Christmas and the Church Colossians 3:17 Luke 2 December 11, 2016

Christmas and the Church “Christmas” – an annual holiday celebrated by millions. However are you aware that... Christians in the 1st Century did NOT celebrate the birth of Christ as an annual observance.

Christmas and the Church The Birth of Christ

The Birth of Christ In the Bible… New Testament provides NO clues to a date. Many place the year between 4-6 B.C. Luke 2:1-2 Matthew 2:2

The Birth of Christ In History… Sextus Julius Africanus popularized the idea that Jesus was born on December 25 in his Chronographiai, a reference book written in 221 AD. Orthodox churches celebrate it on January 6

Christmas and the Church The Birth of Christ The Celebration of Christmas

The Celebration of Christmas In the Bible… NO Reference in the Bible ONLY event in Christ’s life celebrated is His Death, Burial, and Resurrection Acts 20:7 1 Corinthians 11:20-34

Celebration of Christmas In the Bible… Paul expressed concern in observing days Galatians 4:9-10 Colossians 3:17 1 Corinthians 11:26

Celebration of Christmas In History… Birth of Christ NOT a feast day at 1st Among Protestant churches, especially in U.S. It seems to have been adopted ONLY after great controversy.

Christmas and the Church The Birth of Christ The Celebration of Christmas Christmas Today

Christmas Today Paul gave warning regarding feast days He expressed concern for the churches in Galatia. Galatians 4:8-11 Problems came when they bound where God had not bound Acts 15:1,5

Christmas Today Paul did not hesitate to keep Jewish customs. Acts 16:1-3 Acts 18:18 Acts 18:19-21 Acts 21:17-26

Paul’s teaching is clear Romans 14:5-6 Galatians 2:3-5 Galatians 5:4-6 Christmas Today Paul’s teaching is clear Romans 14:5-6 Galatians 2:3-5 Galatians 5:4-6

Christmas Today Jesus warned of the danger of human tradition. Mark 7:1-13 Mark 7:7 Mark 7:8-9

Christmas Today Traditions of men ARE wrong when: They become doctrine bound on all They displace the commands of God

Christmas Today Making Application Bible is silent concerning celebrating the birth of Christ. As a human tradition we MUST be very careful.

Christmas Today As a church or congregation Celebration of it is UNWISE, if NOT outright WRONG. It interwinds man’s traditions with God’s commands. It forces people to observe what is human, not divine.

Christmas Today As an individual.. There is nothing wrong with it Provided It is NOT bound on others It does not interfere with God’s commands

Christmas Today What about the pagan aspect? What about Thursday? “Thor’s Day” after the Norse God Thor One time religious practices can be practiced today for different reasons. IE - circumcision

Christmas and the Church The Birth of Christ The Celebration of Christmas Christmas Today

Christmas and the Church Idea is NOT found in the New Testament Is Christ being born important? YES!! Thus we should celebrate His birth year- round.

Christmas and the Church Remember it is HIS Death, Burial and Resurrection that saves us. This is what is commanded to be remembered Matthew 26:26-29 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Christmas and the Church Christ has all authority Matthew 28:18 Colossians 3:17

Christmas and the Church The plea should not be to put “Christ” back into Christmas, but to put Christ in our lives, worshipping and honoring Him as He has directed in the Scriptures. It is then that Christ will be truly honored, and love and benevolence will not be seasonal, but seen in our lives year round.

Invitation Christians Repent - Acts 8:22, Revelation 2:5 Confess - James 5:16, 1 John 1:9 Pray - Acts 8:24, James 5:16

Invitation Non - Christians Hear – Romans 10:17, Acts 18:8, Believe – Romans. 10:9-10, Hebrews 11:6 Repent – Luke 13:3,5 Acts 17:30 Confess – Acts 8:37, Matthew 10:32 Be Baptized – Acts 2:38, Romans 6:3-5 Be Faithful – Revelation 2:10, Hebrews 10:35