Christmas Questions

[Salty]

1) Thoughts about letting your little kids believe in Santa.
2) Thoughts about having a Christmas tree in your church building
3) Thoughts about cancelling services on 25 Dec - since it is Christmas
4) Thoughts about what charities (such as Red Cross, Salvation Army) you would give extra to
5) Thoughts about using the term X-mas
6) Thoughts about how much you should spend for Christmas Presents
7) Thoughts about volunteering at a rescue mission type of ministry on Christmas Eve/Day
8) Thoughts about if we should even celebrate Christmas - since it was based on pagan worship
9) other - feel free to discuss....

Answer 1 or all 9 --- your choice

 

[shodan]

3) Unbelievable that Christians would cancel worship.

8) A lot of misinformed propaganda on that thesis, see: https://www.firstthings.com/blogs/firstthoughts/2009/12/why-is-christmas-on-december-25

 

[annsni]

1) Thoughts about letting your little kids believe in Santa.

We didn't do it but I don't tell other parents they can't do it.

2) Thoughts about having a Christmas tree in your church building

No problem. They look pretty. Our church campus has 2.

3) Thoughts about cancelling services on 25 Dec - since it is Christmas

We did this because when we spoke to everyone (we are a very small church of under 40), no one would be attending because everyone was away. We do still have services at our main campus so we are offering people to go there (and we will be there). We are, however, having a Christmas Eve service.

4) Thoughts about what charities (such as Red Cross, Salvation Army) you would give extra to

I wouldn't give to the Red Cross but we gave to our Thanksgiving offering which was for extra support money for our missionaries and then we also give extra to the local mission that is doing amazing work spreading the gospel and feeding over 3000 people a week.

5) Thoughts about using the term X-mas

Doesn't bother me although I don't do it because I know it is offensive to some.

6) Thoughts about how much you should spend for Christmas Presents

That is up to each family but I don't think that you should go into debt. We set aside money each week so that I have cash to spend at Christmas.

7) Thoughts about volunteering at a rescue mission type of ministry on Christmas Eve/Day

It's a great idea if a family wishes to do so!

8) Thoughts about if we should even celebrate Christmas - since it was based on pagan worship

I'm not a pagan and I celebrate the birth of Christ.

 

[Rob_BW]

5) There is no English ex (X) in Xmas. That is a Greek Chi. It doesn't replace Christ, it abbreviates Christ.

http://www.ligonier.org/blog/why-is-x-used-when-it-replaces-christ-in-christmas/

 

[Rolfe]

My own opinion. Our regional Salvation Army chapter is an excellent organization.

 

[JonC]

1. I have no problem with letting little kids believe in Santa (or the tooth fairy, the Easter bunny, etc.). Children have wonderful imaginations and such traditions can be a healthy part of growing up. The issue is the parents, not Santa. I believed in Santa (as did my son). Ho Ho Ho.

2. I like having Christmas trees in the church. I enjoyed it when we attended a church that had “hanging of the greens”.

3. I do not agree with canceling church on Christmas. It shows a lack of priority and commitment to what is important.

4. March of Dimes.

5. I don’t mind others using the abbreviation. It was not intended to “take Christ out of Christmas” regardless of what some may believe.

6. I spend enough for presents. Those who buy for me should spend more.

7. That would be a good tradition.

8. As Wesley said on his death bed, “The best of all is, God is with us”. I have no problem with people celebrating the Incarnation of our Lord and Savior and setting aside a day for such observance. I also have no problem with people declining to celebrate the day.

 

[HankD]

Personally, I celebrate the incarnation as has been mentioned: The Word became flesh an dwelt among us.

No we are not having a church service but who ever said we need a church building to worship God in Spirit and truth? That is a 24X7 part of our lives.

There is the other aspect of Christmas which is the seasonal winter celebration which we do to a limited extent.

However, I have never bowed down before a Christmas tree and worshiped it or Mithras the sun god.

Merry Christmas?

Or Bah Humbug!

HankD

 

[HeDied4U]

1) Thoughts about letting your little kids believe in Santa. No issues with it. It's all part of the fun of being a kid at Christmas.

2) Thoughts about having a Christmas tree in your church building. I'm all for it. My church has one right outside the main auditorium.

3) Thoughts about cancelling services on 25 Dec - since it is Christmas. I don't think churches should do it, but I won't condemn those that do.

6) Thoughts about how much you should spend for Christmas Presents. I'm notoriously cheap, so I prefer to spend as little as possible. Drove my wife nuts.

7) Thoughts about volunteering at a rescue mission type of ministry on Christmas Eve/Day. Did it a couple of times many years ago. Now that I live alone and don't do much "celebrating," it's something I should look into doing again.

9) other - feel free to discuss.... Christmas lights should be multi-colored, not "clear."

 

[annsni]

9) other - feel free to discuss.... Christmas lights should be multi-colored, not "clear."

Heresy.

 

[TCassidy]

1) Thoughts about letting your little kids believe in Santa.

Harmless part of childhood.

2) Thoughts about having a Christmas tree in your church building

We have several (very big physical plant).

3) Thoughts about cancelling services on 25 Dec - since it is Christmas

Why? All services will continue as scheduled.

4) Thoughts about what charities (such as Red Cross, Salvation Army) you would give extra to

We have an agreement with Red Cross who helps us with beds and blankets for our winter warming station. And we have an agreement with Salvation Army to help with food for the under privileged.

5) Thoughts about using the term X-mas

As Rob said, above, it is not an X (ex) but a Greek Χ (χ) (Chi) and is an accepted abbreviation found in the text of the bible (as ΧΣ when nominative and ΧΥ when Genitive).

6) Thoughts about how much you should spend for Christmas Presents

Never more than you can afford.

7) Thoughts about volunteering at a rescue mission type of ministry on Christmas Eve/Day

Great.

8) Thoughts about if we should even celebrate Christmas - since it was based on pagan worship

Since it is NOT based on pagan worship. That is simply a myth oft repeated by the enemies of Christianity.

 

[Baptist Believer]

1) Thoughts about letting your little kids believe in Santa.

I don't have an issue with the Santa figure, but I would ground it in reality and not simply ride along with the culture. There was a St. Nicholas and we are honoring the spirit of Christian giving by carrying on a cultural tradition.

2) Thoughts about having a Christmas tree in your church building

It's a fire hazard, especially if it is illuminated and the building is closed up for any significant time.

3) Thoughts about cancelling services on 25 Dec - since it is Christmas

You miss the point of Xmas if you refuse to worship.

4) Thoughts about what charities (such as Red Cross, Salvation Army) you would give extra to

The Red Cross has been less than honest about donations I have given previously, so I don't give to them on a normal basis. I just made a gift to the Salvation Army because I know the kind of work they do and fully support their efforts.

5) Thoughts about using the term X-mas

I go out of my way to use the word Xmas so as to dismiss the foolish stories that go around this time of year that "atheists" are trying to "X" out Jesus. Even the spellchecker on my computer know what it means, why don't so many Baptist pastors?

6) Thoughts about how much you should spend for Christmas Presents

The thought and attention to the person must be the most important thing. Money should be used wisely. Never spend yourself into debt and keep in mind what is appropriate. Also, don't be afraid to be generous.

7) Thoughts about volunteering at a rescue mission type of ministry on Christmas Eve/Day

A wonderful idea! An even better idea is to serve on non-holidays when they have a harder time getting volunteer assistance.

8) Thoughts about if we should even celebrate Christmas - since it was based on pagan worship

There's lots of foolishness going around about that. We provide the meaning we want to the holiday. For some it is a holiday of commercial excess. For Christians, it should be a time of joy, contemplation and gratitude.

9) other - feel free to discuss...

I like turtles.

 

[StefanM]

1) Thoughts about letting your little kids believe in Santa.
2) Thoughts about having a Christmas tree in your church building
3) Thoughts about cancelling services on 25 Dec - since it is Christmas
4) Thoughts about what charities (such as Red Cross, Salvation Army) you would give extra to
5) Thoughts about using the term X-mas
6) Thoughts about how much you should spend for Christmas Presents
7) Thoughts about volunteering at a rescue mission type of ministry on Christmas Eve/Day
8) Thoughts about if we should even celebrate Christmas - since it was based on pagan worship
9) other - feel free to discuss....

Answer 1 or all 9 --- your choice

1) I'm not a fan, and I don't encourage it. But I won't make a fuss of it.
2) No problem at all with this. It's just decor.
3) Canceling? Nope. Maybe having one late service in the morning would be good--time to open gifts and things in the morning. I think canceling an evening service is fine to allow people to spend that time with family.
4) No preference. I think it's a individual thing.
5) I have no problem with it as an abbreviation (X, after all, looks like the first letter of Jesus's name in Greek.)
6) I don't have a lot of money, so I just try to do the best I can. Those who can afford more can give more, and if they feel convicted, they should respond accordingly.
7) A good thing to do
8) I don't think the current expression of Christmas is anywhere close to its origins, so I don't have an issue here.

 

[JamesL]

1) Thoughts about letting your little kids believe in Santa.

I did let my 23yo, I was not a believer until he was 5yo.

I did not with my 10yo.

My thoughts about were impacted by a man who simply asked....
If they believe in Santa, who they can't see, and later come to discover he isn't real, and the same with the Easter bunny and tooth fairy, what will they do with Christ as they get older?

2) Thoughts about having a Christmas tree in your church building

"Christmas tree" is a misnomer

Trees are not Christ. Nothing wrong with celebrating a winter festival and including trees and blow-up deer and lights, but they are not Christ - and they should not bear the name Christ

3) Thoughts about cancelling services on 25 Dec - since it is Christmas

I don't like the idea having having "service" at all. Who are we supposedly serving for one hour a week?

4) Thoughts about what charities (such as Red Cross, Salvation Army) you would give extra to

I believe Christian benevolence should go to believers, so I don't give any money to businesses where they're blowing it on unbelievers who by and large are lying about being needy in the first place

5) Thoughts about using the term X-mas

Means nothing to me.

6) Thoughts about how much you should spend for Christmas Presents

I don't spend money on Christmas presents because presents are not Christ

We do, however, celebrate a winter festival with a tree, presents, etc. There's nothing wrong with these secular traditions, just don't confuse them with Christ

7) Thoughts about volunteering at a rescue mission type of ministry on Christmas Eve/Day

I like the idea a lot. I've never done it, but it has intrigued me in the past

8) Thoughts about if we should even celebrate Christmas - since it was based on pagan worship

the whole notion of pagan worship is just that - the worship of false deity

I don't think anyone has any deity in mind when they're blowing up an inflatable Rudolph or hanging lights from their gutters. It's simply secular tradition at this point. It has no religious significance whatsoever

 

[Rob_BW]

It's a fire hazard, especially if it is illuminated and the building is closed up for any significant time.

Good point.

A dry tree is the biggest hazard, so I would hope that any church putting up a real tree has staff on site who can water it daily.

(Ah, found a video from NIST. I toured their facility once, and they even let me stand on top of their reactor. )

 

[annsni]

None of the trees at our churches are live! And all of them get unplugged before we leave.

 

[Alcott]

1) Thoughts about letting your little kids believe in Santa.

I don't think there is inevitably anything wrong with it-- but when they they ask questions such as "How does Santa travel the whole world in one night?" , answer truthfully. IOW don't insult their emerging abilities to reason.

2) Thoughts about having a Christmas tree in your church building

I'm alright with it. I know it comes from a seasonal pagan tradition, and I know what Jeremiah 10 says-- but if you want to take that with all seriousness all the time, then is it wrong to varnish a wooden pew, let alone use a router on it?

3) Thoughts about cancelling services on 25 Dec - since it is Christmas

I'm not in favor of it, but the reality is most people are not going to come. If it's a very small church that would not expect even 10 people to attend, just encourage them to remember to worship in their own homes or groups.

4) Thoughts about what charities (such as Red Cross, Salvation Army) you would give extra to.

I may give to those organizations I know about, but probably not to those I've never heard of.

5) Thoughts about using the term X-mas

To me it's not a problem because I know X [chi] represents Christ. But I had a grandmother who hated that, claiming that replaces Christ with X, as in "Mr. X." It's a matter of perception, and I respect anybody's perception. If a logical explanation is beyond a person, then leave it.

6) Thoughts about how much you should spend for Christmas Presents

Too much indicates you're trying to buy someone's love or respect. Too little indicates someone is not worth the effort or the money. But "too..." is always relative.

7) Thoughts about volunteering at a rescue mission type of ministry on Christmas Eve/Day

That's a good thing under most circumstances.

8) Thoughts about if we should even celebrate Christmas - since it was based on pagan worship

Jerusalem was already a fortified city before David captured it and made it his capital city-- so it's not without precedent that God's People take something pagan and dedicate it as holy [separate] for a worshipful purpose.

9) other - feel free to discuss....

Christmas is excessive.For most people in lands that celebrate it, it does add to happiness, with gifts, decorations, seeing family, being charitable... But for some, it may have the opposite effect, if it's associated with tragedy, disappointment, or knowing it will never be the special time it was before. It's interesting that Sol Invictus [the Unconquered Sun] starts to "return" about this time, and we only need change one letter -- Sun to Son-- to make what ancient pagans celebrated to what we celebrate.

 

[John Toppass]

1) Thoughts about letting your little kids believe in Santa.
2) Thoughts about having a Christmas tree in your church building
3) Thoughts about cancelling services on 25 Dec - since it is Christmas
4) Thoughts about what charities (such as Red Cross, Salvation Army) you would give extra to
5) Thoughts about using the term X-mas
6) Thoughts about how much you should spend for Christmas Presents
7) Thoughts about volunteering at a rescue mission type of ministry on Christmas Eve/Day
8) Thoughts about if we should even celebrate Christmas - since it was based on pagan worship
9) other - feel free to discuss....

Answer 1 or all 9 --- your choice

1.- I had no problem with my children (now grown) believing in Santa. Knowing, that Christ is the reason for the season and Santa was a mere symbol to share with others.

2.- They are pretty so not a problem. Especially, when they are decorated with ornaments reflecting on loved ones and ornaments collected and made by our children and grandchildren.

3. What??? Having the Christmas fall on a regular worship day is such a blessing. I have always felt a special blessing on Christmas Eve and Christmas day when I get to join others in corporate worship of God on these days.

4.- Local Food Bank

5.- Never understood the X part. It is Christmas.

6.- Grandkids are hard to budget for! But, we do not go into debt. As far as myself, I get what I need year around and sometimes what I want. My best gift is the enjoyment of hitting the nail on the head when giving a gift to others or that truly warm hug from loved ones.

7.- Great thing to do, we should remember that volunteer work is needed year around. Harder to get volunteers during no holiday times.

8.- I do not let pagans stop me from celebration of my GOD's handiwork designed to show HIS love for me.

9.- Merry Christmas to all!!!

 

[InTheLight]

1) Thoughts about letting your little kids believe in Santa.

Harmless fun.

2) Thoughts about having a Christmas tree in your church building

Add to the festive atmosphere of the season.

3) Thoughts about cancelling services on 25 Dec - since it is Christmas

Don't like the idea, but to each their own. Our church is canceling the Sunday services on Christmas Day but are having two of them on Christmas Eve. I'm not too thrilled about it.

4) Thoughts about what charities (such as Red Cross, Salvation Army) you would give extra to

I guess Salvation Army because they make an extra effort at Christmas and they are a good charity.

5) Thoughts about using the term X-mas

Doesn't bother me...too much.

6) Thoughts about how much you should spend for Christmas Presents

Use discretion. Don't rack up the credit card bill if it will take you more than one payment to pay it off.

7) Thoughts about volunteering at a rescue mission type of ministry on Christmas Eve/Day

If you can swing it, go for it!

8) Thoughts about if we should even celebrate Christmas - since it was based on pagan worship

We should celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior; December 25th is the tradition, I say go with it.

9) other - feel free to discuss...

.

One strange thing I've noticed, at least in our neighborhood. The people that put up the most outdoor Christmas decorations are the ones I suspect need Christ the most. The people that I know are Christians don't put up much stuff. In other words, the more lights on the house, in the trees, in the windows, the more they need Jesus.

 

[Revmitchell]

Children should not believe in Santa and neither should Santa be in our churches.

 

[Salty]

One strange thing I've noticed, at least in our neighborhood. The people that put up the most outdoor Christmas decorations are the ones I suspect need Christ the most. The people that I know are Christians don't put up much stuff. In other words, the more lights on the house, in the trees, in the windows, the more they need Jesus.

Interesting thought