RESOURCES — SHORT ARTICLES

 

SHORT ARTICLES BY TOM ELSEROAD
	2020-12-22	Should Christians Celebrate Christmas?
		The Bible nowhere commands believers to celebrate Christmas. The church has no prescribed, “Holy Days” it must observe. Christmas was not observed with any official recognition as a holiday until the middle of the fifth century. Paul provides us with the liberty to decide whether or not we observe a special day (Ro.14:5-6). Rom 14:5 One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. Rom 14:6 He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks. Celebrating Christmas is not a matter of right or wrong. Because of the liberty we have in Christ, believers may set aside a day for the Lord. Christmas affords believers with a great opportunity to exalt Jesus Christ. The Christmas season does remind us of the great truths concerning Christ's first coming. The incarnation of Christ is especially wonderful in that it shows how God came to become a man. Occasions like Christmas help us REMEMBER truths that can be forgotten. They serve as reminders. So we should celebrate Christmas to remember Christ's first coming, and realize He came in order to die for us. But before He died on the cross, He lived a perfect and holy life to establish the law (Mt.5:17; Ro.3:31). Christmas can also be a time to WORSHIP God. The Shepherds praised and glorified Christ at His birth, and so can we (Lk.2:11). It seems people tend to be more open to the gospel during the Christmas season. As believers we can use this opportunity to witness or share the saving grace that comes through Jesus. The coming of Jesus is about Bible prophecy that spoke of a Messiah who would come and save his people (Mt.1:21). Isa 7:14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. Isa 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Passages like these gave early believers hope and great expectation. For us these are history. However, Isaiah 9:7 tells of the future when Christ will return a second time. Isa 9:7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. At that time He will set up His kingdom on the earth. He had to come the first time, so He can come again a second time. It is true that society has muddied the message of Christmas through consumerism and empty traditions. But we should not let these distract us from appreciating the real meaning. And maybe even set the record right when appropriate. So let us take every opportunity to REMEMBER Jesus, WORSHIP Jesus, and faithfully WITNESS about Him. Pastor Tom Elseroad

 

An Evangelical Free Church of America

23304 E Wellesley Ave. Otis Orchards, WA 99027 Church Office: 509.926.9552 Church Cell: 509.342.9145 Pastor Cell: 509.828.8843 tomelseroad@gmail.com