Santa

If you state it is "lying", you are basically espousing legalism. What point does one have to be informed that it is fiction in order to not be a "lie"?

 

To lie...is to not tell the truth.

Legalism is when I view my standards as what all others should do, and think less of them if they do not follow me.

I'm not the person in charge of standards. I'm not the standards Cop. We all must set standards on our own. My kids went to Christain school. The school had many standards, but it was not wrong to have those standards, unless they got up and told others only those that followed the school standards were living right with God. The standards are linked to the school, not our walk with God.

My family Standards are the same way. You have your set...I have my own. My set of standards do not apply to you. And your set, does not apply to me. The standards are for those in my house. Your standards are for your house.

Like wise, as my kids grow up, I let them know that my standards are not set in stone outside of the family. They too would have to set their own standards. I also told them, it may not be that same as mine.

All standards should be based on Gods Word. But we should all set standards. Being home at 9pm every night is not in the Bible, but my kids did it anyway, for it was the rule of the house.

If I think I'm a better believer then you, based on the fact I did not tell my kids about Santa, this would be wrong and and into Legalism. And...if you look at me and say you are better then I for you have more freedom, this too would be wrong. Anything that places our standards on another person is wrong.



In Christ...James

 

Webdog:

Lieing is lieing no matter if it is about telling your kids about Santa or who 'didn't take the cookie in a room with only one child in it.

Make believe is NOT the same as lieing unless you tell your kids that Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber are actually real!?

It doesn't matter to me if a parent tells their child of Santa or not.
What I am addressing is that to lead your child to believe something that is not the truth is teaching them to believe a lie. Pretending is not the same as lieing because when one pretends one KNOWS it is not real.

James was right that fiction is something KNOWN as not being truth (with the exception of the Da Vinci Code :laugh: )

I am not making a claim for you to be like me, I was just stating there is no difference to God in a cute fib and an outright lie.

Ok, it sounds to much like a rebuke and THAT is not my intent so I will hush. Just enjoy Christmas in any way your family chooses that will bring Glory to God, and that webdog I'm sure you will do. :thumbs: God bless.

 

A local Community Church is offering free lap sittings.
"Our Community Christmas Celebration will be filled with snow (yes, snow), carnival games, hayrides, raffles & giveaways, carolers, storytellers & food. Santa will be here for free photos with you, too. Don't miss it!"

 

We're big on Christmas, but never did the Santa thing. Never even let the old boy in the house. As jarthur said in his first post (above), praying to a saint who has the power to bless and curse at the day of judgment based on whether a child is just or unjust is sorta-kinda like blasphemy.

My kids are grown now. Did they suffer from Santa deprivation? Except for the one doing twenty-to-life for burning down the old folks home, they're quite normal.

 

Santa leaves us with his presents.
Jesus never leaves us without His presence.

Santa rides a fleeting sleigh without death.
Jesus slays fleeting death without a ride.

Santa pushes himself in through the grate of the home's fireplace.
Jesus pulls ourselves out from the home place of the great fire.

My originals, in case you want to know :smilewinkgrin:

 

Kinda reminds me of the drunk who said "I'd rather have a free bottle in front of me than a prefrontal lobotomy." But I like yours better.

 

I don't know why, but that reminded me of the early web porn filters that would block too many pages due to false positives. Like, for example, you couldn't visit web pages about cockatiels.

 

Do we perpetuate truth when we tell them Jesus was born on December 25th? The source for this supposed truth is from the Catholic Church. We know for sure December 25th is not the month that Jesus was born.

 

What will they think when they come to the knowledge birthdays are not really meaningful after all, as we can just make up some day and month that Jesus was born. Since we don't know for sure the month or the day, they could ask some day, since truth doesn't matter with Jesus, why did you tell us the truth about Santa Claus. We do understand why you told us the truth about Santa Claus, but I just cannot believe you would not tell me the truth about Jesus' birthday.

 

Man just keeps adding to Christmas, doing what we want to do, and not doing only as He requests. The whole world will "frown" on us as individuals, and as a church if we don't join in this festive time.

The striped "candy cane" did not show up until sometimes in the 20th century. The canes were just plain white canes before the 1900. All man seems to do is continue as they wish. If we observe Christmas we should know what we are observing. Christmas does not have its origin in scripture but its beginning is the "Mass of Christ", or as we know it today a Holy Day known as Christmas. Christmas cannot be found in the Bible but a good Encyclopedia will lead us to its source.

Do this in remembrance of me doesn't sound like Christmas to me.

 

Perhaps the most sensible reply yet Jerome. We do worldly things in the world. We should leave "superstition" in the world, and not endeavor to bring it into worship of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Santa is man made for little children, and is not of "divine authority. Why would a "church" bring Christ into "mass" for a Holy Worship Day for Christmas is not of "divine authority? Only a "church of superstitions" would dare do this. I suppose so very many believe the "bread and the wine" are just not enough.

 

Uh,...What ...ummm... goofball do you know that perpetrates the myth December 25th is Jesus birthday. In my 32 years of life I personally have never heard such non-sense. We REMEMBER Jesus birth NOT celebrate it as if it actually IS His day of Birth. Everyone I know of believer and non alike KNOW it is not the day of His birth. Neither is Easter the DAY of His resurrection but is done to REMEMEBER His resurrection.

Do you not remember the scripture '...do not pass judgment on each other concerning ... holy days...' Each my esteem any day as he wishes as long as it gives all honor and glory to God and its results are our thankgiving and praise unto Him. So even if we switched those days with some other the Christian does it as unto the Lord and as a testimony before the world. Christman and Easter are the two times a year that for only a moment the world is open to hear the story of the birth of Christ and story of the that Resurrection day. Will we as christians turn our backs on so great an opportunity to testify as a Church and in our personal lives that people may actaully hear the TRUE story of Christ verse that which the world delutes.

I believe in my Savior and not the 'magic' of the seasons (Santa & Easter Bunny).

What do you mean

That is absurd since Christ IS that divine authority with in the Church! EVERY DAY is of DIVINE AUTHORITHY when we honor and give glory to Christ. Do you not know this??? God didn't command the church to honor any day as revered above another but any day we do so choose to hold as 'unto the Lord' THAT day is to be so honored NOT because of the day but why and what that day is about. JESUS, JESUS, JESUS!

 

ituttut:

Please don't take what I wrote as harshly as it sounds. I just re-read it and I am somewhat stunned at how it come out. My appolgies here in for what I should have read and EDITED to better tone it down.

IF you can, just read it more conversationally, but I would understand any remarks that may come as if I 'intentally' ripped into you. That was NOT my intent brother and again I appologize for its tone.

 

Then why do you remember it as His birthday, if it is not? If I knew you, and sent you a birthday present, remembering your Birthday two or three months afterwards, wouldn't you be calling me a "goofball", and with cause. If I really KNEW YOU, I would never do such a thing to let you know how uncaring I was.

So we join with the Catholic church in order to conform to the world? Is not His only request to us not enough. Evidently not, for we will "walk by sight", for faith just will no longer cut it.

Happy days are here again, away with the "faith" before Christmas came. Cut down the tree, or better yet get something artificial. We nail it down so it won't fall, and we'll put presents to others and ourselves under this wonderful monument that man will have us do. We'll have all types of things on it to be pleasant to our eyes. And now we will bow down to this tree with our gifts to each other. Oh what a fine Holy Day we had last Christmas. I got a New Car, and she a New House, and our little lovely just everything the world has to offer. We are so blessed.

In my 78 years of life I continue to be amazed by fellow Baptists. Baptist's, Presbyterians, and Methodists in the 1800's did not accept Christmas Day to be Holy. We know the other two, as churches are quickly departing from the faith. We seem to be the last, but we see now what would be unbelievable 40 or so years ago, as we completely immerse ourselves into Easter by believing a "Friday" crucifixion, and now even moving to observe "lent". We are wearing the little "trinkets" of Crosses, and little pagan fishes, and afraid to leave the house without them. The "beads" will be next.

Are you unaware that just about the whole world observes Christmas? Everybody but Christians seems to be aware this is a "worldly event" brought into the world by "worldly people". Are we not now of the World in trying to bring our God to sit down next to their God/s on their "Birthdays".

Then why do you defend and observe them in the spirit of your religion?

But you my friend did not choose the day, and neither did your church. It is another "church" you believe, and you believe as that other church. Are you not versed in the fact the Catholic church brought into existence Christmas, and Easter? They have chosen for themselves and any that believe as they to remember in their "mass" the Lord's Supper by joining those idols worshipers in their celebrations to their god's, on the day's chosen by them. That is the only way the Catholic church could get them to join the Holy Catholic church.

All the churches (denomination's) that left are now going back to their "mother". Of the millions, or billions on earth in the time of Noah, only eight (8)souls were saved. Does not scripture tell us it will be as in the days of Noah when the end comes? Have we forgotten His only request to us to remember Him, and how we are to do it. As oft as we will. If this is it in communion with the god's of man, on the days of their choice, is it then as oft as we will, or "oft as they will"?

Does not just about all the world honor this "Holy Day"? Who is it that hates Christ, and His blood? Isn't it the world? What if December the 25th was really the birth date of God? Would the world accept it? "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him", I John 2:15.

Show me scripture to back up all your claims. One, just one will do where He asks we remember His birthday. If He does, won't it be to His liking to at least have it in the month He was born?

 

Hello ituttut,

I have read this post and the next long reply to Allan. I understand where you are coming from, and I agree with a few things. Yet, you act as if you think I have not study this on my own. This would be wrong for you to think this. if you read my post, you would see I am not a clone on this. I cannot speak for Allan, but it looks like he has given it some thought as well.

I know I have gave this great thought and study. I do take a stand on things and it would be wrong of you to say I only try to blend in with the world. I did not make my reasons to "fit in", but I found reason in history that you have yet to address. Also, I found Bible reasons, if you care to read the rest of the book you quote in your sig, (Gal) you will understand my meaning

Yes, but I am not bound to the thoughts of the past. Away in the Manger was a beer drinking tune, but it was changed into a song that gives God the Glory. "Danny Boy" is another song that the words were changed and is now song in some churches. Organs use to only be used in pubs and bars, but many Churches have organs. We are not bound to the way others have used things...what do we do with it..that is what counts. Therefore..I have a reason to have a candy cain...and my reason brings glory to God.

Sad but true. But Sin comes from the heart, not from a object.

I agree. I have my reasons. And for you or any other to claim I must follow the RCC if I observe Christmas, would be wrong.

Yes...but what does it mean to me? If you hold that the RCC owns the rights to Dec 25th, I can understand why you do not like Christmas. Please don't tell me I must take on these views as you have. I place my own values on that day, and it happens to be the day My LORD made, so I will rejoice and be glad in it.

You are right on this. Tell me...were there any feast in the Bible?

It may not to you. I maybe wrong, but it seems like to me, you have let the devil take a day from you. I can praise God on the 25th and sing a song about Christ birth and this does not make me join the RCC. I can read the story of Christ birth and say.."if you turn the candy cain upside down you have a "J" for Jesus...and this does not mean I worship Mary. I can give a gift to my girls and this does not mean I gave to the RCC.

Sin is not a candy cain. Sin is not a day. Sin is not a tree. Nor is sin lights and the colors red and green. If I do not have those things in my house, does not mean I will not sin. Sin is not a odject...that can be removed...or picked up..nor is it food we eat. Sin is in ME!!

Its my heart that sins. Its why I do what I do that makes my actions sin. I can go to church and sin, if I go just to be seen in my new shirt and shoes. So in many cases some do things for the wrong reasons at Christmas. If I put up a tree and worship it...it is sin. If I see a day as "holy"...I for one think its sin. But because I put up a tree, does not mean I worship it. Because I call the 25th of Dec "Christmas" does not mean it hink it is holy.


But notice this....if I think that same day (25th) is evil, this is just as bad. A day is not evil. The word "Christmas" is what I make it to be in my heart. It does not have to mean what the RCC says it means. Just like the organ, it can be used for good.

In all of life, give God the glory.



In Christ...James

 

No need Christian friend. Very seldom do I read beyond what I am answering, so did not see this additional post until now. Who doesn't on occasion let off some steam. It allows me to do the same thing. Thanks for your tender heart, but I am not that fragile. I am not above being bruised, or to bruise, and see we are probably not too much different, as the moment is past with no harm done.

I know I "look to be far afield" on this, and probably other things I have been shown, so I'm used to having fast balls come my way. I'm expecting to play (converse) with you again, if not here, I'm sure we don't agree on all other things.

 

Hello James.
I'll apologize for I see I have hurt you feelings, but not for what I posted. I hope you will accept that apology. If you care to look back on what you have posted it is all of what you have decided, and not what is contained in His Word.

I'll just take your 1st post on page one. This was what I was addressing (all your posts) as your posts give the impression it makes no difference this Holy Day with no scriptural reference comes to us by man, and not from God. This is what I was trying to point out.
"God can be replaced by Santa", and "Santa is a lie...God is truth". Does this make a statement? I believe it does. On this Holy Day of man it is OK to replace God (the truth) with Santa (a lie).

This is what I meant by saying "Man just keeps adding to Christmas", and bringing into our churches things beginning with man to replace, or add to the things of God.

Amen! What comes out of our mouths, is what is in our heart.

I just commented that the CC is the origin of Christ's Mass.

I pointed out things I know are true, and wasn't sure if you knew. I'm sorry in explanation you thought I was trying to ram truth down your throat. I have no desire to try and limit your freedom to believe as you wish.

And you are right, and have forced me into preaching mode. Please notice all I am giving you is scripture, and not my own thoughts. I am not mad at you or trying to force anything on you, but just pointing out what scripture has to say.

The "covenant" people of God under the Law had "feast's" that God said they would keep, and they agreed, making covenant to obey God. These "feast's" pointed to our Lord Jesus Christ. He gave Himself for us; He did all the "work", and never asked us to do but one thing and told how to do it. With the "bread and the cup", do this in remembrance of me. Are we satisfied with Jesus? Not if we believe man.

The "feast's" looked forward, and we are to do the same. The New Testament began at the Cross and He wants us to "remember" what He did for us at the Cross, and commune with Him in the Spirit. I believe this is what Christians are to do, and not go back into Old Testament times and remember Him. He is our Lord Jesus Christ alive seated next to His Father in heaven, and not some ordinary man that is dead to be remembered with a "fleshly birthday" after He as man died. "And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 16. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19. To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation", II Corinthians 5:15-19.

God bless you in Christ James. I do not find December the 25th evil. You in Christ, and me in Christ. I find each day in Christ better than the day before. December 26th will bring forward a day better than that day man has made Holier than the next day, and that day would not be Christmas if the CC had not started it. This is what I cannot go along with.

I see nothing wrong with "Santa" for the "kids" as long as we say it is for "Santa" and we all are happy on a man made day, to be happy in what we do, not trying to bring God over to sit next to the Sun God. Things such as this were the down fall of Israel, as it is the first on the list of the Ten Commandments.