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 13, 2000

Cross to the Crown #11

Nine facets in the diamond on the bride - Diamonds in the Bible (Exo 28:18, Jer 17:1, Eze 28:13). The adornment of the bride is composed of the righteous act of the saints (Rev 19:7-9, Isa 61:10-11). Divine production in life of the believer are valuable (1Co 3:12). Living faith will be rewarded (Jam 2:17). The works of the flesh (Gal 5:16-21) are the antithesis to the fruit of the spirit (Gal 5:22-25). What does it take to make a diamond? one element (carbon), heat, pressure, time, cutting and polishing; the same is true of us when it comes to God increasing Christ-likeness in us. Diamond in original Greek means "invincible". Fruit of the Spirit has a threefold division -- spiritual relation to (1) God -- Love, joy, peace; (2) others -- patience, kindness, goodness; and (3) yourself - faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. The are fake diamonds Col 2:8, Col 2:16, Col 2:18; Col 2:23. Surrender is needed for this -- the character and conduct of Christ in us (Gal 4:19, 1Jo 2:6). Good works? (1) Sacrifice whatever will make another stumble (Rom 14:21). Maintaining sexual purity (1Co 7:1, 1Th 4:3). (2) Being content with what you have (1Co 7:26, 1Ti 6:8, Heb 13:5). (3) To exercise your spiritual gift for the blessing of other believers (1Co 12:7). (4) Generous giving (2Co 9:7-8, Gal 6:6). (5) Work in supporting yourself (Eph 4:28, 1Th 3:8-10). (6) Fight the good fight (1Ti 1:18). (7) Boldly confessing Christ (1Ti 6:12).

Scripture References: Colossians 2:8, Romans 14:21, Jeremiah 17:1, Galatians 5:22-25, John 2:6, Exodus 28:18, Galatians 5:16-21, Galatians 4:19, James 2:17, Colossians 2:23, Ephesians 4:28, Isaiah 61:10-11, Colossians 2:18, Galatians 6:6, Revelation 19:7-9, Colossians 2:16, Hebrews 13:5, Ezekiel 28:13