“Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things you do.” (Mark 7:7-8)
The most anticipated holiday tradition is upon us. It is a tradition many eagerly take part in annually. This week, the world will celebrate what it calls “Christmas” or “Christ-Mass” to commemorate Christ’s birth. Was Christ really born on December 25th? Did He or The Most High mandate this observance of His birth? Upon researching God’s Word, you will find no scriptural basis for Christmas. In fact, the Bible does not give a specific date for Christ’s nativity nor does it substantiate a winter birth. Christmas is a pagan ritual honoring other gods, not Christ. Strangely enough, that revelation will not sway most peoples’ plan to participate. Christmas is so deeply engrained in their psyche, that to not participate would feel like a sin or death of some sort. For those that choose to participate, I ask, “Are you forsaking God for the sake of your Christmas tradition?”
“This people draw near unto me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. But in vain, they do worship me teaching for doctrine the commandments of men”. (Matthew 15: 8-9)
Childhood Memories of Christmas Tradition
For most of us, our childhood memories of Christmas involve decorating the Christmas tree, Santa, unwrapping gifts, singing or caroling. Some may remember attending Christ-Mass with a nativity scene, lit candles, and an enormous Christmas tree with lights. Others can remember watching movies, plays, parades and other holiday-themed shows which further set the mood; but who can forget the overwhelming feeling of nostalgia gathering with family and friends and partaking in a wonderful feast. On the surface this tradition, passed down from generation to generation, seems harmless. Upon looking deeper, it is all a deception. Every year parents continue to trick their children, from infancy, into participating in Christmas. Sadly, these same children will have children of their own and will pass down the same tradition to their children. What does Santa, elves, a Christmas tree with holly or mistletoe have to do with Christ’s birth?
Thus says the Lord. Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people[are] vain: for [one] cuts a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not” (Jeremiah 10: 2-4)
The Traditions of the Heathen Are Vain
Like most Christians, I had absolutely no idea that the above scripture was even in the Bible. It not only speaks against bringing a tree into our homes, but it calls the tradition vain (foolish, worthless). For me, there was never a question about observing Christmas, because it was a surety. However, I realized that paganism was at the root of Christmas and had nothing to do with Christ. I refused to accept these traditions, to go along simply to get along, and I now question everything. For example, on our birthdays, many expect gifts and well wishes from family and friends. With that mindset, if it is Christ’s birthday, why do we receive gifts and give gifts to each other? If we should observe Christmas, wouldn’t the date be in the Bible? Lastly, wouldn’t there be a record of early Christians and apostles observing it?
“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ” (Colossians 2:8)
The Choice Is Yours To Keep Your Tradition
I implore you to do your due diligence and research those traditions which you hold so near and dear to your heart. Contrary to popular belief, Christ is not the reason for the season. If that were true, Santa would not be coming to town! There would be no songs to Christmas trees, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer or about kissing someone under the mistletoe. People would not be spending money they do not have going into debt for one day. If December 25th was Christ’s born-day, it wouldn’t be so profitable for retailers. If you truly want to honor Christ and give him a gift on “His” birthday, (which is unknown) the best present, you could possibly give him is to “Fear God and keep His commandments for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). As always, the choice is yours!
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it”. (Matthew 7:13-14)
“There is a way which seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death”. (Proverbs 14:12)
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