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 #9

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The Simplicity of the Pilgrim Mentality

Heb 11:13-16 shows the pilgrim mentality among the heroes of faith. Pilgrim mindset:

their eyes are fixed on eternity recognizing life is a temporary journey (Heb 11:13);

They do not look back (Heb 11:15, Act 7:9, Heb 10:38-39);

Their heart nor roots are in this world (Heb 11:14, Heb 11:16).

We need to be a "sojourner". Peter writes to those who are scattered, calling them pilgrims by nature (Acts 8:4). Peter exhorts them to have the pilgrim mindset (1Pe 2:11-12). As temporary residents, remain aloof from fleshly lusts (i.e., the desire to live in this world thinking you're going to stay) (Mat 13:22, Luk 21:34). "Fleshly lusts" are the cares of this life (2Ti 4:2). As witnesses in the world (1Pe 2:12).

pilgrim lifestyle counteracts evil reports (2Co 4:1-7, 2Co 6:4-10);

it is effective to win the lost (1Pe 2:12);

Obedient to civil authority (1Pe 2:13-18); we need to earn the right to be heard;

we're free from this temporary world (1Pe 2:16-18).

Abraham was given the land, but he wouldn't have it until after life (Act 7:1-8); Abraham had to conclude that his inheritence was in the next life ( Gen 15:1-6, Heb 11:8). Abraham waited for the city God would provide (Heb 11:8-10). Jesus dwelt as a sojourner (Joh 1:14). Pilgrims are homeward bound (Heb 11:13, Mat 10:32, Phi 3:20, Act 5:29). Jesus warns about the cares of this world choking fruitfulness (Mat 13:22, Luk 21:34-35, Luk 17:32).