? Do you not judge those who are within the church? But those who are outside, God judges.

There are things within the domain of Christianity, and things which are without. If a government wants to commemorate the sacrifice that its citizens made in its various wars, then they have been granted the authority to do so. They will give an account to God for their actions. However, things within the assembly of believers, should be judged by the assembly of believers.

I do not believe that it is the Father's will to move the date which the people of God commemorate the sacrifice of His Son from Passover to a day reserved for the worship of a pagan fertility goddess. That this has been done is very blatant, for the day still bears the name of the goddess (Easter, Eostre, Ishtar, Astarte, Ashtoreth).

From ancient times Yahweh has revealed that He is a jealous God, and He repeatedly judged Israel when they mixed the worship of Yahweh with that of the pagan gods and goddesses of the Canaanites.

Can Christians commit the same transgression today and Yahweh be pleased? Bunny rabbits, flowers, grass, and Easter Eggs are all symbols of fertility derived from the ancient worship of the fertility goddess. Should the saints merge these things in with the types and shadows of Passover, and their fulfillment in Christ?

The same arguments could be made for Christmas. There is no Biblical basis for the holiday at this date. It is derived from the observance of the Winter solstice and Sun worship.

Sometimes the argument that "my heart was right" rings a little hollow when we become aware of the truth. What are our true motives for continued observance of these things? Is is really to honor God?

As stated in Gods word I believe that God looks at a persons heart and motives. So if the motive is just to help people,or to enjoy their family, what is the difference in that as oppose to the like days mentioned above.

Maybe making a kids eyes light up because thier mom or dad couldn't provide them something they needed, a person getting well needed cloths,or what about the shoe boxes that go over seas to help needy people. You may say they can do this anytime. But I would ask if this time of year gets people in the giving mood and the motive is being kind and doing unto others what is wrong with it.

Again I know that God tells us not to love this world. But is having all fun as we would doing something we enjoy (the 4th, veterans day, memorial day, going to the amusement park, etc…) always considered being apart of the world. Some don't look at the magic or the mixture of Christ and the pagan christmas the same.

I believe you have to let God weigh the heart and be the judge if a persons motives are worldly or not.

In Christ!!

"And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:

Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ." I Collosians 2:13-17

God Bless You!

You have asked an excellent question, and one worthy of patient consideration.

A woman is called to honor the authority of her husband. I believe that it is the Father's will that she always maintain an attitude of respectfulness and honor, even if the husband is walking in disobedience to the word. (I Peter 3:1-2)

This does not mean that the wife must participate in a festival she perceives to be pagan, and filled with idolatrous practices and symbols. I would refer you to a chapter from the book "Sarah's Children" that speaks to such situations.

http://www.heart4god.ws/id248.htm

May you be blessed with peace and understanding in these days.

I am happy to answer your question. I was raised in traditional Baptist churches and had a Christmas tree in our home every year as I was growing up. This tradition continued in my home after I was married and had children of my own.

It seems to have been the will of the Father for many of His sons and daughters to dwell in Babylon for a season. Yet, like Zerubabel, Yahweh is now calling many to depart from Babylon that they might journey to Zion.

It is important that when we hear the call that we answer with obedience. Many Jews remained in Babylon when the 70 years of their judgment there were up, as it was a comfortable and prosperous place. Because they did not depart, they became partakers of the judgments that fell upon Babylon in later years.

May you be blessed with peace and understanding in these days.

Thank you,

JMD