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 18, 2012

Hosea Session 3

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The Lord promises to let Israel go into Assyrian captivity, but save Judah (Hos 1:6-7, Isa 37:36-38). Judah sought God in prayer with the Assyrians outside the gate. Angel of Jehova (preincarnate Christ) slew 140,000 Assyrian troops. Love of God demonstrated with Judah and His Justice demonstrated with Israel based on their response to God. The focal point of being condemned by God is volition not sin (Joh 3:16-19). Witness of creation leaves men with out excuse; the witness of conscience convinces of condemnation; witness of scripture confirms. The Lord renders consequence accordining to our deeds (Rom 2:6). The northern kingdom was arrogant and southern kingdom humble (Hos 1:10-11). Love + Justice = Providence. God's work of redemption is centered in Jesus Christ; there is hope (Rom 5:5, Rom 8:24). Christ in you is the hope of glory. Arrogance blinds us to the power and simplicity of the spiritual life. Providence is precise; "It will come to pass in that place". Jezreel = Armageddon. The good news after the bad news plays out (Hos 2:19-23). God chose a people for the messiah to come through; the Jews are chosen because Jesus came through them (Isa 42:1). Be diligent to make your calling and election sure (2Pe 1:10). You can loose election — Saul rejected the Lord, therefore he was rejected. David sought the Lord and "made his election sure." David will reign during the millenium under Jesus Christ (Hos 3:5, Hos 5:15). Jacob is a type of Israel (Hos 12:1-6). God loves us as we are, but also loves us too much to leave us as we are. Hosea becomes the faithful bride at the end. The church has been as unfaithful as Isareal. Christ is the seed; He sows the Word — Himself — in the world (Mar 4:1-14). Productive soil "chooses" what to do with the seed. When we have failed the greatest and God brings disciple. In the very place you suffer the worst cursing, you will look back and say that was the place of repentance, and turn around.

Conference notes for this series can be found [HERE]

Scripture References: Hosea 3:5, John 3:16-19, Isaiah 42:1, Isaiah 37:36-38, Hosea 2:19-23, Hosea 1:6-7, Romans 8:24, Mark 4:1-14, Romans 5:5, Hosea 12:1-6, Hosea 1:10-11, Hosea 5:15, Romans 2:6