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 #10

Listen

Elijah illustrates the Lord's statements (Mat 10:32-39). Scripture is there for our benefit (Rom 15:4, 1Co 11:10, 2Ti 3:16). Elijah was just like us and afraid (Jam 5:17). Elijah is under more than a physical conflict (1Ki 19:1-3). Satan is behind the scene attacking him. The greatest danger is after a victory. When we give into fear we do stupid things. Elijah prays to die (1Ki 19:4). Though we are faithless, God remains faithful (2Ti 2:13). He provided everything to Elijah. "What are you doing here,Elijah?" (1Ki 19:9-12) When the Lord asks questions we have no answers. God won't deliver us through signs. Don't look for the Lord in strong winds, fires and earthquakes. God asks again. The problem behind problems is sin. Elijah is preoccupied with himself and his importance (1Ki 19:13-14). God has Elijah appoint his successor, who anoints the King of Israel, and his servant (1Ki 19:15-17, 2Ti 2:2). God wants impact for the cause of Christ (Heb 5:12). Elijah was disillusioned making the same mistakes we do (1Ki 19:18).

Scripture References: Hebrews 5:12, James 5:17, Romans 15:4, Matthew 10:32-39