Like say a co-worker who didnt know you were a Jehovah Witness bought you a gift.
2007-12-20 09:07:29 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
No. We would kindly explain to them that we do celebrate Christmas. Most assuredly, we would thank them for their kindness, though.
Obviously, we are not against gift-giving. Instead of doing it once a year, though, Jehovah's Witnesses have a giving spirit all year round. Jesus himself said "there is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving". But because of the pagan origins of Christmas, we strive to not "set aside the commandments of God in order to retain tradition". (Mark 7:9) Of course, we remain respectful of other people's decision to celebrate it.
2007-12-20 09:12:18 · answer #1 · answered by johnusmaximus1 6 · 5⤊ 1⤋
It depends.
The person did not know, and I'd explain to the person that I don't celebrate Christmas. Some may insist, saying they already bought the gift and would hate to give it to someone else. In that case, I'd accept, but tell them they will not be getting anything in return from me.
But if the person tries to make it seem like I'd forget about my beliefs if it means I'll benefit materially, then no- I'd not take it no matter what they said.
2007-12-21 04:15:43 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
One thing that I strongly believe is that we all need to respect the religion and beliefs of other people. And that means respecting people who DO celebrate christmas.
As such, if a person gives me a gift, even a christmas gift, out of their custom or belief, it might actually be rude of me to refuse it.
If appropriate, I let them know i do not celebrate christmas, but usually would accept a gift...depending! It might not be the right time to give an explanation or a sermon, so sometimes simply thankyou is enough.
If, however, someone is giving me something and i am accepting it just because of its value, or if someone was just trying to undermine faith by deliberately trying to get me to celebrate christmas, I would refuse.
It reminds me of the time I accepted an easter egg from a young student, put it in handbag and forgot about it...
A week or so later at Kingdom Hall it fell out when I was reaching in to get something out!!!! Tres embarassing!!! Funny for all though. Would have been much ruder for me to refuse the egg though, especially considering the child's age, and would have been totally inappropriate to explain to the child (6 yr old) what my beliefs were ( I don't hide it at work, but certainly not suitable to harp on own beliefs with kids - not our job). On the flipside, all my friends and relatives know my beliefs and they don't give me easter/ christmas presents, so I am secure in my beliefs that way.
2007-12-20 16:08:44 · answer #3 · answered by shredded_lettuce 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
we do except gifts but not for christmas. we would just say thank you but I cannot except it. we do give gifts during the year and we don't wait for any reason to give gifts to a family member or friend. learn what Jehovah Witnesses are about at www.watchtower.org
2007-12-20 09:27:48 · answer #4 · answered by lover of Jehovah and Jesus 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It would be very unkind to refuse a kindness given but I always make it clear that I do not celebrate Christmas.
2007-12-21 04:11:05 · answer #5 · answered by Purple triangle 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I handle it by, if it is a small gift just accept with a sincere thank you. After the holidays I will find them something appropriate. This is a way not to embarrass or humiliate anyone as we always attempt to do.
2007-12-20 09:40:30 · answer #6 · answered by grnlow 7 · 3⤊ 2⤋