12/16/13 DON'T THROW OUT THE BABY OF BETHLEHEM WITH THE PAGAN TRAPPINGS.
Since pagan ideas have been integrated with Christendom's observation of the Resurrection of Christ, I guess I should not plan on celebrating the time and fact of His resurrection every year. WRONG.
Likewise, just because pagan ideas have been integrated with Christendom's observation of the birth of Christ does not mean I should not celebrate the birth of the Son of God.
If we cut ourselves off from everything pagan, we will have to skip Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, along with January, February, April, May, June, July, August (at least in English). I still refer to these days and months by these names, but it does not mean I am celebrating or worshiping or honoring the pagan history and origin of these words.
On the other hand, if I corrupt or confuse the message of Christ with paganism, then I need to restructure or realign my activity.
In the meantime, Merry Christmas, or for those who do not know what I mean,
Luke 2:10-11
(10) ... Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
(11) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Matthew 1:21
(21) And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
(This post is not reactionary to some of the informational posts made by friends on FB. I have held this position for a long time.)
