This document discusses the origins and history of Christmas traditions. It notes that while the birth of Jesus is documented in the Bible, the word "Christmas" is not. Many modern Christmas traditions, like Christmas trees, wreaths, and Santa Claus, originated from pagan winter solstice festivals and were later adopted by Christian tradition. The document recommends that while Christmas can be observed as a secular holiday, it should not be observed religiously since its origins and traditions are not biblical. Believers should follow what is taught in scripture alone.

1. CHRISTMAS
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2. CHRISTMAS
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• What does the bible say about “Christmas”?
• 2 Tim 3:16-17 God’s word completely serves
• 2 Pet 1:3 God has given us all things
• 2 Pet 1:12 ..established in present truth
• The word “Christmas” cannot be found in the
Bible. Note 1 Pet 4:11 ..if any man speak…
• A compound word – “Christ” = anointed
• “mas = from Anglo-Saxon “maes” = a feast
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4. CHRISTMAS
• What does the Bible say about Jesus birth?
• Matt 1:18-25 Jesus’ conception and birth
• Matt 2:1-16 vss 9 & 11 - young child vss 16 –
2 yrs and under killed
• Lk 1:26-56 Jesus’ conception and birth
• Lk 2:1-40 Shepherds in the fields – time of yr?
• John 1:1-14 Made flesh and dwelt among us
• Note 1 Cor 11:1 – keep as delivered
• Note 2 Thess 2:15 – stand fast
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• We are to observe and remember His death
• Matt 26:26-28 - Jesus instituted Lord’s
Supper
• Mark 14:22-25 - “
• 1 Cor 11:23-26 “
• Acts 20:7 Example of when to observe
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• So, where does “Christmas” come from?
• Traditional no older than the 1800’s – note Item
article of Dec 20, 1984
• As the birth of Christ
• No earlier than the 3rd century
• Date varied – May 20, Apr 19, Jan 6, Dec 25, Nov
17, Mar 28. Pagan observance of Saturnalia was
on or about Dec 25th as was a festival of Mithraic
sun worship. The Catholic’s adopted Dec 25th in
the 3rd century. We do not know exactly when
Jesus was born. (Amer. Educator, Vol 5, pg 383)
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7. CHRISTMAS
• Christmas Customs
• Christmas Tree
– Probably originated by Boniface, a German
Catholic in the 8th century. Martin Luther first
decorated a tree and hung candles on it to
represent the beauty he saw in evergreen trees
against a starry sky. This idea didn’t gain
popularity until the 1800’s. Once it did, many
houses were burned down from blazing
Christmas trees. (Amer. Educator Pg 383c.)
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• Christmas Greenery
• Mistle toe was first mentioned in Norse mythology in
the story of Balder. The Druids believed hanging it
from the ceiling brought good luck and kissing under
it meant a pledge and promise of marriage. Different
flowers are customary in different countries. US –
poinsettia, Holland – tulip, etc. Decking with holly is
an old English custom said to protect against lightning
and evil spirits. Wreaths of holly or evergreen the
wreath of thorns placed on Jesus’ head. (Ibid)
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9. CHRISTMAS
• Christmas gifts and cards
• This comes from the Roman custom to do so
on the first of the year, during their pagan
celebrations. Many connnect this with the
gifts brought by the wise men. Medieval
people believed that the Christ-child might
come to their door as a beggar and gave gifts.
They placed candles in their windows to light
his way. (Ibid)
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10. CHRISTMAS
• Miniature Nativity Scenes
• About 1224 Francis of Assissi wanted to
impress upon the people “the true meaning
of Christmas”. Called “Mystery Plays”,
villagers portrayed Joseph, Mary, the
shepherds, and included live animals.
• Thus, the miniatures of today.
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11. CHRISTMAS
• Santa Clause (American) – borrowed from
European characters
• St Nicolas (Dutch) – This came from the
legend of the bishop of Myra in Lycia, who
was renamed “Saint Nicolas”. Tales of his
generosity grew into the legend that he was
bringer of gifts. After his death in the middle
of the 4th century, December 6th was selected
as his feast day.
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12. CHRISTMAS
• Other European Characters/Practices
• Father Christmas – English
• Bon Homme Noel – France -Christmas good
man
• Kris Kringle – Germany, from Christkindle
• Urn of Fate – Italy - Roman relic
• Norway – gifts hidden in the home
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13. CHRISTMAS
• What should we do about Christmas?
• 2 Cor 5:7 Walk by faith, not by sight
• Rom 10:17 Faith comes from God’s word
• John 4:24 Worship in spirit and truth
• 2 Thess 5:21 Prove all things
• Rom 14:5 Be fully persuaded
• Observe it like other man-made secular
holidays, not religiously.
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• God provides us with cautions
• Gal 4:8-10 Ye observe …feasts under OT
• Col 2:8, 20-23 Beware ….
• Matt 15:8-9 In vain do they worship me
• 2 Cor 4:1-4 Don’t handle word …deceitfully
• 2 Tim 3:16-17 Scriptures furnish us fully
• 1 Cor 11:1-2 Follow Christ, not men
• 2 Tim 4:1-4 Shall turn ..from truth ..to fables
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15. CHRISTMAS
• Follow what Jesus says, not what men say
• John 6:44-47 Hear, learn, believe
• Luke 13:3 & 5 Repent
• Luke 12:8 Confess
• Mark 16:16 Be baptized
• John 8:31-32 Continue in my word …the
truth will make you free
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