t3gah said:
Would Jesus approve of a celebration that professes to honor him, yet is steeped in pagan rites and customs?
I will agree about the vulgar commercialism of the season and that it doesn't reflect the true meaning of the holiday....
for Christians. If you aren't a Christian, then it's just a holiday to be celebrated in whatever fashion you choose to....including praying to your Christmas tree.
I don't know of any Christian practicing pagan rites. We put up a Christmas tree in my home because it's decorative and we enjoy looking at it....and it's branches are the perfect place for my nativity scene. I have balloons at my children's birthday parties. What's the difference?
We sing carols honoring the Christ child's birth. How is this a pagan rite?
We give gifts to those who hold a special place in our hearts in remembrance of the gifts given to the Christ child by the Magi. We also give gifts to charitable organizations, both time and money, for that same reason. Many of the good people I know (and not all are Christians) do this year round.
Do I think Jesus would approve? Yes, I do. I don't know why some people take such a gloomy view of God/Jesus. We're talking about a Creator who created a platypus, for heaven's sake! He also created humans and if that doesn't show a sense of humor, I don't know what does!
Do you remember the story in the Bible where Jesus was invited to a wedding? This was before he became famous and known for his miracles, so one must assume that it was because he was a likeable fellow and enjoyed a good party.
In John 12:3-8, Mary pours oil of Nard on the feet of Jesus and when Judas decries the expense, is told by Jesus to leave her alone because we will always have the poor, but not him. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus said "Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Min, even the least of them, you did it to Me."
So if I give to charity or give a gift to a loved one in honor of him, I see no harm.
Melody