RE: Christmas Or X-mas

holyroller wrote:
>There is a Boycott in place for some large stores who taking Christ out of Christmas this year. I
have tried to see both sides of this issue. My ministry, "Christ's Government" is founded upon a
prophesy of Christ's birth, and His Government. So I take this very seriously! I celebrate Christ's
birth everyday. [Isaiah 9:6,7]

I believe santa is a cheap cover up for the real celebration of Christ's birth. The world is ashamed
of Christ Who gave Himself to set them free! It amazes me of how they love the lie and reject the
truth! I am amazed that they would rather celebrate santa, the lie and reject the One Who gave so
much for their salvation! We do stupid things, but that is one of the big ones! Love, holyroller.
>>
>>Preach the Good News with only one verse: "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer
i who live, but Christ lives in me,..." [Galatians 2:20 NKJV]

My response:
This is one of the two best times for sharing the Gospel. It doesn't matter that in fact Jesus Christ
was born months earlier. During this time, many people are actually more depressed at this time
of the year (especially ones without money to spend and ones who have psychological problems
due to past relationships). Suicides happen a lot during December. But we should go against the
belief as a famous song says that Santa Claus has God-like abilities. Not even Satan has such
except for not being visible to us.

I think it is wrong for certain Christians for criticizing and even condemning any Christians
doing anything in relation to Christmas. I do a lot of intercessory prayer for churches who are
using this time to present the full Gospel in many forms and true Christian compassion. I pray for
the news media to continue sharing compassion stories during this season. They don't usually do
such during the rest of the year. I also am praying for this season to help the USA economy to
greatly improve and a lot of tax money to come to the deficit spending Federal Government (so
they won't raise taxes). Remember JOY-- Jesus Others Yourself (in that order chronologically).

Onward for the Great Commission and Ephesians marriage,

Bible lover Bill
Proverbs 3:5-6 and Philippians 4:4-8
http://www.geocities.com/bibleloverbill

Another response by me:

A song that I play on the flute in churches supports what you said. It is titled "There is No
Greater Love". Before I started playing it, I read the words and I asked the audience to close
their eyes and think about God's wonderful love in their lives. Every time I played it,
supernatural feelings of joy came inside me. The words are: "1. The love of friend and lover is
often sweetly sung, but no greater love than the Savior's love can be told by mortal tongue. 2. If
He had died for angels or seraphim on high, we could understand, but amazed we stand that for
sinners lost He'd die! Chorus: There is no greater love than that of Christ above, that made Him
stoop to Earth, become a man, and by His death provide redemption's plan; there is no greater
love. That's why I'm singing of God's love so rich and free, revealed at Calvary. There is not
greater love!" Think what Jesus Christ left before His becoming human. Please see the
description in Revelation 21-22. Then look at Philippians 2 and heed to the exhortations there
for this Christmas season.

Hi Di [who said that Santa Claus was ok to celebrate],

I was raised with Santa Claus and was selfish about buying and receiving presents. We had a
humanistic Christmas. I did not understand the diety of Jesus Christ until after my childhood. I
don't believe any true Christian should be doing untruthfulness at any time. Withholding truths
about sex and other things is ok in relation to one's children until they are old enough to
understand it. That is not untruthfulness. If the parents make up stories about sex, then it is.
Now what about the children who are told the fictional stories about Santa Claus and the Easter
Bunny and the Tooth Fairy. Then later they find out the truths about Jesus Christ, especially His
birth. Then they would wonder what else did their parents and pastor lie about. Many, including
my 2 nephews have quit church because of such. I told my children the real truths about Santa
Claus and other Christmas stories, so that they would accept the Gospel as the Bible says.
Halmark cards has help continue another lie by having 3 Wisemen at the manger scene. The
Wisemen (the Bible does not say 3, but it does say 3 gifts) were not able to use an airplane and
so they had to take a while to get to "the house" where baby Jesus was. That is why King Herod
said that he wanted all babies 2 years or younger killed. So it could have been a very long trip by
the Wisemen. Camels don't travel very fast and many had to walk along them. Truthfulness
should be always for Christians, especially when sharing their beliefs. Scripture should be
shared if possible. It "broke my heart" when in 1982 I realized the church I was raised in did not
teach Biblical truths about Christmas, Jesus Christ, and the Gospel. Only humanism.

Onward,
Bill