The Holiday Debate Updated.

Every year it comes and goes.

Xmas Versus Christmas.

Easter Versus Resurrection Lord's Day.

The Evils of Halloween.

So what is a Christian to do? What is the Church's position? And how are we, as Christians, to act?

Here is the Big Deal in a nutshell: Basically it is "Christians majoring in minors." So what people call it XMAS or Holidays rather than "Christmas." Are we so surprised that sinners do what sinners do? The bigger question is how are you promoting Jesus everyday? Not just on Sundays or Holidays to suit your traditions.

So what that some holidays have their roots in evil? Shouldn't we redeem them, and make things Christ-like?

Colossians 2:16 says "Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration, or a Sabbath day."

Seems I don't see too many New Moon holidays (unless you count that book/ movie series).

So what is one to do? Well Phil. 4:8 says "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

All parents need to decide what is best for their children - as to what holidays they celebrate and what ones they will not and which honors Christ. We, as a Church, to help make suggestions.

Then comes the "But ..." But doesn't celebrating promote "Satanism?" That is why we, as Christians, need to be the Hands and Feet of Jesus. Be in the world, not of it. We can celebrate - have fun - even have halloween alternatives, trunk or treats, goto parades, or even practice dress up. (My family hosted local kids and took them trick or treating in our neighborhood - with friendly customes etc. No demons etc.) Our church hosts an early Harvest Party and we have people at the annual Mummers' Parade.

What about Christmas and Easter? We celebrate the focus of Jesus. That is the main point. Now, personally, I celebrate Jesus coming EVERYDAY - don't you? I'm thankful for His Grace given to me.

Every year this debate comes up. In fact someone just this week called celebrating "Halloween" - "the Festival of Death.".  We, as Christians, need to recognize there are several things that make up we as people. The first is genetics. (I was born ugly - probably going to stay ugly LOL). The second is the environment (Music, peers, computer, TV, parents have an influence on a person). Otherwise why would they pay for millions of dollars for a 30 second AD? (Just 30 seconds influences people - especially during the Super Bowl). And Finally - there is the Will. We choose to sin or not sin. Most people like to blame their parents, or environment or something else (Isn't that why Oprah exists? or Dr. Phil?) Ultimately though people don't just say - Oh, I didn't get that Big Wheel when I was 5, so I killed 10 people. No, you killed 10 people because you choose to. (Idiots)

So, as Christians, we need to be salt and light. (Matthew 5:13-16) If you are celebrating any holiday - do it responsibly that Jesus might be glorified. Sometimes I wonder why we major in minors. We get upset over things like holidays, meanwhile our neighbors are going to hell. Lost souls aren't learning about Jesus. I'm more concerned over my neighbor than I am over someone calling a thing "Christmas" or Xmas. In the scope of eternity - it is mere semantics. We shouldn't be surprised that unbelievers do what unbelievers do. We need to be Jesus in all things.

So with that in mind; am I celebrating Easter, Christmas, Halloween? No. I'm celebrating God's GRACE given to me everyday. I just partake in the festivals to help point people, to well, Jesus.

How about you?

Tired of the debates?

Here is some food for thought:

1. Should Christians celebrate Easter, Christmas?

II. How about Halloween?

III. How are you pointing people to Jesus?

IV. What do you think of the debates over XMAS versus Christmas?

V. What about the Easter Bunny and Santa?

In all things may God be glorified. (1 Peter 2:12)