THE BLOOD OF JESUS CLEANSES YOU FROM ALL SIN AND GUILT (1 JOHN 1:7). JESUS IS THE DELIVERER!!
ROME — The church where the tradition of celebrating Christmas on Dec. 25 may have begun was built near a pagan shrine as part of an effort to spread Christianity [CATHOLIC], a leading Italian scholar says.
Italian archaeologists last month unveiled an underground grotto that they believe ancient Romans revered as the place where a wolf nursed Rome's legendary founder Romulus and his twin brother Remus.
A few feet from the grotto, or "Lupercale," the Emperor Constantine built the Basilica of St. Anastasia, where some believe Christmas was first celebrated on Dec. 25.
Constantine ended the frequent waves of anti-Christian persecutions in the Roman empire by making Christianity [CATHOLIC] a lawful religion in 313. He played a key role in unifying the beliefs and practices of the early followers of Jesus.
In 325, he convened the Council of Nicaea, which fixed the dates of important Christian [CATHOLIC] festivals. It opted to mark Christmas, then celebrated at varying dates, on Dec. 25 to coincide with the Roman festival CELEBRATING THE BIRTH OF THE SUN GOD, Andrea Carandini, a professor of archaeology at Rome's La Sapienza University, told reporters Friday.The Basilica of St. Anastasia was built as soon as a year after the Nicaean Council. It probably was where Christmas was first marked on Dec. 25, part of broader efforts to link pagan practices to Christian [CATHOLIC] celebrations in the early days of the new religion, Carandini said.
"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Phil. 2:12). DELIVERANCE from a few religious spirits (praying to Mary, Mass, etc.) is not enough, Believer.
We must confront the strongmen behind the more subtle, or occult traditions practiced in the church today. The spirit of Christmas, for example, not only binds us to Babylon, but allows formerly expelled spirits to re-enter our lives. STRONGMEN MUST BE COMPLETELY OVERCOME, because the slightest compromise will increase their influence over our lives.
Christmas is a pagan substitute for the blessing of God.
Christmas counterfeits the joy of the Lord.
Excitement and expectation fill the air as the "big day" approaches. People run to and fro, gift lists grow, parties are planned, homes are decorated, egg nog, reefers and other stimulants flow freely, and charitable contributions rise.
It all looks good, but beneath the false glitter, people are depressed, suicidal, filled with hate, resentment or murder, and thousands are killed, maimed and traumatized by drunk drivers (highway accidents) or desperate men (street muggins).
Ungodly soul ties are formed at office parties, financial and emotional bondage intensify and drunkenness, reveling and fornication abound. Favoritism and bribery (of mailmen, legislators, politicians and clients) proliferate, merrymakers purchase last minute gifts for unexpected friends (Deut. 16:19) and long periods of financial bondage follow excessive credit-card purchases. The seasonal excitement slithers to a dead halt somewhere between Christmas and New Year's Day, business slumps, dieters dig out the yogurt and magazine articles advise post-holiday depressants how to cope. What a mess!
"I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me" (Ex. 20:2-3). Christmas appropriates worship which belongs to the Lord JESUS Christ to other gods.
"What? Know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? For two, saith he, shall be one flesh" (1 Cor. 6:16). Denominational churches hold Romish candlelight services which strengthen ungodly soul ties to the harlot and fill undelivered minds with spirits of antichrist, religion, idolatry, and an infant JESUS.
"Fear ye not me? saith the Lord...." (Jer. 5:22). Non-denominational churches, as well, often fail to speak out against the tradition of Christmas, either because they too, are entrapped in the mire of religion, concerned about losing their congregations or fearful of financial ruin.
"Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth" (Ex. 20:4). Merchants profit from the sale of idolatrous figurines, wax candles and other occult items which bring curses upon the purchasers.
"And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth... And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.... AND THEY THAT DWELL UPON THE EARTH SHALL REJOICE OVER THEM, and make MERRY, AND SHALL SEND GIFTS ONE TO ANOTHER; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt upon the earth" (Rev. 11:3,7,10). Christmas gifts and cards counterfeit the gifts of God's Spirit. The church is commanded to demonstrate God's mercy and love (healing and DELIVERANCE) to the afflicted, sick and vexed among God's people, but this great commission has degenerated to a wrapped present, once a year on Christmas day. How strange it is that the only scriptural precedent for exchanging gifts is the death of the two witnesses.
" I am the light of the world; he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life" (John 8:12). Festive lights flickering in windows and on housetops try to counterfeit the Light of CHRIST, but JESUS is the only Light in this totally dark world, and His Light is SPIRITUAL.
Santa Claus, also known as Saint Claus, or Saint Nicholas, the famous mythical character loved by multitudes across the world, is a demonic caricature of our Lord JESUS CHRIST.
The godly qualities of joy (jolly) wealth (bearer of gifts), omnipresence (everywhere on the same night), eternal life (ageless), travel in the Spirit (magical flight), punisher of the wicked (withholds gifts), and rewarder of good (giver of gifts), are combined with the ungodly qualities of Antichrist and World Unity, in this pitiful, comic substitute for the CHRIST of the Bible. Adults as well as children are force-fed this demonic lie (usually from birth), which exposes them to violence, magic, fantasy, war games, dancing reindeer and mystical cartoons, while the Son of God, His truth and His righteousness, are denied and blasphemed by the world.
"Then JESUS said unto them ...Me, the world hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil" (John 7:6,2). Christmas (according to tradition) is the Lord's birthday, BUT WHY WOULD A WORLD THAT HATES AND REJECTS THE SON OF GOD, CELEBRATE HIS BIRTHDAY?
"JESUS needeth not daily...to offer up sacrifice... for this, he did once, when he offered up himself...By the which.... we are sanctified once for all" (Heb. 7:27; 10:10). Christmas is not Christian! It is a Roman Catholic tradition which directs the attention of the world, to the world, to the church at Rome, its ecclesiastical head, the Pope, and millions of Roman Catholics across the world, as they participate in the sacrifice of the CHRIST MASS, the idolatrous recrucifixion of JESUS CHRIST.
"Thus saith the Lord, learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain; for one CUTTETH A TREE out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the ax. THEY DECK IT WITH SILVER AND WITH GOLD; THEY FASTEN IT WITH NAILS AND WITH HAMMERS, THAT IT MOVE NOT" (Jer. 10:2-4).
"Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it: but thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it is a cursed thing (Deut. 7:26). Tree worship, which originated in ancient Rome, counterfeits the resurrection of JESUS CHRIST.
The great Roman god (the Roman Nimrod) who died in the midst of his power and glory, was symbolized as a huge dead tree, stripped of all its branches and cut down almost to the ground.
Baal-Berith (the Babylonian Tammuz) was symbolized as an evergreen, or immortal tree.
The Christmas tree, then decked with gold (deity), and silver (unlimited provision), represents the deified, reincarnation life of Nimrod, which has sprung forth from the dead tree stump.
Face it or not, Believer, THAT TREE IN THE MIDDLE OF YOUR LIVING ROOM IS A CURSED MONUMENT TO THE PAGAN GOD, TAMMUZ.
"His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns; and He had a name written, that no man knew, but He Himself. And He was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood; and His Name is called The Word of God" (Rev. 19:12-13). My dear friend, Rome has mingled the crucifixion and resurrection of the Lord JESUS CHRIST with the pagan death and reincarnation of the Nimrod. It is indeed, the CHRIST of the Bible whom Rome crucifies on Christmas eve, but it is Tammuz who appears on Christmas morning, infantile and powerless in the arms of Semiramis, who reigns supreme over her son/husband and the entire Roman Catholic Church. Like it or not, Believer, CHRISTMAS IS THE CELEBRATION OF JESUS' DEATH AND THE TRANSFERENCE OF HIS RESURRECTED GLORY TO THE PAGAN GOD TAMMUZ.
"And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow Him: but if Baal, then follow him" (1 Kings 18:21). The wicked history of this winter festival can be found in any encyclopedia, yet many Believers, snared by the spirit of Christmas, joyously enter into the "holiday season", blinded to, or unwilling to face, its pagan roots. "AND THE ANGEL CRIED MIGHTILY WITH A STRONG VOICE, SAYING, BABYLON THE GREAT IS FALLEN, IS FALLEN, AND IS BECOME THE HABITATION OF DEVILS, AND THE HOLD OF EVERY FOUL SPIRIT, AND A CAGE OF EVERY UNCLEAN AND HATEFUL BIRD (Rev. 18:2)
"AND I HEARD ANOTHER VOICE FROM HEAVEN, SAYING, COME OUT OF HER MY PEOPLE, THAT YE BE NOT PARTAKERS OF HER SINS, AND THAT YE RECEIVE NOT OF HER PLAGUES. FOR HER SINS HAVE REACHED UNTO HEAVEN, AND GOD HATH REMEMBERED HER INIQUITIES" (Rev. 18:4-5).
Two phrases that are usually given as an excuse, reason, and/or basis for Christians to continue the celebration of Christmas (CHRIST-mass) are: It's alright as long as you keep "JESUS in Christmas" and as long as you remember that "JESUS is the reason for the SEASON"; Without giving it a second thought we readily accept these excuses as the basis for our zeal to "worship God (on this special day) in Spirit and Truth." Yet in all of our zeal we don't even question the origin of Christmas or how much truth is in it. We just assume that because part of JESUS' name is attached to this event and because our motive is to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior JESUS CHRIST that these are reasons enough to celebrate this event. Now that may sound like a real good spiritual reason or motive, however, what we fail to consider, is that God did not tell us to do this particular thing.
Let us reflect for a moment on a man who is mentioned in the Bible and who also felt like he had a good motive for doing something that he thought would honor and please God. His name is Uzza. "And they carried the ark of God in a new cart out of the house of Abinadah: and Uzza and Ahio drove the cart. And when they came unto the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzza, and he smote (killed) him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God." (l Chr. 13:7,9-10). Why did God kill him? Wasn't he helping God in his effort to keep the ark from falling on the ground? Wasn't that a good motive that he had? Yes, his motive was a good one and I'm sure he felt that he was helping God. However, God still killed him! Why? Because God did not tell him to put his hand to the ark. Also, only the Levi priest could handle the ark. Uzza illustrated (in his actions) the same type of zeal that we show as the basis for our celebration of Christmas. However, if we would just reflect on the origin of Christmas, we would readily realize that Christmas is another one of satan's subtle attempts to cover up a pagan practice (satan worship), by attaching part of JESUS' name to it and deceiving people into believing that to celebrate Christmas is to celebrate the birth of CHRIST, when it really isn't.
Let us now consider those two statements that were mentioned earlier for our basis for celebrating Christmas. Consider for a moment, if JESUS was in Christmas from it's origin, we wouldn't have to be constantly reminded to "Keep JESUS in Christmas" or for that matter do we have the power (of ourselves) to put JESUS there, take him out or keep him there in the first place. What we fail to keep in mind is that JESUS has power over himself and us, whereas we have no power over him; to constrain him to do anything that is not in his will. Remember, if it was God's will for us to set aside a day to celebrate the birth of his Son (JESUS CHRIST), God would have commanded you to do so in His Word (the Bible). JESUS gave us two ordinances to observe (until his return). They are the "Baptism" and the "Lord's Supper". (Rom. 6:3-5, Col. 2:12, I Cor. 11:17-34) Nowhere do you read in the Bible where JESUS, his disciples or apostles stopped and set aside time or even a day to celebrate JESUS' birth. Nowhere in the Bible has JESUS required you to do so either. Yet, we are told by popular religious leaders that "JESUS is the reason for the season", but when researching the origin of Christmas, we find that this statement is untrue and that we are really being deceived. However, because of the "lust in our hearts" (sin which leads to rebellion) we continue to join the world in celebration of this so-called special day. But God has said "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Rom. 12:2)
Let us consider for a moment what a popular religious leader said about Christmas. He said "Christmas is, by and large, looked at in one of three ways: the biblical context, the framework of commercialism, or the perspective of it's heathen origins." He also stated that the biblical context is found in the first and second chapters of St. Luke. But when we look in Luke 2 and 3, we find the fulfillment of the prophecy concerning the coming of the Messiah, as spoken in Isaiah 9:6 "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulders and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his Kingdom, to order it and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of host will perform this."
Yet, here in Luke as well as in Matthew we don't read where JESUS said for us to (at sometime during the year) pay special homage to this event. Notice the popular religious leader stated that Christmas has a biblical context, yet we can't find it in the Bible. He also speaks of Christmas in context of commercialism and its heathen origin. The truth of the matter is that the celebration of Christmas was and still is a pagan holiday (of heathen origin) with JESUS' name attached to it to give some believability.
The commercialism is just a "by product" at this pagan celebration. You say at this point, "what is wrong with celebrating the birth of my Lord and Savior JESUS CHRIST?" and "I'm NOT participating in a pagan holiday because on that day I worship JESUS in spirit and in truth." That sounds good, however, true worship can only be based upon "truth". Consider now the origin of Christmas and reflect for a moment on all of the lies one must ignore in order to continue to celebrate this day.
Actually, Christmas (or CHRIST-mass) was the direct adoption of a heathen festival observed on December 24 and 25, in honor of the son of the Babylonian queen, Astarte. Observed for centuries BEFORE CHRIST, the Chaldeans called this "child day" or "yule day". (Does the expression, "yule time season" sound familiar)?
As part of this pagan form of satan worship, heathens (Gentiles) would bring (into their houses) fir or pine trees, during this period of the year. They would deck the tree with GOLD AND SILVER ORNAMENTS or gold and silver colored ornaments. The heathens (Gentiles) believed that by bringing this tree into their homes and dressing it up, it would protect their homes from evil spirits. According to one legend, on the eve of the day (Dec. 24). the yule log was cast into a tree from which divine gifts appeared -- PRESENTS from the gods to bless men in the new year. This tree was common in the days of Jeremiah, who expressly warned Israel to forsake this heathen custom. God recognized this custom as a form of idolatry. (Jeremiah 10:1-9) (Psalm 115.4-7)
There is no indication whatsoever, that CHRIST was born on Dec. 25. Rather, from everything found in scripture, one must conclude that He was born during the warmer months of the year. For one thing we know he was laid in a manager (outside in an unheated stable). The cold months in Israel (from Dec. to Feb.) are generally too severe for traveling to pay a tax, as Joseph did with his family. One must realize that all travel in those days was by foot, or leastways by very primitive means; scripture tells us that shepherds were in the fields. Even though there are times when shepherds might be in fields at this time of year, it is not likely that they would be out in the open with their flocks during the winter months. (Luke 2:9)
The manger display you see every Christmas with the wise men isn't true! It's tradition and tradition is unreliable! The bible doesn't say THREE wise men! It doesn't give a number. Remember, it said all Jerusalem was troubled when they entered the city. So they would have to travel in large caravans so that they could pass the crime infested desert regions. When the wisemen saw JESUS he was 18 months old (or older) and no longer a baby. The bible says they went to the "young child's HOUSE".
are a direct extension of pagan worship to the sun god. Yet good Christian people participate and enjoy this form of pagan worship under the disguise of Christmas.
We know further that the apostles did not observe the day we do as CHRIST's birthday. Tertullian, writing in the middle of the THIRD CENTURY, lamented the fact that Christians were BEGINNING to observe the customs of the heathen in this regard. He said, "Gifts are carried to and fro, New Year's Day presents are made with din, (loud noise) sports and banquets are celebrated with uproar."
The church structure, full of pagans since Constantine's reign, became so corrupt in its effort to recruit ever more to church membership, that the heathen festival of Dec. 25 was adopted and its name changed to "CHRIST-mass". With the "S" being dropped later, it became an acceptable holiday to the Protestants because they no longer considered it a mass for CHRIST (which it still is).
The mass is a ceremony conducted by the Catholics. In this ceremony the priest are (supposed) to offer CHRIST as a sacrifice for sin. They also (suppose to ) have the power to bring CHRIST off the Cross and then make him take the form on a little wafer. This wafer is given to the people participating in this ceremony. The people are told (by the priest) that when they eat this wafer, "they have received JESUS". This entire practice is unscriptural and of pagan origin.
The Catholic Church instituted the celebration of Christmas and sold the idea to both the Protestants and the world. The Protestants were deceived into believing that they are celebrating the birth of CHRIST, but in reality, they are celebrating a pagan holiday that had a name change. The world accepts Christmas as what it really is -- just another pagan holiday with a Christian name. A time to be merry and make merry! Often times, you hear people say that a person doesn't have the "Christmas Spirit" if he looks sad or says something against Christmas.
However, if you ever took notice, its quite apparent that the "Christmas Spirit" is not of CHRIST.
When the facts about Christmas are revealed, it becomes easy to see that JESUS is not and has never been a part of Christmas. JESUS would never associate His name with lies because He is truth. One must readily see that Christmas is another one of Satan's many subtle tricks to deceive us. Well, the question comes to mind, "Why do well known religious leaders advocate the celebration of ChristMas?" The answer is found in one word, "MONEY". This is the time of the year when it is easiest to get people to give money to just about any cause and this is the time of the year when they can get the most for their programs, networks etc. Keep in mind, that God holds them accountable for their Sin and this shouldn't influence you to join them in this Sin because they choose to.
After you evaluate the facts and weight the evidence, the only conclusion that you can reach is that JESUS is NOT in Christmas, and never was. Also, we don't have the power to put JESUS in Christmas (even if we wanted to). God has not asked, told, or commanded us to celebrate CHRISTmass, but we, like Uzza, (who put his hand on the ark and died) believe that we are doing God a favor and bestowing great honor on His Son. We assume (in this instance) that we know the mind of God and to celebrate (we say) the birth of His Son, just has to be in God's will. But in reality, we don't know the mind of God. "For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or, Who hath been his counselor? Or, who hath first given to him and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him and to him, are all things: to whom be glory forever. Amen." (Romans 11:34-36).
Why Is celebrating Christmas a Sin? Because their is no truth in it, and God cannot receive glory from any event that has no truth in it. God commands us to worship him in spirit and in truth. "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the TRUE WORSHIPERS shall worship the Father in spirit and in Truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a spirit and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." (John 5:23-24) Anything less is Sin. God is asking you to examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves, how that JESUS CHRIST is in you except ye be reprobates? (2 Cor 13:5)
When the world asks you and begins to persecute you for not celebrating Christmas, ask yourself this question; "For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? For if I yet please men I should not be the servant of CHRIST." (Gal. 1:10) Don't celebrate the fact that JESUS was born into this world as someone in history, but rather be joyous and celebrate (everyday) that this same JESUS saved your sin sick soul."
But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they SACRIFICE TO DEVILS (DEMONS), and not to God; and I would not that ye should have FELLOWSHIP with DEVILS. Ye cannot drink the "Cup of the Lord" and the "Cup of Devils": Ye cannot be partakers of the Lords Table, and of the Table of DEVILS." (l Cor 10:20-21) Remember, God said; "And Ye SHALL know the Truth and the Truth shall set you Free." (John 8:32).
AMERICAN HOLLY - American holly is one of approximately 300 species found on all continents except Antarctica and Australia. Holly has fascinated humans for centuries. The early Romans presented holly boughs with gifts to esteemed friends. The Druids of ancient Britain saw holly as a tree never abandoned by the sun they worshipped. By 1598 when a survey was conducted in London, it was reported that every house, church and market place was bedecked with the leaves and berries of holly at Christmas.
SCRIPTURE ABOUT IDOL WORSHIP - Read the whole chapter of Ezekiel 8. Ezekiel in a vision of God at Jerusalem is shown the image of jealousy, the chambers of imagery, the mourners for Tammuz, the worshipers towards the sun and God's wrath for their idolatry. "Therefore will I also deal in fury: mine eyes shall not spare, neither will I have pity: and though they cry in mine ears with a loud voice, yet will I not hear them" (vs. 18). II Cor. 5:17 (A new creature in CHRIST.)II Cor. 6:16-17 (What agreement can there be between the temple of God and idols? Leave idolatry and heathen worship; touch not any unclean thing!) Eph. 4:25 (Reject all falsity.) I Thes. 1:9 (Ye turned from idols to God.) I John 5:21 (Keep yourself from idols.)
SCRIPTURE ABOUT SO-CALLED CHRISTIAN HOLIDAYS - Certain holidays got into the Christian church by way of the Catholic Church. To keep the country united, Roman emperors began to give Christian meaning to pagan rituals. Ex. 22:18 (Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.) Ex. 23:13 (Make no mention of the name of other gods.) Lev. 19:31 (To be defiled by familiar spirits and wizards.) Duet. 18: 9-14 (The abominations of the nations are to be avoided.) Jos. 23:7 (Neither make mention of the name of their gods.) I Sam. 28:7-28 (The witch raised Samuel; Saul fainted.)
Micah 5:12-13 (Cut off witches, soothsayers and images.) Acts 13:6-11 (Elymas the sorcerer was struck blind.) Acts 16:16-19 (Casteth out a spirit of divination.) Romans 12:2 (And be not conformed to this world.)Gal. 5:19-21 (He reckoneth up the works of the flesh.) Eph. 6:12-13 (He sheweth what they intend that preach circumcision.)II Tim. 1:7 (For God hath not given us a spirit of fear.) James 4:4-10 (God resisteth the proud.) SCRIPTURE ABOUT MURMURING - To Murmur (in anger): (imagine, mourn, mutter, roar, take away). See Strong's Concordance for murmur, murmured, murmurers, murmuring and murmurings. Isa. 8:11-22 (Israel's idolatrous practices) Isa. 8:19 (Wizards that peep and mutter) Isa.10:10-17 (Chirping - chatter, peep, whisper) Isa. 10:14 (Or opened the mouth or peeped) Isa. 59:3 (Tongue hath muttered perverseness)
PREFACE - One of the purposes of the Lord JESUS coming to earth was to establish His Church. We all know that He was successful and we also remember the record of how the early church walked full of boldness and power, having their words confirmed with signs and wonders. Today the majority of the church is a far cry from the church the Lord JESUS started, both in life-style and power.
Shortly after JESUS' death, persecutions of the Believers began as Satan began his plan to pollute what God had begun. Years later the Devil began a religious system that he hoped would replace the true church. The persecutions were temporarily stopped, and a deal was offered to both the Christians and pagans It went something like this: let's stop fighting over our religious differences and just Christianize the pagan gods and holidays. Both sides gave a little so they could all live in peace. By doing that, the Christian commitment and dedication to JESUS CHRIST only would have been seriously damaged. I beseech you brethren by the mercies of God that you approach this material with a heart and mind seeking the truth, and that you will prayerfully consider the facts contained within these pages. Remember that after the big compromise, the true Believers didn't accept the new system, but chose to go into hiding rather than deny their Lord and Savior.
Most people say that Christmas is the celebration of JESUS' birthday, even though more non-Christians participate than Christians. JESUS told us that those who were like Him, Christians, would be hated by all nations for His name's sake (Matt. 10:22, 24:9; Mk. 13:13 " Lu. 21:17). Please note that JESUS said that His followers would be hated by the world because of Him. If they hate us because of Him, why do they celebrate His birthday?
Let's look at what it means to celebrate one's birthday. The word celebrate means to perform (a sacrament of solemn ceremony) publicly and with appropriate rites, to honor by solemn ceremonies or by refraining from ordinary business, to demonstrate satisfaction in festivities or by other deviation from routine. Could we say then, that in order to celebrate someone's birthday, we should participate in activities that reflect the person's life? Could we, at least, say that in commemorating one's birthday our activities should be restricted to such things that the honoree would be pleased with?
A large majority of the activities employed by people involved in the supposed celebration of JESUS' birthday are public, yes; but neither appropriate or solemn. So much of it is outright sin; how can sin exhibit satisfaction in JESUS CHRIST who is right the opposite of sin?
IS DECEMBER 25TH JESUS' BIRTHDAY? - There are many arguments concerning the date of JESUS' birth. I personally believe that God purposefully did not give us the day and date. Let's examine the few clues we do have, in the Word of God, and see if we can determine the season.
In Palestine, December 25th is during the coldest time of the year. "In Palestine winter includes part of autumn and the seasons of seedtime and cold, extending from the beginning of September to the beginning of March. The cold of winter is not usually severe, though the north winds are very penetrating from the middle of December to the middle of February. Snow and hail during the most winters fall on the hills." The weather during Hebrew month Tebeth (December-January) is "...coldest month; rain, hail and snow on higher hills, and occasionally at Jerusalem" (Ungers Bible Dictionary, pp. 1170). What the weather was like during this time of the year is important in order to answer two questions. Did Caesar Augustus have everybody to return to his home town for a census during the coldest time of the year? Tithing time was harvest time according to the law of Moses (Ex. 23:14-19, Le. 23:1-10 " Deut. 16:16-17). Some say that tax time was harvest time throughout the Roman Empire. It does seem logical that the Roman governor would collect taxs at the time of harvest (Lu. 2:1-7). More importantly, with the weather being as it was during that time of year, would the shepherd be in the field at night as recorded in Lu. 2:8? We know that they were in the field on the night of JESUS' birth, but was that night during the middle of December? The Jews built special places to house their flocks during the cold and winter storms (Isa. 24:3, Nu. 32:16,24 " 36). "It was an ancient custom among Jews of those days to send out their sheep to fields and deserts about Passover (early spring), and bring them home at commencement of the first rain," says the Adam Clarke Commentary (Vol. 5, pp. 370).
These important facts cast shadows of doubt over the traditional teaching concerning the time of JESUS' birth in the light of the Biblical account of the events that took place during that time.
There are those who say that they know that JESUS wasn't born on December 25th, but they set that day aside to celebrate the birth of their Savior. They also say that they don't celebrate it with sinful activities, but with things that would please the Lord as an expression of their love for Him. Please don't get caught up in your personal feelings, let's remain honest, open and objective about this position as we test the Scripture.
There is absolutely no Scripture in the entire Word of God to support celebrating JESUS' birthday at any time. However, we are told in the Word to keep the commandments that the Lord has given us and not to add anything to them nor take anything from them (De. 12:28-32, Mt. 5:17-19). If Christmas is being celebrated because of real love for JESUS, why are His commandments not being kept (Jn. 14:21, 23 " 24)? John 13:34 commands us to love one another, as He loved us. We are to love each other the same way: black, white, rich or poor. He commanded us to make miracle workers out of others and to teach them to guard His words from loss or injury (Matt. 28: 18-20). Check out the word, observe, found in Matt. 28:20 in the Greek. He also commanded us to heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead and cast out devils - for free (MT. 10:5-8).
If the motive for celebrating Christmas stands on real love for the Master, then according to His own words, that same love will motivate you to keep His sayings. He gave us specific instructions of what to do to remember Him by (Lu.22:19). Most people begin preparing for Christmas months in advance with unparalleled zeal and enthusiasm. I wonder if they get half as excited when it's time to take communion or if they even know when the next time communion will be given at their place of fellowship? The point is obvious. The excitement and enthusiasm manifested during the Christmas season is not an expression of love or gratitude directed towards JESUS CHRIST. If it were true love and gratitude to Him, you would be just as enthused about doing the Word. Obedience is better than sacrifice (I Samuel 15:22-23).
Another very important point we must explore is the fact that those who celebrate Christmas didn't set December 25th aside as the date to celebrate JESUS' birth. This date was chosen about 1700 years ago. The sad part about this is that billions of people are following this tradition with very little, and in most cases, no knowledge as to why and how Christmas came about.
Have you ever wondered why people give presents at Christmas? What about the Christmas tree and lights on trees and houses? Have you ever wondered where they came from? - Is it because the wise men brought gifts to JESUS? If this is the case and you are following their examples, then why do you give gifts to each other?
Let us continue our search for the roots of this celebration the world calls JESUS' birthday. The Encyclopedia Brittanica, Vol. 5, 1768 edition, says: "December 25th in Rome is the date of a pagan festival chosen as the birthday of the unconquered Sun (natalis solis invicts) which at the winter solstice begins again to show an increase of light. At some point before A.D. 336, the church at Rome established the commemoration of the birthday of CHRIST, the 'SUN' of righteousness on this date." The evidence is contained in the chronography of A.D. 354 (an almanac for the use of Christians). The same encyclopedia says on page 705 that, 'The traditional customs connected with Christmas have been derived from several sources as a result of the 'coincidence' of the feast of the Nativity of CHRIST and the pagan agricultural and solar observances at mid-winter." In the Roman world, the Saturnalia was a time of merry-making and exchange of presents. Christmas festivities were indirectly influenced by these customs. The fact that Christmas was celebrated on the birthday of the unconquered sun gave the season a solar background connected with the (kalends) of January when houses were decorated with greenery and lights, and presents were given to children and the poor. To these solstitial observances were added the Germanic-Celtic yule rites when the Teutonic tribes penetrated into Gaul, Britain and Central Europe. Yuletide brought its own tradition of feasting and mortuary customs to combine with Roman solstitial and traditional New Year rites. Special foods and good fellowship, the yule log and yule cakes, greenery and fir trees, wassailing, gifts and greetings all commemorated different aspects of this festive season. Fires and lights, symbols of warmth and lasting life, have always been associated with the winter festival, both pagan and Christian. Evergreens, as symbols of survival, have long association with Christmas festivities, probably dating from the eighth century when St. Boneface completed the Christianization of Germany and dedicated the fir tree to the Holy Child to replace the sacred oak of Odin.
The Encyclopedia Americana, Vol. 6, 1826 edition, says, "The reasons for establishing December 25th as Christmas is somewhat obscure, but it is usually held that the day chosen was to correspond to pagan festivals that took place around the time of the winter Solstice, when the days begin to lengthen, to celebrate the 'rebirth of the sun." Northern European tribes celebrated their chief festival of Yule at the winter solstice to commemorate the rebirth of the sun as the giver of light and warmth. The Roman Saturnalia (a festival dedicated to Saturn, the god of agriculture, and to the renewed power of the sun) also took place at this time. And some Christian customs are thought to be rooted in this pagan celebration. It is held by some scholars that the birth of CHRIST as "Light of the World" was made analogous to the rebirth of the sun in order to make Christianity more meaningful to pagan converts.
The Christmas Almanac, 1944 edition says, "Saturnalia and the Kalends were celebrations most familiar to early Christians, December 17-24 and January 1-3. But the tradition of celebrating December 25th as CHRIST's birthday came to the Romans from Persia. Mithra, the Persian god of light and sacred contacts, was born out of a rock on December 25th. Rome was famous for its flirtations with strange gods and cults, and in the third century the Aurelian established the festival of Dies Invicti Solis, The Day of the Invincible Sun, on December 25th. Mithra was an embodiment of the sun, so this period of rebirth was a major day in Mithraism, which had become Rome's latest official religion with the patronage of Aurelian. It is believed that the emperor Constantine adhered to Mithraism up to the time of his conversion to Christianity. He was probably instrumental in seeing that the major feast of his old religion was carried over to his new faith."
As you have just read, we got the celebration of Christmas from the Church of Rome, or as it is called today, the Roman Catholic Church. The Church of the Lord JESUS CHRIST has received many abominable customs from the Catholic Church. After Constantine's makeshift conversion from sun god worship to his form of Christianity, the mixture began. Before that time, Christians were being severely persecuted. Constantine Christianized his entire army with one motion and stopped the persecutions. Instead of doing away with the old pagan customs, the names were changed to make them attractive to the real Christians.
The Christians who did not conform to the new state religion were persecuted as pagans, and in later years as heretics. See Foxes Book of Martyrs.
This is a brief history of the birth of the Catholic Church. Now let's see what the Catholic Church has to say concerning the birth of Christmas. In The Catholic Encyclopedia under the heading of Christmas, "According to the hypothesis suggested by H. Userner developed by B. Potte (Les Origines) and accepted by most scholars today, the birth of CHRIST was assigned the date of the winter solstice (December 25th in the Julian calendar; January 6th in the Egyptian), because on this day, as the sun began its return to the northern skies, the pagan devotees of Mithra celebrated the Dies Natalis Solic Invite (birthday of the invincible sun). On December 25th, 274 A.D., Aurelian had proclaimed the sun god principle patron of the empire and dedicated a temple to him in the Campus Martius. Christmas originated at a time when the cult of the sun was piratically strong at Rome. This theory finds support in some of the church fathers comparing the birthday of CHRIST and the winter solstice. Indeed, from the beginning of the Third Century 'Sun of Justice' appears as a title of CHRIST (Botte, Les Orgines, p. 63). Through the substitution of Christmas for the pagan festival cannot be proven with certainty, it remains the most plausible explanation for the dating of Christmas."
The festival celebrated throughout the known world was called Saturnalia before the name was changed to Christmas. The name underwent several changes before finally becoming Christmas, which means Mass of CHRIST. As a matter of fact, before being Christmas, the festival was called CHRIST Mass. Let's take an historical look at this festival, Saturnalia, and see if it is in any way similar to what is traditionally celebrated today as the birthday of JESUS CHRIST.
The Encyclopedia Americana, 1826 edition, says, "The great festival, the Saturnalia, became the most popular of Roman festivals, and its influence is still felt throughout the western world. Originally on December 17th, it was extended first to three and eventually seven days. The date has been connected with the winter sowing season, which in modern Italy varies from October-January, remarkably like the Greek Kronia (see Cronnus), it was the gayest festival of the year. All work and business was suspended. Slaves were given temporary freedom to say and do what they liked, and certain moral restrictions were eased. The streets were infected with a Mardi Gras madness, a mock king was chosen (Saturnalia pinceos). The seasonal greeting 'I O Saturnalia' was heard everywhere. Presents were freely exchanged, principally wax candles and little clay dolls (sigillaria). The cult statue of Saturn himself, traditionally bound at the feet with woolen bands, was untied, presumably to come out and enjoy the fun. The influence of the Saturnalia upon Christmas and the New Year has been direct."
DID YOU RECOGNIZE THE SIMILARITIES?
1. All work and business was suspended. 2. Slaves (employees) were given temporary freedom. 3. Moral restrictions eased; alcohol consumption even by children. 4. Sexual favors were given as presents. 5. The mock king (Good Ole Santa) is set up. His chair is elevated in department stores. 6. "I O Saturnalia" was heard everywhere. Merry Christmas is heard everywhere. 7. Evergreens were used for decorations (symbols of rebirth and fertility). 8. The boar (male pig) was killed and eaten (symbol of Frey, god of regeneration). Is pig the main meat on our Christmas table? 9. Yule log also was symbol of continuing life. 10. Lights used to dispel the growing darkness of the winter solstice.
The Encyclopedia Americana, 1826 edition, says, "Burning the Yule log was adapted to English custom by ancient Scandinavian practice of kindling huge bonfires in honor of the winter solstice. The idea of using evergreens at Christmas time also came to England from pre-Christian northern European beliefs. Celtic and Teutonic tribes honored these plants at their winter solstice festival, gave properties to the mistletoe (kiss under) in particular. The evergreen holly was worshiped as a promise of the sun's return."
The Christmas Almanac also says about the boar's head that, "The association of the boars head with Christmas probably dates back to pagan times when the Germanic god Frey, who cared for the fertility of the herds, was symbolized by a boar. Therefore, at mid-winter to ensure new calves and lambs in the Spring, a boar would be sacrificed to the god. The sacrifice was carried over into Christmas tradition as a non-religious custom."
Notice how similar Father Christmas of today is to the god Saturn of the Roman Saturnalia. He is also very similar to our Santa Claus. The Christmas Almanac says, "Although he is the English equivalent of Santa Claus, Father Christmas is rather different from our jolly elf and even further removed from the original ascetic and holy St. Nicholas. Father Christmas developed from several pagan predecessors. The Roman Saturnalia celebrated the brief return each year of the Golden Age when the god Saturn returned to rule over Italy. Saturn was a giant who came bearing good food and wine, joy and revelry, and equality of all people. When carried into the northern regions of Europe, Saturn probably combined with the wild figure of Odin and his raging host of spirits who swept across the land during the winter. Thus, Father Christmas was never a Christian religious figure, but symbolized rather, the arrival of those secular pleasures which came from elsewhere than the Christian tradition. He was always portrayed as a giant, wearing a scarlet or green robe lined with fur; crowned with holly, ivy or mistletoe; and carrying the Yule log and a bowl of Christmas punch."
There is nothing Christian about Christmas. Sure, religion has tried to make it appear Christian, but anything like CHRIST must line up with the Word of God and Christmas doesn't. It is full of lies and hypocrisy, from Santa to the giving of gifts to the nativity scene. The most popular scene at Christmas, the nativity scene, says that when the wise men presented gifts to JESUS, He was in a stable. The bible says He was in a house (Matt.2:11) and could have been as much as two years old (Matt. 2:7-16). Why do you think Herod had babies killed from two years old down? Most of the gift giving is only to get something in return and the small portion that is given to the poor is not motivated out of real love; for if it was, the people would give to the poor in the same manner all year long.
Did you know it was against the law to celebrate Christmas in the United States for many years? The truth has been hidden from us throughout the years but our forefathers knew of its roots and who actually receives the worship during this celebration.
The Christmas Almanac says,"America was later in recovering from the Puritan influence than England. Christmas was outlawed in New England until the middle of the nineteenth century. In 1856 Christmas Day was still an ordinary work day in Boston and failure to report to a job was grounds for dismissal. Classes were held in Boston public schools as late as 1870. It was probably the influence of immigrants from Germany and Ireland that finally convinced the Yankees that Christmas could be a harmless, pleasant, and even religious festivity. The first state to declare Christmas a legal holiday was Alabama in 1836. The last was Oklahoma in 1890."
In Christmas written by Allen, page 108, "In 17th century England when Puritans were in power, Christmas was illegal. Markets were ordered to stay open and even the baking of fancy pies and plum pudding were banned. On December 25th all church doors were locked."
In 1659 a New England law barred all Christmas observances. Many Yankees did not accept popular Christmas festivities until well into the 19th century.
The Puritans objected to Christmas on these grounds: (1) it detracted from the significance of the Sabbath, (2) they objected to the fact that many of the customs associated with Christmas had heathen origins and (3) many people became riotous and drunken.
Year Book of Customs by Allen, page 174, "Mistletoe was especially connected with the winter solstice rites in pre-Christian times, so much so that it is one evergreen never allowed in the church. Yule log was used in Scandinavia to honor the god, Thor."
Star in the East, by Holzer, page 36: the fact remains that the use of any form of greens in the Christmas service is entirely pre-Christian and has nothing to do with the nativity. The Druids sang chants to create a harmonious atmosphere among the celebrants. The chants entered into Christmas tradition and became caroling. Also on page 38, "Bringing the tree inside the house and dressing it in lights and other glitter really stems from pre-Christian times. The tree ceremony is Scandinavian rather than Celtic."
I know that many Christians say that they disassociate themselves from all of the lies and paganism of Christmas, but that, my friend, you can't do. If you take the lies and paganism out of Christmas, you'll have no Christmas, for that's what it is made of. Remember (De. 12:28-32), you have no right to add to the commandments that the Lord has given; you only have the right to obey them.
HOW CAN A SAINT AND A SINNER GET CAUGHT UP CELEBRATING THE SAME "RELIGIOUS" HOLIDAY WITH THE SAME INTENSITY AND ZEAL?
- They are bound by the same Christmas spirit. If you say that the Spirit of God motivates you to celebrate Christmas, then what motivates the man who rejects God and everything He offers, to celebrate the same Christmas in very nearly the same manner?
Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath CHRIST with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement has the Temple of God with idols? For ye that are of the Temple of the Living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them and walk in them; and be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty (II Cor. 6:14-18).
Many people wonder why the church of today does not manifest the power of the early church. One reason why is because of idol worship. Too many Christians refuse to become new creatures according to II Cor. 5:17-18 and hardly anyone is willing to deny themselves, and those close to them, the pleasure of things like Christmas, as they are commanded to in Luke 14:20-35. If you don't, you cannot be a disciple of JESUS CHRIST. We must be separate from the world. Yes, we are in it but we are not of it. Our religion must be pure and undefiled before God the Father (James 1:21-27).
This little booklet was written to expose one of Satan's traps and I hope that I was able to shed some new light on an old subject. It is important if we are going to worship God in a manner that will be pleasing to Him. Meditate on John 4:19-24. Can we worship anyway we choose or has God prescribed a specific way? Consider the case of Cain in Genesis 4.
In a course called Origins of Religions at the local university, our daughter was informed that the pagans used the tree as a sacrificial pole. During the winter solstice celebration, nine of everything was hung on the tree including people. The purpose of the sacrifice was to appease the sun and get it to return.
CHRISTMAS (Babylon Mystery Religion " Christmas Almanac) Christmas means a mass for CHRIST. Does CHRIST need a mass? Mass is the celebration of the Eucharist. In transubstantiation, the Catholic priest says that the bread and wine do not remain but the entire substance of the bread and wine is changed into the body of CHRIST and into His actual blood respectively. How can this be when He is seated besides the Father in Heaven?
In ancient times there was already a celebration in December. From December 17 until January 6 was their Saturnalia. The first day public ceremonies were held honoring Saturn or Baal. The second day pigs were offered by families. Trees, fires, cedars and oaks were worshiped.
JESUS CHRIST is truth (John 14:6)! Almost everything associated with Christmas is a lie. It is not a mass for CHRIST. Santa Claus does not exist. The date of December 25 as CHRIST's birth is most likely a lie. The brotherly love at Christmas is fake. Some can hardly wait for it to end.
The tree was worshiped and decorated by many ancient pagan groups. In the Bible at least ten times, the green tree is associated with idolatry and false worship.
Druids used holly and mistletoe in their ceremonies. They worshiped the oak tree. Gilded nuts and balls or ornaments symbolize the sun.
The yule log is the dead stock of Nimrod, deified as the sun god, but cut down by his enemies. The Christmas tree is Nimrod come to life again. Nimrod was so evil, that at his death, the leaders cut his body in twelve pieces and sent them around the world so that his body could not be recovered and worshiped!
For the customs and ordinances of the people are false, empty and futile: for one cuteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the ax. They deck the idol with silver and with gold: they fasten it with nails and with hammer that it move not (Jer. 10:3-4). These customs show how good and evil became mixed, and worship of the true God became polluted.
Missionaries in the sixth century were sent to the pagans in the Roman ford. Finding June 24 very popular, they sought to Christianize this day by calling it John the Baptist's birthday. JESUS' name was easily fitted into this holiday six months later on December 24. Romans exchanged presents for Saturnalia in pagan Rome.
If God wanted us to celebrate JESUS' birthday, I believe He could have given us the date and told us how to do it. We are only told to commemorate His death and resurrection with the Lord's Supper until He comes. The early Christians did this at every meeting. God gave exact instructions to the people for every feast, celebration or sacrifice; that includes dates and activities.
God really got specific in Exodus and Leviticus. He came down hard on all occult practices. He even said to kill those that practiced them.
America was later in receiving from its Puritan influence than England. Christmas was outlawed in New England until the mid nineteenth century. In 1856 Bostonians were required to be at work or they were dismissed. School classes were held until 1870.
MUMMERY
Definitions - Mummer: n. (1) A person who wears a mask or disguise for specifically, in England, any of the masked and costumed persons who travel from house to house, as at Christmas time, acting out short pantomimes. (2) Humorously, any actor. Mummery: n.; pl. mummeries, (OFr. mummery, from momer, to mum.) (1) Performance by mummers. (2) Any show or ceremony regarded as pretentious or hypocritical.
History - "Bands of men and women in medieval and later England and elsewhere, who, during periods of public festivity, particularly at Christmas, dressed in fantastic clothes and wearing masks or disguised as animals, serenaded the people outside their houses or joined in the revels within. In a more restricted sense the term is applied to the actors in the old English rural folk plays of St. George, etc.; and 'mumming' thus becomes a contemptuous synonym for any form of stage-playing. The origin of the word mummer (older spelling 'mommer,' Fr. momeur) is not satisfactorily explained, but the verb 'to mum' means both to mutter and to be silent, and 'mummer' apparently comes from one or both of these senses. Mumming seems to have been a survival of the Roman custom of masquerading during the annual orgies of the Saturnalia. 'The disguising and mummying that is used in Christmas time,' Langley writes in his synopsis of Polydore Virgil, 'in the North parties came out of the feasts of Pallas, that were done with visors and painted visages, named Quinqatria of the Romaynes.' Aubanus, writing of mumming in Germany, says that 'in the Saturnalia there were frequent and luxurious feastings amongst friends, presents were mutually sent, and changes of dress made; that Christians have adopted the same customs, which continue to be used from the Nativity to the Epiphany: that exchanges of dress too, as of old among the Romans, are common, and neighbors by mutual invitation visit each other in the manner which the Germans call mummery.' Christmas was the grand season for mumming in England. Some were disguised as bears, others as unicorns, or wore deer's hide and antler's or ram's horns. Mumming led to such outrages that Henry VIII issued a proclamation declaring the wearing of a mask or disguise a misdemeanor. Stow gives an account of an elaborate mummery held in 1377 by the London citizens to amuse the son of the Black Prince, then living at Kennington (Survey, 1603, p. 97). In Scotland, where mumming still exists at Christmas, Hogmanay, New Years's Day and Handsel Monday, mummers are called 'guisards'. They usually present on these four nights a rude drama called Galatian, which, in various versions, is common throughout the Lowlands of Scotland."
Comments: The above was taken from dictionaries and encyclopedias with the scripture from the Bible. The practices refer to idolatrous and ungodly conduct. Some of the key words researched are chirp, murmur, peep and mutter uttered by people practicing the occult or talking against God. Mummery is regarded as pretentious and hypocritical. It is described as contemptuous, mutter, annual orgies of the Saturnalia, unicorns, outrages, rude drama, etc.
THE ART OF TEACHING DISTRUST AND SELFISHNESS - Since I am older and have observed several of my mistakes in child rearing and training, and have seen a few of the consequences of them, I'd like to submit some of my observations and conclusions to you for your consideration.
One of the best occasions to teach selfishness to children is Christmas. Along with selfishness comes a myriad of other demonic traits. Here's how it usually goes. On his first Christmas he observes the occasion. He gets many gifts; most don't interest him at all, but he senses he is supposed to act like he wants and enjoys everything. We act hurt if he does not love everything. He learns to pretend he likes everything. During the year there are other occasions to turn him in on himself. At Easter: get all the eggs you can, be the best, get the most, feel bad if someone gets more than you, the tooth fairy will leave you something. Then we really confuse him by telling him to share.
We neglect him by allowing him to watch television programs he should not see. Do you realize how difficult it is to remove anything from your mind once you have seen it? Look at the demonic infilling today's children get from the programs they see. There are numerous acts of violence in almost all children's cartoons today: hate, fear, distorted reality (some teach that good is bad and that bad is good, Isa. 5:20), violence, murder, manipulation of others, greed, wanting, idol worship, witchcraft. You say those are cute cartoons? Look at them and see for yourself.
Long before Christmas we start asking, "What do you want?" We go to the toy store with them; they sense that it is very important that they be pleased. We ask over and over, "What do you want?" Each time we ask the question, we send selfishness plus all his family of demons to our children. Each year this ritual continues until the young person gets the idea that his wants are the most important thing in the world. When he is confronted with the real world, he cops out - enter mind altering substances, etc. We take other occasions to teach selfishness: what about his birthday, tooth fairy, Valentine's Day, etc.?
My School-Teaching Observances - As the holidays draw nearer, the children begin to express the tensions they feel. They lose self-control, and become restless, aggravated and agitated. They fight and argue more, and show more selfishness, laziness, day dreaming, pretense and procrastination. They brag about what they will get; they intimidate those they know will not get as good or as much as they will. The competition between them becomes somewhat hostile. By the time you've added your bit to their already loaded mind, you are glad to see them off for a few days.
When I was a young teacher, I did not have any idea what was going on. After I received some DELIVERANCE, I returned to the classroom for a few years and was amazed to understand more of what was really going on. The first year I was surprised to see my usually obedient, resourceful workers acting strange and not at all their usual selves. I was reminded to bind and loose in our morning prayers. We would bind up all the obvious demons (stupid, fighting, lazy, sloppiness, fantasy, etc.) and it helped. The breakthrough did not come until we began to take authority over idolatry, bind up all the authority that idolatry held over them, and loose upon them true worship of God (plus spirits of strength, power, might, self control, loving kindness, good learners, being smart, etc.) Then we saw a gradual turning back to good work habits and good, healthy attitudes.
Also, I would like to share some results of my erroneous teachings. When our daughter was about 6 to 8 years old, the lies we had told her became exposed. For several days I noticed she was acting strange. She seemed to leave the room when I came in and made every effort not to talk to me. She would still talk to her brother. I asked him to see if he could find out what was wrong. When he reported his conversation with her to me, I was stunned. She had decided that I could not be trusted. She had gotten a little upset when she caught me in the first lie but now I had told her more than one. How could she tell when I was lying? He tried to explain that Santa Claus, the tooth fairy, and the Easter Bunny were just pretending for children. Her next question was, "How do I know when it's pretending?" It looks like lies to me and it hurt when I found out the truth. The worst thing was that she told me not to lie. The results of this was that she always questioned my advice and usually had to test things to see if I had told her the truth. I had reaped the results of lies and deception but the worst part was to watch her struggle with believing me. I had hurt someone very dear to me; something I would never have done on purpose. Satan always paints his lies beautifully. He never shows some one dying of lung cancer in the cigarette ads.
What can we do? - Father is the leader and the responsibility is his. Mother should play on father's team. Ahabs and Jezebels love traditions. Traditions hold people in bondage. If you follow tradition, you don't have to think or take responsibility for your actions and failures. Maybe a new tradition should be started in your family. How about living the Christian life in such a way that (if I may use the word Christmas) Christmas is everyday? If gifts are given, why don't parents hold a conference and decide what the children should have now. New interests, maybe a life's career, can be generated by the proper gifts given at the proper time. A child cannot know what is best for him. He only knows what he wants; if he gets all his wants, he usually ends up bad. Pro. 29:15, A rod and correction bringeth wisdom, but a child left to himself brings his mother to shame.
CONCLUSION - God is total reality; there is no fantasy or play-acting in God! There is no unreality in the Bible! Christians should not deal in any spiritual fantasy. Fantasy is very simply a lie that is not from God. God does not need any human circus or side shows to sell and promote the kingdom of God! All it takes is a straight forward application of the Bible with signs, wonders and miracles following the true teaching of the Word of God to attract people to church. JESUS said if you don't believe me then believe my miracles.
REFERENCES
1. Webster's New Twentieth Century Dictionary of the English Language, unabridged, Second Edition, 1970. The unabridged dictionary is the best type of dictionary to use to study spiritual origins of words and practices.
2. The Holy Bible containing the Old and New Testaments in the authorized King James version along with "Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible" with Greek and Hebrew Dictionary.
3. The Encyclopedia Britannica, a Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, Literature and General Information, Eleventh Edition, 1910. The best type of encyclopedia to study spiritual origins is the older ones. The newer encyclopedias leave out more and more about spiritual things.
4. The World Book Encyclopedia and The New Family Encyclopedia.
5. This lesson was adapted with his permission from Christmas - Pagan Holiday or Christian written by Walley Naylor. It also includes portions from lessons by Gene and Earline Moody.
LIST OF DEMONS FOR HOLIDAYS to be cast OUT as JESUS commanded in Mark 16:17:
Abominations, Abstinence of Lent, Adonis, Ahab, Asiris Eucharist, Astarte, Baal, Bacchus, Black Sabbath Mass, Blessed Palm, Willow " Olive, Bragging, Casting Spells, Chambers of Imagery, Charms, Confusion, Cruel, Dead Stock of Nimrod, Demonic Images, Demonic Manipulation, Depression, Devil's Colors, Diana of Euphrates, Disappointment, Distrust, Divination, Doubt, Druids, Easter, Ego, Elves, Embarrassment, Envy, Eroticism, Estre, Evil Competition, Fairies, False Healing Powers, False Worship, Falsity, Familiar Spirits, Fantasy, Fear, Fear of Failing, Fertility, Futility, Goddess of Flowers (Flora), Greed, Halloween, Harshness, Hate, Haunted Houses, Heathen Worship, Hot Cross Buns, Hurt, Idol Worship, Idolatry, Image of Jealousy, Ishtar, Jack-O-Lantern, Janus, Jezebel, Joannes, Laziness, Liber, Lord of Dead (Shamhain), Lust, Lying, Mass for CHRIST, May Pole, Misleading Children, Mother of Mercury (Maia), Mourners for Tammuz, Necromancy, Negative, Nimrod, Oannes, Occult Supernatural, Occult Practices, Ostera, Pagan Rituals, Pouting, Pressure, Pride, Queen of Heaven, Rebellion, Reign of Evil, Reveling, Sacred Oaks, Sacred Egg, Sacrifice to satan, Santa Claus, Satan Worship, Saturn Worship (Saturnalia), Saturn, Selfishness, Shame, Sorcery, Sun Worship, Tammuz, Traditions, Unclean Things, Unclean Spirits, Unhappiness, Vanity, Violence, Wanting, Witchcraft, Witches/Wizards, Worship of Firs /Cedars and Oaks Honoring Dead Saints, Worship of Rabbit
DON'T STOP HERE! SEE OUR INDEX FOR MORE ARTICLES.
THERE IS NO HATE, MALICE, RACISM, ETC. ON THIS SITE. THESE ARE SINS IN THE EYES OF GOD, AND ARE ALSO DEMONS. THE BIBLE MAKES IT CLEAR THAT SIN CANNOT GET INTO HEAVEN.