True meaning of Christmas?
-
Dan Lysthauge
- Posts: 93
- Joined: Thu Mar 06, 2014 12:08 am
- Location: Nebraska, North America
-
Brian McDonald
- Posts: 70
- Joined: Tue Nov 11, 2014 10:52 am
- Location: Ireland
Re: True meaning of Christmas?
Hi Dan, I was expecting something more when I saw the new topic, (True meaning of Christmas?) “Christmas is taking the Lords name in vain is it not,” in the forum.
I thought you would have had more to say. I guess you where just asking a straight question, unless I have missed something. So okay, “Christmas is taking the Lords name in vain is it not?” Well, I guess it could be if you where a so-called Christian. I use to try real hard to celebrate Christmas with a sort of “Christ like spirit” given that it was suppose to be a celebration of the Lord's birthday. In other words, I tried to centre Christmas on Christ rather than the all the commercialism and so on.
Taking the Lord's name in vain....I have come to the conclusion that to take the Lords name in “vain” one must have some sort of notion as to who the Lord really is.
Most people these days, especial young people (though I do not blame them so much) do not care one way or the other about Christ, even at at Christmastime. They celebrate Christmas as a time when you give your kids presents because its what their parents and their parents before them did. For them it's all about Santa and Rudolf the red nose Reindeer, is it not? My own earthly father told me, just a few short weeks ago, that he loved Christmas, “its all about the kids” said he. This is a man who goes to his catholic mass every week but is ignorant of the real Christ. He has been led astray by the catholic church and is simply obedient to the tradition he was brought up in, as are most Catholics.
It seems to me there are three types of Christmas keepers. One is the modern-day Christmas keeper. This is the person who has no notion of Christ or simply doesn't care. How can a person like this be judged as taking the Lords name in vain? Another one is the sort of person who believes Christmas is supposed to be about Christ and tries to celebrate the season in a Christ-like spirit, i.e. giving to the poor and being charitable and so on. Maybe they only send “holy Christmas cards” to remind others of what Christmas is supposed to be about. My father might fall into this category as I once did. I was once as blind as he is now. I would call these ignorant Christians. Then you have the so-called professed Christians.....those who say they know the Lord and have a supposed “personal” relationship with Him, yet they partake in this pagan festival with more eager enthusiasm than I have seen in almost all others. These are the ones who really take the Lords name in vain. In light of what I have said, I would be hard pressed to say that everyone who celebrates Christmas is taking the Lord's name in vain. So, in answer to your question Dan..... “Christmas is taking the Lords name in vain is it not” I would have to say, yes and no, and, not necessarily, if that makes sense. I would not paint everyone the same colour. It was a member of the Watchtower's JW (Jehovah Witnesses) who first enlightened me about Christmas and this was confirmed for me when I red more or less the same thing at TPOT. Lack is knowledge for some, but what excuse can there be for those who should know better or who proclaim to know better?
Brian.
I thought you would have had more to say. I guess you where just asking a straight question, unless I have missed something. So okay, “Christmas is taking the Lords name in vain is it not?” Well, I guess it could be if you where a so-called Christian. I use to try real hard to celebrate Christmas with a sort of “Christ like spirit” given that it was suppose to be a celebration of the Lord's birthday. In other words, I tried to centre Christmas on Christ rather than the all the commercialism and so on.
Taking the Lord's name in vain....I have come to the conclusion that to take the Lords name in “vain” one must have some sort of notion as to who the Lord really is.
Most people these days, especial young people (though I do not blame them so much) do not care one way or the other about Christ, even at at Christmastime. They celebrate Christmas as a time when you give your kids presents because its what their parents and their parents before them did. For them it's all about Santa and Rudolf the red nose Reindeer, is it not? My own earthly father told me, just a few short weeks ago, that he loved Christmas, “its all about the kids” said he. This is a man who goes to his catholic mass every week but is ignorant of the real Christ. He has been led astray by the catholic church and is simply obedient to the tradition he was brought up in, as are most Catholics.
It seems to me there are three types of Christmas keepers. One is the modern-day Christmas keeper. This is the person who has no notion of Christ or simply doesn't care. How can a person like this be judged as taking the Lords name in vain? Another one is the sort of person who believes Christmas is supposed to be about Christ and tries to celebrate the season in a Christ-like spirit, i.e. giving to the poor and being charitable and so on. Maybe they only send “holy Christmas cards” to remind others of what Christmas is supposed to be about. My father might fall into this category as I once did. I was once as blind as he is now. I would call these ignorant Christians. Then you have the so-called professed Christians.....those who say they know the Lord and have a supposed “personal” relationship with Him, yet they partake in this pagan festival with more eager enthusiasm than I have seen in almost all others. These are the ones who really take the Lords name in vain. In light of what I have said, I would be hard pressed to say that everyone who celebrates Christmas is taking the Lord's name in vain. So, in answer to your question Dan..... “Christmas is taking the Lords name in vain is it not” I would have to say, yes and no, and, not necessarily, if that makes sense. I would not paint everyone the same colour. It was a member of the Watchtower's JW (Jehovah Witnesses) who first enlightened me about Christmas and this was confirmed for me when I red more or less the same thing at TPOT. Lack is knowledge for some, but what excuse can there be for those who should know better or who proclaim to know better?
Brian.
-
William Woeger
Re: True meaning of Christmas?
I really appreciate what you said here, Brian. I think you just provided that "something more" you were expecting to see. Thanks.
Thanks for bringing this topic up, Dan.
I think I can agree with a lot of what Brian says, that it's about how much one is given and what they do with that. As Brian says, there are some things that didn't hit home for me until I came to TPOT. For instance, my step dad, one Christmas morning, once told me that God didn't approve of Christmas and that the decoration of a tree was evil. I didn't get it. I didn't care. It didn't hit home. Nor did I care about the things of God then either. I didn't know why we did a lot of the things we did and it wasn't in me to care to ask why, even when someone gave me some new info to consider. I didn't care to consider. I was often in lala land.
If my step dad knew, why did he take part? Though he knew, I don't think he was serious in walking with God, if he even thought of himself to be walking with God. Perhaps it provoked some thinking in his head and he wanted to provoke some thinking in my head, which didn't work. Then again, maybe a seed was planted.
Some things I've talked about with another here lately:
If one is unsure about a choice, if one doubts to do something, if they don't feel at peace before God, then perhaps better to go to the Lord and wait for His guidance. Then there is the time to just trust the Lord to bring you to the right, also being unsure. Once knowing the right, had better do it. Why prolong? But yes, I am guilty of this.
Thanks for bringing this topic up, Dan.
I think I can agree with a lot of what Brian says, that it's about how much one is given and what they do with that. As Brian says, there are some things that didn't hit home for me until I came to TPOT. For instance, my step dad, one Christmas morning, once told me that God didn't approve of Christmas and that the decoration of a tree was evil. I didn't get it. I didn't care. It didn't hit home. Nor did I care about the things of God then either. I didn't know why we did a lot of the things we did and it wasn't in me to care to ask why, even when someone gave me some new info to consider. I didn't care to consider. I was often in lala land.
If my step dad knew, why did he take part? Though he knew, I don't think he was serious in walking with God, if he even thought of himself to be walking with God. Perhaps it provoked some thinking in his head and he wanted to provoke some thinking in my head, which didn't work. Then again, maybe a seed was planted.
Some things I've talked about with another here lately:
If one is unsure about a choice, if one doubts to do something, if they don't feel at peace before God, then perhaps better to go to the Lord and wait for His guidance. Then there is the time to just trust the Lord to bring you to the right, also being unsure. Once knowing the right, had better do it. Why prolong? But yes, I am guilty of this.
-
Dan Lysthauge
- Posts: 93
- Joined: Thu Mar 06, 2014 12:08 am
- Location: Nebraska, North America
Re: True meaning of Christmas?
Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
Rom 1:19 because the thing which may be known of God is clearly revealed within them, for God revealed it to them.
Rom 1:20 For the unseen things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being realized by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, for them to be without excuse.
Rom 1:21 Because, knowing God, they did not glorify Him as God, neither were thankful. But they became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Rom 1:22 Professing to be wise, they became fools
Rom 1:23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man, and birds, and four-footed animals, and creeping things.
Rom 1:24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves.
Rom 1:25 For they changed the truth of God into a lie, and they worshiped and served the created thing more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
Rom 1:19 because the thing which may be known of God is clearly revealed within them, for God revealed it to them.
Rom 1:20 For the unseen things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being realized by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, for them to be without excuse.
Rom 1:21 Because, knowing God, they did not glorify Him as God, neither were thankful. But they became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Rom 1:22 Professing to be wise, they became fools
Rom 1:23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man, and birds, and four-footed animals, and creeping things.
Rom 1:24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves.
Rom 1:25 For they changed the truth of God into a lie, and they worshiped and served the created thing more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
Dan Lysthauge
-
Beryl Knipe
Re: True meaning of Christmas?
Hi everyone,
I'd briefly like to explain my situation regarding "Christmas." Around 1989/90 we were invited to someone's house to celebrate. I was quiet and looked around at the merriment and drunkenness. The question came to my mind: "Is this REALLY what the Lord wants?" I continued observing, although reluctantly. As I'm from a large family, the presents were piled high under the tree. I always felt awkward and uncomfortable. Around 1995 I asked the Lord to show me and help me to understand. I was led to another ministry, where I learnt the true meaning. The last time I ever observed that day was in December 1995. My husband, child, grandchild and most of my immediate family respect my views and don't "do it" anymore. However, I have two sisters who will (no matter what I explain) will continue to send me Christmas wishes showing Santa and trees and snowmen. I now simply ignore the messages. Just a brief explanation.
Beryl.
I'd briefly like to explain my situation regarding "Christmas." Around 1989/90 we were invited to someone's house to celebrate. I was quiet and looked around at the merriment and drunkenness. The question came to my mind: "Is this REALLY what the Lord wants?" I continued observing, although reluctantly. As I'm from a large family, the presents were piled high under the tree. I always felt awkward and uncomfortable. Around 1995 I asked the Lord to show me and help me to understand. I was led to another ministry, where I learnt the true meaning. The last time I ever observed that day was in December 1995. My husband, child, grandchild and most of my immediate family respect my views and don't "do it" anymore. However, I have two sisters who will (no matter what I explain) will continue to send me Christmas wishes showing Santa and trees and snowmen. I now simply ignore the messages. Just a brief explanation.
Beryl.