*** lv chap. 13 pp. 144-159 Celebrations That Displease God ***
CHRISTMAS-SUN WORSHIP RENAMED
Q5. Why can we be certain that Jesus was not born on December 25?5 The Bible makes no mention of a birthday celebration for Jesus. In fact, his exact birth date is unknown. We can be sure, though, that he was not born on December 25 in the cold of winter in that part of the world. For one thing, Luke recorded that when Jesus was born, "shepherds [were] living out of doors" minding their flocks. (Luke 2:8-11) If "living out of doors" had been their habit year round, that would not have been noteworthy. However, because Bethlehem is subject to cold rains and snow, flocks were wintered under cover and shepherds would not have been "living out of doors." Additionally, Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem because Caesar Augustus had ordered a census. (Luke 2:1-7) It is highly unlikely that Caesar would have commanded a people who were resentful of Roman rule to travel to their ancestral cities in the dead of winter.
How can they say "The Bible makes no mention of a birthday celebration for Jesus" when Luke 2:6 says the angels celebrated Christ's birth?
[Footnote]
Based on Biblical reckoning and secular history, Jesus was likely born in 2 B.C.E. in the Jewish month of Ethanim, which corresponds to September/October on our present calendar.-See Insight on the Scriptures, Volume 2, pages 56-7, published by Jehovah's Witnesses.
Could a Christian celebrate 25 December as the conception of Jesus? Notice Russel's view on the matter:
"...we could not be certain that the exact day might not be in September about the 27th, but October 1st, B.C. is about correct. Nine months back of that date would bring us to about Christmas time, 3 B.C., as the date at which our Lord laid aside the glory which he had with the Father before the world was made and the taking of or changing to human nature began. It seems probable that this was the origin of the celebration of December 25th as Christmas Day. Some writers on Church history claim, even, that Christmas Day was originally celebrated as the date of the annunciation by Gabriel to the virgin Mary." (The Time is at Hand, Vol. 2 of The Studies in the Scriptures, p61)
Q6, 7. (a) The roots of many Christmas customs can be found where? (b) What contrast can be seen between Christmas giving and Christian giving?6 The roots of Christmas are found, not in Scripture, but in ancient pagan festivals, such as the Roman Saturnalia, a celebration dedicated to Saturn, the god of agriculture. Likewise, according to their reckoning, devotees of the god Mithra celebrated December 25 as the "birthday of the invincible sun," says the New Catholic Encyclopedia. "Christmas originated at a time when the cult of the sun was particularly strong at Rome," about three centuries after the death of Christ.
Not very long ago (*** g03 9/22 pp. 23-24 *** ) the Awake talked about the origins of The Piñata and that it stemmed from sun worship. But it went on to say "A main concern is, not what the practice meant hundreds of years ago, but how it is viewed today in your area."
So, not only is the WTS reasoning on this celebration inconsistently embarrassing, but it also denies its members the freedom of choice - a contrast to the reasonableness that Russell displayed - here are some quotes:
"Christmas Day, in celebration of our dear Redeemer's birth, has for centuries been celebrated on Dec. 25; and although it is now well known that this date is in error...nevertheless, sinc
Congregation "Bible Study" Comments - Week Commencing 30 November 2009
by LUKEWARM 16 Replies latest watchtower bible
-
LUKEWARM
-
LUKEWARM
TAKE 2
*** lv chap. 13 pp. 144-159 Celebrations That Displease God ***
CHRISTMAS-SUN WORSHIP RENAMED
Q5. Why can we be certain that Jesus was not born on December 25?5 The Bible makes no mention of a birthday celebration for Jesus. In fact, his exact birth date is unknown. We can be sure, though, that he was not born on December 25 in the cold of winter in that part of the world. For one thing, Luke recorded that when Jesus was born, "shepherds [were] living out of doors" minding their flocks. (Luke 2:8-11) If "living out of doors" had been their habit year round, that would not have been noteworthy. However, because Bethlehem is subject to cold rains and snow, flocks were wintered under cover and shepherds would not have been "living out of doors." Additionally, Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem because Caesar Augustus had ordered a census. (Luke 2:1-7) It is highly unlikely that Caesar would have commanded a people who were resentful of Roman rule to travel to their ancestral cities in the dead of winter.
How can they say "The Bible makes no mention of a birthday celebration for Jesus" when Luke 2:6 says the angels celebrated Christ's birth?
[Footnote]
Based on Biblical reckoning and secular history, Jesus was likely born in 2 B.C.E. in the Jewish month of Ethanim, which corresponds to September/October on our present calendar.-See Insight on the Scriptures, Volume 2, pages 56-7, published by Jehovah's Witnesses.
Could a Christian celebrate 25 December as the conception of Jesus? Notice Russel's view on the matter:
"...we could not be certain that the exact day might not be in September about the 27th, but October 1st, B.C. is about correct. Nine months back of that date would bring us to about Christmas time, 3 B.C., as the date at which our Lord laid aside the glory which he had with the Father before the world was made and the taking of or changing to human nature began. It seems probable that this was the origin of the celebration of December 25th as Christmas Day. Some writers on Church history claim, even, that Christmas Day was originally celebrated as the date of the annunciation by Gabriel to the virgin Mary." (The Time is at Hand, Vol. 2 of The Studies in the Scriptures, p61)
Q6, 7. (a) The roots of many Christmas customs can be found where? (b) What contrast can be seen between Christmas giving and Christian giving?6 The roots of Christmas are found, not in Scripture, but in ancient pagan festivals, such as the Roman Saturnalia, a celebration dedicated to Saturn, the god of agriculture. Likewise, according to their reckoning, devotees of the god Mithra celebrated December 25 as the "birthday of the invincible sun," says the New Catholic Encyclopedia. "Christmas originated at a time when the cult of the sun was particularly strong at Rome," about three centuries after the death of Christ.
Not very long ago (*** g03 9/22 pp. 23-24 *** ) the Awake talked about the origins of The Piñata and that it stemmed from sun worship. But it went on to say "A main concern is, not what the practice meant hundreds of years ago, but how it is viewed today in your area."
So, not only is the WTS reasoning on this celebration inconsistently embarrassing, but it also denies its members the freedom of choice - a contrast to the reasonableness that Russell displayed - here are some quotes:
"Christmas Day, in celebration of our dear Redeemer's birth, has for centuries been celebrated on Dec. 25; and although it is now well known that this date is in error...nevertheless, since the Lord has given no instructions whatever u -
LUKEWARM
TAKE 3
*** lv chap. 13 pp. 144-159 Celebrations That Displease God ***CHRISTMAS—SUN WORSHIP RENAMED
Q5. Why can we be certain that Jesus was not born on December 25?
5 The Bible makes no mention of a birthday celebration for Jesus. In fact, his exact birth date is unknown. We can be sure, though, that he was not born on December 25 in the cold of winter in that part of the world. For one thing, Luke recorded that when Jesus was born, “shepherds [were] living out of doors” minding their flocks. (Luke 2:8-11) If “living out of doors” had been their habit year round, that would not have been noteworthy. However, because Bethlehem is subject to cold rains and snow, flocks were wintered under cover and shepherds would not have been “living out of doors.” Additionally, Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem because Caesar Augustus had ordered a census. (Luke 2:1-7) It is highly unlikely that Caesar would have commanded a people who were resentful of Roman rule to travel to their ancestral cities in the dead of winter.
How can they say “The Bible makes no mention of a birthday celebration for Jesus” when Luke 2:6 says the angels celebrated Christ's birth?
[Footnote]
Based on Biblical reckoning and secular history, Jesus was likely born in 2 B.C.E. in the Jewish month of Ethanim, which corresponds to September/October on our present calendar.—See Insight on the Scriptures, Volume 2, pages 56-7, published by Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Could a Christian celebrate 25 December as the conception of Jesus? Notice Russel’s view on the matter:
"...we could not be certain
-
LUKEWARM
*** lv chap. 13 pp. 144-159 Celebrations That Displease God ***
CHRISTMAS-SUN WORSHIP RENAMED
Q5. Why can we be certain that Jesus was not born on December 25?
5 The Bible makes no mention of a birthday celebration for Jesus. In fact, his exact birth date is unknown. We can be sure, though, that he was not born on December 25 in the cold of winter in that part of the world. For one thing, Luke recorded that when Jesus was born, "shepherds [were] living out of doors" minding their flocks. (Luke 2:8-11) If "living out of doors" had been their habit year round, that would not have been noteworthy. However, because Bethlehem is subject to cold rains and snow, flocks were wintered under cover and shepherds would not have been "living out of doors." Additionally, Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem because Caesar Augustus had ordered a census. (Luke 2:1-7) It is highly unlikely that Caesar would have commanded a people who were resentful of Roman rule to travel to their ancestral cities in the dead of winter.How can they say "The Bible makes no mention of a birthday celebration for Jesus" when Luke 2:6 says the angels celebrated Christ's birth?
[Footnote]
Based on Biblical reckoning and secular history, Jesus was likely born in 2 B.C.E. in the Jewish month of Ethanim, which corresponds to September/October on our present calendar.-See Insight on the Scriptures, Volume 2, pages 56-7, published by Jehovah's Witnesses.Could a Christian celebrate 25 December as the conception of Jesus? Notice Russel's view on the matter:
"...we could not be certain that the exact day might not be in September about the 27th, but October 1st, B.C. is about correct. Nine months back of that date would bring us to about Christmas time, 3 B.C., as the date at which our Lord laid aside the glory which he had with the Father before the world was made and the taking of or changing to human nature began. It seems probable that this was the origin of the celebration of December 25th as Christmas Day. Some writers on Church history claim, even, that Christmas Day was originally celebrated as the date of the annunciation by Gabriel to the virgin Mary." (The Time is at Hand, Vol. 2 of The Studies in the Scriptures, p61)
Q6, 7. (a) The roots of many Christmas customs can be found where? (b) What contrast can be seen between Christmas giving and Christian giving?
6 The roots of Christmas are found, not in Scripture, but in ancient pagan festivals, such as the Roman Saturnalia, a celebration dedicated to Saturn, the god of agriculture. Likewise, according to their reckoning, devotees of the god Mithra celebrated December 25 as the "birthday of the invincible sun," says the New Catholic Encyclopedia. "Christmas originated at a time when the cult of the sun was particularly strong at Rome," about three centuries after the death of Christ.Not very long ago (*** g03 9/22 pp. 23-24 *** ) the Awake talked about the origins of The Piñata and that it stemmed from sun worship. But it went on to say "A main concern is, not what the practice meant hundreds of years ago, but how it is viewed today in your area."
So, not only is the WTS reasoning on this celebration inconsistently embarrassing, but it also denies its members the freedom of choice - a contrast to the reasonableness that Russell displayed - here are some quotes:
"Christmas Day, in celebration of our dear Redeemer's birth, has for centuries been celebrated on Dec. 25; and although it is now well known that this date is in error...nevertheless, since the lord has given no instructions whatever upon this subject, and since it is proper to do good deeds and think good though
-
LUKEWARM
Q6, 7. (a) The roots of many Christmas customs can be found where? (b) What contrast can be seen between Christmas giving and Christian giving?
6 The roots of Christmas are found, not in Scripture, but in ancient pagan festivals, such as the Roman Saturnalia, a celebration dedicated to Saturn, the god of agriculture. Likewise, according to their reckoning, devotees of the god Mithra celebrated December 25 as the “birthday of the invincible sun,” says the New Catholic Encyclopedia. “Christmas originated at a time when the cult of the sun was particularly strong at Rome,” about three centuries after the death of Christ.
Not very long ago (*** g03 9/22 pp. 23-24 *** ) the Awake talked about the origins of The Piñata and that it stemmed from sun worship. But it went on to say “A main concern is, not what the practice meant hundreds of years ago, but how it is viewed today in your area.”
So, not only is the WTS reasoning on this celebration inconsistently embarrassing, but it also denies its members the freedom of choice - a contrast to the reasonableness that Russell displayed - here are some quotes:
"Christmas Day, in celebration of our dear Redeemer's birth, has for centuries been celebrated on Dec. 25; and although it is now well known that this date is in error...nevertheless, since the Lord has given no instructions whatever upon this subject, and since it is proper to do good deeds and think good thoughts upon any day, it cannot be improper, ...for us to remember in a social way our dear Redeemer's birth at this time."(Zion's WT, Dec. 15, 1898-pg.370).
"..we may properly enough join with all whose hearts are in the attitude of love and appreciation toward God and toward the Saviour." (Zion's WT, Dec 15, 1903)
"Even though Christmas is not the real anniversary of our Lord's birth...it is not necessary for us to quibble particularly about the date. We may as well join with the civilized world in celebrating the grand event on the day which the majority celebrate "Christmas day.""(Zion’s WT, Dec. 1,
-
LUKEWARM
cont....
"It matters not particularly that Dec. 25 is not the anniversary of our Lord's birth, according to the Scriptural account; that really He was born about September 25, nine months later. One day, as well as another, will serve us to commemorate our Savior's birth in the flesh, as a gift of God's love to a condemned and dying world."(Zion's WT, Dec. 15, 1908-pg.379).So the point is not about “ancient pagan festivals”, or that it was not the actual birth date of Jesus but when the Scriptures are silent on a matter, then it should be left up to an individual's conscience to decide - something the WTS denies its membership.
7 During their celebrations, pagans exchanged gifts and feasted—practices that Christmas preserved. As is also true today, however, much Christmas giving was not in the spirit of 2 Corinthians 9:7, which reads: “Let each one do just as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” True Christians give out of love, their giving is not tied to a date, and they expect no gifts in return. (Luke 14:12-14; Acts 20:35) Moreover, they deeply appreciate being set free from the Christmas frenzy and relieved of the heavy yoke of financial debt that many incur at that time of year.—Matthew 11:28-30; John 8:32.
What if one was to celebrate December 25 as God's gift of his son without focusing on the commercial aspect?
Why does the WTS impose its conscience on others?
Q8. Did the astrologers present birthday gifts to Jesus? Explain.
8 But, some may argue, did not the astrologers present birthday gifts to Jesus? No. Their gift-giving was simply a way of paying their respects to a person of note, a common custom in Bible times. (1 Kings 10:1, 2, 10, 13; Matthew 2:2, 11) In fact, they did not even come on the night that Jesus was born. Jesus was, not a babe in a manger, but many months old and living in a house when they arrived.
&a
-
-
-
LUKEWARM
Cont...
Romans 14:4-8: “Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains, does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”
[Box on page 150]
“HOLY” DAYS AND SATANISM
It is of interest to note that the most important day in the religion called Satanism is one’s birthday. Why? Because Satanists hold that each individual is a god if he chooses to view himself as one. Thus, to celebrate one’s own birthday is to celebrate the birth of a god. Of course, most people do not take such an extreme, egotistical view. Nevertheless, the book The Lore of Birthdays states: “Other holidays lift the heart, but birthdays warm the ego.”
The next most “holy” days on the Satanists’ calendar are Walpurgis Night and Halloween. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines the former as “the eve of May Day on which witches are held to ride to an appointed rendezvous.”
Satanism? Where do the WTS spin doctors find this propaganda - It's just an anniversary of someone being born!
Q12. How can the day of our death be better than the day of our birth?
12 At death, all integrity-keepers are safe in God’s memory, and their future life is guaranteed. (Job 14:14, 15) Says Ecclesiastes 7:1: “A name is better than good oil, and the day of death than the day of one’s being born.” Our “name” is the good reputation we have gained with God through faithful service. Significantly, the only commemoration commanded for Christians involves, not a birth, but a death—that of Jesus, whose excellent “name” is the key to our salvation.
-