In this weekend's Religion section of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, they had an article about the origins of the popular holiday we call, "Christmas". The article said it was originally a pagan festival, and that many Christians of the time refused to celebrate it. Some cities even outlawed it!
The article mentioned one preacher from the Church of God who refuses to celebrate Christmas. He says that since it's not mentioned in the Bible, and the early Christians didn't celebrate it, then he's not going to celebrate it.
Which got me to thinking.
Is Christmas a bad thing?
I say no! Here's why.
Who cares if Christmas had its beginnings in a pagan celebration. Christians have made it into celebrating the birth of Christ, our Saviour and Lord. That's not a bad thing.
And what about the non-Christians who speak of the "spirit of the season" without meaning Christ? Well, is it really that bad for us as a people to try to be generous to the needy, polite and kind to one another, and spread "Christmas cheer?" No, it's not.
Besides, don't Christians watch TV, listen to the radio, read the newspapers, wear jeans and make-up, and enjoy celebrating football victories? Just because we're Christian doesn't mean we can't do some of the same things other people in our "culture" do.
Therefore, we can celebrate Christmas!
(As if you needed my permission...)
Merry Christmas! 9 more days to go!
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