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 - August 2, 2011

Philemon #8

$Philemon - A Living Parable of God\'s Redemption - California 2011$

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Philemon is reminded by Paul that he is among great men (Phm 1:23-25). Each of us have an opportunity to stand among the heros of the faith. Mark was already reconciled with Paul by this time; though unprofitable before, became profitable. Aristarcus traveled and served many places with Paul (Act 19:29; Act 20:4; Act 27:2; Col 4:10). Demas stands in the group mentioned, but in end of 2nd Timothy we find Demas has forsaken the Apostle "having loved this present world". Luke is mentioned only twice in the epsitles, and may have been Titus' brother. What will be the fruit that comes from your life?

Does Christ have a place in your life? Does Jesus Christ have His rightful place in your life? Jeremiah revealed that the Messiah would have no place to rest in Israel (Jer 14:8-9). Jeremiah sees the destruction of his nation and the Messiah is powerless traveler with no lodging for the night. Luke records what Jeremiah had seen in the Christmas story (Luk 2:6-7). We have refused Him access, a place in our life, decisions, priorities, and actions, all while professing faith in His name and declaring that we love Him. He could not find a place even in His own land (Mat 8:19-20). Certainly our nation has blocked him out of the public arena. Those that go by His name have no place for Him. When He taught near the Temple, many enjoyed the lessons, but afterwards, everyone went to their homes; He had to go to the mount of Olives (Joh 7:53; Joh 8:1-2). "Their eyes were restrained so that they did not know Him" (Luk 24:16) though He was in their midst (Luk 24:30-31). He calls to us day after day; we don't hear. He's asking for a resting place (Rev 3:20) to reveal Himself and make His abode (Joh 14:22-23) and to dwell in our hearts through faith (Eph 3:16-18).

Conference notes for this series can be found [HERE]

Scripture References: Luke 24:16, Acts 27:2, John 8:1-2, Acts 20:4, John 7:53, Ephesians 3:16-18, Acts 19:29, Matthew 8:19-20, John 14:22-23, Philippians 1:23-25, Luke 2:6-7, Revelation 3:20, Jeremiah 14:8-9, Luke 24:30-31, Colossians 4:10