General Questions

Question: "What is the true meaning of Christmas?"

Answer: LOVE- that`s the true meaning of Christmas. John 3:16-17 says "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."

Philippians chapter 2, verses 6-11, as paraphrased in The Message records, "Jesus had equal status with God but didn`t think so much of Himself that He had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, He set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, He stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn`t claim special privileges. Instead, He lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death - and the worst kind of death at that: a crucifixion. Because of that obedience, God lifted Him high and honored Him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth - even those long ago dead and buried - will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that He is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father."

The true meaning of Christmas is God becoming a human being in the Person of Jesus Christ. Why did God do such a thing? Because He loves us! Why was Christmas necessary? Because we needed a Savior! Why does God love us so much? Because He is love ! Why do we celebrate Christmas each year? Out of gratitude for what God did for us, we remember His birth by giving each other gifts, worshipping Him, and being especially conscious of the poor and less fortunate.

The true meaning of Christmas is LOVE. God loved us so much that He wanted to provide a way for us to spend eternity with Him. He gave His only Son to take our punishment for our sins, He paid the price in full! We are free from condemnation when we accept that free gift of LOVE. "But God demonstrated His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us".

Question: "How should Christians respond to the War on Christmas?"

Answer: The stories seem to be coming more frequently: a grade school choir sings “We Wish You a Happy Holiday” instead of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” for their “Winter Concert.” A library invites “holiday displays” from the community, provided the displays have no religious connotation—the stable may have animals in it, but no people. This year, it seems possible to do all one’s Christmas shopping and never see or hear the word Christmas in the stores.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with saying “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings.” But if someone says “Happy Holidays” for the sole purpose of not saying “Merry Christmas,” then we are right to question what’s going on. “Why is the word Christmas censored?” we wonder as we wander through the malls. Why do some public schools celebrate everything from Kwanzaa to Labafana the Christmas witch, and ban the Nativity, all in the name of “inclusion” and “tolerance”?

One reason put forward by those seeking to avoid the word Christmas is that it would offend non-Christians. But, according to a recent Gallup poll, only 3 percent of adults in America say it bothers them when a store makes specific reference to Christmas. The exclusion of Christmas, then, is not really a way to “adapt” to a more diverse culture, but a way to engineer a more secular culture.

Many times, the arguments against Christmas programs and displays are couched in political terms, but we believe the bias against Christmas goes much deeper than that. This is primarily a spiritual battle, not a political one.

Jesus at His birth was born of a virgin, announced by angels, and adored by kings . Definitely a unique entrance. If someone denies the truth of Jesus’ birth, he or she may not want reminders of Jesus’ birth. Avoid Christmas, and avoid having to consider who Jesus is and why He came.

How should we as Christians respond to the ubiquitous use of “Happy Holidays” and the exclusion of Christmas? Here are some suggestions:

1) Celebrate Christmas! Let the joy of the season show in your life. Teach your family the significance of Jesus’ birth and make the Christmas traditions meaningful in your home.

2) Wish others a Merry Christmas. When confronted with a “Happy Holidays,” get specific, and wish the greeter a “Merry Christmas!” You may be surprised at how many respond in kind. Even if you’re met with resistance, don’t let it dampen your cheer. Ebenezer Scrooge’s nephew was rebuffed year after year, but it never stopped him from wishing his humbug of an uncle a Merry Christmas and inviting him to Christmas dinner.

3) Speak the truth in love . The Christmas season is a wonderful opportunity to share Christ’s love and the gospel message.

4) Pray for those in positions of power . Pray for wisdom. Pray for revival so that Christmas, instead of being “offensive,” would be honored by all.

Question: "Do some Christmas traditions have pagan origins?"

Answer: Many of the modern day traditions of Christmas do come from pagan practices; the Christmas tree, mistletoe, gift giving, even the date of December 25th. In the early centuries of the church, the Roman Catholic Church replaced a pagan festival holiday with a celebration of Christ’s birth. They did not do away with the pagan traditions, they simply mixed them into the new holiday. That leaves us with a difficult decision – should we continue a practice that was started as a pagan religious ritual? Here are a couple of things to consider: (A) Does the tradition add to or subtract from the meaning of Christmas? (B) Is the practice still a pagan symbol or just a cultural tradition? If we do celebrate Christmas, we should focus on God`s gift to us - the birth of Jesus Christ. Everything else is a side issue. Can some of these formerly pagan rituals be incorporated? That is a decision a Christian family needs to make together. Pray to God, asking Him what He would have you to do .

Question: "Should we have a Christmas Tree?"

Answer: Jeremiah 10:3-4 describes a pagan custom similar to decorating a Christmas tree. What the passage is speaking about is the uselessness of following the pagan religious practices of other people who do not believe in the one true God. In this case, the Israelites were following the practice of the Babylonians by decorating and worshipping a evergreen tree. The modern day tradition of a Christmas tree does indeed come from this ancient Babylonian practice. That leaves us with a difficult decision – should we continue a practice that was started as a pagan religious ritual? Here are a couple of things to consider: (1) Does the tree add to or subtract from the meaning of Christmas? (2) Is the tree still a pagan symbol or just a cultural tradition? This is a decision a Christian family needs to make together. Pray to God, asking Him what He would have you to do (James 1:5). Whatever the case, a Christmas tree should not be the focus of Christmas. The focus should be on God`s gift to us, His Son, Jesus Christ.

Question: "Should we give gifts at Christmas? Does gift giving take away from the true meaning of Christmas?"

Answer: Many people take the idea of gift giving at Christmas back to the scripture in Matthew 2:10-11 which talks about the Magi (wise men) giving gifts to Jesus at his home: "When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house where the child and his mother, Mary, were, and they fell down before him and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh."

The bible gives a wonderful story about the gift God gave us - Christ - and we can use it as an opportunity to present the gospel and to show love. Giving and receiving gifts can be part of fulfilling what Paul says about giving in 2 Corinthians 8:7-8, "Since you excel in so many ways—you have so much faith, such gifted speakers, such knowledge, such enthusiasm, and such love for us now I want you to excel also in this gracious ministry of giving. I am not saying you must do it, even though the other churches are eager to do it. This is one way to prove your love is real." Paul was talking to the churches who were giving him gifts (financial) so that he could keep on in the ministry. We can apply this same lesson to our own lives by being giving to others, not just at Christmas, but year round!

So, can gift giving become the focus of Christmas instead of thanking the Lord for the gift of His Son ? Absolutely! Does giving gifts have to take away from the true meaning of Christmas? No, it does not. If we focus on the wonderful gift of salvation the Lord has given us , it is a natural expression of that gratefulness for us to give to others. The key is on our focus. Is your focus on the gift, or the ultimate gift-giver - our gracious Heavenly Father? "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights...".

Question: "Why is the virgin birth so important?"

Answer: The doctrine of the virgin birth is crucially important . First, let’s look at how scripture describes the blessed event. In response to Mary’s query, “how?,” Gabriel says, “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee” . The angel encourages Joseph to marry Mary with these words: “that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost” . Matthew states that the virgin “was found with child of the Holy Ghost” . Galatians 4:4 also teaches the Virgin Birth: “God sent forth His Son, made of a woman.”

From these passages, it is certainly clear that Jesus’ birth was the result of the Holy Spirit working within Mary’s body. The immaterial (the Spirit) and the material (Mary’s womb) were both involved. Mary, of course, could not impregnate herself, and in that sense she was simply a “vessel.” Only God could perform the miracle of the Incarnation.

Denying a physical connection between Mary and Jesus would imply that Jesus was not truly human. Scripture teaches that Jesus was fully human, with a physical body like ours. This He received from Mary. At the same time, Jesus was fully God, with an eternal, sinless nature.

Jesus was not born in sin; that is, He had no sin nature . It would seem that the sin nature is passed down from generation to generation through the father . The Virgin Birth circumvented the transmission of the sin nature and allowed the eternal God to become a perfect man.

Question: "Was Jesus born on December 25th?"

Answer: It is doubtful that Jesus was truly born on December 25th. Some early church fathers believed it to have been December 25th, but the Bible does not say when Jesus was born. Some argue that Jesus was born in the Fall, probably in September by our modern calendars. However, the Bible does not even really tell us what season Jesus was born. The early church declared December 25th to be Jesus’ birthday in order to replace a pagan Roman holiday, Saturnalia. Ironically, December 25th was a celebration of the birthday of the sun god. The early church, in an attempt to get rid of the pagan holiday, declared December 25th to be the birthday of the Son of God. Now, Jesus very may well have been born on December 25th – we simply do not know. Whatever the case, it does not matter, theologically, when Jesus was born. It also, therefore, does not matter what day we celebrate His birth. Rather than disputing December 25th as the day of Jesus` birth, we should be grateful that an increasingly non-Christian society even celebrates His birth at all.

Question: "What does the Bible say about the three wise men (Magi)? What were their names? When / why did they come to see Jesus?"

Answer: We only assume that there were three wise men because of the three gifts that were given; gold, incense and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). However, the Bible does not say there were three wise men. There could have been many more. Tradition does seem to say that there were three wise men. There is a legend that their names were Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthasar – but since the Bible does not say, we have no way of knowing whether the tradition is accurate.

It is a common misconception that the wise men came and visited Jesus shortly after His birth. In fact, the wise men came months (or possibly a year) later, when Joseph and Mary had already settled in Nazareth. That is why Matthew 2:11 says the wise men visited and worshipped Jesus in a house. That is also why Herod ordered all the boys in Bethlehem under two years of age to be killed.

Question: "What should parents tell their children about Santa Claus?"

Answer: Although Santa Claus is a mythical figure, his creation is based in part on a great Christian man named Saint Nicholas of Myra, who lived in the 4th century. Nicholas was born to Christian parents who left him an inheritance when they died, which he distributed out to the poor. He became a priest at a young age and was well-known for his compassion and generosity. He had a reputation for giving gifts anonymously, and he would throw bags of money into people`s homes (and sometimes down their chimneys) under the cover of night to avoid being spotted.

Nicholas passed away on December 6 sometime around the 340`s or 350`s, and the day of his death became an annual feast in which children would put out food for Nicholas and straw for his donkey. It was said that the saint would come down from heaven during the night and replace the offerings with toys and treats – but only for the good boys and girls. There are many different versions of the legend of Saint Nicholas, but all are the results of the inspiration for the jolly, red-suited gift giver that we now know as Santa Claus.

Many Christian parents are torn as to whether or not they should play the "Santa game" with their children. On one hand, he makes Christmas fun and magical, leaving wonderful holiday memories for years to come. On the other hand, the focus of Christmas should be on Jesus Christ and how much He has already given us. So, is the story of Santa Claus an innocent addition to Christmas festivities, or is he a subject that should be avoided?

I believe that every parent needs to use their own judgment in deciding whether or not to include Santa during the holidays, but here are some things to consider: Children who believe that the gifts they receive Christmas morning are from a magical man with unending resources are less likely to appreciate what they have been given, and the sacrifices their parents make in providing them. Greed and materialism can overshadow the holiday season, which is meant to be about giving, loving, and worshiping God. Children whose parents are on a tight budget may feel that they have been overlooked by Santa, or even worse, deemed one of the "bad" boys or girls.

An even more troubling aspect of telling our children that Santa comes down the chimney each year to leave their gifts is that it is, obviously, a lie. We live in a society that believes that lying for the "right" reason is acceptable. As long as it doesn`t hurt anyone, it is not a problem. This is contrary to what the Bible tells us. "For the Scriptures say, `If you want to live a happy life and good days, keep your tongue from speaking evil, and keep your lips from telling lies`" (1 Peter 3:10, NLT). Of course, telling our children that Santa is real is not a malicious deception, but it is, nevertheless, a lie.

Although it is probably not typical, some children honestly feel deceived and betrayed by their parents when they find out that Santa is not real. Children trust their parents to tell them the truth, and it is our responsibility not to break this trust. If we do, they will not believe more important things we tell them, such as the truth about Christ, whom they also cannot physically see.

I do not believe this means we must leave Santa completely out of Christmas. Children can still play the "Santa game" even if they know it is all pretend. They can make lists, sit on his lap at the mall, and leave out cookies and milk on Christmas Eve. This will not rob them of their joy of the season, and gives parents the opportunity to tell their children about the godly qualities of the real Saint Nicholas, who dedicated his life to serving others and made himself into a living example of Jesus Christ.

Question: "What is an advent calendar? How does an advent calendar relate to Christmas?"

Answer: The Word `Advent` has a Latin origin meaning `the coming,` or more accurately, `coming toward.` For Christian believers Christmas is one of the

greatest events in the yearly cycle, being the celebration of the greatest

gift ever given by God to mankind. That gift was Jesus, the Son of God

Himself, born into this world in human form and coming to live among us to show us the true nature of God, experience human joy and sorrow along with us, and finally, going of His own will to die a horrible, agonizing death. In this way the price was paid for all human sin that had cut us off from our Holy God and Heavenly Father, resulting in our complete and total reconciliation with Him.

Centuries ago the enormity of this event caused many Christians to feel that it was inadequate merely to mark off only one day on the yearly calendar for celebrating this incredible gift from God Himself. Believers had (and still do have) such a sense of awe and overwhelming gratitude and wonder at what happened that first Christmas, that they felt the need for a period of preparation immediately beforehand. They could then not only take time themselves to meditate on it, but also teach their children the tremendous significance of Christmas.

At first the days preceding Christmas were marked off from December 1st with chalk on Believers` doors. Then in Germany in the late 19th century the mother of a child named Gerhard Lang made her son an Advent Calendar comprised of 24 tiny sweets stuck onto cardboard. Lang never forgot the excitement he felt when he was given his Advent calendar at the beginning of each December, and how it reminded him every day that the great celebration of the whole year was approaching ever nearer. As an adult he went into partnership with his friend Reichhold and opened a printing office. In 1908 they produced what is thought to be the first ever printed Advent Calendar with a small colored picture for each day in Advent. Later on, at the beginning of the 20th century, they hit on the idea of making the pictures into little shuttered windows for the children to open day by day, in order to heighten their sense of expectation.

The idea of the Advent Calendar caught on with other printing firms as the demand swiftly increased, and many versions were produced, some of which would have printed on them Bible verses appropriate to the Advent period. By now the Advent Calendar had gained international popularity and children all over the world were clamoring for them as December approached. Unfortunately the custom came to an end with the beginning of the First World War when cardboard was rationed, and only allowed to be used for strictly necessary purposes. However, in 1946 when rationing began to ease following the end of the Second World War, a printer named Richard Sellmer once again introduced the colorful little Advent Calendar, and again it was an immediate success.

Sadly, with the wane of Christianity in Western nations, the Advent Calendar, although still enormously popular with all children, has lost its true meaning. Many, many children and their parents have no idea of the history of the little calendar or its true purpose, which is to prepare us for the celebration of the advent of the Christ-child. Even if they do know most would not care. Also, the makers of today`s Advent calendars are anxious only to sell their product, and the majority of these neither know nor care about the meaning and purpose of Advent. Their calendars depict Santa Clause and his reindeer, snowmen, holly, mistletoe and all the secular trappings of Christmas behind the little windows, often along with a piece of chocolate. Fortunately however, Christian printers are still with us to manufacture Calendars for children from Christian families that unfold the story of the nativity with each window that is opened. We, as Christian Believers, pray that one day the whole world will be aware of the incredible wonder of the true meaning of Advent and Christmas.

Question: "Should a Christian celebrate Hanukkah (Christmaskah)?"

Answer: Chanukkah (or Hanukkah) is the Jewish Festival of Dedication, also known as the "Festival of Lights.” It is an eight day festival beginning on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev, which typically falls in November or December on our calendar. Although this Jewish festival in not mentioned in the Tanakh (the Hebrew Bible), it is referenced in the Talmud: “On the 25th of Kislev are the days of Chanukkah, which are eight... these were appointed a Festival with Hallel [prayers of praise] and thanksgiving.”

Chanukkah is probably one of the best known Jewish holidays, not because of any great religious significance, but because of its proximity to Christmas. Many non-Jews think of this holiday as the Jewish Christmas, adopting many of the Christmas customs, such as elaborate gift-giving and decoration. Because of this it is ironic that this holiday, which has its roots in a revolution against assimilation and the suppression of Jewish religion and people, has become the most assimilated, secular holiday on the Jewish calendar.

The holiday of Chanukkah celebrates the events which took place over 2,300 years ago in the land of Judea, which is now Israel. It begins in the reign of Alexander the Great who conquered Syria, Egypt and Palestine, but allowed the lands under his control to continue observing their own religions and retain a certain degree of autonomy. Under this relatively benevolent rule, many Jews assimilated much of Hellenistic culture, adopting the language, the customs and the dress of the Greeks, in much the same way that Jews in America today blend into the secular American society.

More than 100 years after Alexander, Antiochus IV rose to power in the region. He began to oppress the Jews severely, placing a Hellenistic priest in the Temple, massacring Jews, prohibiting the practice of the Jewish religion, and desecrating the Temple by requiring the sacrifice of pigs (a non-kosher animal) on the altar. One of the groups which opposed Antiochus was led by Mattathias (Matitiyahu) the Hasmonean and his son Judah Maccabee .

This small band of pious Jews led guerrilla warfare against the Syrian army. Antiochus sent thousands of well-armed troops to crush the rebellion, but the Maccabees succeeded in driving the foreigners from their land. According to historical accounts Jewish fighters entered Jerusalem in December, 164 BC. The Holy Temple, the Jewish religious center, was in shambles, defiled and desecrated by foreign soldiers.

The Maccabees cleansed the Temple and re-dedicated it on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev. When it came time to re-light the Menorah (the multi-branched lampstand), they searched the entire Temple, but only one small jar of oil bearing the pure seal of the High Priest could be found. Miraculously, the small jar of oil burned for eight days, until a new supply of oil could be brought. From then on, Jews everywhere have observed a holiday for eight days in honor of this historic victory and the miracle of the oil. The observance of Chanukah features the lighting of a special Chanukkah menorah with eight branches (plus a helper candle), adding one new candle each night.

In the Brit Chadasha (The New Covenant), in the Gospel of John, we learn that Jesus the Jewish Messiah was at the Holy Temple during the “feast of dedication” or Chanukkah: “At that time the Feast of the Dedication took place at Jerusalem; it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple in the portico of Solomon” .

During this great season of remembering miracles, Jesus pointed out to His listeners that the miracles He had done authenticated His claim that He was, indeed, the long-awaited Jewish Messiah . His works and His true character clearly demonstrated who He was.

Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” The Lord Jesus gives all of us, Jew and Gentile, the “light of life.” And He commanded us to “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” .

Should Christians celebrate Chanukkah today? First, be mindful of the fact that we are under no obligation or “law” to celebrate any of the Jewish festivals given to Israel in the Torah (Law of Moses). But to all true Believers in Jesus Christ, especially those who have a profound appreciation for the Hebraic roots of our Christian faith, celebrating the “true light” of this world only seeks to glorify our wonderful Lord and Savior.

As Christians, we can celebrate the “Festival of Lights” as we ‘rededicate’ our lives to Christ and acknowledge Him as the perfect and true light of this world. As Believers, when we celebrate Chanukkah it reminds us of God`s wonderful miracles on our behalf. It reminds us of God`s protection throughout our lives. It reminds us to remain true to God even when the world around us tries to force us into assimilation.

Jesus told us that whoever follows Him will not have darkness, but the Light of Life. What a wonderful time of the year to remember and commemorate the great miracle that God has done for us, by giving us new light and new life.

Question: "What is Epiphany / Three Kings’ Day and should Christians celebrate it?"

Answer: Epiphany is an ancient church festival celebrating the magi’s visit to the Christ Child (. It is kept on January 6. Epiphany is also called “Three Kings’ Day” and “Twelfth Day”—the latter name because January 6 is twelve days after Christmas; the eve of Epiphany is called “Twelfth Night.” It is celebrated mainly in Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican, and other liturgical churches.

The word epiphany means “manifestation” or “revelation.” Thus, the holiday celebrates the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles, represented by the magi . For some, Epiphany also commemorates the baptism of Jesus and His turning water into wine —manifestations of Christ’s divinity to the world.

Many traditions surround Epiphany celebrations, which vary from culture to culture. Customs include the Star Singers (children dressed as kings and holding up a large star, singing carols from house to house); collecting money for charity; and the “plundering” and burning of Christmas trees. In the French Catholic culture, Epiphany marks the beginning of Mardi Gras, as “king cakes” are baked and served.

Other traditions include prayers (some offered to “Caspar,” “Melchoir,” and “Balthasar,” the presumed names of the magi); the blessing of holy water; the burning of “blessed” herbs; and the offering of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Should a Christian celebrate Epiphany? There is certainly nothing wrong with celebrating the different events of Christ’s life, and a Christian is free to observe whatever day he wants, as long as he “regardeth it unto the Lord” .

Having said that, we should be careful to avoid the superstitions and empty rituals which have sprung up around many holidays, including Epiphany. Sprinkling “holy” water, for example, and burning “blessed” herbs are nothing but superstitious practices. And some customs directly conflict with scripture; for instance, asking the magi to bless one’s house conflicts with the Bible’s clear teaching that we pray only to God Himself .

Whatever holidays we choose to observe, the Lord should always be glorified in them; however our calendars are marked, the Bible must remain our only rule for faith and practice.