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 - October 16, 2009

The Transforming Power of Grace 5

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Spiritual Leadership outline: (1) Grounded in the gospel Tit 1:1-4, (2) Manifest in character Tit 1:5-9, (3) Manifest in ministry Tit 1:10-16. Faith-Hope-Love occurs again and again (1Th 1:3, 1Co 13:13, Col 1:4-5, Heb 6:10-19). Paul summarizes his conduct with the Thessalonians as a living example (1Th 1:2-6). They became examples (1Th 1:7-8). What makes a good leader? Learn how to follow. Who are you imitating? Elisha exemplifies leadership; as a rich heir; he is working with the servants on the 12th yolk of oxen — the worst job (1Ki 19:19-21). The prophet's mantel was sack-cloth; he ran after Elijah in eagerness and confidence. Elisha burned his yokes and threw a party. A man of god has to be humble enough to be lower than the lowest around you. Timothy was not to be a phony (1Ti 4:6-16). The man of God is: (1) Spiritually exercised; (2) example to others to follow; (3) devoted to the truth and living-out of it in life; (4) the gift he's been given becomes the mission of his life so as to be a blessing to others; (5) he judges himself day by day according to the word of God. The man of God is also: (1) a fugitive — "flee"; (2) a follower — "pursue" (3) fighter — "fight the good fight" (1Ti 6:11-12).

Conference notes for this series can be found [HERE]

Scripture References: Colossians 1:4-5, Titus 1:10-16, Titus 1:5-9, Titus 1:1-4, Hebrews 6:10-19