Shaila Touchton's Despite of Differences, Come Unity in Jesus Christ!
Showing posts with label Birthday of Jesus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Birthday of Jesus. Show all posts
Happy Second Birthday to My Son on 26th November 2014
Your birthday takes me back to the past in my memories to the day when you were born
My son Oliver Emmanuel, You have an amazing story of the healing power of God and His abundant love for us.
Its my privilege to be your Mother to be blessed with a wonderful son like you
You are a treasure from above, and every day I praise and thank God for you, my darling Baby Boy.
Despite of the struggles and pains in NICU, you won victory over life through our Lord Jesus Christ.
You are the answer to my prayers from up above and a reason for my smile and a meaning to my life.
The goodness of God has been manifested in your life bringing abundant blessings of God.
My Son Your smile shines even brighter than the sun For the Christ in You is the Hope of Glory for your Life.
May you truly know today the love of Jesus Christ and know He's smiling down on you as you are celebrating your birthday.
Nothing can be compared to the unconditional love and affection God has on you.
Baby, you are so wonderful in so many ways. Your smile lights up my life!
God has a great plan and purpose for your life to use your testimony to reach many.
The Lord God is with you as your middle name says Emmanuel
HE is with you through Holy Spirit and as a strong savior
God will always be there for you, to love and protect you wherever you are and wherever you go.
I want to remember and thank God for your Dad, sister, Your Grandparents in India, all doctors and nurses who contributed blessings in your life.
Lord Jesus, Bless my son that He might grow in your faith, love and every grace and be a testimony.
Lord God, Bless my Son to love you with all his heart, soul, mind and with all his strength and anoint him with your Holy Spirit.
Oliver My Precious son I will always be there for you at all times when you need me.
May you always be blessed and may God fill your life with never-ending happiness and an uncondional love.
Lord God, I thank you for your word brought health and healing to my son through Jesus Christ.
I wish, this special day, that you'll have lots of blessings, love, peace, Good health, Happiness, wealth and long life.
Happy second birthday to my Beloved and Precious Son Oliver Emmanuel Touchton!
100 Things You May Not Know About Jesus
Claims Jesus Made
1) Jesus claimed to be God – John 8:24,8:56-59 (Compare with Exodus 3:14); John 10:30-33
2) Jesus said, “I AM the Bread of Life” – John 6:35,41,48,51
3) Jesus said, “I AM the Door” – John 10:7,9
4) Jesus said, “I AM the Good Shepherd” – John 10:11,14
5) Jesus said, “I AM the Way the Truth and The Life” – John 14:6
6) Jesus said, “I AM the Light of the world” – John 8:12; 9:5; 12:46; Luke 2:32
7) Jesus said, “I AM the True Vine” – John 15:1,5
8) Jesus said, “I AM the Resurrection and the Life” – John 11:25
9) Jesus said, “I AM the First and the Last” – Revelation 1:17; 2:8; 22:13
Titles Jesus Holds
10) Jesus is the Rock – 1 Cor. 10:4
11) Jesus is the Savior – John 4:42; 1 John 4:14
12) Jesus is King – Matt. 2:1-6; Luke 23:3
13) Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith – Heb. 12:2
14) Jesus is the High Priest of our confession – Heb. 1:3
15) Jesus is the light anf the glory – Luke 2:32
Actions Jesus Took
16) Jesus created all things – John 1:3; Col. 1:15-17
17) Jesus indwells us – Col. 1:27
18) Jesus sanctifies – Heb. 2:11
19) Jesus loves – Eph. 5:25
20) Jesus offered up Himself – Heb. 7:27; 9:14
21) Jesus offered one sacrifice for sins for all time – Heb. 10:12
22) Jesus draws all men to Himself – John 12:32
23) Jesus forgives sins – Matt. 9:1-7; Luke 5:20; 7:48
24) Jesus always lives to make intercession for us – Heb. 7:25
25) Jesus cleanses from sin – 1 John 1:9
26) Jesus manifests Himself to us – John 14:21
27) Jesus gives eternal life – John 10:28; 5:40
28) Jesus gives joy – John 15:11
29) Jesus gives peace – John 14:27
30) Jesus died for us – 1 Thess. 5:10
31) Jesus tasted death for everyone – Heb. 2:9
32) Jesus rendered the devil powerless – Heb. 2:14
33) Jesus makes many righteous – Rom. 5:19
34) Jesus died and rose again – 1 Thess. 4:14
35) Jesus resurrects – John 5:39; 6:40,44,54; 11:25-26
36) We sin against Jesus – 1 Cor. 8:12
37) Jesus cleanses us from our sins by His blood – Rev. 1:5; Rom. 5:9
38) We come to Jesus – John 5:50; 6:35,37,45,65; 7:37;
39) We receive Jesus – John 1:12; Col. 2:6
40) Jesus sends the Holy Spirit – John 15:26
41) Jesus has given us understanding – 1 John 5:20
42) In Jesus we have been made complete – Col. 2:10
43) Jesus received honor and glory from the Father – 2 Pet. 1:17
Attributes Jesus Holds
44) Jesus is omnipresent – Matt. 28:20
45) Jesus is eternal – John 1:1,14; Rev 22:13
46) Jesus has authority – Matt. 28:18; John 5:26-27; 17:2; 3:35
47) Jesus is before all things – Col. 1:17
48) Jesus is honored the same as the Father – John 5:23
49) Jesus is prayed to – Acts 7:55-60
50) Jesus is worshipped – Matt. 2:2,11; 14:33; John 9:35-38; Heb. 1:6
51) Jesus is called God – John 1:1,14; 20:28; Col. 2:9; Titus 2:13
52) Jesus judges – John 5:22,27
53) Jesus knows all things – John 16:30
54) Truth is in Jesus – Eph. 4:21
55) In Jesus are the treasures of wisdom and knowledge – Col. 2:2-3
56) Jesus is the image of the invisible God – Heb. 1:3
The Mission Jesus Undertook
57) Jesus was a ransom for many and to serve – Matt. 20:28
58) Jesus came to be a high priest – Heb. 2:17
59) Jesus came to save – John 3:17; Luke 19:10
60) Jesus came to preach the kingdom of God – Luke 4:43
61) Jesus came to bring division – Luke 12:51
62) Jesus came to do the will of the Father – John 6:38
63) Jesus came to give the Father’s words – John 17:8
64) Jesus came to testify to the truth – John 18:37
65) Jesus came to die and destroy Satan’s power – Heb. 2:14
66) Jesus came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets – Matt. 5:17
67) Jesus came to give life – John 10:10,28
68) Jesus came to taste death for everyone – Heb. 2:9
69) Jesus came to proclaim freedom for believers – Luke 4:18
70) Jesus reveals grace and truth – John 1:17 see John 6:45
71) Jesus reveals the Father – Matt. 11:27; Luke 10:22
72) Jesus has explained the Father – John 1:18
73) Jesus was crucified because of weakness – 2 Cor. 13:4
74) Jesus has overcome the world – John 16:33
75) Jesus is our only mediator between God and ourselves – 1 Tim. 2:5
76) The fruit of righteousness comes through Jesus Christ – Phil. 1:11
Promises Jesus Made
77) Jesus is with us always – Matt. 28:20
78) Jesus is the guarantee of a better covenant – Heb. 7:22; 8:6
79) Jesus is preparing a place for us in heaven – John 14:1-4
80) Jesus abides forever – Heb. 7:24
81) Everyone who’s heard & learned from the Father comes to Jesus – John 6:45
82) Jesus saves forever – Matt. 18:11; John 10:28; Heb. 7:25
83) The Christian dead have fallen asleep in Jesus – 1 Thess. 4:15
84) Jesus delivers us from the wrath to come – 1 Thess. 1:10
85) Jesus is able to save completely – Heb. 7:25
86) Jesus opens the mind to understand scripture – Luke 24:45
Witnesses Of Jesus
87) Jesus bears witness of Himself – John 8:18; 14:6
88) Jesus’ works bear witness of Himself – John 5:36; 10:25
89) The Father bears witness of Jesus – John 5:37; 8:18; 1 John 5:9
90) The Holy Spirit bears witness of Jesus – John 15:26
91) The multitudes bear witness of Jesus – John 12:17
92) The Prophets bear witness of Jesus – Acts 10:43
93) The Scriptures bear witness of Jesus – John 5:39
94) The Father will honor us if we serve Jesus – John 12:26 see Col. 3:24
95) The Father wants us to fellowship with Jesus – 1 Cor. 1:9
96) The Father tells us to listen to Jesus – Luke 9:35; Matt. 17:5
97) The Father tells us to come to Jesus – John 6:45
98) The Father draws us to Jesus – John 6:44
99) Disciples bear witness of Jesus Christ – John 15:27
100) The Law leads us to Christ – Gal. 3:24
1) Jesus claimed to be God – John 8:24,8:56-59 (Compare with Exodus 3:14); John 10:30-33
2) Jesus said, “I AM the Bread of Life” – John 6:35,41,48,51
3) Jesus said, “I AM the Door” – John 10:7,9
4) Jesus said, “I AM the Good Shepherd” – John 10:11,14
5) Jesus said, “I AM the Way the Truth and The Life” – John 14:6
6) Jesus said, “I AM the Light of the world” – John 8:12; 9:5; 12:46; Luke 2:32
7) Jesus said, “I AM the True Vine” – John 15:1,5
8) Jesus said, “I AM the Resurrection and the Life” – John 11:25
9) Jesus said, “I AM the First and the Last” – Revelation 1:17; 2:8; 22:13
Titles Jesus Holds
10) Jesus is the Rock – 1 Cor. 10:4
11) Jesus is the Savior – John 4:42; 1 John 4:14
12) Jesus is King – Matt. 2:1-6; Luke 23:3
13) Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith – Heb. 12:2
14) Jesus is the High Priest of our confession – Heb. 1:3
15) Jesus is the light anf the glory – Luke 2:32
Actions Jesus Took
16) Jesus created all things – John 1:3; Col. 1:15-17
17) Jesus indwells us – Col. 1:27
18) Jesus sanctifies – Heb. 2:11
19) Jesus loves – Eph. 5:25
20) Jesus offered up Himself – Heb. 7:27; 9:14
21) Jesus offered one sacrifice for sins for all time – Heb. 10:12
22) Jesus draws all men to Himself – John 12:32
23) Jesus forgives sins – Matt. 9:1-7; Luke 5:20; 7:48
24) Jesus always lives to make intercession for us – Heb. 7:25
25) Jesus cleanses from sin – 1 John 1:9
26) Jesus manifests Himself to us – John 14:21
27) Jesus gives eternal life – John 10:28; 5:40
28) Jesus gives joy – John 15:11
29) Jesus gives peace – John 14:27
30) Jesus died for us – 1 Thess. 5:10
31) Jesus tasted death for everyone – Heb. 2:9
32) Jesus rendered the devil powerless – Heb. 2:14
33) Jesus makes many righteous – Rom. 5:19
34) Jesus died and rose again – 1 Thess. 4:14
35) Jesus resurrects – John 5:39; 6:40,44,54; 11:25-26
36) We sin against Jesus – 1 Cor. 8:12
37) Jesus cleanses us from our sins by His blood – Rev. 1:5; Rom. 5:9
38) We come to Jesus – John 5:50; 6:35,37,45,65; 7:37;
39) We receive Jesus – John 1:12; Col. 2:6
40) Jesus sends the Holy Spirit – John 15:26
41) Jesus has given us understanding – 1 John 5:20
42) In Jesus we have been made complete – Col. 2:10
43) Jesus received honor and glory from the Father – 2 Pet. 1:17
Attributes Jesus Holds
44) Jesus is omnipresent – Matt. 28:20
45) Jesus is eternal – John 1:1,14; Rev 22:13
46) Jesus has authority – Matt. 28:18; John 5:26-27; 17:2; 3:35
47) Jesus is before all things – Col. 1:17
48) Jesus is honored the same as the Father – John 5:23
49) Jesus is prayed to – Acts 7:55-60
50) Jesus is worshipped – Matt. 2:2,11; 14:33; John 9:35-38; Heb. 1:6
51) Jesus is called God – John 1:1,14; 20:28; Col. 2:9; Titus 2:13
52) Jesus judges – John 5:22,27
53) Jesus knows all things – John 16:30
54) Truth is in Jesus – Eph. 4:21
55) In Jesus are the treasures of wisdom and knowledge – Col. 2:2-3
56) Jesus is the image of the invisible God – Heb. 1:3
The Mission Jesus Undertook
57) Jesus was a ransom for many and to serve – Matt. 20:28
58) Jesus came to be a high priest – Heb. 2:17
59) Jesus came to save – John 3:17; Luke 19:10
60) Jesus came to preach the kingdom of God – Luke 4:43
61) Jesus came to bring division – Luke 12:51
62) Jesus came to do the will of the Father – John 6:38
63) Jesus came to give the Father’s words – John 17:8
64) Jesus came to testify to the truth – John 18:37
65) Jesus came to die and destroy Satan’s power – Heb. 2:14
66) Jesus came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets – Matt. 5:17
67) Jesus came to give life – John 10:10,28
68) Jesus came to taste death for everyone – Heb. 2:9
69) Jesus came to proclaim freedom for believers – Luke 4:18
70) Jesus reveals grace and truth – John 1:17 see John 6:45
71) Jesus reveals the Father – Matt. 11:27; Luke 10:22
72) Jesus has explained the Father – John 1:18
73) Jesus was crucified because of weakness – 2 Cor. 13:4
74) Jesus has overcome the world – John 16:33
75) Jesus is our only mediator between God and ourselves – 1 Tim. 2:5
76) The fruit of righteousness comes through Jesus Christ – Phil. 1:11
Promises Jesus Made
77) Jesus is with us always – Matt. 28:20
78) Jesus is the guarantee of a better covenant – Heb. 7:22; 8:6
79) Jesus is preparing a place for us in heaven – John 14:1-4
80) Jesus abides forever – Heb. 7:24
81) Everyone who’s heard & learned from the Father comes to Jesus – John 6:45
82) Jesus saves forever – Matt. 18:11; John 10:28; Heb. 7:25
83) The Christian dead have fallen asleep in Jesus – 1 Thess. 4:15
84) Jesus delivers us from the wrath to come – 1 Thess. 1:10
85) Jesus is able to save completely – Heb. 7:25
86) Jesus opens the mind to understand scripture – Luke 24:45
Witnesses Of Jesus
87) Jesus bears witness of Himself – John 8:18; 14:6
88) Jesus’ works bear witness of Himself – John 5:36; 10:25
89) The Father bears witness of Jesus – John 5:37; 8:18; 1 John 5:9
90) The Holy Spirit bears witness of Jesus – John 15:26
91) The multitudes bear witness of Jesus – John 12:17
92) The Prophets bear witness of Jesus – Acts 10:43
93) The Scriptures bear witness of Jesus – John 5:39
94) The Father will honor us if we serve Jesus – John 12:26 see Col. 3:24
95) The Father wants us to fellowship with Jesus – 1 Cor. 1:9
96) The Father tells us to listen to Jesus – Luke 9:35; Matt. 17:5
97) The Father tells us to come to Jesus – John 6:45
98) The Father draws us to Jesus – John 6:44
99) Disciples bear witness of Jesus Christ – John 15:27
100) The Law leads us to Christ – Gal. 3:24
Jesus: From Genesis to Revelation
In the Old Testament:
- In Genesis, He is the Creator God.
- In Exodus, He is the Redeemer.
- In Leviticus, He is your sanctification.
- In Numbers, He is your guide.
- In Deuteronomy, He is your teacher.
- In Joshua, He is the mighty conqueror.
- In Judges, He gives victory over enemies.
- In Ruth, He is your kinsman, your lover, your redeemer.
- In I Samuel, He is the root of Jesse.
- In 2 Samuel, He is the Son of David.
- In 1 Kings and 2 Kings, He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
- In 1st and 2nd Chronicles, He is your intercessor and High Priest.
- In Ezra, He is your temple, your house of worship.
- In Nehemiah, He is your mighty wall, protecting you from your enemies.
- In Esther, He stands in the gap to deliver you from your enemies.
- In Job, He is the arbitrator who not only understands your struggles, but has the power to do something about them.
- In Psalms, He is your song–and your reason to sing.
- In Proverbs, He is your wisdom, helping you make sense of life and live it successfully.
- In Ecclesiastes, He is your purpose, delivering you from vanity..
- In the Song of Solomon, He is your lover, your Rose of Sharon.
- In Isaiah, He is the mighty counselor, the prince of peace, the everlasting father, and more. He’s everything you need.
- In Jeremiah, He is your balm of Gilead, the soothing salve for your sin-sick soul.
- In Lamentations, He is the ever-faithful one upon whom you can depend.
- In Ezekiel, He is your wheel in the middle of a wheel–the one who assures that dry, dead bones will come alive again.
- In Daniel, He is the ancient of days, the ever- lasting God who never runs out of time.
- In Hosea, He is your faithful lover, always beckoning you to come back–even when you have abandoned Him.
- In Joel, He is your refuge, keeping you safe in times of trouble.
- In Amos, He is the husbandman, the one you can depend on to stay by your side.
- In Obadiah, He is Lord of the Kingdom.
- In Jonah, He is your salvation, bringing you back within His will.
- In Micah, He is judge of the nation.
- In Nahum, He is the jealous God.
- In Habakkuk, He is the Holy One.
- In Zephaniah, He is the witness.
- In Haggai, He overthrows the enemies.
- In Zechariah, He is Lord of Hosts.
- In Malachi, He is the messenger of the covenant.
In the New Testament:
- In Matthew, He is king of the Jews.
- In Mark, He is the servant.
- In Luke, He is the Son of Man, feeling what you feel.
- In John, He is the Son of God.
- In Acts, He is Savior of the world.
- In Romans, He is the righteousness of God.
- In I Corinthians, He is the rock that followed Israel.
- In II Corinthians, He the triumphant one, giving victory.
- In Galatians, He is your liberty; He sets you free.
- In Ephesians, He is head of the Church.
- In Philippians, He is your joy.
- In Colossians, He is your completeness.
- In I Thessalonians, He is your hope.
- In II Thessalonians, He is your glory.
- In I Timothy, He is your faith.
- In II Timothy, He is your stability.
- In Titus He is your reason for serving.
- In Philemon, He is your benefactor.
- In Hebrews, He is your perfection.
- In James, He is the power behind your faith.
- In I Peter, He is your example.
- In II Peter, He is your purity.
- In I John, He is your life.
- In II John, He is your pattern.
- In III John, He is your motivation.
- In Jude, He is the foundation of your faith.
- In Revelation, He is your coming King.
- In Genesis, He is the Creator God.
- In Exodus, He is the Redeemer.
- In Leviticus, He is your sanctification.
- In Numbers, He is your guide.
- In Deuteronomy, He is your teacher.
- In Joshua, He is the mighty conqueror.
- In Judges, He gives victory over enemies.
- In Ruth, He is your kinsman, your lover, your redeemer.
- In I Samuel, He is the root of Jesse.
- In 2 Samuel, He is the Son of David.
- In 1 Kings and 2 Kings, He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
- In 1st and 2nd Chronicles, He is your intercessor and High Priest.
- In Ezra, He is your temple, your house of worship.
- In Nehemiah, He is your mighty wall, protecting you from your enemies.
- In Esther, He stands in the gap to deliver you from your enemies.
- In Job, He is the arbitrator who not only understands your struggles, but has the power to do something about them.
- In Psalms, He is your song–and your reason to sing.
- In Proverbs, He is your wisdom, helping you make sense of life and live it successfully.
- In Ecclesiastes, He is your purpose, delivering you from vanity..
- In the Song of Solomon, He is your lover, your Rose of Sharon.
- In Isaiah, He is the mighty counselor, the prince of peace, the everlasting father, and more. He’s everything you need.
- In Jeremiah, He is your balm of Gilead, the soothing salve for your sin-sick soul.
- In Lamentations, He is the ever-faithful one upon whom you can depend.
- In Ezekiel, He is your wheel in the middle of a wheel–the one who assures that dry, dead bones will come alive again.
- In Daniel, He is the ancient of days, the ever- lasting God who never runs out of time.
- In Hosea, He is your faithful lover, always beckoning you to come back–even when you have abandoned Him.
- In Joel, He is your refuge, keeping you safe in times of trouble.
- In Amos, He is the husbandman, the one you can depend on to stay by your side.
- In Obadiah, He is Lord of the Kingdom.
- In Jonah, He is your salvation, bringing you back within His will.
- In Micah, He is judge of the nation.
- In Nahum, He is the jealous God.
- In Habakkuk, He is the Holy One.
- In Zephaniah, He is the witness.
- In Haggai, He overthrows the enemies.
- In Zechariah, He is Lord of Hosts.
- In Malachi, He is the messenger of the covenant.
In the New Testament:
- In Matthew, He is king of the Jews.
- In Mark, He is the servant.
- In Luke, He is the Son of Man, feeling what you feel.
- In John, He is the Son of God.
- In Acts, He is Savior of the world.
- In Romans, He is the righteousness of God.
- In I Corinthians, He is the rock that followed Israel.
- In II Corinthians, He the triumphant one, giving victory.
- In Galatians, He is your liberty; He sets you free.
- In Ephesians, He is head of the Church.
- In Philippians, He is your joy.
- In Colossians, He is your completeness.
- In I Thessalonians, He is your hope.
- In II Thessalonians, He is your glory.
- In I Timothy, He is your faith.
- In II Timothy, He is your stability.
- In Titus He is your reason for serving.
- In Philemon, He is your benefactor.
- In Hebrews, He is your perfection.
- In James, He is the power behind your faith.
- In I Peter, He is your example.
- In II Peter, He is your purity.
- In I John, He is your life.
- In II John, He is your pattern.
- In III John, He is your motivation.
- In Jude, He is the foundation of your faith.
- In Revelation, He is your coming King.
Happy Birthday, Dear and Beloved Jesus!
Birthday of Jesus is the time to remember that In Bethlehem a savior is born who is a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Birthday of Jesus means Love came down and was born at Christmas.
Birthday of Jesus is the time of ringing bells, cakes and candles.
Birthday of Jesus is the month of snow & Songs, Carols & Joys.
Birthday of Jesus showed us to live with charity, forgiveness, faith, humility, sacrifice, truth, peace, happiness and service.
Birthday of Jesus reminds us that Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
Birthday of Jesus reminds us that Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life, the way and the truth.
Birthday of Jesus reminds us that we have fellowship with God.
Birthday of Jesus reminds us that we are the ambassador for Christ Jesus.
Birthday of Jesus reminds us that we can live holy and blameless in God's sight.
Birth day of Jesus means God is with us through Holy Spirit.
Birthday of Jesus reminds us that in Jesus Christ; we are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.
Birthday of Jesus reminds us that in Jesus Christ we have eternal life, redemption and forgiveness.
Birthday of Jesus means a savior came to the world to save us from sins and to seek the lost.
Jesus is the greatest gift at Christmas!
Dear brothers and sisters let us Invite Jesus Christ into our home and heart and experience Christmas with families and friends with heavenly blessings. I wish a delightful Christmas and a happy New Year!
Birthday of Jesus means Love came down and was born at Christmas.
Birthday of Jesus is the time of ringing bells, cakes and candles.
Birthday of Jesus is the month of snow & Songs, Carols & Joys.
Birthday of Jesus showed us to live with charity, forgiveness, faith, humility, sacrifice, truth, peace, happiness and service.
Birthday of Jesus reminds us that Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
Birthday of Jesus reminds us that Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life, the way and the truth.
Birthday of Jesus reminds us that we have fellowship with God.
Birthday of Jesus reminds us that we are the ambassador for Christ Jesus.
Birthday of Jesus reminds us that we can live holy and blameless in God's sight.
Birth day of Jesus means God is with us through Holy Spirit.
Birthday of Jesus reminds us that in Jesus Christ; we are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.
Birthday of Jesus reminds us that in Jesus Christ we have eternal life, redemption and forgiveness.
Birthday of Jesus means a savior came to the world to save us from sins and to seek the lost.
Jesus is the greatest gift at Christmas!
Dear brothers and sisters let us Invite Jesus Christ into our home and heart and experience Christmas with families and friends with heavenly blessings. I wish a delightful Christmas and a happy New Year!
If Jesus is God, then why scriptures say Son of God?
We know that Jesus Christ is God and man. Jesus Christ is God in human flesh (II Corinthians 5:19). Isaiah said, "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14)." Immanuel meaning "God IS WITH us. John tells us in John 1:1-4, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth."
Jesus is repeatedly called "the Son of God" and also "the Son of Man". Mary was used of God as the host to bring forth the body of Jesus' humanity. Jesus had no human father. When the angel told Mary that she would conceive and have a son, she replied, "How shall this be, seeing I know not a man (Luke 1:31-34)?" The angel responded by saying, "The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God (Luke 1:35)." the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20). The Annunciation begins "the fullness of time" (Gal 4:4). Mary conceived Jesus the eternal Son of the Father in a humanity drawn from her own in whom the "whole fullness of deity" dwells "bodily." (Col 2:9).
Jesus as a man had a human mother, but God was His father, hence he was called “Jesus the Son of God”. Although Jesus was a fully human person, he also was and is fully God. Philippians 2:6 makes it clear that he is God, and that he set aside the use of some of his attributes to take on the form of the human, and die for the sins of the world. Titus 2:13 equates Jesus with God. Romans 9:6 describes him as God, who is blessed forever. And in Revelation 5:13 and 14 portray Christ as deity.
The Father is God (John 6:27; Romans 1:7; 1 Peter 1:2). The Son is God (John 1:1, 14; Romans 9:5; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 1:8; 1 John 5:20). The Holy Spirit is God (Acts 5:3-4; 1 Corinthians 3:16).
All men are sons of God because we are His offspring (Acts 17:28), descendants from Adam (Luke 3:38). God's people are adopted "sons of God," Jesus is the only Son of God by nature (Rom. 8: 14-16). The spiritual relationship of Christ to the Father is not like the physical relationship men have with their sons (Isaiah 55:8, 9).
Only accept by faith through His word that Jesus is both God and with God; He is both God and the Son of God. As God, He is worthy of our worship and adoration. The Father is designated as Lord(Mt 11.25)and also as God(1 Cor 8.6).The Son is designated as Lord(Rom 15.6 )as well as as God (Titus 2.13, Heb 1:8). The Holy Spirit is designated as Lord (2 Cor 3.17) as well as The Holy Spirit is designated as God(Acts 5.3-4). There is only one God in the Old Testament and Jesus is God in the flesh in the New Testament (John 1:1,14). God, The Spirit of God and Jesus Christ are the One and Only True God. THE HOLY Spirit is seen as GOD in the old testament (Ezekiel 36:27, Ezekiel 37:14). God gives the Spirit of God into the hearts of man and leads, guides and helps them to obey the commandments of God (2 Co 3:17). It is clear that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are each God. Jesus, who not only is eternally in God, but is himself eternally God. Word ‘begotten’ is used of Jesus, who is the Son of God. Jesus, being in God and himself God, has no beginning and has no end. “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on the earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in him all things consist” (Col.1:15-17).
Conclusion: God is infinite and we are finite and our abilities and intellects are limited.For anyone who perverts the word of God here there is warning "For ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the LORD of hosts our God” (Jeremiah 23:36)."
Jesus is repeatedly called "the Son of God" and also "the Son of Man". Mary was used of God as the host to bring forth the body of Jesus' humanity. Jesus had no human father. When the angel told Mary that she would conceive and have a son, she replied, "How shall this be, seeing I know not a man (Luke 1:31-34)?" The angel responded by saying, "The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God (Luke 1:35)." the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20). The Annunciation begins "the fullness of time" (Gal 4:4). Mary conceived Jesus the eternal Son of the Father in a humanity drawn from her own in whom the "whole fullness of deity" dwells "bodily." (Col 2:9).
Jesus as a man had a human mother, but God was His father, hence he was called “Jesus the Son of God”. Although Jesus was a fully human person, he also was and is fully God. Philippians 2:6 makes it clear that he is God, and that he set aside the use of some of his attributes to take on the form of the human, and die for the sins of the world. Titus 2:13 equates Jesus with God. Romans 9:6 describes him as God, who is blessed forever. And in Revelation 5:13 and 14 portray Christ as deity.
The Father is God (John 6:27; Romans 1:7; 1 Peter 1:2). The Son is God (John 1:1, 14; Romans 9:5; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 1:8; 1 John 5:20). The Holy Spirit is God (Acts 5:3-4; 1 Corinthians 3:16).
All men are sons of God because we are His offspring (Acts 17:28), descendants from Adam (Luke 3:38). God's people are adopted "sons of God," Jesus is the only Son of God by nature (Rom. 8: 14-16). The spiritual relationship of Christ to the Father is not like the physical relationship men have with their sons (Isaiah 55:8, 9).
Only accept by faith through His word that Jesus is both God and with God; He is both God and the Son of God. As God, He is worthy of our worship and adoration. The Father is designated as Lord(Mt 11.25)and also as God(1 Cor 8.6).The Son is designated as Lord(Rom 15.6 )as well as as God (Titus 2.13, Heb 1:8). The Holy Spirit is designated as Lord (2 Cor 3.17) as well as The Holy Spirit is designated as God(Acts 5.3-4). There is only one God in the Old Testament and Jesus is God in the flesh in the New Testament (John 1:1,14). God, The Spirit of God and Jesus Christ are the One and Only True God. THE HOLY Spirit is seen as GOD in the old testament (Ezekiel 36:27, Ezekiel 37:14). God gives the Spirit of God into the hearts of man and leads, guides and helps them to obey the commandments of God (2 Co 3:17). It is clear that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are each God. Jesus, who not only is eternally in God, but is himself eternally God. Word ‘begotten’ is used of Jesus, who is the Son of God. Jesus, being in God and himself God, has no beginning and has no end. “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on the earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in him all things consist” (Col.1:15-17).
Conclusion: God is infinite and we are finite and our abilities and intellects are limited.For anyone who perverts the word of God here there is warning "For ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the LORD of hosts our God” (Jeremiah 23:36)."
If Jesus is Not God, Who Do You Say Jesus Is?
Jesus Christ is GOD the Father,Son of God, Son of Man, Messaiah, prophet, HE is everything because He is GOD.
1. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus never changes (Hebrews 13:8), for we know that God doesn’t change in (Malachi 3:6).
2. If Jesus is not God, then why is Jesus called as the only Saviour (II Peter 3:18, Titus 1:4, Luke 2:11), for we know that God is the only Saviour (Isaiah 43:11, Titus 2:10, I Timothy 4:10).
3. If Jesus is not God, then why did Jesus Christ created the universe and the earth (Hebrews 1:10, Colossians 1:16, John 1:3), for we know that God created the universe and earth by Himself (Isaiah 44:24, Genesis 1:1)
4. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus is called the Word, and the Word was God (John 1:14), for we know that God is the Word (John 1:1).
5. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus is called the first and the last (Revelation 1:17), for we know that God is the first and the last. (Isaiah 41:4).
6. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus did forgive sins (Mark 2:5); for we know that God forgives sins. (Psalm 103:2-3, Mark 2:7)
7. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus did redeemed us (Titus 2:13-14), for we know that God is our redeemer (Isaiah 63:16).
8. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus and God are one (John 10:30, John 1:1, 3, 10, 14), for we know that God is one (Deuteronomy 6:4)
9. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus is called the Holy One (Acts 2:27, Acts3:13-14, Acts 13:34-35), for we know that God is the Holy One (Isaiah 10:20, Psalms 71:22, Psalms 16:10)
10. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus is worshipped (Matthew 9:18, Hebrews 1:6), for we know that Only God is worshipped (Matthew 4:10).
11. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus is called Messiah (John 4:25-26), for we know that only God is Messiah (Isaiah 9:6).
12. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus is from everlasting(Micah 5:2), for we know that God is from everlasting(Psalms 93:1-2)
13. If Jesus is not God, then why God glorified Jesus (John 5:23, Hebrews 1:8), for we know that Only God is glorified (Isaiah 42:8)
14. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus is 'I am'(John 8:58), for we know that only God is 'I am'(Exodus 3:14).
15. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus heals all diseases (Matthew 8:16), for we know that God heals all diseases (Psalms 103:2).
16. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus is the Judge of the whole earth.( Rom. 14:10, Ps. 96:13) , for we know that God is the Judge of the whole earth.( Ps. 9:8, Psalms 94:1-2, Eccl. 3:17)
17. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus has life in Himself (John 1:4, John 11:25 , for we know that God has life in Himself (Deuteronomy 30:20, John 5:26).
18. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus raises the dead (John 11:1-44), for we know that God raises the dead (John 5:21)
19. If Jesus is not God, then why God was manifest in the flesh (1 Timothy 3:16) and Jesus is called God (2 Corinthians 5:19, Isa. 9:6).
20. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus said that He would send the comforter to us (John 16:7), for we know that Father would send the comforter (John 14:26).
21. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus Christ is our sanctifier (Ephesians 5:26), for we know that Father sanctifies us (Jude 1).
22. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus said He would draw all men (John 12:32), for we know that Father alone can draw men to God (John 6:44),
23. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus is called “Everlasting Father, Mighty God, Eternal Father (Isaiah 9:6), for we know that God is the Eternal Father, Mighty God, Everlasting father (Job 36:5, Deuteronomy 10:17, Ephesians 4:6)
24. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus said "I and the Father are one and “I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? "(John 10:30, John 14:9-11, John 17:10, John 14:20, John 9:37), for we know that There is only One God None beside Him. (Isaiah 43:10, 1 Corinthians 8:4-6, Ephesians 4:4-6, John 8:42, Deuteronomy 4:35, Isaiah 44:6)
25. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus name is Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us (Matthew 1:23, Isaiah 7:14, John 14:8–9, Colossians 2:9)for we know that LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king and the Word was God (Jeremiah 10:10, John 1:1)
26. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus said us to witness for him (John 15:27, Acts 1:8, John 8:18, John 12:17), for we know that God wants us to be witness before him (Isaiah 43:10, Revelation 1:5).
27. If Jesus is not God, then how would Jesus search the hearts of the people (Revelation 2:23, Matthew 9:4, Mark 2:8), for we know that God knows our heart and minds (Proverbs 21:2, 1 Thessalonians 2:4).
28. If Jesus is not God, then how is Jesus everywhere (Omnipresent) (Matthew 28:20, Matthew 18:20), for we know that God is omnipresent (Matthew 18:20, Psalm 139:7-12).
29. If Jesus is not God, then how Jesus is the image of the invisible God (Heb. 1:3, John 6:46, John 10:30, John 9:37, Colossians 2:9, Isaiah 40:3, Matthew 3:3, John 14:8–9)
30. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus is called as good shepherd (John 10:14, Hebrews 13:20) for we know that God is referred to as the Shepherd of His flock (Ezekiel 34:31, Psalms 23:1).
31. If Jesus is not God, then why John Baptist crying in the wilderness making a way of the Lord (Matthew 3:3, John 1:29-31, John 1:23, Isaiah 40:3, Malachi 3:1), for we know that God was manifested in flesh (John 1:1, Revelation 1:17–18, Titus 2:13, 1 Timothy 3:16 )
32. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus did allowed Thomas, to call him as Lord and my Lord and peter before partaking of the Last Supper, Peter called Jesus as Lord , Martha called him as Lord (John 20:28, John 13:13-14, John 13.9, John 11:21) and Jesus soon affirmed this by saying “ I am”.
33. If Jesus is not God, then why Apostle Paul wrote, “no one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit ((1 Corinthians 12.3).
34. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus is worshiped by angels and in heaven ( Heb 1:6, Luke 24:52, Philippians 2:10-11), for we know that Only God deserves to receive spiritual worship from men(Revelation 22:9, Matthew 4:10, Exodus 34:14, Revelation 7:11)
35. If Jesus is not God, then why did Jews want to stone Jesus, for claiming to be God. (John 10:33).
36. If Jesus is not God, then why they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit (Acts 7:59).
37. If Jesus is not God, then why scriptures say feed the church of GOD, which he hath purchased with his OWN BLOOD?( Acts 20:28, John 19:34)
38. If Jesus is not God then why, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are called one (1 John 5:7, Revelation 21:3).
39. If Jesus is not God then why scripture says, "In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands (Hebrews 1:10).
40. If Jesus is not God then why scriptures say ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. (Jude1:4)
41. If Jesus is not God then why did Jesus said I am the light of the world (John 9:5, 1 Tim 6:15-16, Rev 21:23), for we know that God is the light of the world (Eph 5:8-9, 1 John 1:5).
42. If Jesus is not God then why scriptures say “in order that they may know the
Mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge’ (Col 2:2-3, Revelation 10:7, Ephesians 3:2-6 ,Mark 4:11, 1 Cor 2:7-8), for we know that God is Mysterious( Isaiah 55:8-9).
43. If Jesus is not God then why scriptures say Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.( Revelation 21:3) for we know that Lords table is of God(Ezekiel 37:27)
44. If Jesus is not God then why scriptures say “Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39)
45. If Jesus is not God then why scriptures say” Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, (Philippians 2:5-8)
46. If Jesus is not God then why scriptures say “unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ’ (1 Thessalonians 1:1).
47. If Jesus is not God then why scriptures say Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.( Revelation 4:8)
48. If Jesus is not God then why Jesus Christ provides a well of living water (John 7:37-38, John 4:14), for we know that God as the fountain of Living Waters (Jeremiah 17:13).
49. If Jesus is not GOD then why did the Father say, "Thy throne, Oh God is forever and ever!" (Heb. 1:8, 1 Timothy 2:5)
50. If Jesus is not God, why did Isaiah write that God, the King of Israel is Jehovah (Isaiah 44:6)
51. If Jesus is not God, why did Ezekiel prophesy that Jehovah would enter the Eastern Gate of Jerusalem and that Gate would remain shut( Ezekiel 44:1-2, John 12:12–13).
52. If Jesus is not God then, why the Words of Jesus shall not pass away (Matt. 24:35), for we know that the Word of God shall stand forever (Isaiah 40:8).
53. If Jesus is not God then, why Jesus commands us not to add or take away from His word (Rev. 22:18-19), for we know that Lord God commands that we not add or take away from His word(Deut. 4:2; Deut12:32).
54. If Jesus is not God then, why Jesus is called as the horn of salvation (Luke 1:68-69), for we know that God is the horn of salvation (2 Sam. 22:3).
55. If Jesus is not God then, why Jesus is the Lord of glory (1 Cor. 2:8), for we know that the Lord is the King of glory (Psalm 24:10).
56. If Jesus is not God then, why Jesus renders to each according to his work (Matt. 16:27; Rev. 22:12), for we know that the Lord God renders to each according to his work (Psalm 62:12).
57. If Jesus is not God then, why the Lord Jesus Christ who is our hope (1 Tim. 1:1), for we know that the Lord God is our hope (Psalm 71:5).
58. If Jesus is not God then, why Jesus is above all (John 3:31), for we know that the Lord God is above all (Psalm 97:9).
59. If Jesus is not God then, WHO Jesus loves He corrects (Rev. 3:19), for we know that WHO the Lord loves He corrects (Prov. 3:12).
60. If Jesus is not God then how Jesus abolishes death and brings life and immortality (2 Tim. 1:10), for we know that God swallows up death in victory (Isaiah 25:8).
61. If Jesus is not God then how Jesus is the redeemer (Titus 2:14), for we know that the Lord God is redeemer (Isaiah 43:14).
62. If Jesus is not God then why Jesus is the first and the last (Rev. 1:17; Rev2:8; Rev 22:13), for we know that Lord God is the first and the last (Isaiah 44:6).
63. If Jesus is not God then why Jesus said "I have said nothing secretly (John 18:20), for we know that the Lord God, did not speak in secret (Isaiah 45:19).
64. If Jesus is not God then why Jesus' voice was like the sound of many waters (Rev. 1:15), for we know that God's voice was like a noise of many waters (Ezek. 43:2).
65. If Jesus is not God then why Jesus has glorious appearance (Rev. 1:13-16), for we know that God has glorious appearance (Daniel 7:9, Ezek. 1:26-28).
66. If Jesus is not God then why at Jesus' name every knee should bow and tongue confess (Phil. 2:10-11), for we know that to God, every knee shall bow and every tongue swear (Isaiah 45:23).
67. If Jesus is not God then why Jesus seeks to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10), for we know that God seeks to save which was lost (Ezek. 34:16)
68. If Jesus is not God then why Jesus sends angels (Rev. 22:16), for we know that Lord God sends angels (Rev. 22:6).
69. If Jesus is not God then why God calls the Son "God and Lord (Heb. 1:8, Heb. 1:9, Heb. 1:10).
70. If Jesus is not God then why through the grace of Jesus we have salvation (Acts 15:11), for we know that the grace of God that has appeared to save all men (Titus 2:11).
71. If Jesus is not God then why coming of Jesus Christ is with all His saints (1 Thess. 3:13), for we know that God has his saints (Col. 1:26).
72. If Jesus is not God then why Christ is all and in all (Colossians 3:11), for we know that God is all in all (1 Cor. 15:28).
73. If Jesus is not God then why Paul preached the Gospel of Christ (Rom. 15:19), for we know that Paul is an apostle of the Gospel of God (Rom. 1:1).
74. If Jesus is not God then why Peter said the men of Israel "killed the Author of Life (Acts 3:15), for we know that God made all things and he is the author of life (Acts 14:15).
75. If Jesus is not God then why scripture say Sovereign Lord who made heaven and earth (Acts 4:24, Acts 2:36).
76. If Jesus is not God then why Jesus tells Satan, "you shall not tempt the Lord your God" in reference to Himself (Matt. 4:7; Luke 4:12) ,for we know that God can not be tempted (James1:13)
77. If Jesus is not God then why Jesus said that He is "Lord of the Sabbath (Matt. 12:8; Mark 2:28; Luke 6:5).
78. If Jesus is not God then why Jesus said Return to your house and describe what great things God has done for you, but the man declared how much Jesus did. (Luke 8:39).
79. If Jesus is not God then why Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst. (Luke 17-21).
80. If Jesus is not God then why Jesus calls himself "Lord." "The Lord has need of them (Matt. 21:3; Luke 19:31- 34).
81. If Jesus is not God then why Jesus said “ And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them” (Luke 6:46-47).
82. If Jesus is not God then why scriptures say “when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations’ (Romans 1:21).
83. If Jesus is not God then why scriptures say But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. (1 Corinthians 1:24).
84. If Jesus is not God then why did Jesus said my house will be a house of prayer; but you have made it ‘a den of robbers (Luke 19:46), for we know that God himself has declared like this in Jeremiah 7:11.
85. If Jesus is not God then why scriptures say that the true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. (John 1:9-13).
86. If Jesus is not God then why scriptures say Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. (2 John 1:9).
87. If Jesus is not God then why Jesus said I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death(Rev.1:18),for we know that God has the keys of hell(Isaiah 22:22, Psalms 16:10).
Conclusion: "From there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul." (Deuteronomy 4:29) .
People who try to come to God without accepting Jesus Christ as the way to God are deceiving themselves and they often try to deceive others also. Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, (1st Timothy 4:1-2)
Thank you Jesus for all the souls you have saved throughout the generations. Please continue to open the hearts and eyes of your children to seek your truth with all their heart and soul! Amen. (1 Timothy 2:3-4)
1. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus never changes (Hebrews 13:8), for we know that God doesn’t change in (Malachi 3:6).
2. If Jesus is not God, then why is Jesus called as the only Saviour (II Peter 3:18, Titus 1:4, Luke 2:11), for we know that God is the only Saviour (Isaiah 43:11, Titus 2:10, I Timothy 4:10).
3. If Jesus is not God, then why did Jesus Christ created the universe and the earth (Hebrews 1:10, Colossians 1:16, John 1:3), for we know that God created the universe and earth by Himself (Isaiah 44:24, Genesis 1:1)
4. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus is called the Word, and the Word was God (John 1:14), for we know that God is the Word (John 1:1).
5. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus is called the first and the last (Revelation 1:17), for we know that God is the first and the last. (Isaiah 41:4).
6. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus did forgive sins (Mark 2:5); for we know that God forgives sins. (Psalm 103:2-3, Mark 2:7)
7. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus did redeemed us (Titus 2:13-14), for we know that God is our redeemer (Isaiah 63:16).
8. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus and God are one (John 10:30, John 1:1, 3, 10, 14), for we know that God is one (Deuteronomy 6:4)
9. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus is called the Holy One (Acts 2:27, Acts3:13-14, Acts 13:34-35), for we know that God is the Holy One (Isaiah 10:20, Psalms 71:22, Psalms 16:10)
10. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus is worshipped (Matthew 9:18, Hebrews 1:6), for we know that Only God is worshipped (Matthew 4:10).
11. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus is called Messiah (John 4:25-26), for we know that only God is Messiah (Isaiah 9:6).
12. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus is from everlasting(Micah 5:2), for we know that God is from everlasting(Psalms 93:1-2)
13. If Jesus is not God, then why God glorified Jesus (John 5:23, Hebrews 1:8), for we know that Only God is glorified (Isaiah 42:8)
14. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus is 'I am'(John 8:58), for we know that only God is 'I am'(Exodus 3:14).
15. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus heals all diseases (Matthew 8:16), for we know that God heals all diseases (Psalms 103:2).
16. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus is the Judge of the whole earth.( Rom. 14:10, Ps. 96:13) , for we know that God is the Judge of the whole earth.( Ps. 9:8, Psalms 94:1-2, Eccl. 3:17)
17. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus has life in Himself (John 1:4, John 11:25 , for we know that God has life in Himself (Deuteronomy 30:20, John 5:26).
18. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus raises the dead (John 11:1-44), for we know that God raises the dead (John 5:21)
19. If Jesus is not God, then why God was manifest in the flesh (1 Timothy 3:16) and Jesus is called God (2 Corinthians 5:19, Isa. 9:6).
20. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus said that He would send the comforter to us (John 16:7), for we know that Father would send the comforter (John 14:26).
21. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus Christ is our sanctifier (Ephesians 5:26), for we know that Father sanctifies us (Jude 1).
22. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus said He would draw all men (John 12:32), for we know that Father alone can draw men to God (John 6:44),
23. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus is called “Everlasting Father, Mighty God, Eternal Father (Isaiah 9:6), for we know that God is the Eternal Father, Mighty God, Everlasting father (Job 36:5, Deuteronomy 10:17, Ephesians 4:6)
24. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus said "I and the Father are one and “I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? "(John 10:30, John 14:9-11, John 17:10, John 14:20, John 9:37), for we know that There is only One God None beside Him. (Isaiah 43:10, 1 Corinthians 8:4-6, Ephesians 4:4-6, John 8:42, Deuteronomy 4:35, Isaiah 44:6)
25. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus name is Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us (Matthew 1:23, Isaiah 7:14, John 14:8–9, Colossians 2:9)for we know that LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king and the Word was God (Jeremiah 10:10, John 1:1)
26. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus said us to witness for him (John 15:27, Acts 1:8, John 8:18, John 12:17), for we know that God wants us to be witness before him (Isaiah 43:10, Revelation 1:5).
27. If Jesus is not God, then how would Jesus search the hearts of the people (Revelation 2:23, Matthew 9:4, Mark 2:8), for we know that God knows our heart and minds (Proverbs 21:2, 1 Thessalonians 2:4).
28. If Jesus is not God, then how is Jesus everywhere (Omnipresent) (Matthew 28:20, Matthew 18:20), for we know that God is omnipresent (Matthew 18:20, Psalm 139:7-12).
29. If Jesus is not God, then how Jesus is the image of the invisible God (Heb. 1:3, John 6:46, John 10:30, John 9:37, Colossians 2:9, Isaiah 40:3, Matthew 3:3, John 14:8–9)
30. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus is called as good shepherd (John 10:14, Hebrews 13:20) for we know that God is referred to as the Shepherd of His flock (Ezekiel 34:31, Psalms 23:1).
31. If Jesus is not God, then why John Baptist crying in the wilderness making a way of the Lord (Matthew 3:3, John 1:29-31, John 1:23, Isaiah 40:3, Malachi 3:1), for we know that God was manifested in flesh (John 1:1, Revelation 1:17–18, Titus 2:13, 1 Timothy 3:16 )
32. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus did allowed Thomas, to call him as Lord and my Lord and peter before partaking of the Last Supper, Peter called Jesus as Lord , Martha called him as Lord (John 20:28, John 13:13-14, John 13.9, John 11:21) and Jesus soon affirmed this by saying “ I am”.
33. If Jesus is not God, then why Apostle Paul wrote, “no one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit ((1 Corinthians 12.3).
34. If Jesus is not God, then why Jesus is worshiped by angels and in heaven ( Heb 1:6, Luke 24:52, Philippians 2:10-11), for we know that Only God deserves to receive spiritual worship from men(Revelation 22:9, Matthew 4:10, Exodus 34:14, Revelation 7:11)
35. If Jesus is not God, then why did Jews want to stone Jesus, for claiming to be God. (John 10:33).
36. If Jesus is not God, then why they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit (Acts 7:59).
37. If Jesus is not God, then why scriptures say feed the church of GOD, which he hath purchased with his OWN BLOOD?( Acts 20:28, John 19:34)
38. If Jesus is not God then why, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are called one (1 John 5:7, Revelation 21:3).
39. If Jesus is not God then why scripture says, "In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands (Hebrews 1:10).
40. If Jesus is not God then why scriptures say ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. (Jude1:4)
41. If Jesus is not God then why did Jesus said I am the light of the world (John 9:5, 1 Tim 6:15-16, Rev 21:23), for we know that God is the light of the world (Eph 5:8-9, 1 John 1:5).
42. If Jesus is not God then why scriptures say “in order that they may know the
Mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge’ (Col 2:2-3, Revelation 10:7, Ephesians 3:2-6 ,Mark 4:11, 1 Cor 2:7-8), for we know that God is Mysterious( Isaiah 55:8-9).
43. If Jesus is not God then why scriptures say Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.( Revelation 21:3) for we know that Lords table is of God(Ezekiel 37:27)
44. If Jesus is not God then why scriptures say “Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39)
45. If Jesus is not God then why scriptures say” Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, (Philippians 2:5-8)
46. If Jesus is not God then why scriptures say “unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ’ (1 Thessalonians 1:1).
47. If Jesus is not God then why scriptures say Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.( Revelation 4:8)
48. If Jesus is not God then why Jesus Christ provides a well of living water (John 7:37-38, John 4:14), for we know that God as the fountain of Living Waters (Jeremiah 17:13).
49. If Jesus is not GOD then why did the Father say, "Thy throne, Oh God is forever and ever!" (Heb. 1:8, 1 Timothy 2:5)
50. If Jesus is not God, why did Isaiah write that God, the King of Israel is Jehovah (Isaiah 44:6)
51. If Jesus is not God, why did Ezekiel prophesy that Jehovah would enter the Eastern Gate of Jerusalem and that Gate would remain shut( Ezekiel 44:1-2, John 12:12–13).
52. If Jesus is not God then, why the Words of Jesus shall not pass away (Matt. 24:35), for we know that the Word of God shall stand forever (Isaiah 40:8).
53. If Jesus is not God then, why Jesus commands us not to add or take away from His word (Rev. 22:18-19), for we know that Lord God commands that we not add or take away from His word(Deut. 4:2; Deut12:32).
54. If Jesus is not God then, why Jesus is called as the horn of salvation (Luke 1:68-69), for we know that God is the horn of salvation (2 Sam. 22:3).
55. If Jesus is not God then, why Jesus is the Lord of glory (1 Cor. 2:8), for we know that the Lord is the King of glory (Psalm 24:10).
56. If Jesus is not God then, why Jesus renders to each according to his work (Matt. 16:27; Rev. 22:12), for we know that the Lord God renders to each according to his work (Psalm 62:12).
57. If Jesus is not God then, why the Lord Jesus Christ who is our hope (1 Tim. 1:1), for we know that the Lord God is our hope (Psalm 71:5).
58. If Jesus is not God then, why Jesus is above all (John 3:31), for we know that the Lord God is above all (Psalm 97:9).
59. If Jesus is not God then, WHO Jesus loves He corrects (Rev. 3:19), for we know that WHO the Lord loves He corrects (Prov. 3:12).
60. If Jesus is not God then how Jesus abolishes death and brings life and immortality (2 Tim. 1:10), for we know that God swallows up death in victory (Isaiah 25:8).
61. If Jesus is not God then how Jesus is the redeemer (Titus 2:14), for we know that the Lord God is redeemer (Isaiah 43:14).
62. If Jesus is not God then why Jesus is the first and the last (Rev. 1:17; Rev2:8; Rev 22:13), for we know that Lord God is the first and the last (Isaiah 44:6).
63. If Jesus is not God then why Jesus said "I have said nothing secretly (John 18:20), for we know that the Lord God, did not speak in secret (Isaiah 45:19).
64. If Jesus is not God then why Jesus' voice was like the sound of many waters (Rev. 1:15), for we know that God's voice was like a noise of many waters (Ezek. 43:2).
65. If Jesus is not God then why Jesus has glorious appearance (Rev. 1:13-16), for we know that God has glorious appearance (Daniel 7:9, Ezek. 1:26-28).
66. If Jesus is not God then why at Jesus' name every knee should bow and tongue confess (Phil. 2:10-11), for we know that to God, every knee shall bow and every tongue swear (Isaiah 45:23).
67. If Jesus is not God then why Jesus seeks to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10), for we know that God seeks to save which was lost (Ezek. 34:16)
68. If Jesus is not God then why Jesus sends angels (Rev. 22:16), for we know that Lord God sends angels (Rev. 22:6).
69. If Jesus is not God then why God calls the Son "God and Lord (Heb. 1:8, Heb. 1:9, Heb. 1:10).
70. If Jesus is not God then why through the grace of Jesus we have salvation (Acts 15:11), for we know that the grace of God that has appeared to save all men (Titus 2:11).
71. If Jesus is not God then why coming of Jesus Christ is with all His saints (1 Thess. 3:13), for we know that God has his saints (Col. 1:26).
72. If Jesus is not God then why Christ is all and in all (Colossians 3:11), for we know that God is all in all (1 Cor. 15:28).
73. If Jesus is not God then why Paul preached the Gospel of Christ (Rom. 15:19), for we know that Paul is an apostle of the Gospel of God (Rom. 1:1).
74. If Jesus is not God then why Peter said the men of Israel "killed the Author of Life (Acts 3:15), for we know that God made all things and he is the author of life (Acts 14:15).
75. If Jesus is not God then why scripture say Sovereign Lord who made heaven and earth (Acts 4:24, Acts 2:36).
76. If Jesus is not God then why Jesus tells Satan, "you shall not tempt the Lord your God" in reference to Himself (Matt. 4:7; Luke 4:12) ,for we know that God can not be tempted (James1:13)
77. If Jesus is not God then why Jesus said that He is "Lord of the Sabbath (Matt. 12:8; Mark 2:28; Luke 6:5).
78. If Jesus is not God then why Jesus said Return to your house and describe what great things God has done for you, but the man declared how much Jesus did. (Luke 8:39).
79. If Jesus is not God then why Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst. (Luke 17-21).
80. If Jesus is not God then why Jesus calls himself "Lord." "The Lord has need of them (Matt. 21:3; Luke 19:31- 34).
81. If Jesus is not God then why Jesus said “ And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them” (Luke 6:46-47).
82. If Jesus is not God then why scriptures say “when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations’ (Romans 1:21).
83. If Jesus is not God then why scriptures say But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. (1 Corinthians 1:24).
84. If Jesus is not God then why did Jesus said my house will be a house of prayer; but you have made it ‘a den of robbers (Luke 19:46), for we know that God himself has declared like this in Jeremiah 7:11.
85. If Jesus is not God then why scriptures say that the true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. (John 1:9-13).
86. If Jesus is not God then why scriptures say Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. (2 John 1:9).
87. If Jesus is not God then why Jesus said I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death(Rev.1:18),for we know that God has the keys of hell(Isaiah 22:22, Psalms 16:10).
Conclusion: "From there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul." (Deuteronomy 4:29) .
People who try to come to God without accepting Jesus Christ as the way to God are deceiving themselves and they often try to deceive others also. Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, (1st Timothy 4:1-2)
Thank you Jesus for all the souls you have saved throughout the generations. Please continue to open the hearts and eyes of your children to seek your truth with all their heart and soul! Amen. (1 Timothy 2:3-4)
Jesus for the professionals!
To the artist, Jesus is the one altogether lovely - Song of Solomon 5:15
To the architect, Jesus is the chief cornerstone - I Peter 2:6
To the astronomer, Jesus is the sun of righteousness - Malachi 4:2
To the baker, Jesus is the bread of life - John 6:35
To the banker, Jesus is the hidden treasure - Matthew 13:44
To the builder, Jesus is the sure foundation - Isaiah 28:16
To the carpenter, Jesus is the door - John 10:7
To the doctor, Jesus is the great physician - Jeremiah 8:22
To the educator, Jesus is the great teacher - John 3:2
To the engineer, Jesus is the new and living way - Hebrews 10:20
To the farmer, Jesus is the sower and Lord of harvest - Luke 10:2
To the florist, Jesus is the rose of Sharon - Song of Solomon 2:1
To the geologist, Jesus is the rock of ages - I Corinthians 10:4
To the horticulturist, Jesus is the true vine - John 15:1
To the judge, Jesus is the only righteous judge of man - II Timothy 4:8
To the juror, Jesus is the faithful and true witness - Revelation 3:14
To the jeweler, Jesus is the pearl of great price - Matthew 13:46
To the lawyer, Jesus is counselor, lawgiver, and true advocate - Isaiah 9:6
To the newspaper man, Jesus is tidings of great joy - Luke 2:10
To the oculist, Jesus is the light of the eyes - Proverbs 29:13
To the philanthropist, Jesus is the unspeakable gift - II Corinthians 9:15
To the philosopher, Jesus is the wisdom of God - I Corinthians 1:24
To the preacher, Jesus is the Word of God - Revelation 19:13
To the sculptor, Jesus is the living stone - 1 Peter 2:4
To the servant, Jesus is the good master - Matthew 23:8-10
To the student, Jesus is the incarnate truth - 1 John 5:6
To the theologian, Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith - Hebrews 12:2
To the toiler, Jesus is the giver of rest - Matthew 11:28
To the sinner, Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes the sin away - John 1:29
To the Christian, Jesus is the Son of the Living God, the Saviour, the Redeemer, and the Loving Lord.
To the architect, Jesus is the chief cornerstone - I Peter 2:6
To the astronomer, Jesus is the sun of righteousness - Malachi 4:2
To the baker, Jesus is the bread of life - John 6:35
To the banker, Jesus is the hidden treasure - Matthew 13:44
To the builder, Jesus is the sure foundation - Isaiah 28:16
To the carpenter, Jesus is the door - John 10:7
To the doctor, Jesus is the great physician - Jeremiah 8:22
To the educator, Jesus is the great teacher - John 3:2
To the engineer, Jesus is the new and living way - Hebrews 10:20
To the farmer, Jesus is the sower and Lord of harvest - Luke 10:2
To the florist, Jesus is the rose of Sharon - Song of Solomon 2:1
To the geologist, Jesus is the rock of ages - I Corinthians 10:4
To the horticulturist, Jesus is the true vine - John 15:1
To the judge, Jesus is the only righteous judge of man - II Timothy 4:8
To the juror, Jesus is the faithful and true witness - Revelation 3:14
To the jeweler, Jesus is the pearl of great price - Matthew 13:46
To the lawyer, Jesus is counselor, lawgiver, and true advocate - Isaiah 9:6
To the newspaper man, Jesus is tidings of great joy - Luke 2:10
To the oculist, Jesus is the light of the eyes - Proverbs 29:13
To the philanthropist, Jesus is the unspeakable gift - II Corinthians 9:15
To the philosopher, Jesus is the wisdom of God - I Corinthians 1:24
To the preacher, Jesus is the Word of God - Revelation 19:13
To the sculptor, Jesus is the living stone - 1 Peter 2:4
To the servant, Jesus is the good master - Matthew 23:8-10
To the student, Jesus is the incarnate truth - 1 John 5:6
To the theologian, Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith - Hebrews 12:2
To the toiler, Jesus is the giver of rest - Matthew 11:28
To the sinner, Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes the sin away - John 1:29
To the Christian, Jesus is the Son of the Living God, the Saviour, the Redeemer, and the Loving Lord.
Did Jesus drink grape juice or wine?
The Divine 'Vine' changed water into wine at Cana. John 2:1-10. Later the Divine 'Vine' changed wine into His Precious Blood at the last supper. Matt 26:27-28. In John 6:56: "HE WHO EATS MY FLESH AND DRINKS MY BLOOD, ABIDES IN ME AND I IN HIM." It is the "true presence" of our Lord in the Holy Eucharist, the food provided by the vine, so that eternal life is imparted into each and every branch and which allows the branches to bear fruit. If anyone does not abide in Me, he shall be cast outside as the branch and wither; and they shall gather them up and cast them into the fire, and they shall burn ." John 15:6.
Also notice Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you; he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood, has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." John 6:53-54.
Bible clearly mentions that over drinking is the sin.
(Rom. 14:14) St. Paul states - I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
From the book of Sirach (this is one of 7 books removed from the original Old Testament by Martin Luther) we see that wine is permitted if used in moderation.
(Sirach 31:25-31) - Do not aim to be valiant over wine, for wine has destroyed many, Fire and water prove the temper of steel, so wine tests hearts in the strife of the proud. Wine is like life to men, if you drink it in moderation. What is life to a man who is without wine? It has been created to make men glad. Wine drunk in season and temperately is rejoicing of heart and gladness of soul. Wine drunk to excess is bitterness of soul, with provocation and stumbling. Drunkenness increases the anger of a fool to his injury, reducing his strength and adding wounds (Ignatius Revised Standard)
(Psalms 104:15) - and wine that maketh glad the heart of man.
(1 Tim 6:23) - Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.
(Eph 5:18) Paul says: do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery. (Paul does not say not to drink wine but not to get drunk with wine.)
(1 Tim 3:8, 3:3; Titus 1:7) - Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre. (The deacons are not to drink "to" much wine. Meaning that wine is permitted if not in excess.)
Now let us look at verses that concerning Jesus:
(Mt. 11:18-19 & Lk. 7:34) - For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. The son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners? (This statement would not make sense if Jesus were merely drinking un-aged wine or grape juice).
(Jn. 2:1-11) - The wedding feast of Canna - to summarize this passage, let us look at verse 10, where Jesus changes water into wine, because the wine has run out. (vs. 10) And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou has kept the good wine until now. What is Jn. 2:10 saying? That the normal procedure for a wedding is to have the "good" wine first, so that by the time this "good" wine is gone they can bring out the "not so good" wine because they will be less likely to notice the difference.
First, Jacob prophesied on his deathbed of his son Judah (Gn 49:11, RSV): "Binding his foal to the vine and his ass’s colt to the choice vine, he washes his garments in wine and his vesture in the blood of grapes." Since Jesus Christ descended from Judah (Mt 1:1-3; Lk 3:33) and was born in "Bethlehem in the land of Judah" (Mt 2:1, 4-6; Mi 5:2), Jacob’s prophecy seems to mean that the true spiritual progeny of Israel (through his son Judah) are those who adhere to the divine Grapevine and "have washed their robes . . . in the blood of the Lamb" (Rv 7:14, RSV).
Second, Moses uttered an astonishing statement that can be construed as a sacramental prefiguring applicable to the New Israel (Dt 32:14, RSV): "and of the blood of the grape you drank wine." That this clause is eucharistic can be inferred from the immediately preceding phrase of the same verse: "with the finest of the wheat" (The connection of the identical words occurring in both Psalm 81:16 and Psalm 147:14 with the eucharistic body of Christ was explained in my previous article, "Why Wheat Bread?").
Third, in a summary of things "basic to all the needs of man’s life," Sirach 39:26 (RSV) lists the substances "water," "wheat flour," and "the blood of the grape"—but no other kind of grain or fruit. Hence, based on Scripture, these materials are the most suitable for our sacramental spiritual life.
Fourth, within a lengthy ode of praise of Simon the high priest, Sirach 50:14 (RSV) depicts his "service at the altars, and arranging the offering to the Most High, the Almighty." The narrative continues with what sounds like a foreshadowing of the Mass, when the priest offers to the Father the mystical re-enactment of the sacrifice of his Son’s blood on the cross: "he reached out his hand to the cup and poured a libation of the blood of the grape; he poured it out at the foot of the altar, a pleasing odor to the Most High, the King of all" (see Mal 1:11, Eph 5:2). This verse once again corroborates our conclusion about the contents of the Last Supper "cup" containing the "fruit of the vine": The "drink" that Christ declared to be his blood "poured out for you" (Lk 22:17, 20) was the result of a conversion of grape wine.
Fifth, in some biblical passages the trio of grapes, wine, and blood plays a part in the theme of divine vindication for evil. In this connection, Isaiah 49:26 speaks of God’s foes as being "drunk with their own blood as with wine," while Isaiah 63:1-6 contains an extended metaphor relating divine wrath and vengeance to a "wine press" out of which pours the "lifeblood" of unrighteous peoples. This theme continues into the New Testament in Revelation 14:17-20, where an angel is commanded to take a "sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for its grapes are ripe." The angel then "gathered the vintage of the earth, and threw it into the great wine press of the wrath of God," so that "blood flowed from the wine press" over a wide region. Divine justice demands as much for punishment of, and redemption from, transgressions: "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins" (Heb 9:22, RSV; cf. 13:11-12). But the interesting thing here is the blood’s affiliation with grape wine. This association sheds light on our Lord’s words at the Last Supper regarding the cup of wine and the outpouring of his blood for the forgiveness of sins as the inauguration of the New Covenant (Mt 26:27-28; Mk 14:23-24; Lk 22:20; 1 Cor 11:25-26).
Also notice Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you; he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood, has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." John 6:53-54.
Bible clearly mentions that over drinking is the sin.
(Rom. 14:14) St. Paul states - I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
From the book of Sirach (this is one of 7 books removed from the original Old Testament by Martin Luther) we see that wine is permitted if used in moderation.
(Sirach 31:25-31) - Do not aim to be valiant over wine, for wine has destroyed many, Fire and water prove the temper of steel, so wine tests hearts in the strife of the proud. Wine is like life to men, if you drink it in moderation. What is life to a man who is without wine? It has been created to make men glad. Wine drunk in season and temperately is rejoicing of heart and gladness of soul. Wine drunk to excess is bitterness of soul, with provocation and stumbling. Drunkenness increases the anger of a fool to his injury, reducing his strength and adding wounds (Ignatius Revised Standard)
(Psalms 104:15) - and wine that maketh glad the heart of man.
(1 Tim 6:23) - Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.
(Eph 5:18) Paul says: do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery. (Paul does not say not to drink wine but not to get drunk with wine.)
(1 Tim 3:8, 3:3; Titus 1:7) - Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre. (The deacons are not to drink "to" much wine. Meaning that wine is permitted if not in excess.)
Now let us look at verses that concerning Jesus:
(Mt. 11:18-19 & Lk. 7:34) - For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. The son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners? (This statement would not make sense if Jesus were merely drinking un-aged wine or grape juice).
(Jn. 2:1-11) - The wedding feast of Canna - to summarize this passage, let us look at verse 10, where Jesus changes water into wine, because the wine has run out. (vs. 10) And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou has kept the good wine until now. What is Jn. 2:10 saying? That the normal procedure for a wedding is to have the "good" wine first, so that by the time this "good" wine is gone they can bring out the "not so good" wine because they will be less likely to notice the difference.
First, Jacob prophesied on his deathbed of his son Judah (Gn 49:11, RSV): "Binding his foal to the vine and his ass’s colt to the choice vine, he washes his garments in wine and his vesture in the blood of grapes." Since Jesus Christ descended from Judah (Mt 1:1-3; Lk 3:33) and was born in "Bethlehem in the land of Judah" (Mt 2:1, 4-6; Mi 5:2), Jacob’s prophecy seems to mean that the true spiritual progeny of Israel (through his son Judah) are those who adhere to the divine Grapevine and "have washed their robes . . . in the blood of the Lamb" (Rv 7:14, RSV).
Second, Moses uttered an astonishing statement that can be construed as a sacramental prefiguring applicable to the New Israel (Dt 32:14, RSV): "and of the blood of the grape you drank wine." That this clause is eucharistic can be inferred from the immediately preceding phrase of the same verse: "with the finest of the wheat" (The connection of the identical words occurring in both Psalm 81:16 and Psalm 147:14 with the eucharistic body of Christ was explained in my previous article, "Why Wheat Bread?").
Third, in a summary of things "basic to all the needs of man’s life," Sirach 39:26 (RSV) lists the substances "water," "wheat flour," and "the blood of the grape"—but no other kind of grain or fruit. Hence, based on Scripture, these materials are the most suitable for our sacramental spiritual life.
Fourth, within a lengthy ode of praise of Simon the high priest, Sirach 50:14 (RSV) depicts his "service at the altars, and arranging the offering to the Most High, the Almighty." The narrative continues with what sounds like a foreshadowing of the Mass, when the priest offers to the Father the mystical re-enactment of the sacrifice of his Son’s blood on the cross: "he reached out his hand to the cup and poured a libation of the blood of the grape; he poured it out at the foot of the altar, a pleasing odor to the Most High, the King of all" (see Mal 1:11, Eph 5:2). This verse once again corroborates our conclusion about the contents of the Last Supper "cup" containing the "fruit of the vine": The "drink" that Christ declared to be his blood "poured out for you" (Lk 22:17, 20) was the result of a conversion of grape wine.
Fifth, in some biblical passages the trio of grapes, wine, and blood plays a part in the theme of divine vindication for evil. In this connection, Isaiah 49:26 speaks of God’s foes as being "drunk with their own blood as with wine," while Isaiah 63:1-6 contains an extended metaphor relating divine wrath and vengeance to a "wine press" out of which pours the "lifeblood" of unrighteous peoples. This theme continues into the New Testament in Revelation 14:17-20, where an angel is commanded to take a "sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for its grapes are ripe." The angel then "gathered the vintage of the earth, and threw it into the great wine press of the wrath of God," so that "blood flowed from the wine press" over a wide region. Divine justice demands as much for punishment of, and redemption from, transgressions: "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins" (Heb 9:22, RSV; cf. 13:11-12). But the interesting thing here is the blood’s affiliation with grape wine. This association sheds light on our Lord’s words at the Last Supper regarding the cup of wine and the outpouring of his blood for the forgiveness of sins as the inauguration of the New Covenant (Mt 26:27-28; Mk 14:23-24; Lk 22:20; 1 Cor 11:25-26).
Is Christmas a pagan Holiday?
Concerning Christmas not being in the Bible, that is true as far as the name "Christmas" which means "Christ-Mass". The name is not in the Scriptures but the event that the name represents is definitely in the Scriptures. The story of the birth of Christ and the circumstances surrounding it is very much emphasized in the Bible. Mathew and Luke both go into detail describing Christ birth, including the shepherds and eventually the wise men giving gifts to Christ. That is all in the Bible. Without His birth, there is no salvation.
Someone might argue that since we are not commanded to celebrate Christmas we should ignore it. Well, we are not commanded to celebrate the resurrection as a holiday either, so does your brother want to give up that holiday simply because the name "Easter" is of pagan origin
Someone may argue against Christmas that it is a non-biblical holiday and since Christmas in not celebrated in the Bible, we should not celebrate it, either. First of all, the birth of Christ is biblical, so you cannot make a case by calling Christmas non-biblical, but I suppose you can say that Christmas is extra-biblical. That is, there is nothing in the Bible against it, and there are things in the holiday that is based on the Bible, but there is no command to celebrate the birth of Christ, so it is an extra-biblical holiday.
Here is how I approach this argument: Jesus Himself celebrated an extra-biblical holiday that corresponds to Christmas. People are usually surprised to find this out. Yes, Jesus celebrated Hanukkah, and Hanukkah is not in the Old Testament.
Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. (John 10:22-23)
There is no Old Testament Feast of Dedication. There are several feasts mentioned in the Bible, but not Dedication. What feast is Dedication? That is Hanukkah. Hanukkah is a celebration of the victory of the Maccabees and the rededication of the Jerusalem Temple. It also commemorates the miracle of oil that burned for 8 days. This event took place after the last Old Testament prophet had written the scriptures. The scriptures were closed before this event, and thus, this Feast is extra-biblical. And Jesus was in the temple area where the feast was celebrated. He participated in Hanukkah.
Today, Christmas is celebrated next to Hanukkah. So the question you can propose to your brother who refuses to celebrate Christmas is this: If Jesus celebrated a holiday that was not in the Bible, why can’t you enjoy Christmas as well and give gifts just as the Jews today give many gifts during Hanukkah?
Your brother mentioned that giving gifts was based on giving to the "Sun-God". Whether or not that is true can be debated, but I have always felt that giving gifts was based on the wise men giving gifts to Christ. Even if it were true that Christmas came out of the pagan practices of giving to the "Sun-God", the truth is the "Son-of-God" is worthy of greater gifts, and giving gifts is simply a loving way of showing your appreciation to others you love. Sure, many people get in the commercial spirit than the true spirit, but that is no reason to get rid of Christmas or to avoid the holiday.
Your brother did not mention it, but others have complained that Christmas is really pagan because the Christmas tree is pagan. I’ve heard people say that Jeremiah 10:3-5 is a reference to the Christmas tree:
For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel. They adorn it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so it will not totter. Like a scarecrow in a melon patch, their idols cannot speak; they must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them; they can do no harm nor can they do any good."
These people argue that the tree is adorned with silver and gold, a supposed reference to tinsel around a tree. But look carefully at the passage and it will be clear that Jeremiah referred to an idol made out of the tree. A craftsman shaped the tree out of the forest with a chisel. Who has ever seen a craftsman use a chisel to shape a tree into a Christmas tree? Of course not. This is a reference to craftsmen making idols that resembled man and animals, like a scarecrow. Yet Jeremiah says, "They cannot speak and walk." So obviously this is not a Christmas tree, for Christmas trees do not have mouths and legs.
Should Christians celebrate Christmas?" or, "How should a Christian celebrate Christmas?" These are questions of concern for many sincere believers. In fact, many believers dislike the season and have refused to celebrate it at all. A number of reasons are given, and while I might agree with some of their concerns and some of the reasons offered against the observance of Christmas, I would not necessarily agree with their conclusions.
One day I happened to catch a TV preacher denouncing the celebration of Christmas. He was saying it is pagan holiday, and that Christ could not have born in December. He used some Old Testament passages to show how the Christmas tree was idolatrous and an abomination. He quoted Jeremiah 10:2-4 which reads:
2 Thus says the LORD, "Do not learn the way of the nations, And do not be terrified by the signs of the heavens Although the nations are terrified by them; 3 For the customs of the peoples are delusion; Because it is wood cut from the forest, The work of the hands of a craftsman with a cutting tool. 4 "They decorate it with silver and with gold; They fasten it with nails and with hammers so that it will not totter.
Then he quoted Isaiah 44:14-15:
Isaiah 44:14-15 Surely he cuts cedars for himself, and takes a cypress or an oak, and raises it for himself among the trees of the forest. He plants a fir, and the rain makes it grow. 15 Then it becomes something for a man to burn, so he takes one of them and warms himself; he also makes a fire to bake bread. He also makes a god and worships it; he makes it a graven image, and falls down before it. (NASB)
Finally, he quoted Jeremiah 3:13:
Only acknowledge your iniquity, That you have transgressed against the Lord your God And have scattered your favors to the strangers under every green tree, And you have not obeyed My voice,‘ declares the Lord.
It seems that the points of reference for this preacher were to "wood cut from the forest," "they decorate it with silver and gold," "he plants a fir" (an evergreen tree), "scattered your favors . . . under every green tree," and "falls down before it." The preacher went on to say, that at Christmas people take an evergreen tree cut from the forest; they decorate it with ornaments of silver and gold, and then fall down before it when they place their presents under the tree. His conclusion was that this is idolatry.
If this weren't so sad, it would be hilarious, but sincere people hear this and become concerned. As a pastor, I have had people ask me questions such as, "Are we wrong to celebrate Christmas?" "Is this idolatry?" "What should we do about celebrating Christmas?"
It is this mentality that I will address in this study. How should believers respond to such questions and to the criticism leveled against the celebration of Christmas and the Christmas season? Is it scripturally wrong to celebrate Christmas? Is it pagan?
Everywhere we go during the season, the signs of Christmas are there with all their glitter, tinsel, lights, greenery, cards, festivities, carols, bells, Santas, manger scenes, angels, trees and presents--and the push by Madison Avenue and the gimmicks of the retailers. The Christmas season either makes or breaks many businesses.
Should we play the part of Scrooge and say, "bah humbug!"? Should we call attention to the fact that certain of our Christmas traditions such as the yule log, the decorated tree, and mistletoe each have their roots in pagan festivals? Should we assert that celebrateChristmas is to promote paganism and materialism and thus is just not the biblical thing to do?
I personally do not agree with that conclusion. In this short study, we will take a look at some of the arguments and issues and consider some of the biblical options open to us as believers.
Arguments Against the Celebration of Christmas
Argument Number 1: Christmas is Commercialized and Materialistic
It is said that because the birth of Christ has been commercialized and secularized the real meaning of the season been lost. For the most part this is true. Even the story about the birth of Christ is often distorted, mocked, or misrepresented. The meaning of Christmas is said to be the spirit of giving. However, the giving of the Son of God who became the babe of the cradle that He might become the man of the cross and one day reign on earth with the crown is forgotten, rejected, or ignored.
Answers and Considerations:
If we use this argument as a legitimate reason for discarding the entire celebration of Christ's birth at Christmas, it would follow that we would end up having to throw out everything--even our Bibles and our wives or husbands. Why? Because Satan and man distort and ruins everything in life--the Bible, sex, marriage, the church, food--everything. Name one thing that Satan doesn't ruin. We don't throw things out just because the world misuses or distorts them.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:22 Paul says, "abstain from every form of evil" (NASB). Because of the translation of the KJV, "every appearance of evil," some have taken this to apply to anything that even looks like it might be evil. As the NASB translation make clear, however, Paul's meaning is "to abstain from every genuine form of evil," not what might simply appear to be evil. We are to abstain from what is genuinely evil or wrong according to the index of the Word of God. To abstain from the mere appearance of evil would seem to contradict what the Apostle says in the second passage important to this discussion.
In Titus 1:15 the Apostle also warns against those who see evil in almost anything and condemn it. For these people, a lot of things have the appearance of evil, but purity is first of all a matter of the mind and conscience, not merely the external. "To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled." (NASB).
Just because the world distorts something, that does not make it evil if we avoid the distortions and use it as God intended or in a way that does not go contrary to God's character and holiness. A good illustration is the beauty of sexual love within the bonds of marriage.
Argument Number 2: Scripture Doesn't Authorize It
The argument is that since we are not clearly authorized by the Bible to celebrate the birth of Christ during such a season, we should have no celebrations or even special services to commemorate the birth of Christ. On the other hand, Scripture does tell us to remember His death in the ordinance of the Lord's Supper, and we celebrate His resurrection by assembling on the first day of the week, but there is no precedent for celebrating His birth.
Answers and Considerations:
This is what we could legitimately call hyperliteralism in the use of Scripture. Such an approach completely misses the spirit and intent of the Bible. Hyperliteralism (or letterism) is an intense devotion to the details of the Bible in such a way that one misses the spirit and essential thrust of a passage. Mountains are made out of mole hills and the truth is missed. One is busy counting the number of letters in a sentence rather than listening to its instruction.
If we applied this argument consistently, we would need to discontinue the use of overheads, musical instruments, hymnals, chorus books, the church building, pews, Sunday school, Christian schools, and many other things. Further, there could be no special services or seasons to commemorate things God has done as with Thanksgiving or a dedication service for a new building. Why? Because the only illustrations of such things are found in the Old Testament and not the New Testament. If the New Testament had clearly spoken on this matter, this argument would be correct because the New Testament does take priority over the Old Testament. However, since it has not, the argument from silence is not sufficient reason.
Some would argue that the New Testament has not been silent, and this is the third argument we need to consider.
Argument Number 3: Scripture Forbids It
Colossians 2:16-17 Therefore let no one act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day-- 17 things which are a mere shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ.
Using this passage, it is claimed that Scripture actually warns and forbids the observance of any special months, seasons, days or religious festivals.
Answers and Considerations:
What Colossians 2:16-17 forbids is the celebration of religious seasons or holy days when they have been prescribed as religious duty and necessary for holiness or spirituality.
In this passage, the Apostle is talking about the Old Testament festivals which were shadows of the person and work of Christ--but Christ has now come. To continue to celebrate them is to dishonor the fact of His coming, or to act as though He were not enough for salvation or spirituality. Note what the Apostle says, "let no one act as your judge in regard to . . ." He is saying don't let anyone tell you these things are requirements for fellowship with God. They were only shadows of the person and work of Christ, and He has not only come and fulfilled those shadows, but He is totally sufficient.
Colossians 2:16 and 17 in no way forbids believers from commemorating something such as the birth of Christ if it is done out of love, devotion, and the joy the season gives when used as a way of focusing on the Savior and not as a religious duty. The issue is not the observance, but the reason, the attitudes and the spirit in which it is done.
Furthermore, I believe there is scriptural precedent for commemorating and remembering the birth of Christ. This is in keeping with the events that occurred around the time of Christ's birth These include:
1. The appearance of the angel of the Lord with the glory of the Lord to announce the birth of Christ to the shepherds (Lk. 2:10-12).
2. The response of the angels at the announcement of Christ's birth (Lk. 2:13-14).
3. The actions of the shepherds who left their flocks to go and see which was nothing short of a celebration (Lk. 2:15-20).
4. And the arrival of the men from the east bearing gifts as much as a year to two years later (Matt. 2:1-12).
There is, of course, the New Testament precedent for believers meeting together on Sunday. In essence this is a celebration of the Lord's resurrection. The early church automatically did this, but Scripture does not command us to do so. In fact, the early church at first met daily and took the Lord's Supper daily, but we don't do that today. Why not? Because these are not binding. We are not under the Law. Believers meet on Sunday because of its significance and because the early church set a precedent for it, but it was never commanded in the Bible. Believers did it out of love and adoration for the risen Savior.
The point is this: If the early church could celebrate the resurrection without a specific command from God, only the spirit of legalism or the letter of the law would forbid the celebration of Christ's birth as a special season of joy and adoration. Ultimately, the issue is not the season, its the attitude and reason behind it and the distortion of it. Let's not throw out the baby with the wash.
Argument Number 4: Christmas Traditions are from Paganism
Another argument against the celebration of Christmas as it has been done for years is the claim that many of the traditions found in the celebration of Christmas were brought over into Christianity from pagan practices. These include the yule log, the tree, special feasts or meals, and mistletoe. How can we justify these things? Isn't it just like celebrating Halloween? A number of Old Testament passages are sometimes used to condemn the use of Christmas trees such as: Jeremiah 10:2-5; Isaiah 40:19-20; 44:14-17. (See verses in introduction above.)
Answers and Considerations:
Some Historical Facts about our Traditions
The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible says:
Gradually a number of prevailing practices of the nations into which Christianity came were assimilated and were combined with the religious ceremonies surrounding Christmas. The assimilation of such practices generally represented efforts by Christians to transform or absorb otherwise pagan practices.
The Feast of Saturnalia in early Rome, for example, was celebrated for 7 days from the 17th to the 24th of December and was marked by a spirit of merriment, gift giving to children and other forms of entertainment. Gradually, early Christians replaced the pagan feast with the celebration of Christmas; but many of the traditions of this observance were assimilated and remain to this day a part of the observance of Christmas. Other nations, the Scandinavians, Germans, French, English and others, have left their mark . . . as well (pp. 804, 805).
Concerning these ancient elements, The Christian Encyclopedia says:
Various symbolic elements of the pagan celebration, such as the lighting of candles, evergreen decorations, and the giving of gifts, were adapted to Christian signification. Later as Christianity spread into northern Europe, the Celtic, Teutonic, and Slavic winter festivals contributed holly, mistletoe, the Christmas tree, bonfires, and similar items.
Finally, Unger's Bible Dictionary adds:
The giving of presents was a Roman custom; while the yule tree and yule log are remnants of old Teutonic nature worship. Gradually the festival sank into mere revelry . . . . The custom was forbidden by an act of parliament in 1555; And the reformation brought in a refinement in the celebration of Christmas by emphasizing it Christian elements.
But what about passages like Jeremiah 10? Some believe this condemns the celebration of Christmas and especially the use of the Christmas tree. Is Jeremiah telling us to avoid the customs of the nations? No. Jeremiah 10 is a denunciation of the making and worship of idols and not the decoration of evergreen trees in the home.
This passage is not a categorical denial of all the customs of the nations. It is only a command to avoid those customs that are contrary to the revelation of God to Israel. There were many customs that Israel and the nations had in common that were not wrong.
This passage in Jeremiah and others like it in Isaiah had to do with idolatry. First, Jeremiah warns against astrological worship--the worship of the sun, moon, and the stars. Second, he warns against going into the forest to cut down trees to be carved into an idol in some form whether human or animal, and then worshipped and prayed to for guidance, for protection, and blessing (cf. Isa. 44:14-17).
Some have tried to tie the reference to the green tree in Jeremiah 3:6, 13 to the reference in 10:3f to further justify condemnation of the Christmas tree, but this refers to the idolatrous groves of trees used as a place for idol worship and revelry.
Issues Facing Us Today
(1) The pagan associations were lost long ago
The names of the days of our week also had their origin in pagan beliefs. Thursday originally stood for the Germanic god of the sky or of thunder. Tuesday stood for Tiw, the god of war. And Wednesday is derived from Woden, the chief god in Germanic mythology. Sunday and Monday were related somehow to the worship of the sun and the moon. Saturday is from Saturnus, or Saturn, and Friday comes from Fria, the goddess of love.
All of these ancient meanings with their beliefs and associations were lost long ago. When Friday roles around we don't think about Fria, the goddess of love. On Saturday we don't think about it as Saturn's day, but as our day off! The same applies to the traditions of Christmas. If one observed the days of the week or the Christmas season with their ancient associations in mind, certainly it would be wrong. But many of these things, as with our Sunday, have been given Christian connotations.
The evergreen tree is a symbol of the eternal life which Christ, the Son of God, offers to man via another tree, the cross (Rev. 2:7; 22:2, 14).
The presents under the tree can remind us of God's gift and our need to give of ourselves to others as those who have received God's gift of life through Christ.
Even without seeking special significance in the traditions of Christmas, you could still celebrate this season for the joy and family fun the season can bring.
I would like to suggest that believers can capitalize on the Christmas season as a family tradition and as a learning experience much like the Old Testament Passover was to be used by Israel. It all depends on the spirit and attitude in which it is done. We can be very negative and critical, or we can be positive and use the season as a time to remember and commemorate the birth of the Savior. We can use it as a time to demonstrate love for others in a special way, and to be together as a family like we do on Thanksgiving, the Fourth of July, or New Years. We can make something evil out of it or something good.
(2) Facts of Scripture Concerning the Celebration of Christmas
In view of what we have seen, the Bible is silent from the standpoint of our Christmas traditions. However, because of our freedom in Christ under grace, we are at liberty to celebrate Christmas. The important point is that the Bible simply does not condemn the celebration of Christmas even in the traditional form and we have liberty in Christ to choose to do so.
Scripture does, however, set down principles which should affect the way we celebrate it. These principles warn and protect us from the distortions we find in the world.
Today in many companies and offices, Christmas is celebrated with wild, drunken parties where there is no regard for the reason for the season--the birth of the Savior of the World. It becomes just a time of merriment and a time to tie one on.
Today people often spend lavishly on gifts and go deeply in debt. They buy things they can't afford, which nobody needs, and sometimes can't even identify. The response is "Hey, thanks. What is it?"
Children get caught up with the gifts and the toys and lose sight of the Savior--or never hear about the Lord as God's gift of His Son that we might have life.
Through the Christmas message, Parents often fail to teach the spirit of giving as an outworking of one's relationship with God through faith in Christ, God's gift to the world.
Finally, some may observe the season as they would observe lent, as a religious holy day that must be observed to gain points with God, or to become more spiritual.
But it doesn't have to be like this. Even the gift aspect can be done in such a way that it is instructive, meaningful, in keeping with one's budget, and in keeping with biblical teaching concerning Christian stewardship.
(3) Ancient traditions are often distortions of original revelation
Many of the customs of Christmas originated in ancient Babylonian paganism and were related in various ways to the mother-child cult. But an important concept is often missed here.
Originally, many of the ideas of these pagan practices may have had their roots in the truth of the Old Testament or divine revelation from God as:
In Genesis 3:15, we have the promise of the Savior through the seed of a woman.
In Isaiah 7:14, we have the promise that this Savior will come through the virgin birth.
A number of passages use the symbol of a tree to point to the promise of life through the Messiah. Genesis 2:9: 3:17, 22; Revelation 2:7; 22:2, 14 all speak of a tree of life, some historic, some prophetic. Isaiah 4:2; 11:1; 60:21; Jeremiah 23:5; 33:15 and Zechariah 3:8; 6:12 all speak of the branch of the Lord as the work of God.
These verses form a whole line of prophecies concerning the branch of the Lord, the shoot, that would spring forth and become a tree of life both to Israel and the nations. So, when we come to the New Testament, we find reference to a tree of life that is available to believers in Christ.
In view of these Old Testament prophecies, I believe four things are evident:
These ancient customs of the nations were originally introduced into the religious life of the nations by Satan to distort the original promises and truth of God which these customs would portray. For instance, in the mother-child cult of ancient Babylon, the mother was the primary object of worship, not her son. This was a distortion of the promise of Genesis 3:15.
These customs came from a basic need in man (one built in by God) for the truth and need of a Savior. The practices, though in perverted form, did portray a deliverer, the provision of eternal life, the gift of God through the seed of a woman, a divine branch from heaven as the means of reconciliation to God.
The principle is that these customs cast surprising light on the revelation of God's grace as they originally came from God in the beginning of human history. As with the story of the flood, the temptation, and the fall of man, they all became perverted from that which we find in the inspired Word. However, in many cases, they did point to original revelation from God and maybe even customs that were originally pure.
Today, our Christmas traditions have lost their original pagan significance or connotations. In some cases, the distortions were corrected by the reformers over two hundred years ago, but they did not see fit to condemn the celebration of Christmas.
(4) The celebration of Christmas falls under the category of doubtful things.
It is argued that since Scripture does not clearly rule out the celebration of Christmas; its celebration falls under the category of debatable or doubtful things covered by the principles of Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8 and 9. In summary, these passages teach us the following principles:
Every believer must become convinced in his or her own mind (Rom. 14:5).
We must not judge or look upon other with contempt who do not come to the same conclusion that we do (Rom. 14:3, 4, 13).
Just as there is nothing evil in meat sacrificed to idols, so there is nothing inherently evil in the traditional Christmas with the tree, presents, carols, and decorations. Such things become what people make them by their attitudes and beliefs (Rom. 14:22-23; 1 Cor. 8:4-8; 10:19).
The ultimate issue is our attitude, the reasons, and how if one decides to celebrate the Christmas season in some fashion.
(5) Some Options to Consider
If you have doubts or misgivings, do away with any observance of the Christmas season all together. But do not become a Scrooge and look down on those who do celebrate it (Rom. 14:-5).
Cut out some or all of the traditional elements like the tree, presents, etc., but spend the season reflecting on the birth of the Savior through the Word and the singing of carols.
Keep the season's traditions--the tree, presents, and decorations--but divorce them of any religious tones. Use this part of the season simply as a family tradition for fun and family togetherness. But remember the birth of Christ through carols, reading the Christmas story, and times with other members of the body of Christ.
Keep the Christmas traditions and use them to illustrate and focus on the truth of Jesus Christ. (1) The tree speaks of the Lord and the eternal life which He gives; (2) The presents speak of God's love and gift to us of His Son and of our love for one another. Make the emphasis more on giving rather than receiving. (3) The mistletoe speaks of the gift of God's righteous branch, and the kiss or hug stands for kissing the Son in faith--an expression of faith in Christ as God's means of salvation and reconciliation (Psalm 2).
The problem is that many believers are already carnal or marginal in their spiritual life and they get caught up in the rat race and secularization of the season. People spend far more than they can afford. They seek relief from their burdens and seek happiness in the glitter and merry making of the holidays, rather than in the person of God's Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. They look for the season to give joy, rather than the Person of the season. They expect from the season what only God can give. As a result, depression and suicide reaches its peak during the Christmas season and immediately following it.
Argument Number 5: Uncertainty of the Date of Christ's Birth
As one who has specialized in biblical chronology, Dr. Harold W. Hoehner, professor at Dallas Theological Seminary, wrote:
Jesus Christ entered into the history of our world, Christianity, therefore, has historical basis. The backbone of history is chronology. Whereas history is a systematic account of events in relation to a nation, institution, science, or art; chronology is a science of time. It seeks to establish and arrange the dates of past events in their proper sequence. Thus chronology serves as a necessary framework upon which the events of history may be fitted (BIB SAC, Vol. 130, # 520, Oct.-Dec., 1973, p. 338).
The argument is that Christ could not have been born on December 25 or even in the winter, so the entire celebration is wrong, even the time of the year.
Answers and Considerations:
By considering the chronological notes in Scripture such as Luke 2:1, "it seems that the evidence would lead one to conclude that Christ's birth occurred sometime in the winter of 5/4 B.C." (Hoehner, p. 350). Our concern here is not with the year, but with the month Christ was born--or at least the time of year, i.e., winter or spring. Is a winter date out of the question? Is it possible or maybe even probable?
1. Hoehner points out that the traditional date for the birth of Christ as December 25th dates back to as early as Hippolytus (A..D. 165-235). In the Eastern church January 6th was the date used for Christ's birth. But this is still a winter date and not far removed from December 25th.
2. Chrysostom (A..D. 345-407) in 386 stated that December 25th is the correct date and hence it became the official date for Christ's birth except in the Eastern church which still retained January 6th.
3. One of the main objections has been that sheep were usually taken into enclosures from November through March and were not out in the fields at night. However, this is not as conclusive as it sounds for the following reasons: (a) It could have been a mild winter. (b) It is not at all certain that sheep were always brought into enclosures during the winter months. (c) It is true that during the winter months sheep were brought in from the wilderness, but remember, Luke tells us the shepherds were near Bethlehem rather than in the wilderness. This indicates, if anything, the nativity was in the winter months. (d) The Mishnah tells us the shepherds around Bethlehem were outside all year and those worthy of the Passover were nearby in the fields at least 30 days before the feast which could be as early as February (one of the coldest, rainiest months of the year). So December is a very reasonable date.
James Kelso, an archaeologist who spent a number of years living in Palestine and who has done extensive research there says this:
The best season for the shepherds of Bethlehem is the winter when heavy rains bring up a luscious crop of new grass. After the rains the once-barren, brown desert earth is suddenly a field of brilliant green. One year when excavating at New Testament Jericho, I lived in Jerusalem and drove through this area twice every day. At one single point along the road, I could see at times as many as five shepherds with their flocks on one hillside. One shepherd stayed with his flock at the same point for three weeks, so lush was the grass. But as soon as the rains stopped in the spring, the land quickly took on its normal desert look once again.
Since there seem to have been a number of shepherds who came to see the Christ child, December or January would be the most likely months (James Kelso, An Archaeologist Looks At The Gospels, p. 23-24).
Argument Number 6: The Timing of the Magi's Arrival
It has been claimed the Magi could not have arrived in Bethlehem at the time of Christ's birth. It would have taken months to travel to Bethlehem from the East. The family was living in a house when the Magi arrived, and Herod had children killed up to two years old when he heard about the child.
While none of this really affects whether one should celebrate Christmas, this argument is often used to throw further doubt and contempt for the entire tradition of celebrating Christmas.
Answers and Considerations:
The argument concerning the time required to travel from the East assumes a great deal. It assumes they were in the East when the star was seen, or even that God had not revealed information to them which could have caused them to begin their journey before the star was seen.
Let me just quote Hoehner from BIB SAC again (Vol. 130, # 520, p. 349).
The question arises whether Matthew is speaking of the same time as Luke or a later time. Madison attempts to demonstrate that the Magi visited Christ when He was about two years of age by noting that the Lukan narrative uses the term brephos (2:12) which is used to refer to an unborn, a newborn child, or an infant whereas Matthew uses the words paidion (2:8, 9,11, 13, 14, 20, 21) and pais (2:16) which are used of a child that is at least one year old rather than an infant. The fact that the wise men came to the house (in Matthew's account) rather than a manger (in Luke's account) would also indicate that Jesus was older when Herod slew the children. Thus Luke is talking about the time of Christ's birth whereas Matthew is talking about two years after Christ's birth.
However, the distinction is not so clear-cut as Madison would have one to believe. The term padion is used of infants (Luke 1:59:, 66, 76; John 16:21; Heb. 11:23) and brephos is used of a young child (2 Tim. 3;15). The word pais is used in the N.T. of a child six out of twenty-four times (the other eighteen occurrences speak of a servant). In the O.T. the meaning "servant" is almost unanimous. In Matthew 2:16 pais would fall into the same age category as paidion since the latter term is used nine times in the same context. Furthermore, to say that Jesus was no longer an infant because the magi visited Him in a house rather than a stable is quite weak. Certainly they would have moved to a house as soon as it was possible. Indeed the tone of Matthew 2:1 is that the Magi visited Christ soon after His birth. That Herod killed children up to two years old was only to be sure he got Jesus. This is not out of character with Herod. Therefore, the slaying of the children soon after Christ's birth is tenable.
Please note what Charles Ryrie has to say on Matthew 2:11 in his Study Bible, p. 1447.
into the house . . . the Child. These words need not indicate that the wise men came some time after the birth of Christ. The family would naturally have moved into a house as quickly as possible after Jesus was born, and "child" can mean a newborn (John 16:21). We do not know how many wise men there were, gold and frankincense and myrrh. These were gifts worthy of a king. The early church fathers understood the gold to be symbolic of Christ's deity; the frankincense, of His purity; and the myrrh, of His death (since it was used for embalming).
Argument Number 7: Christmas means "Christ's Mass"
The name Christmas is objected to because it means Christ's Mass. This is supposed to be a reference to the Roman Catholic ritual involving the Eucharist or the Lord's Supper. Roman Catholic tradition holds that by the priest's consecration the bread and the wine are changed into the literal body and blood of Christ; that this consecration is a new offering of Christ's sacrifice, and that by partaking of the elements the communicant receives saving and sanctifying grace from God.
Answers and Considerations:
Christ + mass, can also mean "a large number or quantity." It can also mean simply a mass of religious services in commemoration of the birth of Christ. In other words, mass stands for festival involving a number of religious activities, and is not a reference to the Roman Catholic ritual of the Eucharist.
Further, even if the term originally referred to the Roman Catholic ritual of the Eucharist, it long ago lost that connotation and is really not an issue.
Argument Number 8: What about Santa Claus?
Christmas can involve children in the belief of Santa Claus, a mythical figure, which detracts from the person of Christ. The objection is that the emphasis is turned from Jesus Christ to Santa Claus as the giver of gifts for good behavior rather than God's gift of His Son by grace through faith.
Furthermore, young children sometimes confuse Santa with Jesus Christ since "he knows when you've been sleeping, he knows when you're awake, he knows if you've been bad or good, . . .
The idea of gifts for good behavior can connote a "reward for good deeds" mentality which is opposed to God's gift of His Son through faith. Scripture does promise rewards for obedience.
Answers and Considerations:
The Santa Clause idea originated with a man by the name of St. Nicholas who was the Bishop of Myra in Lycia in the area of present day Turkey. He went about, often at night, giving gifts to poor and needy children. He later became the patron saint of children in the Roman Catholic Church. From here the story grew and became legend in country after country with various details were deleted and added as the legend of St. Nick grew.
So, how should believers handle it? Santa may be taken as a fairy tale idea like Alice in Wonderland, or Jack and the Bean Stalk. Children normally understand that Alice in Wonderland is only make believe--a fairy tale. However, for many children Santa is real. In many ways it is probably harmless. But because of the confusion between Santa and Christ, parents need to be careful in their use of this part of Christmas.
We also need to remember that Scripture does promise rewards for godly behavior or faithfulness for believers in Christ. Salvation is a gift through faith alone in Christ alone, but crowns, metonomy for rewards, are promised for faithful and obedient living (1 Pet. 5:4).
Someone might argue that since we are not commanded to celebrate Christmas we should ignore it. Well, we are not commanded to celebrate the resurrection as a holiday either, so does your brother want to give up that holiday simply because the name "Easter" is of pagan origin
Someone may argue against Christmas that it is a non-biblical holiday and since Christmas in not celebrated in the Bible, we should not celebrate it, either. First of all, the birth of Christ is biblical, so you cannot make a case by calling Christmas non-biblical, but I suppose you can say that Christmas is extra-biblical. That is, there is nothing in the Bible against it, and there are things in the holiday that is based on the Bible, but there is no command to celebrate the birth of Christ, so it is an extra-biblical holiday.
Here is how I approach this argument: Jesus Himself celebrated an extra-biblical holiday that corresponds to Christmas. People are usually surprised to find this out. Yes, Jesus celebrated Hanukkah, and Hanukkah is not in the Old Testament.
Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. (John 10:22-23)
There is no Old Testament Feast of Dedication. There are several feasts mentioned in the Bible, but not Dedication. What feast is Dedication? That is Hanukkah. Hanukkah is a celebration of the victory of the Maccabees and the rededication of the Jerusalem Temple. It also commemorates the miracle of oil that burned for 8 days. This event took place after the last Old Testament prophet had written the scriptures. The scriptures were closed before this event, and thus, this Feast is extra-biblical. And Jesus was in the temple area where the feast was celebrated. He participated in Hanukkah.
Today, Christmas is celebrated next to Hanukkah. So the question you can propose to your brother who refuses to celebrate Christmas is this: If Jesus celebrated a holiday that was not in the Bible, why can’t you enjoy Christmas as well and give gifts just as the Jews today give many gifts during Hanukkah?
Your brother mentioned that giving gifts was based on giving to the "Sun-God". Whether or not that is true can be debated, but I have always felt that giving gifts was based on the wise men giving gifts to Christ. Even if it were true that Christmas came out of the pagan practices of giving to the "Sun-God", the truth is the "Son-of-God" is worthy of greater gifts, and giving gifts is simply a loving way of showing your appreciation to others you love. Sure, many people get in the commercial spirit than the true spirit, but that is no reason to get rid of Christmas or to avoid the holiday.
Your brother did not mention it, but others have complained that Christmas is really pagan because the Christmas tree is pagan. I’ve heard people say that Jeremiah 10:3-5 is a reference to the Christmas tree:
For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel. They adorn it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so it will not totter. Like a scarecrow in a melon patch, their idols cannot speak; they must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them; they can do no harm nor can they do any good."
These people argue that the tree is adorned with silver and gold, a supposed reference to tinsel around a tree. But look carefully at the passage and it will be clear that Jeremiah referred to an idol made out of the tree. A craftsman shaped the tree out of the forest with a chisel. Who has ever seen a craftsman use a chisel to shape a tree into a Christmas tree? Of course not. This is a reference to craftsmen making idols that resembled man and animals, like a scarecrow. Yet Jeremiah says, "They cannot speak and walk." So obviously this is not a Christmas tree, for Christmas trees do not have mouths and legs.
Should Christians celebrate Christmas?" or, "How should a Christian celebrate Christmas?" These are questions of concern for many sincere believers. In fact, many believers dislike the season and have refused to celebrate it at all. A number of reasons are given, and while I might agree with some of their concerns and some of the reasons offered against the observance of Christmas, I would not necessarily agree with their conclusions.
One day I happened to catch a TV preacher denouncing the celebration of Christmas. He was saying it is pagan holiday, and that Christ could not have born in December. He used some Old Testament passages to show how the Christmas tree was idolatrous and an abomination. He quoted Jeremiah 10:2-4 which reads:
2 Thus says the LORD, "Do not learn the way of the nations, And do not be terrified by the signs of the heavens Although the nations are terrified by them; 3 For the customs of the peoples are delusion; Because it is wood cut from the forest, The work of the hands of a craftsman with a cutting tool. 4 "They decorate it with silver and with gold; They fasten it with nails and with hammers so that it will not totter.
Then he quoted Isaiah 44:14-15:
Isaiah 44:14-15 Surely he cuts cedars for himself, and takes a cypress or an oak, and raises it for himself among the trees of the forest. He plants a fir, and the rain makes it grow. 15 Then it becomes something for a man to burn, so he takes one of them and warms himself; he also makes a fire to bake bread. He also makes a god and worships it; he makes it a graven image, and falls down before it. (NASB)
Finally, he quoted Jeremiah 3:13:
Only acknowledge your iniquity, That you have transgressed against the Lord your God And have scattered your favors to the strangers under every green tree, And you have not obeyed My voice,‘ declares the Lord.
It seems that the points of reference for this preacher were to "wood cut from the forest," "they decorate it with silver and gold," "he plants a fir" (an evergreen tree), "scattered your favors . . . under every green tree," and "falls down before it." The preacher went on to say, that at Christmas people take an evergreen tree cut from the forest; they decorate it with ornaments of silver and gold, and then fall down before it when they place their presents under the tree. His conclusion was that this is idolatry.
If this weren't so sad, it would be hilarious, but sincere people hear this and become concerned. As a pastor, I have had people ask me questions such as, "Are we wrong to celebrate Christmas?" "Is this idolatry?" "What should we do about celebrating Christmas?"
It is this mentality that I will address in this study. How should believers respond to such questions and to the criticism leveled against the celebration of Christmas and the Christmas season? Is it scripturally wrong to celebrate Christmas? Is it pagan?
Everywhere we go during the season, the signs of Christmas are there with all their glitter, tinsel, lights, greenery, cards, festivities, carols, bells, Santas, manger scenes, angels, trees and presents--and the push by Madison Avenue and the gimmicks of the retailers. The Christmas season either makes or breaks many businesses.
Should we play the part of Scrooge and say, "bah humbug!"? Should we call attention to the fact that certain of our Christmas traditions such as the yule log, the decorated tree, and mistletoe each have their roots in pagan festivals? Should we assert that celebrateChristmas is to promote paganism and materialism and thus is just not the biblical thing to do?
I personally do not agree with that conclusion. In this short study, we will take a look at some of the arguments and issues and consider some of the biblical options open to us as believers.
Arguments Against the Celebration of Christmas
Argument Number 1: Christmas is Commercialized and Materialistic
It is said that because the birth of Christ has been commercialized and secularized the real meaning of the season been lost. For the most part this is true. Even the story about the birth of Christ is often distorted, mocked, or misrepresented. The meaning of Christmas is said to be the spirit of giving. However, the giving of the Son of God who became the babe of the cradle that He might become the man of the cross and one day reign on earth with the crown is forgotten, rejected, or ignored.
Answers and Considerations:
If we use this argument as a legitimate reason for discarding the entire celebration of Christ's birth at Christmas, it would follow that we would end up having to throw out everything--even our Bibles and our wives or husbands. Why? Because Satan and man distort and ruins everything in life--the Bible, sex, marriage, the church, food--everything. Name one thing that Satan doesn't ruin. We don't throw things out just because the world misuses or distorts them.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:22 Paul says, "abstain from every form of evil" (NASB). Because of the translation of the KJV, "every appearance of evil," some have taken this to apply to anything that even looks like it might be evil. As the NASB translation make clear, however, Paul's meaning is "to abstain from every genuine form of evil," not what might simply appear to be evil. We are to abstain from what is genuinely evil or wrong according to the index of the Word of God. To abstain from the mere appearance of evil would seem to contradict what the Apostle says in the second passage important to this discussion.
In Titus 1:15 the Apostle also warns against those who see evil in almost anything and condemn it. For these people, a lot of things have the appearance of evil, but purity is first of all a matter of the mind and conscience, not merely the external. "To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled." (NASB).
Just because the world distorts something, that does not make it evil if we avoid the distortions and use it as God intended or in a way that does not go contrary to God's character and holiness. A good illustration is the beauty of sexual love within the bonds of marriage.
Argument Number 2: Scripture Doesn't Authorize It
The argument is that since we are not clearly authorized by the Bible to celebrate the birth of Christ during such a season, we should have no celebrations or even special services to commemorate the birth of Christ. On the other hand, Scripture does tell us to remember His death in the ordinance of the Lord's Supper, and we celebrate His resurrection by assembling on the first day of the week, but there is no precedent for celebrating His birth.
Answers and Considerations:
This is what we could legitimately call hyperliteralism in the use of Scripture. Such an approach completely misses the spirit and intent of the Bible. Hyperliteralism (or letterism) is an intense devotion to the details of the Bible in such a way that one misses the spirit and essential thrust of a passage. Mountains are made out of mole hills and the truth is missed. One is busy counting the number of letters in a sentence rather than listening to its instruction.
If we applied this argument consistently, we would need to discontinue the use of overheads, musical instruments, hymnals, chorus books, the church building, pews, Sunday school, Christian schools, and many other things. Further, there could be no special services or seasons to commemorate things God has done as with Thanksgiving or a dedication service for a new building. Why? Because the only illustrations of such things are found in the Old Testament and not the New Testament. If the New Testament had clearly spoken on this matter, this argument would be correct because the New Testament does take priority over the Old Testament. However, since it has not, the argument from silence is not sufficient reason.
Some would argue that the New Testament has not been silent, and this is the third argument we need to consider.
Argument Number 3: Scripture Forbids It
Colossians 2:16-17 Therefore let no one act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day-- 17 things which are a mere shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ.
Using this passage, it is claimed that Scripture actually warns and forbids the observance of any special months, seasons, days or religious festivals.
Answers and Considerations:
What Colossians 2:16-17 forbids is the celebration of religious seasons or holy days when they have been prescribed as religious duty and necessary for holiness or spirituality.
In this passage, the Apostle is talking about the Old Testament festivals which were shadows of the person and work of Christ--but Christ has now come. To continue to celebrate them is to dishonor the fact of His coming, or to act as though He were not enough for salvation or spirituality. Note what the Apostle says, "let no one act as your judge in regard to . . ." He is saying don't let anyone tell you these things are requirements for fellowship with God. They were only shadows of the person and work of Christ, and He has not only come and fulfilled those shadows, but He is totally sufficient.
Colossians 2:16 and 17 in no way forbids believers from commemorating something such as the birth of Christ if it is done out of love, devotion, and the joy the season gives when used as a way of focusing on the Savior and not as a religious duty. The issue is not the observance, but the reason, the attitudes and the spirit in which it is done.
Furthermore, I believe there is scriptural precedent for commemorating and remembering the birth of Christ. This is in keeping with the events that occurred around the time of Christ's birth These include:
1. The appearance of the angel of the Lord with the glory of the Lord to announce the birth of Christ to the shepherds (Lk. 2:10-12).
2. The response of the angels at the announcement of Christ's birth (Lk. 2:13-14).
3. The actions of the shepherds who left their flocks to go and see which was nothing short of a celebration (Lk. 2:15-20).
4. And the arrival of the men from the east bearing gifts as much as a year to two years later (Matt. 2:1-12).
There is, of course, the New Testament precedent for believers meeting together on Sunday. In essence this is a celebration of the Lord's resurrection. The early church automatically did this, but Scripture does not command us to do so. In fact, the early church at first met daily and took the Lord's Supper daily, but we don't do that today. Why not? Because these are not binding. We are not under the Law. Believers meet on Sunday because of its significance and because the early church set a precedent for it, but it was never commanded in the Bible. Believers did it out of love and adoration for the risen Savior.
The point is this: If the early church could celebrate the resurrection without a specific command from God, only the spirit of legalism or the letter of the law would forbid the celebration of Christ's birth as a special season of joy and adoration. Ultimately, the issue is not the season, its the attitude and reason behind it and the distortion of it. Let's not throw out the baby with the wash.
Argument Number 4: Christmas Traditions are from Paganism
Another argument against the celebration of Christmas as it has been done for years is the claim that many of the traditions found in the celebration of Christmas were brought over into Christianity from pagan practices. These include the yule log, the tree, special feasts or meals, and mistletoe. How can we justify these things? Isn't it just like celebrating Halloween? A number of Old Testament passages are sometimes used to condemn the use of Christmas trees such as: Jeremiah 10:2-5; Isaiah 40:19-20; 44:14-17. (See verses in introduction above.)
Answers and Considerations:
Some Historical Facts about our Traditions
The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible says:
Gradually a number of prevailing practices of the nations into which Christianity came were assimilated and were combined with the religious ceremonies surrounding Christmas. The assimilation of such practices generally represented efforts by Christians to transform or absorb otherwise pagan practices.
The Feast of Saturnalia in early Rome, for example, was celebrated for 7 days from the 17th to the 24th of December and was marked by a spirit of merriment, gift giving to children and other forms of entertainment. Gradually, early Christians replaced the pagan feast with the celebration of Christmas; but many of the traditions of this observance were assimilated and remain to this day a part of the observance of Christmas. Other nations, the Scandinavians, Germans, French, English and others, have left their mark . . . as well (pp. 804, 805).
Concerning these ancient elements, The Christian Encyclopedia says:
Various symbolic elements of the pagan celebration, such as the lighting of candles, evergreen decorations, and the giving of gifts, were adapted to Christian signification. Later as Christianity spread into northern Europe, the Celtic, Teutonic, and Slavic winter festivals contributed holly, mistletoe, the Christmas tree, bonfires, and similar items.
Finally, Unger's Bible Dictionary adds:
The giving of presents was a Roman custom; while the yule tree and yule log are remnants of old Teutonic nature worship. Gradually the festival sank into mere revelry . . . . The custom was forbidden by an act of parliament in 1555; And the reformation brought in a refinement in the celebration of Christmas by emphasizing it Christian elements.
But what about passages like Jeremiah 10? Some believe this condemns the celebration of Christmas and especially the use of the Christmas tree. Is Jeremiah telling us to avoid the customs of the nations? No. Jeremiah 10 is a denunciation of the making and worship of idols and not the decoration of evergreen trees in the home.
This passage is not a categorical denial of all the customs of the nations. It is only a command to avoid those customs that are contrary to the revelation of God to Israel. There were many customs that Israel and the nations had in common that were not wrong.
This passage in Jeremiah and others like it in Isaiah had to do with idolatry. First, Jeremiah warns against astrological worship--the worship of the sun, moon, and the stars. Second, he warns against going into the forest to cut down trees to be carved into an idol in some form whether human or animal, and then worshipped and prayed to for guidance, for protection, and blessing (cf. Isa. 44:14-17).
Some have tried to tie the reference to the green tree in Jeremiah 3:6, 13 to the reference in 10:3f to further justify condemnation of the Christmas tree, but this refers to the idolatrous groves of trees used as a place for idol worship and revelry.
Issues Facing Us Today
(1) The pagan associations were lost long ago
The names of the days of our week also had their origin in pagan beliefs. Thursday originally stood for the Germanic god of the sky or of thunder. Tuesday stood for Tiw, the god of war. And Wednesday is derived from Woden, the chief god in Germanic mythology. Sunday and Monday were related somehow to the worship of the sun and the moon. Saturday is from Saturnus, or Saturn, and Friday comes from Fria, the goddess of love.
All of these ancient meanings with their beliefs and associations were lost long ago. When Friday roles around we don't think about Fria, the goddess of love. On Saturday we don't think about it as Saturn's day, but as our day off! The same applies to the traditions of Christmas. If one observed the days of the week or the Christmas season with their ancient associations in mind, certainly it would be wrong. But many of these things, as with our Sunday, have been given Christian connotations.
The evergreen tree is a symbol of the eternal life which Christ, the Son of God, offers to man via another tree, the cross (Rev. 2:7; 22:2, 14).
The presents under the tree can remind us of God's gift and our need to give of ourselves to others as those who have received God's gift of life through Christ.
Even without seeking special significance in the traditions of Christmas, you could still celebrate this season for the joy and family fun the season can bring.
I would like to suggest that believers can capitalize on the Christmas season as a family tradition and as a learning experience much like the Old Testament Passover was to be used by Israel. It all depends on the spirit and attitude in which it is done. We can be very negative and critical, or we can be positive and use the season as a time to remember and commemorate the birth of the Savior. We can use it as a time to demonstrate love for others in a special way, and to be together as a family like we do on Thanksgiving, the Fourth of July, or New Years. We can make something evil out of it or something good.
(2) Facts of Scripture Concerning the Celebration of Christmas
In view of what we have seen, the Bible is silent from the standpoint of our Christmas traditions. However, because of our freedom in Christ under grace, we are at liberty to celebrate Christmas. The important point is that the Bible simply does not condemn the celebration of Christmas even in the traditional form and we have liberty in Christ to choose to do so.
Scripture does, however, set down principles which should affect the way we celebrate it. These principles warn and protect us from the distortions we find in the world.
Today in many companies and offices, Christmas is celebrated with wild, drunken parties where there is no regard for the reason for the season--the birth of the Savior of the World. It becomes just a time of merriment and a time to tie one on.
Today people often spend lavishly on gifts and go deeply in debt. They buy things they can't afford, which nobody needs, and sometimes can't even identify. The response is "Hey, thanks. What is it?"
Children get caught up with the gifts and the toys and lose sight of the Savior--or never hear about the Lord as God's gift of His Son that we might have life.
Through the Christmas message, Parents often fail to teach the spirit of giving as an outworking of one's relationship with God through faith in Christ, God's gift to the world.
Finally, some may observe the season as they would observe lent, as a religious holy day that must be observed to gain points with God, or to become more spiritual.
But it doesn't have to be like this. Even the gift aspect can be done in such a way that it is instructive, meaningful, in keeping with one's budget, and in keeping with biblical teaching concerning Christian stewardship.
(3) Ancient traditions are often distortions of original revelation
Many of the customs of Christmas originated in ancient Babylonian paganism and were related in various ways to the mother-child cult. But an important concept is often missed here.
Originally, many of the ideas of these pagan practices may have had their roots in the truth of the Old Testament or divine revelation from God as:
In Genesis 3:15, we have the promise of the Savior through the seed of a woman.
In Isaiah 7:14, we have the promise that this Savior will come through the virgin birth.
A number of passages use the symbol of a tree to point to the promise of life through the Messiah. Genesis 2:9: 3:17, 22; Revelation 2:7; 22:2, 14 all speak of a tree of life, some historic, some prophetic. Isaiah 4:2; 11:1; 60:21; Jeremiah 23:5; 33:15 and Zechariah 3:8; 6:12 all speak of the branch of the Lord as the work of God.
These verses form a whole line of prophecies concerning the branch of the Lord, the shoot, that would spring forth and become a tree of life both to Israel and the nations. So, when we come to the New Testament, we find reference to a tree of life that is available to believers in Christ.
In view of these Old Testament prophecies, I believe four things are evident:
These ancient customs of the nations were originally introduced into the religious life of the nations by Satan to distort the original promises and truth of God which these customs would portray. For instance, in the mother-child cult of ancient Babylon, the mother was the primary object of worship, not her son. This was a distortion of the promise of Genesis 3:15.
These customs came from a basic need in man (one built in by God) for the truth and need of a Savior. The practices, though in perverted form, did portray a deliverer, the provision of eternal life, the gift of God through the seed of a woman, a divine branch from heaven as the means of reconciliation to God.
The principle is that these customs cast surprising light on the revelation of God's grace as they originally came from God in the beginning of human history. As with the story of the flood, the temptation, and the fall of man, they all became perverted from that which we find in the inspired Word. However, in many cases, they did point to original revelation from God and maybe even customs that were originally pure.
Today, our Christmas traditions have lost their original pagan significance or connotations. In some cases, the distortions were corrected by the reformers over two hundred years ago, but they did not see fit to condemn the celebration of Christmas.
(4) The celebration of Christmas falls under the category of doubtful things.
It is argued that since Scripture does not clearly rule out the celebration of Christmas; its celebration falls under the category of debatable or doubtful things covered by the principles of Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8 and 9. In summary, these passages teach us the following principles:
Every believer must become convinced in his or her own mind (Rom. 14:5).
We must not judge or look upon other with contempt who do not come to the same conclusion that we do (Rom. 14:3, 4, 13).
Just as there is nothing evil in meat sacrificed to idols, so there is nothing inherently evil in the traditional Christmas with the tree, presents, carols, and decorations. Such things become what people make them by their attitudes and beliefs (Rom. 14:22-23; 1 Cor. 8:4-8; 10:19).
The ultimate issue is our attitude, the reasons, and how if one decides to celebrate the Christmas season in some fashion.
(5) Some Options to Consider
If you have doubts or misgivings, do away with any observance of the Christmas season all together. But do not become a Scrooge and look down on those who do celebrate it (Rom. 14:-5).
Cut out some or all of the traditional elements like the tree, presents, etc., but spend the season reflecting on the birth of the Savior through the Word and the singing of carols.
Keep the season's traditions--the tree, presents, and decorations--but divorce them of any religious tones. Use this part of the season simply as a family tradition for fun and family togetherness. But remember the birth of Christ through carols, reading the Christmas story, and times with other members of the body of Christ.
Keep the Christmas traditions and use them to illustrate and focus on the truth of Jesus Christ. (1) The tree speaks of the Lord and the eternal life which He gives; (2) The presents speak of God's love and gift to us of His Son and of our love for one another. Make the emphasis more on giving rather than receiving. (3) The mistletoe speaks of the gift of God's righteous branch, and the kiss or hug stands for kissing the Son in faith--an expression of faith in Christ as God's means of salvation and reconciliation (Psalm 2).
The problem is that many believers are already carnal or marginal in their spiritual life and they get caught up in the rat race and secularization of the season. People spend far more than they can afford. They seek relief from their burdens and seek happiness in the glitter and merry making of the holidays, rather than in the person of God's Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. They look for the season to give joy, rather than the Person of the season. They expect from the season what only God can give. As a result, depression and suicide reaches its peak during the Christmas season and immediately following it.
Argument Number 5: Uncertainty of the Date of Christ's Birth
As one who has specialized in biblical chronology, Dr. Harold W. Hoehner, professor at Dallas Theological Seminary, wrote:
Jesus Christ entered into the history of our world, Christianity, therefore, has historical basis. The backbone of history is chronology. Whereas history is a systematic account of events in relation to a nation, institution, science, or art; chronology is a science of time. It seeks to establish and arrange the dates of past events in their proper sequence. Thus chronology serves as a necessary framework upon which the events of history may be fitted (BIB SAC, Vol. 130, # 520, Oct.-Dec., 1973, p. 338).
The argument is that Christ could not have been born on December 25 or even in the winter, so the entire celebration is wrong, even the time of the year.
Answers and Considerations:
By considering the chronological notes in Scripture such as Luke 2:1, "it seems that the evidence would lead one to conclude that Christ's birth occurred sometime in the winter of 5/4 B.C." (Hoehner, p. 350). Our concern here is not with the year, but with the month Christ was born--or at least the time of year, i.e., winter or spring. Is a winter date out of the question? Is it possible or maybe even probable?
1. Hoehner points out that the traditional date for the birth of Christ as December 25th dates back to as early as Hippolytus (A..D. 165-235). In the Eastern church January 6th was the date used for Christ's birth. But this is still a winter date and not far removed from December 25th.
2. Chrysostom (A..D. 345-407) in 386 stated that December 25th is the correct date and hence it became the official date for Christ's birth except in the Eastern church which still retained January 6th.
3. One of the main objections has been that sheep were usually taken into enclosures from November through March and were not out in the fields at night. However, this is not as conclusive as it sounds for the following reasons: (a) It could have been a mild winter. (b) It is not at all certain that sheep were always brought into enclosures during the winter months. (c) It is true that during the winter months sheep were brought in from the wilderness, but remember, Luke tells us the shepherds were near Bethlehem rather than in the wilderness. This indicates, if anything, the nativity was in the winter months. (d) The Mishnah tells us the shepherds around Bethlehem were outside all year and those worthy of the Passover were nearby in the fields at least 30 days before the feast which could be as early as February (one of the coldest, rainiest months of the year). So December is a very reasonable date.
James Kelso, an archaeologist who spent a number of years living in Palestine and who has done extensive research there says this:
The best season for the shepherds of Bethlehem is the winter when heavy rains bring up a luscious crop of new grass. After the rains the once-barren, brown desert earth is suddenly a field of brilliant green. One year when excavating at New Testament Jericho, I lived in Jerusalem and drove through this area twice every day. At one single point along the road, I could see at times as many as five shepherds with their flocks on one hillside. One shepherd stayed with his flock at the same point for three weeks, so lush was the grass. But as soon as the rains stopped in the spring, the land quickly took on its normal desert look once again.
Since there seem to have been a number of shepherds who came to see the Christ child, December or January would be the most likely months (James Kelso, An Archaeologist Looks At The Gospels, p. 23-24).
Argument Number 6: The Timing of the Magi's Arrival
It has been claimed the Magi could not have arrived in Bethlehem at the time of Christ's birth. It would have taken months to travel to Bethlehem from the East. The family was living in a house when the Magi arrived, and Herod had children killed up to two years old when he heard about the child.
While none of this really affects whether one should celebrate Christmas, this argument is often used to throw further doubt and contempt for the entire tradition of celebrating Christmas.
Answers and Considerations:
The argument concerning the time required to travel from the East assumes a great deal. It assumes they were in the East when the star was seen, or even that God had not revealed information to them which could have caused them to begin their journey before the star was seen.
Let me just quote Hoehner from BIB SAC again (Vol. 130, # 520, p. 349).
The question arises whether Matthew is speaking of the same time as Luke or a later time. Madison attempts to demonstrate that the Magi visited Christ when He was about two years of age by noting that the Lukan narrative uses the term brephos (2:12) which is used to refer to an unborn, a newborn child, or an infant whereas Matthew uses the words paidion (2:8, 9,11, 13, 14, 20, 21) and pais (2:16) which are used of a child that is at least one year old rather than an infant. The fact that the wise men came to the house (in Matthew's account) rather than a manger (in Luke's account) would also indicate that Jesus was older when Herod slew the children. Thus Luke is talking about the time of Christ's birth whereas Matthew is talking about two years after Christ's birth.
However, the distinction is not so clear-cut as Madison would have one to believe. The term padion is used of infants (Luke 1:59:, 66, 76; John 16:21; Heb. 11:23) and brephos is used of a young child (2 Tim. 3;15). The word pais is used in the N.T. of a child six out of twenty-four times (the other eighteen occurrences speak of a servant). In the O.T. the meaning "servant" is almost unanimous. In Matthew 2:16 pais would fall into the same age category as paidion since the latter term is used nine times in the same context. Furthermore, to say that Jesus was no longer an infant because the magi visited Him in a house rather than a stable is quite weak. Certainly they would have moved to a house as soon as it was possible. Indeed the tone of Matthew 2:1 is that the Magi visited Christ soon after His birth. That Herod killed children up to two years old was only to be sure he got Jesus. This is not out of character with Herod. Therefore, the slaying of the children soon after Christ's birth is tenable.
Please note what Charles Ryrie has to say on Matthew 2:11 in his Study Bible, p. 1447.
into the house . . . the Child. These words need not indicate that the wise men came some time after the birth of Christ. The family would naturally have moved into a house as quickly as possible after Jesus was born, and "child" can mean a newborn (John 16:21). We do not know how many wise men there were, gold and frankincense and myrrh. These were gifts worthy of a king. The early church fathers understood the gold to be symbolic of Christ's deity; the frankincense, of His purity; and the myrrh, of His death (since it was used for embalming).
Argument Number 7: Christmas means "Christ's Mass"
The name Christmas is objected to because it means Christ's Mass. This is supposed to be a reference to the Roman Catholic ritual involving the Eucharist or the Lord's Supper. Roman Catholic tradition holds that by the priest's consecration the bread and the wine are changed into the literal body and blood of Christ; that this consecration is a new offering of Christ's sacrifice, and that by partaking of the elements the communicant receives saving and sanctifying grace from God.
Answers and Considerations:
Christ + mass, can also mean "a large number or quantity." It can also mean simply a mass of religious services in commemoration of the birth of Christ. In other words, mass stands for festival involving a number of religious activities, and is not a reference to the Roman Catholic ritual of the Eucharist.
Further, even if the term originally referred to the Roman Catholic ritual of the Eucharist, it long ago lost that connotation and is really not an issue.
Argument Number 8: What about Santa Claus?
Christmas can involve children in the belief of Santa Claus, a mythical figure, which detracts from the person of Christ. The objection is that the emphasis is turned from Jesus Christ to Santa Claus as the giver of gifts for good behavior rather than God's gift of His Son by grace through faith.
Furthermore, young children sometimes confuse Santa with Jesus Christ since "he knows when you've been sleeping, he knows when you're awake, he knows if you've been bad or good, . . .
The idea of gifts for good behavior can connote a "reward for good deeds" mentality which is opposed to God's gift of His Son through faith. Scripture does promise rewards for obedience.
Answers and Considerations:
The Santa Clause idea originated with a man by the name of St. Nicholas who was the Bishop of Myra in Lycia in the area of present day Turkey. He went about, often at night, giving gifts to poor and needy children. He later became the patron saint of children in the Roman Catholic Church. From here the story grew and became legend in country after country with various details were deleted and added as the legend of St. Nick grew.
So, how should believers handle it? Santa may be taken as a fairy tale idea like Alice in Wonderland, or Jack and the Bean Stalk. Children normally understand that Alice in Wonderland is only make believe--a fairy tale. However, for many children Santa is real. In many ways it is probably harmless. But because of the confusion between Santa and Christ, parents need to be careful in their use of this part of Christmas.
We also need to remember that Scripture does promise rewards for godly behavior or faithfulness for believers in Christ. Salvation is a gift through faith alone in Christ alone, but crowns, metonomy for rewards, are promised for faithful and obedient living (1 Pet. 5:4).
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