TRUE or FALSE? -True or False The angel Gabriel appeared to Joseph to inform him that Mary was with child. -True or False The Bible says that three wise men came to the manger to worship and give gifts to Jesus. -True or False The Bible says that an unknown number of wise men came to the manger to worship Jesus. -True or False The wise men were kings from the Orient. -True or False A bright star appeared in the sky and led the shepherds to the manger.

TRUE or FALSE? -True or False A bright star appeared in the sky and led the wise men to the manger. -True or False The shepherds and the wise men were present on the night of Jesus' birth. -True or False The translation of the word, "Immanuel" is "Savior." -True or False Jesus was born in Jerusalem. -True or False An innkeeper told Mary and Joseph that there was no room in the inn, thus Jesus was born in a manger. Every Statement Was FALSE!

Bible Authority Contained in the New Testament Matthew 28:18 “all authority” Matthew 26:26-28 Command Acts 20:7 Example/ Necessary Inference

What does this have to do with Christ’s Birth? “remaining out doors” “clear our Savior born before 25 th of December” Albert Barnes Notes on New Testament “December is a rainy month” Pulpit Commentary “main bulk of the rain in December” ISBE Probably between Sept. & Oct.

Where Did Christ-Mass Come From? “Christians chose that day to counteract the pagan Saturnalia…have a right to use whatever will reinforce God’s universal love” americancatholic.org “Irenaeus and Tertullian omit” Catholic Encyclopedia “The pagan festival (Brumalia, Dec.25) with its riot & merry making was so popular that Christians were glad of an excuse to continue its celebration” Schaff- Herzog Encyc.

Some Days May Be Observed Without Religious Significance Romans 14:6 – Birthday, Anniversary Some things observed religiously, without authority – Circumcision, Washing hands, Eating Meat offered to idols. Others observe NOT religiously. Holidays we observe without religious significance: New Years, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, 4 th of July, etc.

Circumcision Under New Covenant, Wrong Religiously- Galatians 5:1-4 NOT wrong if it is NOT observed as a religious rite – Galatians 5:6 Paul had Timothy circumcised – Acts 16:3 Paul kept Pentecost – Acts 20:16 BUT NOT in Obedience to the Law of Moses! Colossians 2:16

Extremes: Observe religiously anyway- Colossians 3:17 Matthew 7:21-23 Galatians 4:10,11 Allow Festivities to take Priority over serving God- Matthew 6:33 Engage in Sinful Activities Associated with the holiday- Galatians 5:19-21; Titus 2:12

Extremes: Bind Total Nonobservance on All- It is a National Holiday Christians can observe customs so long as they do not contradict the Bible. Must Separate Civil from Religious Had pagan & Catholic origins, but is not now totally regarded as a religious day Other holidays with religious origins: Valentines, New Years, St. Patrick’s, Easter, & Memorial Day

Arguments: Name gives it religious significance thus should not be observed- “we have a Mass for every Saint, but there is no Mass for Christ.” Britannica Origin of City Names Religious: San Francisco – St Francs of Assisi San Antonio – St Anthony Corpus Christi – the body of Christ Santa Paula – St Paula Days of the week from Norse gods

Conclusion If anyone wishes not to observe Christmas in any manner, that is fine. Do not bind it on others Romans 14:5 – “let each one be fully convinced in his own mind” Romans 14:3 “Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him.” A Matter of Indifference

Conclusion Be Careful in observance of Civil holiday Stars, Angels & Manger Scenes connect it with birth of Christ Danger in going all out for decorations outside the house Enjoy decorations and traditions with our own families who understand their significance Be ready to explain to others why we do not observe it religiously

In All Things Practice Charity Toward One Another Colossians 3:12-14 NKJV 12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.”