Christmas

[dre91]

Does anyone here still celebrate Christmas?

[Craig]

Sure do.

Craig

[Rene]

Does anyone here still celebrate Christmas?

It depends on how you define "celebrate."

I came home to visit my mother and I will be attending a family dinner at a relative's home.  I am also contributing a dish to that dinner.

I no longer decorate my home for Christmas, nor do I participate in the "gift exchange" ritual.

Since most people are off from work this time of year, I look forward to spending time with people I do not get to see often.  However, I do try to avoid "celebrating" the comercialism and pagan aspects of this and other holidays.

René

[eskimojerry]

Merry Christmas everyone, have a great day. We are celebrating the birthday of Jesus today.

[geokuhns]

There's not much about Christmas that I enjoy except for family get togethers.  I do think the Christmas music is the most enjoyable of the year. I wake up with a Christmas song playing in my head and it continues all day long.

Here are some thoughts from Ray on the subject.
Christmas?
http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/topic,2759.0.html
http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/topic,2855.0.html

Happy Holidays!

[Gina]

There's Dre91!!  It's so nice to see you!  (I used to be on as GinaMilan.)  I hope all is well with you.

[Deborah-Leigh]

W-Wa-WOW...that's a Time warp~

Wasn't ready to meet you then ...things... sure look different now~ LOL

[onelovedread]

I celebrate Christmas as a family event and we do exchange gifts. No BMW's or Lexus's but maybe a pair of leather gloves or a wristwatch, things like that. And we do kind of eat a big meal. Many in my family are sort of "traditional" Christians, and do not agree with Ray's teachings. I don't try to convince them but leave it all to God and ask Him to show me how to be an effective ambassador for Christ. I love Christmas Carols and I enjoy driving around in the nights to look at the lighting displays.

[Dave in Tenn]

One thing I noticed the last time I was in church for a christmas reason--it was probably the only time of the year where the gospel was preached concerning the salvation of all, even if it was in song.  These days, I just pray it 'sticks'. 

As a family holiday, at times it goes too far around here, but it is what it is, and I am what I am...it's been like that for 40 years (well  before I believed in Christ the Savior of the world) and I have no power or authority to change it in my personal family dynamic.  I think my views will evolve as I learn what it means for ME to be in--but not of--the world.

[octoberose]

Yes, and I hope you all have a lovely Christmas evening. I like Christmas. I like decorating my house and spending time deciding on gifts for loved ones-I don't buy anything out of obligation. I love a great deal of the music. I have found sweetness and hope in Christmas Eve services. It can be a reason to meet your neighbors or reconnect with friends. It is what we make of it. Do I believe for a second Jesus was born on the 25th of December? Of course not. But the world is hearing and looking, so I'm all for that. I've been able to give gas and food money to people with family in the hospital because this is one time of year when the need becomes better known, or maybe it's when they are more likely to accept a gift. Yes, I like it and celebrate it. Ive heard the controversies, read the reasons to nix not just Christmas but birthdays and anniversies. But weather we celebrate on a day, or do not celebrate, let's do both to the Lord.

[River]

On any day somewhere, a person turns on lights, spends time with family, eats, prays, and gives gifts. Things being assigned labels and dates changes nothing. Celebrate life and each day/moment as it is prepared before you.

Psalm 118:24 This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

[Gina]

I love that, River!

[Gina]

That too, JFK! lol

[Gina]

I celebrate Christmas as a family event and we do exchange gifts. No BMW's or Lexus's but maybe a pair of leather gloves or a wristwatch, things like that. And we do kind of eat a big meal. Many in my family are sort of "traditional" Christians, and do not agree with Ray's teachings. I don't try to convince them but leave it all to God and ask Him to show me how to be an effective ambassador for Christ. I love Christmas Carols and I enjoy driving around in the nights to look at the lighting displays.

That's me.

[longhorn]

Yep.  Drank a cold beer and listened to Bing Crosby sing White Christmas.........although Christmas just hasen't been the same since O'l Bing left us.

Longhorn

[musicman]

I had to take part in the gift giving and wrapture and everything this year due to being in a relationship.  No church though.  Thank God for that.  Did help decorate a christmas tree though.  Pagon or not, it's a great time of year.

[gmik]

We celebrate the american national holiday of trees/decorations/gifts/santa/food/family.....(just like the muslims up the street do-very secular)

it isn't remotely a religious thing for us---I think that bugs me more than anything...like for example "don't take Christ out of Christmas"  America as a culture is so schizophrenic about this time of year...lets be greedy and want things we don't need but oh yeah, sweet baby jesus too...

ha

I really do love this time of year...memories of christmas past I guess.

[Gina]

I'd be happy to just get together with people I feel comfortable with and eat (their) food (I'm not the greatest cook, though I make a killer lasagna) and talk and watch movies or something.  Forget the presents.  If anyone feels they have to give me a gift, they know:  Give that girl a gift certificate or plain ol' money and she'll buy her own crap.   

(Ahhh?  See how you are, Gina?   )

Sure doooo.

hehe

[GaryK]

Does anyone here still celebrate Christmas?

Why do you ask?

[River]

I don't get that JFK, I mean I know the pagan Christmas, I've educated myself on it. But what is the picture worth a thousand words thing about? I mean Hitler was wearing clothes also right? You get me?