2. This is a festive time of year Family gatherings Reflection on the year & life

3. Christmas is observed by many people Enjoy time with family & giving Religious services

5. Good to celebrate the birth of Christ He is Savior, Jn. 1:29; 3:16 Bible tells of His birth, Mt. 1:20-23; Lk. 2:7 Joy over His birth, Lk. 2:8-12

6. Many others do it

7. It is the tradition of our church Christ + Mass – Roman Catholic Dates: Dec. 25 or Jan. 6 Celebration in the 4 th century Pagan practices mixed in ›Winter solstice ›Teutonic earth worship

9. “It is good” Saul’s sacrifice, 1 Sam. 15:15-23 Simon’s censure, Mt. 16:21-23 Paul’s persecution, Acts 26:9-11; Jn. 16:2 Good is defined by God, 2 Tim. 3:16, 17

10. “Others are doing it” Golden calf, Ex. 32:1-28 Refusal to enter Canaan, Num. 14:1-3 Korah & Co., Num. 16:1-35 Not to follow a crowd to do evil, Ex. 23:2

11. “Tradition of our church” Nehushtan, 2 Kgs. 18:4 Pharisees & scribes, Mk. 7:1-13 Aimless conduct, 1 Pt. 1:18

12. “The Bible doesn’t say ‘not to’” Positive, divine authority, 1 Pt. 4:11 Warnings, Deut. 4:2; Josh. 1:7; Rev. 22:18, 19 The Bible doesn’t say not to: ›Baptize babies ›Burn incenses ›Pray to Mary ›Build a bowling alley in the building

13. If we may celebrate the birth of Christ with a holy day, May we also have holy days with religious rituals for: His circumcision, Lk. 2:21 His baptism, Mt. 3:16, 17 His triumph over temptation, Lk. 4:1-13 His entry into Jerusalem, Lk. 19:37, 38

14. Why do we observe His death, burial, & resurrection? Command, Mt. 26:26-29; 1 Cor. 11:23-26 Example, Acts 20:7