To Christmas or Not to Christmas? Holiday Dilemmas

[Robin Sampson]

How do you feel about Christmas?

Do you observe it differently now compared to how you observed it when you were a child? Do you observe it at all? Did you know Christmas has pagan roots? Does that bother you?

Don’t get nervous. I’m not going to tell you what you should or shouldn’t be doing this time of year. I can’t because I don’t have it all sorted out myself.

Since the beginning of the Church, there has been controversy over pagan customs. On one side were those who wanted to ‘christianise’ the customs to win over the heathen and on the other side were those who rejected anything to do with paganism.

Some Christians observe Christmas as they always have with family traditions, Santa, etc. but with a focus on the Savior’s birth. Some avoid the Santa scene, try not to get wrapped up in materialism (pardon the pun) and focus on Christ.

Some have completely given up Christmas because of the pagan roots, or because the Puritans didn’t observe it, or the materialism, etc. Those that have given up Christmas usually face a lot of flack from friends and family.

Our Christmas Evolution

Our Christmas in the Sixties

As a child we did what everyone else did in the 60’s. Full blown Santa is coming, tinsel-decorated tree, with a big-time focus on presents. We didn’t leave out Jesus but He wasn’t the focus. My mother would read the Christmas story in front of the nativity scene on Christmas Eve. Jesus got about 15 minutes of the holidays rush.

Our Christmas in the Seventies

When my first children were toddlers (over 30 years ago) we had a birthday cake for Jesus each year. Our traditional centerpiece was a Santa kneeling over the Baby Jesus in the manger. I also took my children to have their photo taken with Santa. Santa even came to our church to pass out presents.

Our Christmas in the Eighties

By the time my oldest children were school age we dumped all Santa décor and focused on Christ. (We also stopped all Easter bunny traditions that year). We made Chrismoms (symbols of Christ) for the tree out of white and gold felt and sequins and hung them every year as we read Scripture verses for the symbol (door, crown, sheep, bread, etc). We sent out "Jesus is the Reason for the Season" Christmas cards. I remember my mother was disappointed we didn’t accept Santa and reindeer presents. The tree and stockings were still a family tradition.

Our Christmas in the Early Nineties

About 15 years ago I learned about the Bible holidays and the pagan roots of Christmas and Easter. I wanted to give up Christmas and Easter. My children were horrified. All those holiday memories! Mom has lost her mind!

We went back and forth on the topic for a few years. I wanted to at least get rid of the tree (based on Jeremiah 10:1-5). We finally made the decision not to have Christmas. It was hard. My Grandmother was crushed. (The shocked reactions from telling family and friends of homeschool and homebirth decisions pale compared to reactions we got from giving up Christmas.)

When a Christian is raised to believe that devoted family traditions bring glory to God, then finds out about pagan history and God's ways, it’s quite a blow. God's ways should have been taught since childhood and are now being learned in adulthood. My motives were pure. I only wanted to do what I believed God wanted us to do.

Our Christmas from Late Nineties until Now

Ten years ago we went back to celebrating Christmas. I remarried and my new husband did not want to give up Christmas (mainly because it is the only time his family gathers). I still don’t feel at peace with this decision but it is really not my call. So I make the best of it and focus on Christ. I feel God can use all things for His good.

I want to Celebrate the Birth of Christ!

I have no problem that celebrating Jesus' birthday wasn’t commanded by God. Purim wasn’t commanded by God, but suggested by the Hebrews as an observance to remember a miracle of God. I want to celebrate the birth of Christ as a miracle of God. The most wonderful miracle of all! I would just prefer not to merge the celebration with a pagan festival. It’s a compromise I don’t feel good about.

12 Things I like About Christmas

1. Focus on Christ 2. Families getting together (for some, the only time of the year) 3. Church programs (giving to the needy, the elderly, plays, songs, etc., focusing on Christ)
4. Nativity scenes
5. Generosity
6. Caroling
7. The music (especially Handel’s Messiah)
8. The lights
9. Baking
10. Homemade gifts and cards (especially from children)
11. Goodies (fudge, cookies, nougat, and peppermint–yum)
12. Creativity (crafts, gingerbread houses, decorations, Chrismoms, etc.)

12 Things I don’t like about Christmas

1. Lack of focus on Christ 2. Pagan roots 3. Lonely people feeling lonelier
4. Christians disagreeing
5. Greed (coveting)
6. Materialism
7. Shopping, shopping and more shopping
8. Debt
9. Family stress
10. The good are rewarded philosophy that spills over in “saved by works” mentality
11. Santa worship (idolatry)
12. Political War on Christmas

God Wants us to Have Holidays (Holy Days)

God created us with a desire to have celebrations. He gave us instructions for observing seven holidays listed in Lev 23. The holidays contain more divine information of spiritual and prophetic value than any subject of scripture. Why aren't we taught these marvelous lessons in church? The answer is found during the first through the fourth centuries.

Read What Happened to the Holidays for more information. I give you the link with a warning. Once you learn about God’s Holidays (they are God’s holidays not Jewish holidays) you will face controversies.

How does God feel about us ignoring the holidays He gave us and replacing them with other days? I’ll answer in a parable and let you decide.

A Parable

Once upon a time there was a little boy who loved his Father very much. His Father asked the boy to prepare and serve a special dinner on a particular day. The Father wrote out all the specific instructions clearly and departed for awhile expecting these instructions to be executed.

While the Father was gone the boy shared the instructions with a family friend. The family friend said, "I have a better idea. We had a party that was much more fun, let me tell you about it." We tell mythical stories, dress up in furry costumes and make beautiful decorations and have tasty treats. The friend gave all the details and suggested they change the dinner date to another day. The boy decided the party would be more fun than the dinner and felt his father would understand. The boy undertook the friend's party plan.

Was the Father disappointed?

The Father loved his precious son but was probably disappointed in his disobedience. To what degree would depend on two facts. 1. the age or maturity of the boy and 2. the motivation of the boy.

God Looks on the Heart

Yes, I do believe the pagan holidays are offensive to God. I also believe He is merciful. . . God looks on the heart and views our motives.

"Man looks to the outward appearance but God looks to the heart."

The Reason for the Season

The attention of the whole world is called to acknowledge the birth of the Savior at this time of year, even if they don't believe. Let us be careful not to get our focus off of what is important. If our desire is to celebrate or not to celebrate the birth of Jesus at this time of the year, then let that be done according to the purity of the heart and with integrity of conviction without judgment toward others.

God looks at the heart. Jesus taught against condemning one another—He taught the most important things: 1. Love God. 2. Love others. This should be our focus. Too many are condemning others on either side.

Christmas is a merging of pagan and Christian religions—it is a fact. The ultimate would be to abandon all forms of pagan worship and teach our children the ancient paths—only God's pure worship. Then our children won't be faced with this holiday dilemma each year.

How do we get there from here? I think it's going to take time. Josiah changed things (2 Ch 34:3-8). He got rid of the paganism that crept in—but over a period of time. If we commit to seeking God through His Word and teach our children His Word, we will grow spiritually and God will reveal His paths.

A Season of Peace?

With so much controversy how does one have peace? Isaiah 26:3 says that if we keep our mind stayed (focused) upon God we will have perfect peace. Perfect peace was put in this verse when it actually says Shalom, Shalom.

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3

Let not your heart be troubled: John 14:1a

Bring peace to this season by focusing on Christ. Then celebrate Jesus in every season by loving one another.

Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all whom God favors. (Luke 2:14).

For more details

• "Should We Celebrate Christmas?" - online booklet
• We Should Not Celebrate Christmas - a blog entry with several Links (pro and con)

[Carol]

I'm with you here, Trish.

Carol

[Yiska]

My studies have brought me to the conclusion that Messiah was born during Sukkot.

This said, we celebrate His birth during Sukkot. We build the Sukkah (stable) in the yard. We stay in it, eat in it, put up a food store (manger). We read Devarim and discuss the many scriptures that point to the Messiah. Sometimes we read the prophecies about Messiah and the birth story from the Gospels. This is our celebration of the birth of Messiah.

Just a thought for those who want to celebrate the birth of Messiah.

Shalom

[YAHaloma]

Think about it. If He was born during Sukkot, they would have been heading to Jerusalayaim (not Beyt Lahem), as was required when the Temple was standing. Joseph would have even broken the law of Herod (who demanded they travel to their land of birth for the census), and kept the law of YHWH for the Feast. And, Mary would have been allowed to stay home, since it is only the man of the house who is actually required to attend the feasts, the women were not required, but were welcome if they could come.

I believe that Yahushua's coming to 'tabernacle' with us is valid in that that is when He came to His temporary place in His mother's womb, during Sukkot. He came to be with us (He - the Word - was given to us) at Shavout, on the anniversary of when Torah was given to Moshe.

That said, we don't celebrate His birth, exactly, but do include it in our understanding of the Feast of Weeks. We also teach the children the story of Mary's conception at Sukkot.

[YAHaloma]

This is a recent broadcast (this is the transcript, so the grammer is not perfect) that was taught by a teacher I have tremendous respect for. I don't agree with all of his teachings, but he is very open to being wrong, being corrected, and only loves YHWH and Yahushua, only wants to understand and teach what he's learned. I think this says everything that I've been trying to point out. It may seem harsh in some ways, but really, read the questions he asks. Understand that he's only trying to get you to be serious about your walk with YHWH.

In love.....enjoy:

onight's study is entitled, "Should We Observe Christmas?" Written by Eliyah from Eliyah.com

Yahushua said:

John 17:17 - Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

John 14:6 - Yahushua saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

And later, it is written:

2Thessalonians 2:9 - Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

2Thessalonians 2:10 - And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

2Thessalonians 2:11 - And for this cause YAHWEH shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

Truth? Or lies? Which will we love? To which will we cling?

In 2Thess 2:10 it says that we must love the truth, or we will believe a lie. Are our hearts accustomed to seeking and loving truth? Are our hearts desensitized to lies? Do lies seem to be of no significance? Whether we cleave to truth or lies is very important.

This time of year, the children of this age, from the time they are very small, are taught to believe a lie. We enter a time of year when the children of this age rejoice. They rejoice that their god, Santa is going to fulfill their covetous desires for the world's goods. And money, another one of the gods of this world, will be spent in abundance.

We are approaching a time of year when the world fills its buildings with Christmas decorations, their homes and stores with Christmas music, its streets and homes with decorated trees. And for those of us who do not participate, it can be very oppressive and vexing to the soul.

What does Yahweh think of these practices? Has anyone thought to consult Him? After all, isn't it supposed to be honoring His Son?

As is commonly known, the celebration of Christmas is a 'tradition.' Christmas is an observance which the men of this generation have inherited from their fathers. It is something that is celebrated even by some atheists and others who are not a part of the Christian religion. Interestingly, modern pagans hail it as the time of the winter solstice.

Sometimes tradition is acceptable and perhaps even pleasing in the sight of Yahweh. But there are other traditions which clearly transgress the commmandments of Yahweh. Which might it be in this case?

First, let's understand clearly that Yahushua taught us to utterly reject any tradition which transgresses Yahweh's commandments

Matthew 15:1 - Then came to Yahushua scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,

Matthew 15:2 - Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.

Matthew 15:3 - But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of YAHWEH by your tradition?

Here we see that the people of Yahushua's day were not pleased that Yahushua's disciples "transgressed the tradition of the elders." And today, many will ask those of us who do not keep Christmas the same question (though with different wording). They wonder, "Why do you transgress the traditions of our elders?"

Our answer could be the same as Yahushua's answer except we can apply it to Christmas. "Why do ye also transgress the commandment of YAHWEH by your tradition??" As we will see, this is exactly what is taking place with the tradition of Christmas.

What did Yahushua say about those who transgress Yahweh's commandments so that they can keep to their traditions?

Matthew 15:7 - Ye hypocrites, well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying,

Matthew 15:8 - This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

Matthew 15:9 - But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Brethren, it is quite evident to me that the "Christmas celebration" is honoring with the lips...but its heart is far from Yahweh. It's heart is in materialism, falsehood, idolatry and vanity. You may search from Genesis to Revelation, but you will not find a single scripture in the bible which asks us to celebrate the birth of Yahushua the Messiah. But today, most who claim to believe in Him do celebrate it, and in a way that imitates idolators! So yes, we must question these traditions and the origin of these traditions that have been handed down to this generation even though few dare to.

Many Christians will speak strongly against Catholic traditions which have their roots in idolatry, but then fail to recognize that the same types of pagan festivals exist in the celebration of Christmas and Easter.

So how did the observance of Christmas get its start? The following is a quote from the 1991 Encyclopaedia Brittanica, Volume 11 ; page 390...

"During the later periods of Roman history, sun worship gained in importance and ultimately led to what has been called a 'solar monotheism.' Nearly all the gods of the period were possessed of Solar qualities, and both Christ and Mithra acquired the traits of solar deities. The feast of Sol and Victus (open unconquered Sun) on December 25th was celebrated with great joy, and eventually this date was taken over by the Christians"

As you can see, the "feast of Sol and Victus" crept into the Christian faith many years ago. So essentially, Christianity rejected Yahweh's feasts in favor of feasts that were of demonic origin. Notice how it says "both Christ and Mithra acquired the traits of solar deities"? Do any alarm bells go off here?? It should!

The "Christmas" holi-day is nothing more than a "Christianized" pagan/demonic holiday. It's an attempt to insert the observances and doctrines of demons (idols) into the purity of Yahweh's Holy Son. But friends and brethren, they don't mix!!!

The Christians were apparently trying to get more converts so they bascially tried to "Christianized" these idolatrous/pagan feasts to make Yahushua more attractive to them. But they did not "Christianize" these holidays at all. What they really did was "Paganize" the only begotten Son of Yahweh! So the real question is, "Who converted who?" It appears to me that the Christians were being converted to the world, not the other way around.

Brethren, you can't win the world by imitating the world. You win the world by imitating Yahushua the Messiah!

The demon worshipers had their way with the Christians and pressured them into accepting their holidays. In truth, satan has been trying to creep his lies into the worship of Yahweh ever since the Garden of Eden. We need to be far removed from any practice that he invents or inspires men to invent.

1Corinthians 10:14 - Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

And our children need to be taught purity, truth and the ways of life; not profane things, lies and the things of demons!

1John 5:21 - Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

And so we are to keep ourselves far from idols or from idolatrous practices... not mix them into our worship of Yahweh!

It is true that by 336AD, many of the mainstream beliefs of Christianity were already far from much of the truth the apostles taught. However, true believers should be teaching the unbelievers the true way of Yahweh rather than the unbelievers teaching believers these pagan customs and practices.

Ephesians 5:11 - And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.

2Corinthians 6:14 - Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?

We should never take something that is a total abomination to Yahweh and then try to honor Him with it. He recieves no honor in doing such a thing. But that is what took place when the Christians took over the feast of Sol/Victus. They invented a reason to keep the demonic feast that was already in their hearts rather than rejecting the worldly ways. They tried to clean that which was unclean

Job 14:4 - Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one.

Therefore, we should not join with those who participate in the celebration of such things. Often, we as believers will be invited to "Christmas parties" at work or with relatives. We should have no part with such things, as we should have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, unless we are there to simply expose them.

It is true that today, Christmas is a very popular holiday. However, as is often the case, what is popular is not always right and what is right is not always popular. Christmas means 'mass for christ', but the name of the holiday is much newer than the holiday itself. The customs associated with christmas, in one form or another, have been celebrated for thousands of years. It is historical fact that even though the same festival from which Christmas originates was celebrated by pagans during the first 300+ years, it was not celebrated by believers. But by 336AD they eventually succumbed to the ways of this world. If they had only heeded the scriptures, we wouldn't be dealing with this issue today.

Romans 12:2 - And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of YAHWEH.

There is no doubt that the customs that are associated with christmas are of pagan origin. One must only look to an encyclopaedia or often even the local newspaper in December to find this truth. Nearly all modern day preachers and ministers of Christianity will admit that its roots are in idolatry, and not the scriptures. The issue is whether or not we should walk in these customs.

"What is so bad about it?" they say Is it just for the children? Many wonder how they could "neglect" their children by letting them be the "oddball" and not permit Christmas celebrations in their home. To this I say..

What should we be teaching our children? Truth or lies? Conformity to the world, or a life transformed by the renewing of the mind? Follow a crowd to do evil, or follow Yahushua the Messiah? Walking a broad path where many are, or walk the narrow path that few find?

Exodus 23:7 - Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.

We need to be "far from a false matter" The truth is that the Messiah was not born on December 25th. December 25th is the alleged "birthday" of the sun god(s), not Yahushua the Messiah. Please tell me... Why would we want to give Yahweh's perfect, holy Son the attributes of an idol? The scriptures do not tell us when He was even born, but the closest indication is that He was born in the spring or fall, not in the dead of winter. Yahushua surely knew that millions of people would be wanting to celebrate His "birthday." But left us with no birthdate. Does this not show that He had no interest in us celebrating His birthday?

Rather, we are told to commemorate His death on the day of Passover.

1Corinthians 11:24 - And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

But most of the world ignores the Passover and chooses a demonic holiday that is based on the lie that He was born on Dec. 25th In scriptures, Yahweh tells us "Learn not the way of the heathen"

Jeremiah 10:2 - Thus saith YAHWEH, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.

So He says to not even learn it, let alone practice it and incorporate it into the worship of Yahweh! It also says that the Gentiles were dismayed at the signs of heaven. What is this about?

History tells us that when the sun began to go further away from the northern hemisphere and the days grew shorter in the winter, the sun worshipping Gentiles were "dismayed", and possibly feared that the sun would not return. So they held certain festivals and celebrations just after the winter soltice to thank their idol (the sun) for returning. This return of the sun is why December 25th is the birthday of so many solar deities.

To them, all the world around them appeared to be dead with the trees losing their leaves and plants ceasing from being green. One exception to this was the evergreen tree It held special significance for this reason.

Jeremiah 10:3 - For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.

Continuing in Jeremiah 10, we see here a very familiar sounding custom

Jeremiah 10:4 - They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.

A "vain custom" indeed. Remember what Yahushua said about "vain worship"?

Mark 7:7 - Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctines the commandments of men.

Yahweh tells us not to learn the way of the heathen. And here He even goes so far as describe a custom that is a way of the heathen. Today, people cut down a tree and deck it with silver and gold.. fasten it and set it up so it will not topple. And, as the ancient pagans offered gifts to their idols, today we see a similar custom where people bow down to place "Gifts" under the tree. All the while, not really knowing why they do what they do. If nobody else in the entire world practiced this custom today, the one guy who went out into the forest and set up a "christmas tree" in his house would be the laughingstock of the neighborhood After all, why would anyone do something so strange?? If nobody else in this world celebrated Christmas, who would insist on celebrating it? There is no scripture telling us we should.

So it is just a tradition of this world The "Tree fastening" custom, along with other pagan customs like it are clearly condemned in this passage. We don't need a prophet to come and tell us today that this custom is wrong. Jeremiah said so a long time ago!

Other customs include Mistletoe, the Yule log and Santa Claus. If you seek, you will find that these things are rooted in idolatry also. However, one need not do much research to discover the idolatrous roots of Santa. Santa Claus already is "God" to the children of the world (move the n to the end of Santa). Others say 'Father Christmas.'

Parents purposely and deliberately lie to their children and tell them that they should fear "Santa Claus" because "he knows if you've been bad or good." These same parents also lie to their children about the "Easter Bunny" and the "Tooth Fairy". Then they wonder why their children become liars and have a hard time believing the true Elohim is real later on in life.

This is clearly a total abomination to Yahweh. You don't have to look very far in the word of Yahweh to find out how much he loathes idolatry and lies. Yahweh is the only true Mighty One. What they have done is put Santa in the place that only Yahweh belongs. It is Yahweh who is the watcher of men and their morality, not Santa Claus. It is Yahweh who is omnipresent, not Santa Claus or anyone else.

So why would any believer teach their children that it is "Santa Claus" who knows if we have been 'naughty or nice'? And why would any believer teach their children that it's Santa Claus who is omnipresent and knows when you are sleeping or awake? Our children look to us and believe every word we say. Do they not deserve the truth?

Yes.

Brethren, I say to you that ot is an absolute abomination to Yahweh for any believer to teach their children to fear Santa Claus--and in so doing--creep an idol into the conscience of a child!

Matthew 18:6 - But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

People of this world, take away the stumbling block! You have been warned!! Lies, lies everything is lies :( The very foundation of the Christmas holiday is a lie The Messiah was not born December 25th. He did not ask us to celebrate his birthday. He did not say to set up a tree in our house and decorate it and our houses with anything. Santa Claus does not exist. He doesn't have reindeer that fly and he isn't going to come on December 25th and leave any gifts. It is a waste of time to leave cookies because he will not be coming down anyone's chimney. It's a lie!

So is Yahweh the originator of this holiday? Or is it the father of lies?

Revelation 22:14 - Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.

Revelation 22:15 - But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.

We know that most of the world will love and practice lies. The whole holiday is a lie, so the world loves it!

Yahushua condemned the leaders of that generation for their "traditions of men" and for cleaving to lies:

John 8:44 - Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

John 8:45 - And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.

Yahushua always, always, always...speaks the truth. So should we The adversary speaks lies, and inspires others to speak them.

"You shall not surely die!" satan said. A liar from the beginning indeed.

It is sooo important that we the truth and beware of lies. And if we discover a lie, let's have nothing to do with it.

Jeremiah 16:19 - O YAHWEH, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit.

Jeremiah 16:20 - Shall a man make elohim unto himself, and they are no elohim?

Jeremiah 16:21 - Therefore, behold, I will this once cause them to know, I will cause them to know mine hand and my might; and they shall know that my name is YAHWEH.

Let's confess what should already be obvious: Our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit. Therefore, let's forsake them and cleave to the truth, calling on His name! It is time that we know that His name is Yahweh! If we admit that we have inherited lies and vanity, Yahweh makes a promise saying that He will reveal His name, His power and His might

David said:

Psalms 101:7 - He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.

Like David, we should not have any part of lies.. they are from the father of lies. We should keep ourselves from idols and keep ourselves from every false matter. The "little lies" are in many ways the most dangerous. It is the "Truth mixed with lies" that is downright deadly.

Of course, the world will naturally follow lies The book of Revelation predicts that those who hate Yahweh will be glad when the two witnesses of Yahweh die, for they will make merry and have a gift exchange.

Revelation 11:9 - Then those from the peoples, tribes, tongues, and nations will see their dead bodies three-and-a-half days, and not allow their dead bodies to be put into graves.

Revelation 11:10 - And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.

Sound familiar?

As I shared a while ago, the pagan practices of Christmas are also creeping into the Jewish Hanukah holiday. Now there are gift exchanges and even a "Hanukkah bush"

But Yahweh says:

Deuteronomy 12:29 - When YAHWEH thy Elohim shall cut off the nations from before thee, whither thou goest to possess them, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their land;

Notice now.. Yahweh's people are about to be brought into a land where there are idol worshipers.

Deuteronomy 12:30 - Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou enquire not after their elohim, saying, How did these nations serve their elohim? even so will I do likewise.

Deuteronomy 12:31 - Thou shalt not do so unto YAHWEH thy Elohim: for every abomination to YAHWEH, which he hateth, have they done unto their elohim; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their elohim.

Deuteronomy 12:32 - What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.

Very CLEAR, yes?

"Thou shalt not do so unto YAHWEH thy Elohim:" <---- Yes, it is abundantly clear.

Do not worship Yahweh in that way, the way of the heathen. Do not take a pagan way of worship and try to apply that to the worship of Yahweh. Do not add to His commandments and do not take away from His commandments. Both Christmas and Easter take pagan festivals and traditions and apply them to the worship of Yahweh. This is clearly condemned here Scripture says we shouldn't be walking as the Gentiles walked. Rather, we should be walking as Yahushua walked!

1John 2:6 - He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

Would it be right to take a Satanic holiday that modern Satanists have invented and then incorporate that holiday into the worship of Yahweh? Surely not.

Yet, the truth is: All paganism is Satanism. Satan is behind all pagan worship. And whatever god the idolaters worship, they are actually worshipping Satan.

1Corinthians 10:20 - But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to Elohim: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.

In the above verse, we see that the Gentiles who worshiped idols were actually unknowingly worshiping the Devil and sacrificing to him. But it is very obvious from scripture that you cannot mix the doctrines and practices of satan worship into the worship of Yahweh and still remain pure! We need to return to the pure faith that was once delivered to the saints in the first century by Yahushua Himself! They had no part with such things.

So let's set aside all these vain, satanic, syncretic, "religion mixing" traditions. Let's set aside our desire to please man and let's be willing to be fools in the eyes of the world for the Messiah's sake. And let's set aside any and all desire to conform to the world! Rather, let's conform ourselves to the image of Yahushua the Messiah.. who is the way, the TRUTH, and the life. Let's conform ourselves to the TRUE observances found in scripture.. the ones He observed! For there is no doubt that He not only hates the way of the heathen, but He really loathes the idea of the way of the heathen being applied to HIM

1Corinthians 10:21 - Ye cannot drink the cup of YAHWEH, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of YAHWEH's table, and of the table of devils.

Therefore, cease from the mixing of cups & tables.... Return the the way of LIFE, and Righteousness...

Return to the way of LIFE, and Righteousness... peace and TRUTH... Removing ourselves from every false matter...
Fleeing from idolatry... Refusing conformity to the world... And embracing the ways of truth.

Yahweh already has His Holy Days. We don't need the world's unholi-days. Let's have no part with lies.. let's have our part with Yahweh, partaking of His table! Which table will you choose? Which cup will you drink?

May Yahweh's pure, unadulterated cup of truth be your choice.. from this time forth.. and forevermore.

As you do so, may Yahweh bless you and may He have mercy on us all!

[Carol]

I'm this seems so judgmental. I didn't read it all, but there are a lot of assumptions that I did read that just didn't set right with me. I'm not going to defend my position, because I don't want to come under attack. Just remember, everyone, that God is at work in different people on different parts of their lives. If you are not all at the same point, He does not require you to change one another or to bring about conviction. That is the job of the Holy Spirit. Look to Him for the answers to these questions and encourage one another lovingly along the path to God.

[YAHaloma]

That is true, but it is our job to plant the seed. I can't make anyone read anything, and ultimately, it's your relationship with YHWH.

I don't find it judgmental. It does make me uncomfortable in some respects, as yes, I am guilty of trying to figure out how to appease those in my family who don't believe as I do, and it is not comfortable to think about the fact that I may well be putting them before YHWH. But, more than anything, I want to be right with Him, and it's important to me to be corrected, to be shown these things so I can make the right decisions when it comes down to it. That is all I am trying to offer here, a seed, and the means to make an educated decision. It's up to you what you do with it, and up to YHWH on how your seed will grow.

[Carol]

I guess to me the comments about Santa Claus and commercialism made me feel that the author thought that everyone who celebrates Christmas involves Santa Claus and goes into debt to worship this "idol". The author does not know how we celebrate Christmas, and I don't like the inference that I haven't sought the Lord in this matter and that I am not willing to give up my "idol" of Christmas, when in fact I have been doing just the opposite, and the Lord is not calling me to give up Christmas altogether.

On the other hand, YaHaloma, I know that my attitude here may need some work as far as how it is coming across to you. I just want you to know that I am not angry with you or anyone else who is posting on this topic. I forgive any unintentional hurtfulness, and I know that you don't have any intentional hurtfulness in this. Please forgive me if I am coming across less than loving too. I have some hurt involved with my dh right now that very well could also be playing in to my feelings here.

Your Sister in Yeshua,
Carol

[YAHaloma]

I can understand that. Again, everything happens in YHWH's time. Trust me, He WILL have you give up x-mas at some point. But, let me ask you, how do you know that YHWH isn't trying to show you something, and that is why I felt the strong urge to post this? It may not be the final stage, but it could well be the point where He wants you to start really looking at how you look at the world and it's traditions.

I see what Eliyah wrote differently than you, too, I guess. 'Tough love' is something that is part of my life, always has been, it's something I've had much need of to bring me to the point I am at. It's literally saved my life a few times. And in my experience (not to say this is true for anyone else, but it might be) when I get upset or defensive about being told I am wrong, or going about something the wrong way (in things that matter), it's usually because I don't want to admit I might be wrong, or that I am too comfortable in my current condition, and I don't want to have to work so hard to get out of it, and down the right path. I've had a LOT of wake up calls about my life, in many areas, in this manner. All it boils down to, is making a definate choice, and doing something with it.

I tend to not say anything unless He prompts me to, and this is one of those occasions (not to say I haven't put my foot in my mouth!). I often feel like Moshe, though, not really knowing what to say, and then either the Rauch takes over, or YHWH leads me to something someone else wrote or said that I can use. I otherwise don't really like talking to others about issues of faith, believe it or not. I'd rather just keep to myself on it all. After all, sometimes it's easier to just let others hash it out on their own, as I have had to do.

I thank you for your openess about how you feel, and am glad you understand that I am trying to do what I am led to, and it is all out of love.

[Carol]

YaHaloma,

Don't think that because I still celebrate Christmas that I haven't started looking at "how I look at the world and it's traditions". You can't even imagine the struggle I go through on a day to day basis... I praise God for His grace and love to me in all things holy. Even you, sister...your righteous deeds are like filthy rags outside of the blood of Jesus. In spite of what you think might be possible, our family had a wonderful Christmas filled with learning about Jesus, drawing closer as a family, drawing closer to God. I know God has redeemed many of our former ways of celebrating this holiday. I believe He will continue this work in me until the day He completes it, but for now I praise Him for what He has done for me, and how He can look at me and see His Son Jesus. I'm not avoiding His Spirit. He is teaching me each day.

As for Christmas, even if I wanted to do away with it completely this year...I believe God was NOT calling me to do that this year. You can believe it or not. I did pray a lot about it. Many things about Christmas sicken me also. We did not take part in those things. Next year, the Lord will possibly take us on from here... I don't need to follow what man says about these things... I only need to follow the indwelling Spirit that my Lord has given me that He might teach me.

The Lord bless you,
Carol

[Dawn]

We honor Messiah's birth during the Feast of Tabernacles/Sukkot--when God came to dwell with us on earth.