TITLE: Christmas: Celebration or Desecration?
TEXT: Romans 14:5-7
PROPOSITION: God has instructed us about holiday
observations.
QUESTION: How?
KEY WORD: Observations
SCRIPTURE READING: Same
INTRODUCTION:
1.
Here it is – Christmas time again.
2.
Some are confused – because we DON'T have special programs,
services.
3.
Some are confused – because – we DO have a party.
1. Arguments AGAINST:
In syllogism
form of logic, it is argued:
Major: Christmas is of (pagan, Catholic,
denominational, worldly) origin.
Minor: All things of (pagan, Catholic,
denominational, worldly) origin are wrong.
Conclusion: Therefore, Christmas is wrong.
1.
Pagan
origin.
A.
So
are days of week – Pagan deities
B.
Months
of the year – Pagan deities or Roman emperors.
C.
Other
customs and superstitions – "Knock on wood."
2.
Roman Catholic origin – So
are candles, church weddings, and church funerals.
3.
Denominational practice – Sunday
school, orphan homes, Sunday night worship, Wednesday night Bible Study, Bus
ministries, church related colleges, radio and TV programs. NOTE: Just
because some thought of it first, does not make it wrong.
4.
Worldly origin –
Microwaves, TV, heat and AC. Reject modern world = Amish Community.
2. Let's Talk About:
1. The date:
A.
Pagan
worship of the sun god (shortest day)
B.
Several
dates at first – Dec. 15 & Jan. 6
C.
Settled
on Dec. 25th – a compromise
2. Gift
Exchanges
A.
Learning
the blessing of sharing? (Acts 20:35)
B.
Ask
children, "What are you giving?"
3. The word
"Christmas"
A.
Old
English "Christes Messe" =
"mass of Christ"
B.
French
word "Noel" – "birthday"
C.
What
about "Xmas"?
a.
"Mas" still means mass
b.
"X" = Roman symbol for Christ and cross
3. What can we do on December 25th?
1.
Anything you can do on any other day.
2.
Family, friends, gifts, cards
3.
Gifts, trees, parties, decorations
4.
Worship, talk about the birth of Christ
5.
Special service, sing birth songs
4. Scriptural Studies
1. Gal.
4:10-11
A.
Caution: This has reference to the
"binding" of Jewish holy days.
B.
Does
this apply to the observance of any day as special?
C.
It
would forbid birthdays, anniversaries, etc.
2. Rom.
14:5-7
A. Personal Liberty
a.
One can observe the day
b.
Another
can choose to ignore (not observe) the day
c.
BOTH are doing right
B.
Make sure that God is glorified
a.
Apply to fasts, days of prayer
b.
Problem
is NOT in observing or not observing
c.
Problem is in BINDING EITHER of these