Is Christmas the Birthday of Christ?

For many people throughout the world, the Christmas season is the happiest and busiest time of the year. Millions of believers in Christ celebrate December 25th as a special religious holiday because they believe it marks the date of Christ’s birth. Businessmen often take advantage of the giving of gifts at this season to make an extra profit. Some religious people protest at this “commercializing” of Christmas because they feel that a sacred, holy day is desecrated by it. Their protests are often voiced in slogans such as “Put Christ back into Christmas.” Few people, however, including many believers in Christ, are aware of the fact that the Bible is completely silent concerning any special festivities to commemorate the date of Christ’s birth.

The Bible does not give us the date of the birth of Jesus! Whether He was born in December or July or some other month of the year is not stated in the Scriptures. Scholars confess that they do not know the actual date of Christ’s birth. For more than 300 years following the close of the New Testament, Christmas was kept on various dates. In 354, the bishop of Rome decreed that December 25th, a pagan feast day in honor of the god, Saturn, should be observed by Christians in honor of Christ’s birth. However, in the East, this date was not accepted; and for centuries, January 6th was celebrated as the birthday of Jesus, particularly in Egypt. Some branches of the Eastern Orthodox Church, even today, keep January 6th as Christmas day.

It is interesting to note also that many of the festivities connected with Christmas had their origin in paganism, not in the Bible. Many of them came from Catholicism also. For example, the name “Christmas” itself comes from “Christ” and “Mass” referring to the worship of the Roman Catholic Church.

The Bible gives two accounts of the birth of Jesus. They are found in Matthew 1 and 2 and Luke 2. No mention is made of the date. No command is given for our Lord’s birthday to be observed in any way. No example is found in the New Testament of any celebration of Christ’s birth. Rather, the New Testament emphasis is on the death and resurrection of Christ. His death made possible the forgiveness of our sins. His resurrection makes possible our victory over death. The Lord’s supper is to “show the Lord’s death till he come” (1 Corinthians 11:26). The only day in any way set aside for special religious observance in the New Testament is the Lord’s day, Sunday, the first day of the week (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2; Revelation 1:10).

What should be the Christian’s attitude toward Christmas? Should we celebrate it as Christ’s birthday? Definitely not! To do so is to do such without Scriptural authority. Should we observe the Christmas holiday in any way at all?

There is nothing wrong with enjoying the holiday at Christmas, just as one would enjoy any other legal holiday during the year. If one wishes to have a big dinner and get together with family and friends, there is certainly nothing wrong with this. But to honor December 25th as Christ’s birthday, and thus as a special holy day to be religiously observed, is to speak where the Scriptures are silent and to follow the traditions of men rather than the Word of God.

Be Joyous…. Be Thankful that God’s Word is available Today!!!

Compartmentalized Religion

If we as children of God are to ever grow, we need to understand that our lifestyles must reflect our conviction to God. The following article written by brother Steve Higginbotham really puts this concept in perspective.

Not long ago I overheard a man talking about some rather shady business practices in which he had participated. That a man would be dishonest in business shouldn’t be all that shocking to me, but what was shocking to me was that this man was a Christian. When asked about how he could conscientiously engage in such activities, he said, “Business is business, and religion is religion.”

In a similar vein, I once listened as a presidential candidate stated that he believes life begins at conception, but in spite of that belief, he supported the right of women to abort their babies. He made it clear that his stance was due to the fact that his religious convictions were religious convictions, and had nothing to do with politics and the laws of the land.

The above are examples of “compartmentalized religion.” For many people religion is only a part of their being. It only impacts what they do on Sunday. It has no impact on their business ethics, their relationship with their neighbors, or their politics. Imagine trying to sustain any other relationship in the same manner. Imagine a married businessman who, while on business trips, frequented “houses of ill-repute.” What would his wife, or anyone else think, if he offered the following as an explanation, “I do love my wife, and I am totally committed to her when I am with her, but I’m on the road now, and what happens on the road is a totally different matter.”

Surely, we all see how foolish this is, and no self-respecting person, male or female would put up with such a spurious standard of conduct. This being true, what makes us think that God would tolerate this same invalid standard? As convenient as compartmentalized religion may be for some, it just doesn’t pass the test of Scripture. Jesus said that if you wanted to be his disciple you had to give all your heart to him, not just a small compartment (Matthew 22:37).

Don’t try to shortchange God with this compartmentalized view of religion. If you are a Christian, you’ve sold out to God completely… body, soul, and spirit…it all belongs to him. Don’t try and cheat God of what is rightfully his.

“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

The Necessity of our Service, Our Attendance

I, Beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service and be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:1-2.

When we freely and truly come together to worship our Lord and Savior in spirit and truth (John 4:24), It is truly an outward showing of our belief and love for the Lord. The bible teaches us to consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works; Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25. Some do forsake the assembling together and thus forsake the teachings of God. When we forsake the command of God we have forsaken God.

Regular attendance is necessary because we need all the help we can get: surely something will be said or done to help us spiritually. 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12-15; Galatians 5: 13-26; Psalm 1:2-5; 46:1; 121: 1-2; 133:1. We should attend regularly and learn to enjoy it, for if we do not enjoy being with the people of God in worship here, we would not enjoy heaven even if we go there. Our presence also will help to build up and strengthen the church.

No congregation can grow without attendance. There are many things we may not be able to do, but we can attend if we’re not ill. Let us all do our part to make the church stronger. Keep the faith!

We should be present at all the services, thus showing our love for the Lord and one another.

Thank YOU

Among the remarkable touches one notice in the writings of the apostle Paul are his relationships with other Christians. Of Paul’s thirteen inspired letters, four are personal letters to fellow laborers in the faith. Of his nine epistles to churches, three conclude with lengthy lists of individual salutations and commendations, in which Paul expresses his appreciation for various saints by name.

Throughout his writings, we see Paul’s gratitude for those with whom he shared a common hope and experience. He thanked Priscilla and Aquila for saving his life at the risk of their own (Romans 16:3-4). He frequently mentions the fact that brethren in Christ were in his prayers (Ephesians 1:15-16; Colossians 1:3,9; 1 Thessalonians 1:2-4; 3:9; 2 Thessalonians 2:13) and that he coveted others’ prayers on his behalf (1 Corinthians 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:25; 2 Thessalonians 3:1).

There’s a lesson in this for us. We are often quick to give thanks to God for the material blessings we enjoy. We thank Him for our food when we eat, and for the clothing and shelter He supplies from His abundance. But how often do we remember to be thankful for the people with whom He has surrounded us, our brothers and sisters in the family of God? We ought always to remember one another in our prayers to the Father and that, not merely in a general way, but specifically, individually, by name.

For an example, read the closing chapter of Romans and reflect on the language Paul uses to mention these other Christians who were precious to him. Epaenetus, Amplias and Stachys were “my beloved” (16:5,8,9). Tryphena and Tryphosa “have labored in the Lord” (16:12); Mary had “labored much for us” (16:6); the beloved Persis “labored much in the Lord” (16:12). Andronicus and Junia were “of note among the apostles” (16:7). Apelles was “approved in Christ” (16:10). Paul acknowledged Urbanus as “our fellow worker in Christ” (16:9) and Rufus as “chosen in the Lord” (16:13). When was the last time you used any of these expressions to show your appreciation for a brother or sister in Christ?

Our fellow Christians constitute one of the most cherished blessings we enjoy in the Lord. Jesus’ promise of hundredfold abundance of “brothers and sisters and mothers and children” to those who forsake the attachments of the world for His sake and the gospel’s Mark 10:29-30 is fulfilled in the brothers and sisters and parents and children we are to one another in Christ. We need to understand the immense value of that blessing and embrace it as a beautiful gift of God. And we need to let each other know that we appreciate each brother, sister, parent, and child we have in him.

Paul exhorted “that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men” (1 Timothy 2:1). If it is good that we give thanks for all men, then all the more good it is that we give thanks for those of the household of faith (Galatians 6:10). We can demonstrate our thankfulness in tangible ways — by seizing every opportunity to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2), to “rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15), to “consider one another in order to stir up love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24), to “teach and admonish one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” (Colossians 3:16), to do good to “the least of these” (Matthew 25:34-40).

Saints, let us at the church of Christ that meets on Miami Gardens Drive take the time to give thanks for and to one another. For us thanksgiving is a WAY of life and not just a season.

The Attack against God’s Plan for the Remission of Sins

Spiritual health is to be treasured above all treasures found in this world. Sadly, many preachers and Christian educators no longer believe and teach the healthy and true doctrine of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today many in the church have forgotten what it means to a New Testament Christian.

A healthy doctrine may be maintained in the brotherhood only if preachers and teachers stress the fundamental principles of the gospel. The old sermons on the proper division of the Word, the establishment and identity of the church, the Holy Spirit, what one must do to be saved, etc., must be preached over and over again. The errors of sectarianism must be pointed out and answered. There seems to be a strong tendency away from this type of preaching today.

The inspired apostle admonished the church to stand united upon the doctrine of Christ (1 Cor. 1:10). The first doctrinal departure Paul treated at Corinth was the splintering of the body of Christ: “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Cor. 1:13). The crucifixion of the sinless lamb entitles men to be baptized in His name, and to wear His name only. The proper concept of biblical baptism is essential to man’s salvation.

People become citizen in God’s kingdom through the exercise of faith in Christ Jesus as Lord, through a devout and genuine repentance of all their sins, through the acknowledgement of the Christ as God’s Son, and through their baptism by immersion for the remission of their sins. There is no other way revealed of God by which they can become naturalized into God’s kingdom. No amount of assumed authority upon the part of religious hierarchies, no amount of combined wisdom among men, and no amount of well-intended charity by sincere individuals can change these laws. They are the laws of Him whose kingdom was to dissolve and consume all the wisdom of men. The world’s religious creeds but add to the long list of ignorance and confusion, and increase the high presumptions of men.

Obviously, there is another famine among God’s people (Hos. 4:6). Like in the days of old, some of God’s people have rejected His infallible Word. Men are needed today to stand in the gap and preach those old gospel sermons, even if some of our brethren are embarrassed by them. God’s Word is needed out of season just as much as it is needed in season (2 Tim. 3:16-4:4). Men will be eternally lost if they fail to believe, love and obey the truth (Mark 16:16; 2 Thes. 2:9-11). Therefore, brethren, preach and teach the word! If men, love the truth they will obey it (Acts 2:41). Yes, some brethren are on a mission to take the church of our Lord into denominational error.

Miami Gardens, just remember that the treasure found in that Old Jerusalem Gospel is worth more than anything this life has to offer.

Things That Belong in the World

Among the post exilic works, that is those writings after Judah’s captivity in Babylon, was the prophet Zechariah. He was a contemporary of the prophet Haggai, and began his prophetic work approximately 520 B.C., some 16 years after Judah was released from captivity. Among his treasured writings, are a series of visions in which he converses with the angel of the Lord.

In Zechariah 5:5-11, the prophet sees a vision of a woman sitting in a basket. The angel identified the woman, by noting, “This is Wickedness!” And he thrust her down into the basket, and threw the lead cover over its mouth” (Zechariah 5:8, NKJV). As the vision progressed, the prophet witnessed two women with wings, who came and carried the basket, with the woman in it, to the land of Shinar (Babylon). There a house would be built for it, and, “when it is ready, the basket will be set there on its base” (Zechariah 5:11).

What the prophet was seeing in a vision was wickedness being sent or returned to the sinful, heathen land of Babylon. God did not want such sinfulness to remain in the land with His people.

Here is a powerful lesson that needs to be stressed in the Lord’s church today. That lesson is that sin should not be brought into the church; it should be left in the sinful world. Things such as prejudice, faultfinding, backbiting, gossip, envy, jealousy, hatred, pride, arrogance, etc. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21), need to be left in the world, and should not even be named among the Lord’s people.

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?”. . . “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 Corinthians 6:14,17). “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Ephesians 5:11).

Christians and Government

“Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, to speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men.” (Titus 3:1-2)

The early Christians were taught to obey the government. The Cretans were subjected to Roman rule. They objected to this rule and many were guilty of causing rebellion against a government. Christians were to show no interest in works of evil. They were to be patient in their attitude toward those who were placed in authority to rule over them. Paul said in Titus 3:3-4 “for we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts, and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.” Now, today we have learned better, and we know we must obey the laws of the land.

Christians are saved not by their own righteousness, but “by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” (Titus 3:5) God’s Spirit affects the renewal of the spirit of man, by bringing him to faith, and repentance through the preaching of the gospel. Romans 6:1-8 shows that the sinner dies to sin, is buried by baptism, rises to a new life, and is a new creature. Washing of regeneration (Titus 3:5) refers to baptism.

Romans 13:1-2 says, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore reisisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive damnation.”

Government is ordained to help man lead a quiet and peaceful life (1 Timothy 2:2). Government is ordained to punish evil doer (Romans 13:4). God did not ordain monarchy, dictatorship, or democracy, but government. Government is ordained for the good of mankind (Romans 13:3-4). Without government, a state of disorder (anarchy) will prevail. Anarchy produces every kind of evil. Men may abuse and pervert God’s idea of government under anarchy. Those of us who love God are bounded to obey the laws of the land, but we are not bound to obey a law of government which commands something sinful and wrong. “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29) We must be subject to the government in that the Bible says “Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:21)

God has planned for government to exist, and for His children to be in submission to it. Government is not of the devil, but it is of God.