Hello,
courtesy of the "Watchtower Inquiry"
here we have a ...celebration:
Watchtower Inquiry
AWAKEN ISSUE #6 JEHOVAH GOD INFORMS THE FOLLOWERS OF THE WATCH TOWER TO JOIN IN AND CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS DAY ASWELL AS INFORMING THEM OF SUITABLE GIFTS. ZION'S WATCH TOWER, Dec. 15, 1903, pg. 457: "This review is perhaps as appropriate a lesson for the closing Sunday of the year as any, especially when we remember that all of these glories and blessings and priviledges are ours because of the great redemption work accomplished by him whose entrance upon the work is celebrated by Christmas day. Although we cannot agree that this is the proper day for celebrating the birth of dear Redemeer, but must insist that it was about October first, nevertheless, since he did not intimate his desire that we should celebrate his birthday it is quite immaterial upon what day that event, of so great importance to all, is celebrated. Upon this day, so generally celebrated, we may properly enough join with all whose hearts are in the attitude of love and appreciation toward God and toward the Saviour. The habit of giving little remembrances one to another at this time of year seems to us specially appropriate." ZION'S WATCH TOWER, Dec. 01, 1904, pg. 364 : "Even though Christmas is not the real anniversary of our Lord's birth, but more properly the annunciation day or the date of his human begetting (Luke 1:28), nevertheless, since the celebration of our Lord's birth is not a matter of divine appointment or injunction, but merely a tribute of respect to him, it is not necessary for us to quibble perticularily 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 WATCH TOWER, Nov. 15, 1907, pg. 351: " "SCRIPTURE STUDIES" AS CHRISTMAS GIFTS Dear Friends :- It might interest you to know that we are already offering the books for "Christmas gifts." We find that many secure their Christmas presents several months ahead, and that this month is the one in which many are very please to secure "such a beautiful, appropri- ate, and above all such a reasonable [in price] gift !" Often we can get orders for several sets in one home, in view of the fact that the books make such splendid gifts. Today we got more than one order on this ac- count. We mention this because we think it might help wonderfully during the next six weeks in securing orders from people who would perhaps not buy for their own use. We say "Many are taking them for gifts, and it is of course a compliment to a friend's in- telligence to give him a book, especially a work of this kind, and you get the entire three for only 98 cents!""
THE WATCH TOWER, Jan. 15, 1919, pg. 32 : " A MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE To THE DEAR FRIENDS EVERYWHERE:- Grace, mercy and peace be multiplied unto you! Am taking advantage of an opportunity to dictate this note to extend to all the dear friends throughout the United Sates and Canada my heartfelt thanks for the great love bestowed upon us and manifested in the numerous Christmas presents which I and my associates have received, as well as cards, letters and messages of love. May the Lord bless you one and all ! I am unable to write you personally, and so am asking that this general message be given you. I am overwhelmed by you expressions of love, dear brethren. May the Lord re- ward you richly ! Your brother and servant by his grace. J. F. RUTHERFORD." NOTE - J.F. Rutherford was the President of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, when the above letter was printed in the pages of The Watch Tower.
THE WATCH TOWER, Dec. 15, 1926, pg. 371: "Students of the Scriptures also know that the birth of the babe Jesus did not take place in December; yet because of the general belief upon this point by most people, it seems to be an appropriate time to speak the truth concerning his birth and the purpose thereof. The Scriptural testimony, supported by extranous facts, shows that the birth of Jesus occured approximately October 1st. The event is so important that it is always appropriate to call it to the minds of the people, regradless of the date."
1975 YEARBOOK OF JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES, page 147 & 148: "Yes, in those early days, dedicated Christians commemorated birthdays. Well then, why not celebrate the supposed brithday of Jesus ? This they also did for many years. In Pastor Russell's day, Christmas was celebrated at the old Bible house in Allegheny, Pennsylvania. Ora Sullivan Wakefield recalls that Brother Russell gave members of the Bible House family five- or ten-dollar gold peices at Christmas. Mabel P. M. Philbrick remarks: "A custom that certainly would not be carried on today was the celebration of Christmas with a Christmas tree in the Bethel dining room. Brother Russell's usual 'Good morning, all' was changed to 'Merry Christmas, all.'""
THE WATCH TOWER, 01/15/1917, p 22: "Following the election Brother Rutherford, addressing the the meeting, said in part:..."The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society is the greatest corporation in the world, because from the time of its organization until now the Lord has used it as his channel through which to make known the glad tidings...".
1939 YEARBOOK OF JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES, P 85: "It should be expected that the Lord would have a means of communicating to his people on the earth, and he has clearly shown that the magazine called The Watch Tower is used for that purpose."
Agape, J.C.MacHislopp
