The Truth About Christmas
We're told each year that Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, and the happiest season of all, as it's a time of gatherings, gifts, decorations, lights, mistletoe, music, and homemade snacks, but is it really the most wonderful time and happiest season of the year for our LORD and SAVIOR (JESUS CHRIST)? Does the holiday season truly glorify HIM as many "Christians" claim it does? After all, tradition does say it's HIS birth. But what about Scripture? That's the most important question to consider, as we continue throughout this study, because HIS WORD is the final authority, and a lot of times as we know, tradition is often not based on truth. Now if you're a true CHRISTian reading this today, then it should be your absolute desire to see how GOD feels about this holiday season and what HIS WORD has to say about it, as we are to align our selves in HIS ways, and to be holy (= set apart) just as HE is holy, as HE commands us to be, written in Leviticus 11:45, 19:2, and 1 Peter 1:15-16. Below let's begin in Luke 2.
Luke 2:1-40
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
This tax was an enrollment/census for the people living under the Roman empire at this time. As we can see, Caesar Augustus was the Roman emperor at this time, and this was his decree.
2 (And this taxing (i.e. registering) was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed (i.e. registered), every one into his own city.
Each person returned unto their hometown.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, Mary went with Joseph from Nazareth unto Bethlehem, Judaea. Keep in mind that Judaea is at a much higher elevation than Nazareth is, and it is estimated that they traveled around 70 miles.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Notice no where do you see a date given here in Scripture, pointing to December 25th, nor will you find that anywhere else in Scripture, and yet tradition will say that was the birthdate of CHRIST.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
As we can see, shepherds were abiding in the field at this time, keeping watch over their flocks at night, which would have never happened in the Winter (December 25th), and the coldest part of the year. On average, shepherds in Israel have their flocks put up no later than the middle of October, as the grass dwindles away, the weather starts to drastically decrease in temperature, and drastically increase in rain. Now although the highs and lows of the day do not quite compare to what they get to here in North America, 50's as the high (Fahrenheit) and 40's and 30's as the low (Fahrenheit), would have still been way too hard for the people at this time to travel and endure, to turn in their census', which the Roman empire would have never asked for at that time of the year. Imagine, Mary being pregnant and them traveling around 70 miles to a much higher elevation in the coldest and wettest part of the year. As we can clearly see, that's not the time frame we are given.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
They were afraid because they had never seen anything like this before.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
And so it was. Through this child (CHRIST), would all people of the world have the opportunity to be Saved, to whomsoever will (Romans 10:13), so never let anyone rob you of GOD's precious gift to us, as regardless of your race/skin color, CHRIST died and rose again for you, as "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise (Galatians 3:28-29)".
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste (i.e. quickness), and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
This was a marvelous, wonderful, and miraculous event, which Mary would never forget, and forever cherish.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS (= YEHOVAH [YHVH] is Salvation), which was so named of the angel (i.e. Gabriel [Luke 1]) before he was conceived in the womb.
22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
This law of Moses is what is written in Leviticus 12:2-4 "Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean. And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised. And she shall then continue in the blood of her purifying three and thirty days; she shall touch no hallowed thing, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying be fulfilled".
23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy (= set apart) to the Lord;)
24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
And so it was, this was part of the old covenant's blood ordinances which no longer applies to us today, as this very child (YESHUA/JESUS) would fulfill all animal sacrifices upon HIS death on the cross, and as it's documented in Hebrews 10:10, it was for one and all times. To perform animal sacrifices today would be a complete disgrace and abomination in GOD's eyes, because again, HE (CHRIST), fulfilled these things and became our ultimate sacrifice for one and all times. Forgiveness is available to those who ask and come to HIM in repentance.
25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon (= hearkening); and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost (= Spirit, pneûma in the Greek) was upon him.
Just a side note, this word "ghost" is not in the manuscripts, but rather it is Spirit, as ghost in our English language today usually refers to something dark, spooky, unknown, and negative, and by all means, GOD's Spirit is not unknown, dark, spooky or negative in any way. Again, as you can see above, the word "ghost" is pneûma in the Greek, and it simply means Spirit. As followers and believers of CHRIST (Christians), HIS SPIRIT brings us comfort and warmth, but to the non-believers and heathens, it brings them discomfort and fear as they're enemies of HIM.
26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost (i.e. Spirit), that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
In other words, GOD's SPIRIT (the HOLY SPIRIT) revealed unto him that he was not going to die until he had first met the CHRIST child.
27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
As mentioned above, under verse twenty-two, in alignment with the law of Moses, this would have taken place on the forty-first day after JESUS' birth, as Mary's purification process lasted forty days (8 + 33 = 40). Notice how perfect of timing this was for this man, as he entered the temple at the exact same time as Mary, Joseph, and baby JESUS. As always, as we have seen here, GOD's timing is perfect, and so when HIS SPIRIT speaks/reveals unto you the plan for your life, never doubt it.
28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
And so it was, Simeon was filled with joy and picked up JESUS, and blessed GOD...
29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
Simeon was blessed by GOD to have been able to meet and hold the CHRIST-child before his death, and now that GOD has allowed him to meet HIM, he asks GOD concerning what little time he has left, before his death, that his departure be in peace.
30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
You can only imagine how exciting this was for Simeon, as he knew this was the child who would grow up to bring Salvation unto the whole world, to whomsoever will (Romans 10:13).
31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
As written in John 8:12, JESUS is the LIGHT of the world. Before HIS crucifixion, HE was sent unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel, but after it was finished, the vail in the temple was torn (Matthew 27:51) and HIS salvation was made available for the gentiles as well (Acts 28:28, Romans 11:11).
33 And Joseph and his (i.e. JESUS') mother (i.e. Mary) marvelled (i.e. were amazed) at those things which were spoken of him (= Simeon).
34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
This was prophecy spoken of by Simeon as he knew that through the life, death, and resurrection of CHRIST, that many would rise unto Salvation, while some unfortunately would fall and reject HIM, just as many self-proclaiming "Jews" still do today.
35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
The things that would later happen to JESUS in HIS life would go on to hurt Mary as well, as if the feeling of a sword piecing her soul also, as she would have to bare witness of JESUS' suffering, pain, and crucifixion on the cross; what a heartbreak it was to witness during the time being, but what a tremendous joy afterwards, as HE defeated death and overcame the grave, providing us Salvation and eternal life today, whereby we could conquer and overcome sin.
36 And there was one Anna (= grace), a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
In other words, she had lived with her husband seven years before he died.
37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years (i.e. she was now approximately 84 years old), which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
In other words, she shared the good news of what she had seen of HIM unto others.
39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
So as we can see, this time frame of JESUS' birth and HIS first few days on this earth doesn't fit the timeframe (December 25th) of what tradition tells us. Below, let's continue in Matthew 2.
This tax was an enrollment/census for the people living under the Roman empire at this time. As we can see, Caesar Augustus was the Roman emperor at this time, and this was his decree.
2 (And this taxing (i.e. registering) was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed (i.e. registered), every one into his own city.
Each person returned unto their hometown.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, Mary went with Joseph from Nazareth unto Bethlehem, Judaea. Keep in mind that Judaea is at a much higher elevation than Nazareth is, and it is estimated that they traveled around 70 miles.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Notice no where do you see a date given here in Scripture, pointing to December 25th, nor will you find that anywhere else in Scripture, and yet tradition will say that was the birthdate of CHRIST.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
As we can see, shepherds were abiding in the field at this time, keeping watch over their flocks at night, which would have never happened in the Winter (December 25th), and the coldest part of the year. On average, shepherds in Israel have their flocks put up no later than the middle of October, as the grass dwindles away, the weather starts to drastically decrease in temperature, and drastically increase in rain. Now although the highs and lows of the day do not quite compare to what they get to here in North America, 50's as the high (Fahrenheit) and 40's and 30's as the low (Fahrenheit), would have still been way too hard for the people at this time to travel and endure, to turn in their census', which the Roman empire would have never asked for at that time of the year. Imagine, Mary being pregnant and them traveling around 70 miles to a much higher elevation in the coldest and wettest part of the year. As we can clearly see, that's not the time frame we are given.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
They were afraid because they had never seen anything like this before.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
And so it was. Through this child (CHRIST), would all people of the world have the opportunity to be Saved, to whomsoever will (Romans 10:13), so never let anyone rob you of GOD's precious gift to us, as regardless of your race/skin color, CHRIST died and rose again for you, as "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise (Galatians 3:28-29)".
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste (i.e. quickness), and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
This was a marvelous, wonderful, and miraculous event, which Mary would never forget, and forever cherish.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS (= YEHOVAH [YHVH] is Salvation), which was so named of the angel (i.e. Gabriel [Luke 1]) before he was conceived in the womb.
22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
This law of Moses is what is written in Leviticus 12:2-4 "Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean. And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised. And she shall then continue in the blood of her purifying three and thirty days; she shall touch no hallowed thing, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying be fulfilled".
23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy (= set apart) to the Lord;)
24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
And so it was, this was part of the old covenant's blood ordinances which no longer applies to us today, as this very child (YESHUA/JESUS) would fulfill all animal sacrifices upon HIS death on the cross, and as it's documented in Hebrews 10:10, it was for one and all times. To perform animal sacrifices today would be a complete disgrace and abomination in GOD's eyes, because again, HE (CHRIST), fulfilled these things and became our ultimate sacrifice for one and all times. Forgiveness is available to those who ask and come to HIM in repentance.
25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon (= hearkening); and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost (= Spirit, pneûma in the Greek) was upon him.
Just a side note, this word "ghost" is not in the manuscripts, but rather it is Spirit, as ghost in our English language today usually refers to something dark, spooky, unknown, and negative, and by all means, GOD's Spirit is not unknown, dark, spooky or negative in any way. Again, as you can see above, the word "ghost" is pneûma in the Greek, and it simply means Spirit. As followers and believers of CHRIST (Christians), HIS SPIRIT brings us comfort and warmth, but to the non-believers and heathens, it brings them discomfort and fear as they're enemies of HIM.
26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost (i.e. Spirit), that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
In other words, GOD's SPIRIT (the HOLY SPIRIT) revealed unto him that he was not going to die until he had first met the CHRIST child.
27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
As mentioned above, under verse twenty-two, in alignment with the law of Moses, this would have taken place on the forty-first day after JESUS' birth, as Mary's purification process lasted forty days (8 + 33 = 40). Notice how perfect of timing this was for this man, as he entered the temple at the exact same time as Mary, Joseph, and baby JESUS. As always, as we have seen here, GOD's timing is perfect, and so when HIS SPIRIT speaks/reveals unto you the plan for your life, never doubt it.
28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
And so it was, Simeon was filled with joy and picked up JESUS, and blessed GOD...
29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
Simeon was blessed by GOD to have been able to meet and hold the CHRIST-child before his death, and now that GOD has allowed him to meet HIM, he asks GOD concerning what little time he has left, before his death, that his departure be in peace.
30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
You can only imagine how exciting this was for Simeon, as he knew this was the child who would grow up to bring Salvation unto the whole world, to whomsoever will (Romans 10:13).
31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
As written in John 8:12, JESUS is the LIGHT of the world. Before HIS crucifixion, HE was sent unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel, but after it was finished, the vail in the temple was torn (Matthew 27:51) and HIS salvation was made available for the gentiles as well (Acts 28:28, Romans 11:11).
33 And Joseph and his (i.e. JESUS') mother (i.e. Mary) marvelled (i.e. were amazed) at those things which were spoken of him (= Simeon).
34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
This was prophecy spoken of by Simeon as he knew that through the life, death, and resurrection of CHRIST, that many would rise unto Salvation, while some unfortunately would fall and reject HIM, just as many self-proclaiming "Jews" still do today.
35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
The things that would later happen to JESUS in HIS life would go on to hurt Mary as well, as if the feeling of a sword piecing her soul also, as she would have to bare witness of JESUS' suffering, pain, and crucifixion on the cross; what a heartbreak it was to witness during the time being, but what a tremendous joy afterwards, as HE defeated death and overcame the grave, providing us Salvation and eternal life today, whereby we could conquer and overcome sin.
36 And there was one Anna (= grace), a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
In other words, she had lived with her husband seven years before he died.
37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years (i.e. she was now approximately 84 years old), which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
In other words, she shared the good news of what she had seen of HIM unto others.
39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
So as we can see, this time frame of JESUS' birth and HIS first few days on this earth doesn't fit the timeframe (December 25th) of what tradition tells us. Below, let's continue in Matthew 2.
Matthew 2
1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men (i.e. Magi, mágos in the Greek) from the east to Jerusalem,
Notice JESUS was already born, and that these wise men came from the east; notice also that the exact location of where they came from is not mentioned, and that they came to Jerusalem first, which is something to keep in mind as we continue below. Now did it say how many wise men? No, but tradition states there were three since there were three gifts as you will see given to CHRIST below, but no where in Scripture is the number of wise men (i.e. Magi) stated, nor is it written whether they were kings or priests.
2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
This word "star" in the Greek manuscripts is astḗr, and it can mean a literal star or figuratively a star. Either way, this was a special sign of GOD which was foretold and prophesied all the way back by Balaam in Numbers 24:16-17, which says "He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open: I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth."; "the children of sheth" meaning the children of tumult (confusion), who are against GOD in the end; they will ultimately be destroyed along with satan himself.
3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
Although Herod was king of Judaea, he ruled on behalf of Caesar who controlled the Roman empire as a whole. Notice Herod was troubled because he wanted to rule over everyone in the area and be the focal point of worship; the same mindset as satan before his downfall in the first world age.
4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
This is what was prophesied and written in Micah 5:2, "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting".
6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
7 Then Herod, when he had privily (i.e. privately) called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
Herod wanted to know when it was they had seen this star/sign, so he could determine about how old the Christ-child was.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
Clearly Herod is lying here as you'll see in just a few verses (verse 16), as he wants to destroy this precious CHRIST-child.
9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
Did it say "they all sat around and exchanged gifts"? No, but rather they gave gifts unto the young child, which was the custom of this time to give a KING. The word "house" simply could refer to the "House of Bread", which is what Bethlehem means, or this verse could mean that they were in a literal house. Either way, notice they came and saw "the young child" as it's written, not a "babe" lying in a manger, as in Luke 2. As we get to verse sixteen, you'll notice that Herod's requirements are to murder all the male babies in this area two years of age and younger, which most likely is how old JESUS could have been at this time when these wise men finally visited him, as Herod chose the number two and under after the information he had received from the wise men, when they had first seen the star/sign; either way, as we'll continue to see from this chapter, their visit wasn't immediately on the same night HE was born.
12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.
Remember, these wise men came from the east, and although their exact location isn't mentioned, it likely took them several months after they saw the star/sign before they could actually get to meet the Christ-child, but one thing for sure is they were determined and desiring to meet JESUS. Notice Herod had all the infants murdered from age two and under, which likely is how old JESUS was during this time, as it says "according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men". So we know that this all didn't take place immediately after CHRIST was born, which is why you don't see the shepherds mentioned in this chapter, nor Simeon and Anna as we did above in Luke 2. So by the time Herod realized these wise men (magi) weren't coming back, and based on the time of when the wise men had last told him they saw the star/sign, this murdering of all the other infant boys likely took place when JESUS was close to two years old. Some wonder why GOD would allow this to happen, but the real question is why would the people allow this to happen? The same goes for the people in our nations today which sit back and keep quiet while the unborn are slaughtered in the womb everyday; not only do they sit back and keep quiet, but they also vote for "leaders" who approve of it and encourage it, and then expect GOD to bless them. America, nor any other country will ever be great again, until CHRIST is put first. And sadly this is what happens when people desire a man-king/s to rule over them.
17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy (i.e. Jeremiah) the prophet, saying,
18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
This is what was written in Jeremiah 31:15-16, which says "Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not. Thus saith the LORD; Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the LORD; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy". GOD letting Rachel know that her work was not in vain. "Ramah" means "hill or a high place", which was near Jerusalem, and if you remember from Genesis 35, Rachel died while giving birth to Benoni (= son of my sorrow), which Jacob would change his name to Benjamin (= son of the right hand), and it occurred in Bethlehem (= House of Bread), which is where CHRIST was later born as we see here, and it is only through HIM in which the tribes of Israel and all those grafted in prevail against our enemies, as HE is our bread of life (John 6:35).
19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
20 Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.
21 And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.
22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
Now regardless of JESUS' age, whether he was two years old or younger, we know from the events taken place that this return unto Nazareth happened after all of these events had occurred, which would take place between the middle part of Luke 2:39, as we know it took the wise men quite some time to get to the destination of JESUS, which means they did not arrive immediately upon HIS birth, and the fact that the shepherds in the field, along with Simeon, and Anna are not mentioned in this chapter either. So now that we see from Scripture that the nativity of CHRIST is quite different from the traditions of what is kept in Christmas, about JESUS laying out in the cold of December, and the "three" wise men standing around a manger, and gift exchanging taking place, let's examine the other customs and traditions of Christmas and see where exactly they come from, as one thing for sure, JESUS never observed them, nor any of the disciples and prophets either.
Notice JESUS was already born, and that these wise men came from the east; notice also that the exact location of where they came from is not mentioned, and that they came to Jerusalem first, which is something to keep in mind as we continue below. Now did it say how many wise men? No, but tradition states there were three since there were three gifts as you will see given to CHRIST below, but no where in Scripture is the number of wise men (i.e. Magi) stated, nor is it written whether they were kings or priests.
2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
This word "star" in the Greek manuscripts is astḗr, and it can mean a literal star or figuratively a star. Either way, this was a special sign of GOD which was foretold and prophesied all the way back by Balaam in Numbers 24:16-17, which says "He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open: I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth."; "the children of sheth" meaning the children of tumult (confusion), who are against GOD in the end; they will ultimately be destroyed along with satan himself.
3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
Although Herod was king of Judaea, he ruled on behalf of Caesar who controlled the Roman empire as a whole. Notice Herod was troubled because he wanted to rule over everyone in the area and be the focal point of worship; the same mindset as satan before his downfall in the first world age.
4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
This is what was prophesied and written in Micah 5:2, "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting".
6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
7 Then Herod, when he had privily (i.e. privately) called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
Herod wanted to know when it was they had seen this star/sign, so he could determine about how old the Christ-child was.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
Clearly Herod is lying here as you'll see in just a few verses (verse 16), as he wants to destroy this precious CHRIST-child.
9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
Did it say "they all sat around and exchanged gifts"? No, but rather they gave gifts unto the young child, which was the custom of this time to give a KING. The word "house" simply could refer to the "House of Bread", which is what Bethlehem means, or this verse could mean that they were in a literal house. Either way, notice they came and saw "the young child" as it's written, not a "babe" lying in a manger, as in Luke 2. As we get to verse sixteen, you'll notice that Herod's requirements are to murder all the male babies in this area two years of age and younger, which most likely is how old JESUS could have been at this time when these wise men finally visited him, as Herod chose the number two and under after the information he had received from the wise men, when they had first seen the star/sign; either way, as we'll continue to see from this chapter, their visit wasn't immediately on the same night HE was born.
12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.
Remember, these wise men came from the east, and although their exact location isn't mentioned, it likely took them several months after they saw the star/sign before they could actually get to meet the Christ-child, but one thing for sure is they were determined and desiring to meet JESUS. Notice Herod had all the infants murdered from age two and under, which likely is how old JESUS was during this time, as it says "according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men". So we know that this all didn't take place immediately after CHRIST was born, which is why you don't see the shepherds mentioned in this chapter, nor Simeon and Anna as we did above in Luke 2. So by the time Herod realized these wise men (magi) weren't coming back, and based on the time of when the wise men had last told him they saw the star/sign, this murdering of all the other infant boys likely took place when JESUS was close to two years old. Some wonder why GOD would allow this to happen, but the real question is why would the people allow this to happen? The same goes for the people in our nations today which sit back and keep quiet while the unborn are slaughtered in the womb everyday; not only do they sit back and keep quiet, but they also vote for "leaders" who approve of it and encourage it, and then expect GOD to bless them. America, nor any other country will ever be great again, until CHRIST is put first. And sadly this is what happens when people desire a man-king/s to rule over them.
17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy (i.e. Jeremiah) the prophet, saying,
18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
This is what was written in Jeremiah 31:15-16, which says "Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not. Thus saith the LORD; Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the LORD; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy". GOD letting Rachel know that her work was not in vain. "Ramah" means "hill or a high place", which was near Jerusalem, and if you remember from Genesis 35, Rachel died while giving birth to Benoni (= son of my sorrow), which Jacob would change his name to Benjamin (= son of the right hand), and it occurred in Bethlehem (= House of Bread), which is where CHRIST was later born as we see here, and it is only through HIM in which the tribes of Israel and all those grafted in prevail against our enemies, as HE is our bread of life (John 6:35).
19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
20 Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.
21 And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.
22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
Now regardless of JESUS' age, whether he was two years old or younger, we know from the events taken place that this return unto Nazareth happened after all of these events had occurred, which would take place between the middle part of Luke 2:39, as we know it took the wise men quite some time to get to the destination of JESUS, which means they did not arrive immediately upon HIS birth, and the fact that the shepherds in the field, along with Simeon, and Anna are not mentioned in this chapter either. So now that we see from Scripture that the nativity of CHRIST is quite different from the traditions of what is kept in Christmas, about JESUS laying out in the cold of December, and the "three" wise men standing around a manger, and gift exchanging taking place, let's examine the other customs and traditions of Christmas and see where exactly they come from, as one thing for sure, JESUS never observed them, nor any of the disciples and prophets either.
Tree decorating
As harmless as Christmas tree decorating may appear, it's important to understand that the origin of cutting a tree down and decorating it is all pagan. Many Christians say they do it to honor CHRIST and to have fun, but never are we commanded in Scripture to honor HIM in that way. After all, as HE would say in John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments". And how is it HE said for us to remember HIM by? 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 says "23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24 And when he had given thanks, he (i.e. JESUS) brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.". So as we can see, we honor CHRIST when we keep HIS commandments, and remember HIM when we take Communion. JESUS tells us in John 4:23-24 "23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.". HE also warns us through the examples of others, that some will worship HIM in vain, as their ways are aligned with man-made traditions rather than the TRUTH of HIS WORD (Matthew 15, Mark 7), and those who worship in such ways, that it is unfit and hypocritical. "But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. (Matthew 15:9)." and in the previous verse (Matthew 15:8) "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me". Although many churches today have tried to "Christianize" paganism and bring that involved with the worship of other gods into Christianity, it simply just want work in pleasing our HEAVENLY FATHER, as HE wants us to be set apart (Holy [Leviticus 11:45, 19:2, and 1 Peter 1:15-16]) from the ways of the world (1 John 2:15-17, Romans 12:2). Turning to 1 Peter 2:1-12, it says,
1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
You see, when you come to repentance and give your life to CHRIST, you become as if you are a new born baby, as you're figuratively born again into GOD's family, as your past is cast aside and forgiven, and although you may not know much of what to do as a new believer, your absolute desire should be to live by HIS WORD and grow in HIS WORD, studying each day, as you live out the rest of your life in this flesh, because as it's written in John 1:1, CHRIST is the living WORD and so when you think about it, if you're without the WORD, you're with CHRIST, as apart from it, you cannot grow in HIM.
3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
And indeed HE is. For a great reminder of this, see Romans 5:8.
4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men (i.e. mankind rejected HIM), but chosen of God, and precious,
CHRIST is that precious living stone as HE is our chief, and is our only solid foundation in which we can truly grow and build our lives upon.
5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
And so it is, when we truly live our lives to please GOD, we take upon ourselves HIS ways, doing and striving in every aspect of our lives to be pleasing to HIM, and as result, we make up the lively stones of HIS temple.
6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
JESUS is the only way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6), and those who truly live in HIM, who are committed to HIM, will seek and abide by the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be, and not confound themselves in the ways and lies of this world, as the whole point of the Christian life is about self-denial, not self-promotion (see Luke 9:23), as we crucify our fleshly desires/ways and take upon HIS desires/ways, which is to be pleasing to GOD.
7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
And it is those who will be sifted out in the end, as they won't be a part of GOD's eternal kingdom.
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;
You're either of the LIGHT (fully committed to CHRIST [LIFE]), or you're of the darkness (committed to satan [death]), as you can't be both, because no one can serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). Therefore when examining the things we do in this life, we should always make sure their aligned in the ways of CHRIST if we truly want to be pleasing to HIM and be blessed.
10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
Though our flesh gets weak sometimes and causes us to lose focus on the things of GOD at times, that is what repentance is all about, and as it's written in Philippians 4:13, we can do all things through CHRIST and overcome anything as HE is our strength; so no matter what temptation/s come our way, we have the power of CHRIST living within us, through the power of HIS HOLY SPIRIT which can help us overcome them. James 1:14-22 says "14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 16 Do not err, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. 18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. 19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. 21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. 22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves".
12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
The only way we can change the world and lead the world closer to GOD, is to do the will and the works of GOD, whereby those who are lost around us can see the hope and the glory of the LORD in which we live for. If what we do is the same as everyone else living in the world, then our light is not shining amongst them, and we can't expect to see a change. Now as far as setting up trees and decorating them, we may have good intentions in doing so, and think that we're being pleasing to GOD, but this is what HE tells us in Jeremiah 10.
2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
You see, when you come to repentance and give your life to CHRIST, you become as if you are a new born baby, as you're figuratively born again into GOD's family, as your past is cast aside and forgiven, and although you may not know much of what to do as a new believer, your absolute desire should be to live by HIS WORD and grow in HIS WORD, studying each day, as you live out the rest of your life in this flesh, because as it's written in John 1:1, CHRIST is the living WORD and so when you think about it, if you're without the WORD, you're with CHRIST, as apart from it, you cannot grow in HIM.
3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
And indeed HE is. For a great reminder of this, see Romans 5:8.
4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men (i.e. mankind rejected HIM), but chosen of God, and precious,
CHRIST is that precious living stone as HE is our chief, and is our only solid foundation in which we can truly grow and build our lives upon.
5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
And so it is, when we truly live our lives to please GOD, we take upon ourselves HIS ways, doing and striving in every aspect of our lives to be pleasing to HIM, and as result, we make up the lively stones of HIS temple.
6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
JESUS is the only way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6), and those who truly live in HIM, who are committed to HIM, will seek and abide by the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be, and not confound themselves in the ways and lies of this world, as the whole point of the Christian life is about self-denial, not self-promotion (see Luke 9:23), as we crucify our fleshly desires/ways and take upon HIS desires/ways, which is to be pleasing to GOD.
7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
And it is those who will be sifted out in the end, as they won't be a part of GOD's eternal kingdom.
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;
You're either of the LIGHT (fully committed to CHRIST [LIFE]), or you're of the darkness (committed to satan [death]), as you can't be both, because no one can serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). Therefore when examining the things we do in this life, we should always make sure their aligned in the ways of CHRIST if we truly want to be pleasing to HIM and be blessed.
10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
Though our flesh gets weak sometimes and causes us to lose focus on the things of GOD at times, that is what repentance is all about, and as it's written in Philippians 4:13, we can do all things through CHRIST and overcome anything as HE is our strength; so no matter what temptation/s come our way, we have the power of CHRIST living within us, through the power of HIS HOLY SPIRIT which can help us overcome them. James 1:14-22 says "14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 16 Do not err, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. 18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. 19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. 21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. 22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves".
12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
The only way we can change the world and lead the world closer to GOD, is to do the will and the works of GOD, whereby those who are lost around us can see the hope and the glory of the LORD in which we live for. If what we do is the same as everyone else living in the world, then our light is not shining amongst them, and we can't expect to see a change. Now as far as setting up trees and decorating them, we may have good intentions in doing so, and think that we're being pleasing to GOD, but this is what HE tells us in Jeremiah 10.
Jeremiah 10:1-4
1 Hear ye the word which the LORD speaketh unto you, O house of Israel:
This is GOD's commandments unto all who dwell in HIM.
2 Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.
Notice GOD says "learn NOT the way of the heathen". What is their way? Next verse...
3 For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.
4 They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.
In other words, they cut down a tree, deck it with silver and gold, and then fasten it so that it does not move/fall over. This is exactly what people do when they set up a Christmas tree; it doesn't matter that they're not worshiping the tree, the fact of the matter is that GOD tells us not to do as the heathens do because that is the custom of them and how they worship their gods/idols, and if you're performing the same acts/rituals as they are, how can you be set apart (holy)? That's just it, you can't. Now many like to use Hosea 14:8 as a reason to do so because GOD describes HIMself as a fir tree, which is evergreen, as evergreen symbolizes eternal life, but never throughout Scripture does our FATHER change HIS mind in what we have just read, and tell us to honor HIM in that way. Also, not only does HE tell us not to do it, but for those who do anyway, they cut down the evergreen [therefore killing it], or they set up an artificial evergreen, which symbolizes a fake/copy; and who is it that is the imposter? It is satan, as everything GOD is, he tries to imitate and copy, in a way that brings recognition to himself. Now obviously, most Christians don't look at it in that way but it's just something to think about. Many people will say "but GOD knows my heart." and although that's true, this is what HE has to say about it in Jeremiah 17:9, which reads "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?". Though we may think we're pleasing GOD, again, if our ways aren't aligned in HIS ways, we simply aren't.
As for those who celebrate Christmas, below are a few things to consider.
This is GOD's commandments unto all who dwell in HIM.
2 Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.
Notice GOD says "learn NOT the way of the heathen". What is their way? Next verse...
3 For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.
4 They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.
In other words, they cut down a tree, deck it with silver and gold, and then fasten it so that it does not move/fall over. This is exactly what people do when they set up a Christmas tree; it doesn't matter that they're not worshiping the tree, the fact of the matter is that GOD tells us not to do as the heathens do because that is the custom of them and how they worship their gods/idols, and if you're performing the same acts/rituals as they are, how can you be set apart (holy)? That's just it, you can't. Now many like to use Hosea 14:8 as a reason to do so because GOD describes HIMself as a fir tree, which is evergreen, as evergreen symbolizes eternal life, but never throughout Scripture does our FATHER change HIS mind in what we have just read, and tell us to honor HIM in that way. Also, not only does HE tell us not to do it, but for those who do anyway, they cut down the evergreen [therefore killing it], or they set up an artificial evergreen, which symbolizes a fake/copy; and who is it that is the imposter? It is satan, as everything GOD is, he tries to imitate and copy, in a way that brings recognition to himself. Now obviously, most Christians don't look at it in that way but it's just something to think about. Many people will say "but GOD knows my heart." and although that's true, this is what HE has to say about it in Jeremiah 17:9, which reads "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?". Though we may think we're pleasing GOD, again, if our ways aren't aligned in HIS ways, we simply aren't.
As for those who celebrate Christmas, below are a few things to consider.
Things to consider for those who celebrate Christmas
- The origin of Christmas: Though Christmas has been commonly believed to be a Christian holiday, and categorized with CHRIST and HIS birth, as we have briefly went over above, HE clearly wasn't born during the month of December and none of the traditions of Christmas were ever observed by CHRIST or HIS disciples, nor are we ever told to observe them either in Scripture, but what we are told from GOD HIMself, through Moses, in Deuteronomy 12:29-32 is, "29 When the LORD thy God shall cut off the nations from before thee, whither thou goest to possess them, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their land; 30 Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise. 31 Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the Lord, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods. 32 What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it". And so it is. When we worship GOD, we are to do it HIS way, as HE commands, not adding or taking away from them, because those who make up their own forms of worship, commit idolatry as you will see below. As for enquiring other gods/religious worships amongst the heathen, there is nothing wrong in learning and warning others about the sinful ways of the heathens, but be careful that you never allow yourself to be tempted into following/participating in their ways, because those who do so become enemies of GOD as we will see in Exodus 32, when the Israelites setup the golden calf. Exodus 32:1-10 says "1 And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount (i.e. mount Sinai), the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. 2 And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me. 3 And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron. 4 And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. 5 And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, To morrow is a feast to the LORD (in other words, in doing this, they thought they could still be pleasing to GOD). 6 And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play. 7 And the LORD said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves: 8 They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. 9 And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people: 10 Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation". Though GOD forgave them, as we can see HE was about ready to destroy them. Remember HE had already rescued them from the severe bondage of Egypt, performed wonders, split the red sea, rained down manna from Heaven, brought water out of the rock at Horeb, saved them from the attack of Amalek's army, etc, all while they complained, and still through all of GOD's goodness, they still chose to drift off into their own customs and their own forms of worship, when GOD had already instructed them not to set up graven images (i.e. idols). How much different is culture today? When you honestly think about it, there's not much difference. There's even songs devoted to the Christmas tree, such as "O Christmas Tree", which lyrics read "...O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree How lovely are thy branches! O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree How lovely are thy branches! Your boughs so green in summertime, Stay bravely green in wintertime. O tannenbaum, O Christmas Tree How lovely are thy branches!..." and so forth and so forth. Not only do people sing to the tree or about the tree, people also bow down to receive gifts from underneath it, and for nearly a month, their whole lives revolve around the Christmas spirit, which as we know is paganism, and not of GOD. This is why we are told in 1 John 4:1 "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world". Though many confess CHRIST and affiliate HIM with Christmas, we know that every aspect about it is contrary to how GOD tells us to worship HIM, and that JESUS was never truly a part of it, as you'll see below. The reason pagans created Christmas, which was formally known as Yule and Saturnalia, dedicated to worshiping nature and Saturn, was because their worship involved the things of this earth, and during the cold months of Winter, everything outside was dead, so they created such celebrations to entertain themselves and have something to worship while they waited for Spring to bring forth new life. So as we can see, if the Israelites weren't allowed to use a golden calf in order to honor GOD, why would you think you can do so by decorating and following the customs of heathens (pagans)?
- December 25th was first honored and celebrated among the pagans for the birth of Tammuz: If you know about ancient Babylon (Genesis 10-11), then you'll know a little about Nimrod (the grandson of Ham) and how he was rebellious against GOD, as he was the founder behind it; he led many people into worshiping him, and working against GOD to build that tower. Later after his death, as the pagans believed, his wife Semiramis, who also happened to be his mother, gave birth to a son named Tammuz, and later she claimed that he was Nimrod reincarnated, and was worshiped as the sun-god. The worship of him can be found in Ezekiel 8 as sadly some of the Israelites fell into this abomination of idolatry. Something to know though, is that his birthday happened to fall on December 25th, and he was worshipped as the savior of the world during those days of Babylon, amongst the heathen, as the people thought his tower would protect them from another great flood, although GOD had already promised not to send a flood that size ever again, through the rainbow. As history would progress, those ancient practices of Babylon would later be adopted by the Roman church, and in order to participate in the customs which would follow with the worship of the pagans, they decided they would also worship JESUS' birth on that same day, and thought that they could "Christianize" it, and still please GOD. Though people will dispute as to the exact origins, it really doesn't matter because again, none of them are traditions and customs in which CHRIST told us to keep, but rather traditions developed from pagan worship. To those who still think it's no big deal, imagine, every year, you gave a gift to your spouse. Only it wasn’t his/hers birthday but the birthday of your ex-lover instead. What’s worse, the gift you gave is the same thing that your ex-lover desired from you in the past, and you know that the gift your giving is offensive and not what your spouse wants from you at all. Surely, it wouldn't be pleasing to them and naturally they would doubt the genuineness of your love. Now, think about how JESUS feels when you celebrate HIS birthday on the same day that the pagans celebrate the birth of their gods? What’s worse, you celebrate CHRIST’s birth by using the same pagan traditions that the heathens use to celebrate the birth of their gods. Visualize for a moment on how HE feels, or how you would feel if you were HIM. Spiritually speaking, we are the very bride of CHRIST, as it's written in Revelation 19, and so thinking you can celebrate a pagan holiday and honor HIM, is no different than having an affair with your spouse and thinking you can honor them; it's just not possible. You're either living to please HIM, or you're living to please the world (satan). Ephesians 5:26-27 which describes us who is HIS bride, says "26 That he (= CHRIST) might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy (= set apart) and without blemish". And so it is. That has a deeper meaning as well, which is for us not to be taken out of season by the false messiah/antichrist (satan) and his beast system by receiving his mark in these end times, but how can you resist his mark and overcome his deception then, if you're already deceived and participating in his holidays now? That's just it, you can't.
- Baby JESUS is no longer a baby: Every Christmas season, many, including non-Christians love to sing and talk about baby JESUS, but why only sing about HIM when HE's a baby? Yet most of them never want to get around to talking about grown JESUS and how HE warned us to repent. E.g. Luke 13:3, "...except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish". It's almost as if [for some] it's a mockery when they do so, as they can't seem to get past the point that HE's grown up.
- The concept of Christmas: For some reason, people find pleasure in fantasies and dedicate so much of their lives and feelings to a holiday that's all about fables and mythological characters. Not only is it temporary with emotions revolved around fake news, but the whole concept of Christmas is based on a lie and remember who the father of lies is; it's satan. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 says, " 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."
- The origin of the word "Christmas": The word "Christmas" comes from "Cristes Maesse", an early English phrase that means "Mass of Christ". The mass of course refers to that honored in Catholicism, and page 537 of the Catholic Encyclopedia says, "In the Christian law, the supreme sacrifice is that of the Mass". So the word "Mass" in religious usage means a "death sacrifice". When millions of people combine the words, "Merry" and "Christmas", they are literally saying "Merry [= happy] death of Christ" though most are not aware. The word "mass" even comes from the Latin root "mittere" which means "to send" and derives from "Missa", that means to "dismiss". So in other words, "to merrily dismiss JESUS as CHRIST". Our words do matter and JESUS warned us in Matthew 12:36-37 "36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned". Now regardless if you use the word "Christmas" or "Xmas", they have the exact same meaning. Of course upon repentance, we are forgiven.
- It's modern day child sacrifice: Parents who raise their children into believing in Santa Claus cause them to commit idolatry with GOD, as the child lives throughout the year to try and be good for Santa Claus [trying to please a false god] in order to get more gifts. The children even bring forth offerings to Santa such as milk and cookies. Not only is it idolatry and a slap in the face in GOD's eyes, but it's also modern day child sacrifice, as parents sacrifice their children's beliefs and trust, as it raises them in a false reality to build their hope upon something that's not real, and later crushes them when they realize they were lied to by their parents. It also raises them with the mindset that lying is okay, as long as it's for fun or good intentions. Proverbs 12:22 tells us, "Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight." and Proverbs 19:9 "A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish."; that is if they don't repent.
- Christmas [including other holidays] hides the true Holy days of GOD: When people realize you don't celebrate Christmas or any other holiday, they label you as a grinch or humbug, who just wants to take the fun and joy out of everything, when nothing could be further from the truth; it is actually those who observe such who fit the definition of those two words, if you read what they really mean. As for taking away the fun and joy, it is actually quite the contrary, as those who don't participate in such celebrations are never robbed of anything because our true joy and fun lasts all year long, as it is built upon TRUTH that's everlasting, which is only truly found in JESUS CHRIST alone, along with serving GOD the way HE says to do so, and what could be more fun and joyful than knowing you're honoring GOD the way HE says to do so, and knowing you're pleasing HIM? Most "Christians" have never even heard or observed the Holy days in which GOD commands us to celebrate, but are so ready to celebrate the very days and traditions in which HE commands us not to participate in (holidays/heathen-days), and that's really sad, considering all that our HEAVENLY FATHER and very SAVIOR HIMself has done for us. Romans 12:1-2 tells us "1 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. 2 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.", and 1 John 2:15-20 says "15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. 18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. 19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. 20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things". And so it is. Who do you love more? CHRIST, or the world (satan) and the things of this world (satan)? For only ONE (CHRIST) holds your soul and can give you everlasting peace, love, joy, and eternal life. JESUS tells us in Matthew 7:21-23 "21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity". With every new day you're blessed with, strive to be a blessing to GOD, for when you make HIS day, HE most certainly is going to make yours.
So now that we've learned a little bit about the truth behind Christmas, and how our HEAVENLY FATHER feels about it, what will you choose to do about it? Below, are a couple of frequently asked questions.
Is there anything to look forward to on the 25th?
Aside from Christmas, there is something to look forward to, as there is with every new day we're blessed with, and that's a reflection of all that CHRIST has done for us, and the fact that we have another day to grow closer to HIM, and share HIS TRUTH with others. It's also a time to enjoy the day off, to those who get it, with our loved ones that GOD has blessed us with, and also, if you're familiar with the course of Abia, then you'll know this was the season of CHRIST's conception, which is something wonderful to reflect upon too, as pre-born John even lept in his mother's womb, upon the news (Luke 1:41); though we're not told to celebrate it, the 25th makes a good time to take Communion and focus on HIM, while the rest of the world hypnotizes themselves with the lies of paganism (satanism) and pagan customs.
Is it wrong to give gifts?
Some may wonder if it's wrong to give gifts, and to answer that, there's absolutely nothing wrong at all about giving gifts in itself, as long as it's nothing evil, sinful, nor something that will lead others further away from GOD; it's just a shame in a way that many people feel they have to wait until a certain day out of the year to do so, when they have 364 other days out of the year to show kindness and appreciation unto others, but you should always base your decisions on whatever you feel the HOLY SPIRIT is leading you to do, which of course will always be in alignment with HIS WORD.
Other Studies/Posts to check out:
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Why You Cannot Put "CHRIST"
Back Into "Christmas"
Santa Claus and satan's Cause
The True Meaning of Christ-Mass
The Light Before Christmas
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Romans 8:5-10 "For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally [i.e. fleshly] minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness".
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Please note, we do NOT condemn, hate, nor look down upon anyone here who thinks differently, but may our HEAVENLY FATHER open your eyes to see things the way HE sees them.