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 - September 11, 2000

Elijah #4

Listen

Elijah was "the Prophet" (Mat 5:12), and destined to be persecuted. The greatest prophet, though was Jesus Christ (Luk 4:16-30). In the life of Elijah we see the importance and power of the word of God, obedience to God's will, the power of faith and the power of prayer. The love of God is obvious in His dealing with Israel, Elijah and the widow (1Ki 17:1-24). Elijah was a gentleman in the way he spoke to the widow (1Ki 17:10-11). In his conduct, Elijah is a gentleman in his conduct -- he doesn't argue or defend himself (1Ki 17:17-18). He is a compassionate and understanding, not judgmental. He is a gentleman with courage. God reveals the character of Elijah and Obadiah (1Ki 18:1-15). Obadiah's attitude "God is waiting to discipline me". Elijah ignores him and focuses on God (1Ki 18:15). Obadiah was probably one of the 7000 that have not bowed to Baal. That would have been difficult in the King's court. However, he was compromised -- Elijah rejects his statement (1Ki 18:7-8) and looks at him in grace; Obadiah has excuses to obeying and wants credit (1Ki 18:13-14). Whatever you are going through, consider "all things" (Rom 8:28, Rom 11:32, 1Th 5:19, 2Co 5:18).

Scripture References: Romans 8:28, Luke 4:16-30, Matthew 5:12, Romans 11:32