A Christian’s Perspective on Christmas

Introduction:

We are fully into the seasonal observance of Christmas. Stores are full of shoppers; kids are anxiously counting days till they open presents. We are excited to see family during this time of year. Many religious people are busy preparing Christmas programs and special religious services. It is usually this time of year that we need to be reminded about the need to have proper perspective on the celebration of Christmas. What are some things we need to remember as we reach the peak of this year’s Christmas season?

I. An interesting fact:

A. Bible mentions only _______ birthday celebrations.

1. Gen. 40:20 – ______________; Mt. 14:6 – ____________

B. There is no record in gospels, or rest of NT about FC Christians having birthday celebrations for Jesus.

II. Men have always created holidays – then flavored them with _______________.

A. Hanukkah started on 12/08/04. Hanukkah also known as “festival of lights.” First celebrated in ___________ BC.

B. Nothing new. Jews had done it before.

1. Jewish captives began observing a special feast in 5^th & 7^th months to remember/commemorate the event.

2. Zech 7:3-6. God asking: did you really fast ______ ________?

3. Nothing wrong with a national observance – but why turn it into a ______________ event?

C. Now move to Christmas. Nothing wrong with a ____________ holiday.

III. A Brief History…

A. Christmas begun by Catholic Church in an effort to pacify ________ converts.

1. Dec 25 was the birthday of the Roman sun god – _____________.

2. It is a documented fact as to why this pagan feast was Christianized:

a) to discontinue the practice of honoring the Roman __________

b) To give ________ __________ control of it.

3. It was designed for the benefit of the __________…not _________

B. Christ cannot be put into Christmas….He never was in it to begin with.

C. Many Christmas customs come from all kinds of cultures.

1. _________ ________ from “Saint Niklaus” He was a Catholic Bishop from 4^th century.

2. The manger scene – was first introduced by Catholics in _________.

IV. Some very important considerations:

A. Holidays need no religious ___________ to justify their existence.

1. USA has no organized state religion. Christmas is a legal, secular holiday – despite the facts of its origin.

B. Christians must be careful to distinguish between ________ and _________.

C. Individuals have __________ to set aside time to commemorate Jesus’ birth just as they have right to dedicate themselves to prayer & fasting.

Conclusion:

A. Many struggle w/how to handle Christmas.

B. Why not observe it for what it is – a national holiday that is fun for friends & family?



Introduction: We are fully into the seasonal observance of Christmas. Stores are full of shoppers; kids are anxiously counting days till they open presents. We are excited to see family during this time of year. Many religious people are busy preparing Christmas programs and special religious services. It is usually this time of year that we need to be reminded about the need to have proper perspective on the celebration of Christmas. What are some things we need to remember as we reach the peak of this year’s Christmas season? I. An interesting fact: A. Bible mentions only _______ birthday celebrations. 1. Gen. 40:20 – ______________; Mt. 14:6 – ____________ B. There is no record in gospels, or rest of NT about FC Christians having birthday celebrations for Jesus. II. Men have always created holidays – then flavored them with _______________. A. Hanukkah started on 12/08/04. Hanukkah also known as “festival of lights.” First celebrated in ___________ BC. B. Nothing new. Jews had done it before. 1. Jewish captives began observing a special feast in 5^th & 7^th months to remember/commemorate the event. 2. Zech 7:3-6. God asking: did you really fast ______ ________? 3. Nothing wrong with a national observance – but why turn it into a ______________ event? C. Now move to Christmas. Nothing wrong with a ____________ holiday. III. A Brief History… A. Christmas begun by Catholic Church in an effort to pacify ________ converts. 1. Dec 25 was the birthday of the Roman sun god – _____________. 2. It is a documented fact as to why this pagan feast was Christianized: a) to discontinue the practice of honoring the Roman __________ b) To give ________ __________ control of it. 3. It was designed for the benefit of the __________…not _________ B. Christ cannot be put into Christmas….He never was in it to begin with. C. Many Christmas customs come from all kinds of cultures. 1. _________ ________ from “Saint Niklaus” He was a Catholic Bishop from 4^th century. 2. The manger scene – was first introduced by Catholics in _________. IV. Some very important considerations: A. Holidays need no religious ___________ to justify their existence. 1. USA has no organized state religion. Christmas is a legal, secular holiday – despite the facts of its origin. B. Christians must be careful to distinguish between ________ and _________. C. Individuals have __________ to set aside time to commemorate Jesus’ birth just as they have right to dedicate themselves to prayer & fasting. Conclusion: A. Many struggle w/how to handle Christmas. B. Why not observe it for what it is – a national holiday that is fun for friends & family?