The Bible speaks of the devil “walking to and fro” or “prowling” with the intent of finding ways of getting
into mischief. I thought about that when I read an article chastising Christians for decorating for
Christmas, saying such decorations are pagan symbols. I began wondering what kind of victory Satan
wins when I put wreaths on my windows. I wonder if the devil rubs his hands together and laughs at me
when I place the last ornament on my tree.
Here is where I think his victory lies: Christians argue and quarrel and point fingers at each other as the
harmony of the church is shattered. Also, we waste time arguing about something that is of little
consequence: “swatting at gnats while swallowing camel”.
Christmas has come to be celebrated in two distinct ways. The religious meaning (the most significant
and important) and the secular celebration. When someone uses the term “pagan” referring to the
secular celebration I believe they are misusing that word. When we think of something as being pagan
we most frequently mean that it involves worshipping the wrong gods or denying God altogether.
When we tell stories of Santa Claus, or reindeer, or elves or snowmen we are not claiming deity for
them. We are not worshipping them as a god…we’re not even saying they are real! Neither are we
denying Christ, demeaning the Father, nor blaspheming the Holy Spirit. Not all secular events are pagan,
even if they use decorations that used to mean something else to other people in antiquity.
Enjoy the holidays, enjoy the family, give God the glory!
Say good things about your Savior and about His Church on the Bluff.
into mischief. I thought about that when I read an article chastising Christians for decorating for
Christmas, saying such decorations are pagan symbols. I began wondering what kind of victory Satan
wins when I put wreaths on my windows. I wonder if the devil rubs his hands together and laughs at me
when I place the last ornament on my tree.
Here is where I think his victory lies: Christians argue and quarrel and point fingers at each other as the
harmony of the church is shattered. Also, we waste time arguing about something that is of little
consequence: “swatting at gnats while swallowing camel”.
Christmas has come to be celebrated in two distinct ways. The religious meaning (the most significant
and important) and the secular celebration. When someone uses the term “pagan” referring to the
secular celebration I believe they are misusing that word. When we think of something as being pagan
we most frequently mean that it involves worshipping the wrong gods or denying God altogether.
When we tell stories of Santa Claus, or reindeer, or elves or snowmen we are not claiming deity for
them. We are not worshipping them as a god…we’re not even saying they are real! Neither are we
denying Christ, demeaning the Father, nor blaspheming the Holy Spirit. Not all secular events are pagan,
even if they use decorations that used to mean something else to other people in antiquity.
Enjoy the holidays, enjoy the family, give God the glory!
Say good things about your Savior and about His Church on the Bluff.
Bro. Tony