Quote:
Originally Posted by Igzy
Because they weren't worshiping God, Drake. They were worshiping a golden calf who represented another "god" because they felt God had let them down. The people who are celebrating Christmas are worshiping Christ.
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Not quite. The people were worshipping the gold calf which to them represented the true God. Remember it was not only forbidden for the people to make images of false gods, but also of the true God. Just like the Israelites thought they were OK worshipping the golden calf that to them was an image of the true God, Christians today think they are worshipping the true God by celebrating Christmas. But God sees it now as he saw it then - a substitute for His presence and person.
The Bible says genuine worship is in spirit and truth. Does Christmas represent worship in spirit and truth? No. On the matter of true worship - attending a Christmas day service and giving gifts to each other is not worship. How can giving gifts to each other be considered worshipping Christ? It cannot.
There are two reasons not to celebrate Christmas. On the negative side, it is the fact that it has pagan origins. On the positive side, it is the fact that it replaces the person and presence of God. You may argue that the symbols have no relevance to us today because it has been a long time since anyone worshipped the sun God, but it is harder for you to argue that Christmas does not replace the person and presence of Christ. Christmas is therefore a vain substitute for the reality in Christ and does not give lasting peace and joy, despite the season supposedly being about peace and joy.
The evidence says that Christmas is one of the loneliest times of the year, there are many arguments, fights and divisions which happen over Christmas. The crime rate at Christmas soars. It is not about peace and joy at all. Many individuals and families hate getting together over Christmas.
The only Biblical-sanctioned way to remember God is the Lord's table. And with that we celebrate His death primarily, not His birth. Jesus asked us to remember His death. The world and Christianity makes a thing about remembering His birth. That is the nature of religion - take something genuine and put a slight twist on it to make it false.
I am sure that few worldly people who celebrates Christmas today would like to celebrate Christ's death and resurrection. This is because while His birth may have some meaning for them, His death and resurrection has no meaning to them.