In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day. Then God said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth”; and it was so. Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also.

-Genesis 1:1-5;14-16

The greatest story in the Universe is recorded in Isaiah 9:6-7

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

-Isaiah 9:6-7

Objection One: Christmas is Pagan.

The name Christmas is a contraction made up of two words:

1. Christ: the Greek Khristos or “Anointed One.”

2. Mass: from the Anglo Saxon word: maesse, which comes from the Latin missa—a form of the verb mittere “to send.”

“Christmas” means: “Christ (the anointed of God) is sent.”

Objection Two: The date of Christmas is a day on which pagan deities were worshipped. Therefore, Christians shouldn’t celebrate Christmas on 25 December.

The pagan deities mentioned by those critical of Christmas are:

1. Tammuz

2. Saturnalia

3. Natalis Sol Invictus

History tells us that the Christians celebrated December 25th as the Birth of Jesus as early as 170 a.d.

The pagans adopted the Christian date—not the other way around!

Objection Three: Jesus said, “Remember my death until I come,” therefore we should not celebrate Christmas.

This is a self-defeating premise because Messiah’s death cannot be remembered without His birth into time and space.

Nowhere in Scripture are we commanded to celebrate the resurrection, and yet the early church was so focused on celebrating it that they moved worship from Saturday to Sunday.

Objection Four: Since shepherds in Israel don't tend their sheep in winter, the Christmas story's shepherds couldn't have been doing so, making December an incorrect date for Jesus' birth.

The shepherds of the Christmas Story were no ordinary shepherds. They shepherded the fields close to Bethlehem where the sheep were raised for the temple sacrifices and thus, had to be closely guarded year round

Objection Five: Christmas trees are pagan.

For the practices 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 cucumber field, 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.

-Jeremiah 10:3-5

This passage is speaking of carving idols out of wood and trusting, worshipping and serving them.

• The real origins of the Christmas tree are rooted in present day Germany around 1419.

• Evergreens represent Christ’s birth and Resurrection, and the branches represent His crown of thorns.

• Lights were added to remind us that light has come in the midst of the darkness and the darkness will never defeat it!

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

-Isaiah 9:2

In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

-John 1:4

Candy Canes

1. The White color represents the purity of Christ.

2. The Red color represents the blood that Jesus shed for our sins.

3. The Stripes represent the suffering of Jesus, including the crown of thorns, the wounds in his hands and feet and the cross.

4. The Crook Shape of the Candy Cane is said to represent the staff used by Shepherds to care for the sheep and Jesus as the Good Shepherd.

5. The “J” Shape of the Candy Cane is said to represent the name of Jesus, who came to earth as the Savior of the World.

The Christmas Story is the Greatest Story in the Universe because it reminds us that the very best stories ring true!

God has placed eternity in the hearts of men.

-Ecclesiastes 3:11

Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

-Luke 2:10-11

We celebrate Christmas to remember:

1. What God has done,

2. What He is doing

3. What He has promised to do, in Messiah, The Hope of Glory.

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