If Christmas is pagan, should Christians be involved?

Should Christians get involved in supporting or celebrating Christmas? Have you ever heard that argument? Why in the world would Christians want to get involved in something that was really a “pagan holiday,” that we the Church co-opted? So for those critics, I have three points.
Number one: Do you give your kids birthday gifts? You celebrate your kids birthdays, why not celebrate the birth of the Savior? If we’re not going to do it now, when would you decide to do it? That would be a question.
Secondly, in 1st Corinthians 9:22, Paul says, “I became all things to all men, that by all means I may win some.” I can’t think of a time, and I doubt that you could think of a time in the year when there is more focus on the birth of Jesus Christ. Once a year, the world is confronted with the reality of His coming. And I think that’s great!
The third point is in Matthew 16:18,where Jesus said, “On this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” The idea is not that we are holding out against the world. The idea is that we are assaulting a world and they cannot overwhelm us. They cannot withstand the assault of the Church. The very fact that you and I are here, 2000 years after the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, is evidence of that. The world has done everything it can to squash the message, destroy the Word, and intimidate believers. Yet, all around the world today there are those who are singing praise, spreading the Word and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. So, if we co-opt or take over Christmas, that’s what we’re supposed to do. We’re supposed to seize the gates of the enemy. This is why we’re here and why this season is so important.

Gene Cunningham - November 28, 2003

Joshua # 12

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We are designed to live a victorious life (2Co 2:4-17; 2Co 3:4-6). Rahab and Achan are believers intended to enjoy victory. Rahab, though is the only one exalted in scripture (Mat 1:5); she lived a victorious life. The Israelites were highly favored. However, we are recipients of greater Grace and revelation than the children of Israel during Joshua's time. God's Justice never rests; He will bless or curse. Achan thought he could pick and chose what he could obey. Hebrew cherem means "dedicated to God", also can be translated "accursed". Achan took items dedicated to God that were provisions for the tabernacle and the poor. We're not our own; we're to be dedicated to God (1Co 6:19-20). Achan is the head of a large family in the tribe of Judah. He made himself the center of his life. Justice warns us again and again (Heb 10:32-39). After demonstrating faith, how shall we escape if we turn away from Him (Heb 12:25-29). "Our God is a consuming fire" (Heb 12:29); fire doesn't harm gold, silver, diamonds, but consumes dead wood.

Victorious life begins with personal purity; it's not a showy life like the Pharisees. Achan's family participated in his sin. At Ai, Joshua was told to take spoil for himself (Jos 8:1-2). Ingredients of a victorious life: 1) Victorious Christian recognizes his sinfulness; 2) pursuit of fellowship with God; 3) maintains his hunger for the Word of God (2Co 3:18); 4) life of prayer (Heb 4:16)

Scripture References: Hebrews 4:16, Joshua 8:1-2, Hebrews 12:29, Hebrews 12:25-29, Hebrews 10:32-39, Matthew 1:5