This article addresses issues regarding the controversy surrounding the celebration of Christmas and the double standards applied to certain key matters in faith practice. These points indeed warrant thoughtful reflection among Christians. Below is an analysis of the key points raised:
1. The Controversy Over Celebrating Christmas
♦ The Bible Does Not Record YESU's Birth Date:
This is true. The Bible does not specify a date. However, in (Luke 2:10 - 14), the angels announced the joyous news to the shepherds: "Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord." The angels also praised God: "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests."
This passage suggests that the birth of YESU is indeed worth commemorating and celebrating.
♦ The Origin of December 25:
It is true that December 25 has historical ties to the Roman festival of Sol Invictus (a winter solstice-related celebration). This date was later absorbed by Christianity as a cultural element. However, the choice to commemorate YESU's birth on this day highlights the "true light" (John 1:9) entering the world, transforming a pagan tradition into one that celebrates the Savior's arrival.
♦ The Focus is on Salvation, Not Celebration:
As noted, outward celebration without spiritual life is meaningless, echoing (Matthew 15:8) "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me."
Thus, whether or not to celebrate Christmas should not be a matter for condemnation; the real issue lies in truly knowing YESU and living according to His teachings.
2. The Issue of Replacing the Sabbath with Sunday
♦ The Sabbath (Saturday) as an Everlasting Covenant:
The Sabbath was established by God as an eternal covenant during creation (Exodus 20:8 - 11; Genesis 2:2 - 3). Both YESU and His apostles observed the Sabbath (Luke 4:16; Acts 13:42).
♦ No Biblical Mandate to Change the Sabbath:
Sunday is widely regarded by most Christian denominations as the day to commemorate YESU's resurrection. However, there is no scriptural evidence of God changing the Sabbath from the seventh day to the first day of the week.
♦ The Shift to Sunday Was a Church Decision:
The substitution of Sunday for the Sabbath was a later church decision, not grounded in the Bible. A return to biblical teachings and the observance of the Sabbath (Saturday) aligns more closely with God's will.
3. Critique of Double Standards
♦ Comparison of Christmas with Other Faith Issues:
Some Christians harshly criticize the celebration of Christmas, labeling it as heretical, while tolerating errors such as the misuse of God's sacred name (e.g., using "Jehovah" or altering YESU's name to "Jesus" current pronunciation) and the replacement of the Sabbath. This is indeed a double standard.
♦ The Alteration of YESU's Sacred Name:
Changing YESU's name from "IESU" to "Jesus" occurred gradually due to cultural influences. However, should such changes be overlooked simply because they follow "worldly trends"? (Exodus 20:7) warns, "You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God," reminding us to approach God's name with utmost reverence.
4. Practical Suggestions
♦ Returning to Biblical Truth:
On matters such as God's sacred name, the Sabbath, and other core issues of faith, Christians should use the Bible as the ultimate authority, rejecting traditions or cultural influences that conflict with scripture.
♦ Avoid Condemning Others:
Whether one celebrates Christmas or not, (Romans 14:5 - 6) provides guidance: "One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike." Christians should respect each other's choices rather than passing judgment.
♦ Advocating for Restoration:
On issues such as the correct pronunciation of YESU's name ("IESU") and the proper observance of the Sabbath (Saturday, not Sunday nor Friday sunset to Saturday sunset), believers should actively work towards correction while patiently guiding others to understand biblical truth.
5. Conclusion
Celebrating Christmas in itself is not the problem; the real issue lies in neglecting more significant spiritual principles, such as keeping the Sabbath and reverencing God's name. Likewise, core matters of faith should not be compromised; otherwise, it would be akin to "straining out a gnat but swallowing a camel" (Matthew 23:24). Returning to the truth of the Bible is the only way to resolve these controversies.
HalleluJah! Praise the LORD! |
