The WT forgot to mention the other instance of a birthday celebration. Job 1:4 New King James Version (NKJV) 4 And his sons would go and feast in their houses, each on his appointed day, and would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them.
I Still Can't Celebrate Xmas. Can You? Christians vs Atheists
by Malsonilla 46 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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Christ Alone
I'm still surprised how many took zeitgeist at its word and believed it. The connection of three kings and Orion is a joke when actually researched. There was never any connection to this. And the attempt to use the pun of "son" and "sun" is even worse. This pun only works in English and has no connection to what people believed. You can find much better videos that debunk zeitgeist, but here is one that discusses one of its more silly claims:
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Heaven
The word 'pagan' means rural or country dweller. The returning of the light, the birth of the sun/son was celebrated well before Christ came on the scene. If you want to call it Christmas go ahead.
I personally like Yule better. You can add myth and fantasy to your heart's content. I really don't understand this hatred for paganism. Christianity has adopted so much of it.
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Nambo
I find it most amusing that the only grown-ups I know who are excited about Christmas are you guys!
Dont you know that the Worldies hate it and would Love to be rid of it, when they said "the truth will set you free", it was this they were talking about.
Personally, still wishing to not be rejected by God, I take the warning of Haggi Chapter 2 seriously and have a great excuse not to waste days on end, fighting through crowds of people desperately trying to think of presents that nobody wants anyway.
As for Jesus, does he even get a mention these days?, maybe if you live in the American Bible belt but I would think here in the UK, hes probably banned by now so as not to upset the Muslims, (or so we are told by a third party).
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Christ Alone
As for Jesus, does he even get a mention these days?, maybe if you live in the American Bible belt but I would think here in the UK, hes probably
banned by now so as not to upset the Muslims, (or so we are told by a third party).
You must not know many Christians... All the Christians I know (adults) love Christmas as a time to turn their attention to Christ's birth. If Jesus is not the reason you are celebrating Christmas, then you might as well not celebrate. If you are celebrating merely for the giving and getting of gifts, then you might as well give it up and eliminate the stress.
Christmas should not be about anger, fighting, stress, etc. It should be about love and peace. It should be about our appreciation for Jesus giving up His place in heaven to become a man, be rejected by man, and die for those that rejected and abused Him.
The UK is becoming an increasingly atheist place. But it's not just the Bible belt that focus on Jesus. Christians everywhere use this time to focus on Jesus. Maybe they are unfortunately not vocal enough and the secular side of Christmas takes center stage. Maybe that should be a wake up call to Christians everywhere.
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EmptyInside
I still really can't get into Christmas. I enjoy sending out cards. But,it's something I never did,and I'm sure if I had children,I would do something about the holiday for them.
If I would celebrate Christmas,it would be purely secular.
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NewChapter
As for Jesus, does he even get a mention these days?, maybe if you live in the American Bible belt but I would think here in the UK, hes probably banned by now so as not to upset the Muslims, (or so we are told by a third party).
It has nothing to do with Jesus, for me. *shrug* Non-issue.
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THE GLADIATOR
Jehovah's Witnesses assert that Christmas is based on the pagan Roman festival of Saturnalia. This makes it ideal for non- Christians to celebrate. As most Christian symbols and festival have been absorbed from pagans and become acceptable mainstream Christian tradition, Christmas is also ideal for Christians. This is a time of the year when we can all be merry and ‘gay’ and enjoy socialising, relaxing and celebrating the achievement of surviving another year while we plan the next one. My Christmas has already started, hope you get started soon.
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rebel8
I would like to see the actual Summer Solstice observance come back strong and true, not cloaked in Christianity.
Me too, I think that would be an awesome celebration.
Christmas is also a celebration of a seasonal change. xianity came later. Just remove all the Christian stuff superimposed upon it and you're left with pretty much a seasonal thing with a sprinkling of a few old ethnic traditions that are harmless and fun.
I'm atheist - Christmas is brilliant. Lights, music, family, food, drink, sweets, presents, holidays - what's not to like?
Ditto. Some of the things I sort of remember from my early pre-dub days. It was one of the best times in my life. Egg nog, music etc brings that back.
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tec
If you can avoid the materialism and the stress, great. Don't get caught up in that trap.
Christ does not need one day to be celebrated; we who belong to/follow Him have our eyes toward Him every day.
That being said, this season also brings out the generosity and love in many people. They donate to those in need (when they might not at any other time of year); they treat others with more kindness (making it a conscious effort); and some truly simply enjoy the excuse to give. When I was struggling with Christmas and the materialism that I allowed to permeate it (no jw fear of Christmas, I have never not celebrated it); I looked at how much my Dad loved to give to his family and loved ones. Christmas allows him to overcome his more frugal tendancies, and he just goes all out. Gives him so much joy to do so. I could never try and take that away from him, and I think a lot of people feel the way he does at Christmastime.
Peace to you,
tammy
