Christmas in January?

Answer
First , the questions here is why not celebrate Christmas , rite?

The first 2 paragraphs are basically the nature of the birth of Christ that is proclaimed . A Christ that is not only proclaimed by Prophet Isiah , Micah , David etc. through the time . In fact , John did write that Christ is the "word , - (In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning.) " before beginning of time . It is a birth predestined through ages from Genesis onwards , so the references created by Julienne is correct.

Now , the issue of celebration may be the reason that the writter tot that Christmas is not worth celebrating . I would like to categorically agree that if "Christmas" as it is today are not celebrated , it will still be ok . And the reason is not because of its 'pagan' roots , not the commercialization of the Christmas celebrations ( drinking , eating and being merry ) , but the fact that the 'message' and reality ( a relationship with God ) is enough for people who have Christ in their heart. Every day is Christmas?

But consider this. The reasons that was put forth looks more at their own benefit only . Sorry that this may sound strong , but the scripture did ask us to proclaim the word to the 'ends of the earth" , and not only to " cover the lamp " from shinning. I think Christ understand the nature of human to guard and enjoy themselves all the best things in life . And there is second to none than salvation , by grace through faith in Christ. So , though the argument of personal enjoyment of a relationship is enough , the other side of the coin is that it is also a duty to proclaim the message. And the 'world of peace and justice' will not happen until every tribe and nations have been proclaimed with the good news . ( And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. Matthew 24.14 )

So , as much as the argument that this " personal relationship " is the reason for not celebrating Christmas is a weak one , it is also a weak argument that everybody must celebrate . But 'celebration' is understanding , remembering and proclaiming the birth of Christ to the rest of the population. It does not have to be a 'commercial affair celebration" , it may be just a rememberence , exultation , worship . etc. It can be also just a family affair to uphold each other and enjoy a good catching up . The fact is , many may be turned off by the 'accepted' commercial Christmas duties ( eat, drink and be merry .. for tomorrow you will die? . Oh , this includes shopping ) that Christmas smells like another opportunity to have fun . There is no direct scriptural message for either arguments , so we are blessed with 'wisdom from above" to make the best of the situation .

Even with the Pagan root , I will still remember Christmas . As with us being sinnners and reclaimed into 'light , so a pagan celebration was reclaimed into something good. Christmas is as much for myself to remember the birth of Christ and all the details that God has preplanned to make this happen . It is also a time to share , educate and proclaim Him to so many people who dun normally attend church / not in contact with. To me , the 'benefit' outweights the cost.

Question
Seven centuries before Jesus’ birth, Isaiah prophesied about him: “There has been a child born to us, there has been a son given to us; and the princely rule will come to be upon his shoulder.” (Isaiah 9:6) Why did Isaiah indicate that Jesus’ birth and subsequent role would be so significant? Because Jesus would become a mighty ruler. He would be called Prince of Peace, and there would be no end to peace or to his princely rule. Furthermore, Jesus’ rulership would be sustained “by means of justice and by means of righteousness.” – Isaiah 9:7.

The angel Gabriel echoed Isaiah’s proclamation when he announced Jesus’ coming birth to Mary. “This one will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,” he predicted. “And Jehovah God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule as king over the house of Jacob forever, and there will be no end of his kingdom.” (Luke 1:32, 33) Clearly, the main significance of Jesus’ birth lay in the work that Christ would accomplish as the appointed King of God’s Kingdom. Christ’s rule can benefit all, including you and your loved ones. In fact, the angels indicated that his birth would bring “peace on earth to those with whom [God] is pleased.” – Luke 2:14, Today’s English Version.

Who does not long to live in a world of peace and justice? But to enjoy the peace that Christ’s rule will bring, we need to please God and have a good relationship with him. Jesus said that the first step to such a relationship is to learn about God and Christ. “This mean everlasting life,” Jesus said, “their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ.” – John 17:3.

Once we know Jesus well, we need no longer wonder how he would like us to remember him. Would it be by eating, drinking, and exchanging presents on the same date as an ancient pagan festival? That seems unlikely. The night before he died, Jesus told his disciples what he preferred. “He that has my commandments and observes them, that one is he who loves me. In turn he that loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him.” – John 14:21.

Let’s study the Holy Scriptures extensively so that we can understand what the commands of God and Jesus are, and also gain insight into those vital commands so that we can remember Jesus as he should be remembered.

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Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
I am mysterious ... and leave la some comments if my writting make sense. Proud Of Malaysia and disillusioned by the direction.