Each one must seek the Lord on this matter of Christmas. I see some mean spirited things being said on both sides, a sort of attack because of differing views on this subject. Some accsue others of being unsaved for celebrating it, others are calling some legalists for their warnings against it. There are true believers on both sides of this matter of celebrating Christmas.
Perhaps I can bring a different perspective that may give those who celebrate Christmas a better understanding as to why some of us sought God about the matter of the holidays and chose to ignore them.
I have made a particular commitment based on what God told me about the holidays in general, that all of them were man made, no one can deny that, however, we have freedom in Christ to use them if we desire.
I do not think labeling someone a "legalist" for following their heart and informing others, is fair. We must all do what we feel the Lord telling us, but we must also warn others to evaluate what they do, to be sure their heart is after God and not after the ways of the world.
"One person observes one day and another person does not, each must be convinced in their own heart."
I became burned out on the holidays when all the family we had were Catholics who knew nothing of salvation, prayer was a canned prayer over the food using the same words everyone else used and that was the extent of the "mention of Christ."
When I celebrate something for Christ I expect it to be prayer, Bible reading and testimonies or stories of God's blessing to us. None of that ever happened in any of the gatherings we were at, nor do they happen now.
Santa was always elevated, spoken of and loved, while any mention of Christ was disdained and scorned. To these people "religion" was kept in the building called the church.
The decorations included things like mistle toe and wreaths, which I can't tell you here what their meanings were. People who were not married to one another kissed under that silly plant, an excuse to kiss when others times of the year it would not be acceptable.
The ladies were expected to sit on Santa's lap, a brother dressed like him, when I refused I was treated as a religious fanatic and ruining all their fun.
Gifts were so many they could hardly be counted, it was ALL about the food, gifts and games. I became so burned out on these holidays, that when I became born again I ran as fast as I could from them emotionally, but still had to go for the sake of my husband.
The family has disbursed now, due to their own families having families, I was so glad when we could walk away from all this mess, that I praised God for days, after the first holiday I didn't have to go.
If others have seen what I have, I can understand why they warn their brothers and sisters of the pitfalls of indulging in these secular holidays masquerading as "Christian."
While your experience may have been different, many of us have endured the ritual and abuse of those days and no longer want to return to that. Because of our experience we sought God to show us more, and we dug deeper to find the truth.
Just another perspective, to show that not all people who reject these holidays are "legalists", perhaps many are seeking God in a greater way for their lives and want to leave behind all that tormented them at these godless times.
Sharing what we believe about the holidays is alright, we should not be rebuked for giving a warning. I do not judge the hearts of people who still follow the holidays, it is very hard to leave behind that which brought so much happiness in our younger years and the rejection that comes from not doing the holidays can be overwhelming for some people.
How about we not judge one another as unsaved or legalists, whether we celebrate or whether we do not, but rather share our views openly and honestly without judging our salvation status or calling names.
No one should stop doing something because someone else made us fell guilty, we should only do it if we hear God tell us not to. Our hearts are what God is looking for, not our ritualistic obligatory obedience.
I wanted to bring another perspective so there will be greater understanding of what people have been through and what they desire.
I believe,based on my study of the Word and research of the holidays that none of them were ordained of God, that godless people began these things incorporating the pagan celebrations into Christianity to be able to enjoy some of the things the pagans did. I can no longer "celebrate" them.
However there are very strong believers who still do it, I do not judge a person as unsaved because they still celebrate Christmas and Easter.
Tradition has always been a bugger to get rid of in anyone's life. It bring such happiness and fun, even companionship that is not otherwise available. It takes a work of God in our hearts to seek Him for everything we do. No one else can change our hearts by badgering or demeaning, sharing is another matter.
