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 - May 20, 2003

Losing To Gain #2

Philippians - Losing To Gain - June 2008

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Phi 3:7-8 implies progression -- "advantages and achievements" mentioned in Phi 3:4-6. Paul expresses confidence because of what the Philippians had been doing regarding giving and devotion (Phi 1:6, Phi 4:19). Suffering is inevitable; joy is optional - "set before you" -- victory that hasn't yet come. Paul didn't come up with losing to gain on his own; he received it from Christ (2Ti 2:12, Mat 5:12). A disciple is a learner (Phi 4:11) and being conformed to the image of Christ (Rom 8:29). Every command in the epistles are aimed at the goal of conformity. Jesus Christ is the grand example to be followed (Phi 3:17). Four "ifs" followed by four "let"; you have to allow God to fill, empower, and make you whole (Phi 2:1-4). We can appropriate the same attitude that Christ had which carried Him through His suffering (Phi 2:5-11). Death begins when flesh is on the throne. Life is in Christ (Gal 2:20). Humility is giving up what is advantage to you to serve someone else. Condescension -- identifying with the neediest and vialest of people; "He bore in His body" and "became sin for us". Obedience -- he became mediator (1Ti 2:5) and saviour as an example to those who follow Him. The result is exultation from the Father. Mindset is everything (Phi 2:21). Paul's "gain" was (1) the Philippians (Phi 1:3-8); (2) assisting them in their walk (Phi 1:9), (3) unrivaled historical impact on friend and foe alike (Phi 1:13-18), (4) a confidence and boldness that took advantage of opportunities in life (Phi 1:19-26)

Scripture References: Philippians 3:4-6, Philippians 3:17, Philippians 1:9, Philippians 3:7-8, Romans 8:29, Philippians 1:3-8, Philippians 4:11, Philippians 2:21, Matthew 5:12, Galatians 2:20, Philippians 4:19, Philippians 2:5-11, Philippians 1:19-26, Philippians 1:6, Philippians 2:1-4, Philippians 1:13-18