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 - February 20, 2003

The Word Working In You #1

1st Thessalonians - The Word Working in You - Uniontown PA 2007

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Key verses are 1Th 1:3 -- faith, love and hope; 1Th 5:8 is a book end. What could God accomplish is you were completely surrendered to Him (1Th 2:13). Sanctification encompasses the will of God (1Th 4:3) and is also a key verse. The story of Ruth illustrates concepts in 1Thessalonians -- faith put into service through love and resulted in hope. Each chapter ends with a reference to the Lord's return. The Word implanted is able - empowered - to save our souls day by day (Jam 1:22). "Knowing your election" (1Th 1:4) Paul refers to the "act or method of choosing -- the means". Many are called - few are chosen (Mat 20:16, Mat 11:28). Isa 42:1 - Jesus is The Elect -- the choice of the Father. As Jesus is Elect, we are and were elected in Him in eternity past. The Thessalonians received the word in much affliction (1Th 1:6), but still exhibited God's transforming power (1Th 1:5). George Tankerville was burned at the stake, but had peace beyond comprehension, as he preached the gospel until flames engulfed him. He learned (having tried to practice with fire the night before) God only gives Grace exactly when we need it.

Conference notes for this series can be found [HERE]

Scripture References: Matthew 11:28, Matthew 20:16, James 1:22, Isaiah 42:1