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 - April 8, 2000

Simplicity in Christ #7

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Criteria for simplicity in Christ

To claim we abide in Him, we must walk as Jesus did (1Jo 2:1-6). The Christian life should be easier. The simiplicity of Christ is permanent and eternal. "As you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him" (Col 2:6). "As" represents our point of salvation; "so" represents from then on. Our understanding of the gospel affects our Christian living. Keeping the law is complex. All commandments can be reduced to believe in Christ and love one another (Joh 15:11-12). We have but one rule (Gal 6:16), and result is peace. "As" is by Grace through faith; it is a gift; we do nothing (Eph 2:8). Faith by its nature is an admission of helplessness (Act 16:31). Sin complicates life (1Jo 2:1-3). When we choose sin, it opens the door for more. We defer our case to our defense attorney, Jesus Christ (1Jo 2:1). "Knowing" Him means fellowship with Him (1Jo 2:3). The person that consistently keeps His word demonstrates love for Him and a degree of maturity (1Jo 2:4-5). Abiding "in Him" denotes fellowship (1Jo 2:5-6, 1Jo 1:3-4, Joh 8:30-32). The Christian life is the life of Christ. The root is the Word of God; the fruit is the Word working out in our life. If we feed the soul we'll grow. We should feed on the Word of God as often as we feed our body.

Evidence for Simplicity in Christ

We have to live an other-centered life in order to demonstrate a love for Jesus Christ (1Jo 3:16-24). It is possible to live a simplified lives in a busy world. "Abiding" is written for believers only. Jesus Christ abides with us is we obey His commands (Joh 14:21-22). Our life must be 1) Christ-centered; 2) Biblically informed; and 3) time-oriented (sense of urgency). "Life" and "things" are contrasts; life does not consist of the things in it (Luk 12:13-15). Material things are in the hands of the Father. Things are the least (Luk 16:10-13); we cannot serve God and mammon. We do have an obligation, but not money (Rom 13:8). Our pre-occupation with things has made life complex (Mat 6:33). The things we don't let go of exclude us from fellowship with the Lord (Phi 3:7-21). We have to keep things into perspective; we need to rivet our eyes on Him. Jesus had nothing, but enjoyed life richley.

Scripture References: Matthew 6:33, Acts 16:31, John 1:3-4, Romans 13:8, Ephesians 2:8, John 2:5-6, Luke 16:10-13, Galatians 6:16, John 2:4-5, Luke 12:13-15, John 15:11-12, John 2:3, John 14:21-22, Colossians 2:6, John 2:1, John 3:16-24, John 2:1-6, Philippians 3:7-21, John 2:1-3, John 8:30-32