I got into a heated discussion this evening at work about this topic. My Co-Worker is a devout Christian (although a very hypocritical one) and he made the claim that since Christmas is about Jesus no one but Christians should even celebrate it. I countered of course with the obvious point that Christmas falls on the same day as a much earlier celebration. He would have none of that though. He was quite ready to deny it completely. So i changed tactics and asked him what he was planning on doing Christmas Eve and Day. Turns out he like many "Christians" is going to get nice and drunk on Christmas Eve and then engage in the time honored tradition of receiving and handing out Gifts. I am wondering if you consider gift giving and receiving to be honoring your Christs birth? That is giving out expensive Gifts to family and friends and receiving the same in return. Would your Christ not prefer that instead of getting drunk and being greedy that you help out the needy?
2007-12-10 23:48:23 · 18 answers · asked by ? 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I realize that some Christians do offer to help the needy at this time of year. Please do know that i am not trying to make a blanket assumption.
I also noticed that i strayed from my headline question. Sorry, it is 5 am here and time for bed soon.
2007-12-10 23:49:24 · update #1
Good question. I think it's silly to claim that Christmas is for Christians only. The crass, stressful, commercialized, plunge-yourself-into-debt, if you don't give me a gift it means you don't like me holiday with Santa and elves can be experienced by anyone and everyone since it has no resemblance to what it is supposed to commemorate.
2007-12-11 00:02:27 · answer #1 · answered by Michael B - Prop. 8 Repealed! 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Ok, as for you orginal questions; "How many Christians agree that Christmas should be for Christians only?" I agree. To truelly understand what Christmas is all about, you have to believe & to believe you have to be a Christian. That doesn't mean you can't put up a Christmas tree, hang lights, exchange gifts, etc. But now that isn't what real Christmas is all about. Now most would say it's Jesus's birthday or that is what christians celebrate. This is true. No, Jesus wasn't really born Dec. 25, but that is the day we have set aside to celebrate it. The calendar has been changed several times.
Also, without Jesus's birth, there is no crucifixion/resurration so you can't have one without the other.
As for the gift giving, it is better to give than to receive. This doesn't mean go out & buy the most expensive items you can & give to all your friends & family, but this doesn't mean to just give to the needy either. It is to give to all to help share the word of God.
Now most would agrue that Yule is for this time of year. It's been around longer & this is it's time & date. As a pagan, that is your belief, but as a Christian, I know Adam & Eve were first & they believed in God.
As for the drinking & non-Christian behavior & attitude, no one is perfect & everyone sins. Merry Christmas & God Bless all, (even the ones who don't want it or ask).
2007-12-11 01:49:40 · answer #2 · answered by shameless412 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
No, of course not. Christmas can mean many different things to different people.
As for me? Christmas Eve is probably going to spent with a lot of crying and hugging, because it's the first Christmas I'm going to be spending with my family in four years. I also have a bunch of German stuff I've collected for my nieces and nephews. Other than that? No gifts. Us coming home for Christmas should be a good enough gift. It sure is costing us enough!
2007-12-10 23:52:52 · answer #3 · answered by The_Cricket: Thinking Pink! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Agreed that yuletide is a iciness competition and is of historical Germanic/Norse respectable. that is why Christianity bastardized it into Christmas. It became a thank you to get those peoples to toe the line with comprehend to the hot perception gadget on the block aka Christianity. This has been nicely-known for many, some years. the answer to that's ordinary...coach that Christ became ever born or ever existed exterior the NT references to him. on condition that isn't be able to be executed it stands to reason than that yuletide a organic iciness competition without connection with any God @ all may be a much greater proper thank you to have fun the season.
2016-10-01 08:47:11 · answer #4 · answered by Erika 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
im a devout muslim. but every year i celebrate christmas of course that doent mean i go to church or that i have a christmas tree but every year i celebrate the day i give gifts to my christian friends wish them on the day and help them. although a muslim i celebrate the day every year. i dont say merry christmas to the muslims but to christians as some may feel bad even each year i give a christmas party for my friends christian or not. celebrations are meant to be celebrated not differenciate
2007-12-11 04:22:49 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
the birth of Christ is to be celebrated by everyone.Jesus didn't come here just for the christians.believers and non-believers are all Gods' children. when Jesus was born the 3 wise men brought Him gifts.God didn't send an angel down to tell them it was wrong to give Him gifts. .
2007-12-11 00:14:07 · answer #6 · answered by morningstar6707 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Romans Chapters 2 and 8 Please...it is an opportunity to share Christ in the spirit of Love and giving. Leave him to his own devices! Romans 1:29, 2nd Timothy 2:23 and James Chapters 3-4
2007-12-10 23:59:57 · answer #7 · answered by ShadowCat 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Christmas as we know is mainly a Victorian creation. I can't find anywhere in the KJV where it says the birth of Christ should be celebrated. It's his death and subsequent resurrection that is important.
2007-12-10 23:53:48 · answer #8 · answered by michinoku2001 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Considering christmas is stolen from a pagan festival, I don't see why anyone who wants to can't celebrate at christmas.
The main objection I have is the overcommercialisation of christmas and I reckon that is caused as much by christians as anyone else.
2007-12-10 23:54:06 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
No I don't agree with that person at all. Christmas yes is about Jesus birth but everyone should be able to enjoy it.
2007-12-10 23:51:56 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋