By: Bro. Sunday Eyanrin (Evangelist)
Download Lesson
Brethren, as we gradually approach the end of the year, precisely the month of December. It is proper that we remind ourselves as Christians to stay clear from the crazy pagan festival popularly known as Christmas.
Christmas has being widely acclaimed by the so call Christians and heathens as the birth day of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, which origin and history has no biblical prove.
The Holy Scriptures warned in 2 Cor. 6:17-18: Therefore “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.” ‘I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Cor. 6: 17-18.
INTRODUCTION
When we enter the month of December every year, millions of people all over the world believed that Christmas, the birthday celebration of our Lord Jesus Christ is here again. However, they have not stopped to consider the origin and history of Christmas. We take so many things for granted, and never ask this silent questions.
Where did Christmas come from? Who authorized it? Many people will quickly say it was ordained by God. Today, we are going to deal with some facts about the origin and traditions of Christmas which most people take for granted, yet no Scriptural foundation.
WHAT IS CHRISTMAS?
The word Christmas is derived from two distinct words.
- CHRIST
- MASS
“CHRIST” “The Messiah” a word that represents the Hebrew “Mashia” the Aramaic “Meshiaha” and the Greek “Messias” (John.1:41, 4:25) (KJV) is a transcription of the Greek word, thus “Messiah” is a modification of the Greek form according to the Hebrew. The basic meaning of the word is “Anointed One” “CHRIST” is the English form of the Greek Christo’s which means “Anointed”.
WHAT IS A MASS?
Mass is defined as a ceremony in honour of “CHRIST”. The word “CHRISTMAS” means MASS OF CHRIST. CHRIST – MASS is a religious Service observed in commemoration of the Birth of ‘‘CHRIST’’, the word CHRIST + MASS was later shortened to be “CHRISTMAS”. The Roman Scholar James Cardinal Gibbon, admits that the mass in “CHRISTMAS, is derived from the Sacrifice of mass in honour of CHRIST.
(The Book Faith of our Fathers page 335) ”CHRISTMAS” Then literally means ” CHRIST’’ ‘‘MASS ” Or the MASS Of ‘‘CHRIST’’, and properly denotes a Mass said and performed in honour of ”CHRIST”. ”CHRISTMAS’ is therefore a repetition of the Sacrifice of ”CHRIST”. Each time a mass is said, CHRIST is re-sacrificed. The bible teaches that CHRIST Was offered Once for the sins of the world.
Hebrew. 7: 26 – 27.
For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.
WAS CHRIST BORN ON 25TH DECEMBER?
Since the bible is the only Christian guide and authority in religious matters, it is appropriate that we go to the bible, the book of books to find an answer to this unavoidable question.
THE BIRTH OF CHRIST MATTHEW’S ACCOUNT MATT.2:1-12
Matthew 2:1-4
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: 6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd my people Israel.'”7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” NKJV
Matthew 2:9-12
9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.
NKJV
THE BIRTH OF CHRIST LUKE’S ACCOUNT – Luke 2:1-14
Luke 2:1-
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savoir, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” NKJV
HOW DECEMBER 25TH DID BECAME THE BIRTHDAY OF CHRIST?
Since the Bible, the Inspired word of God is silent about the date and month of Christ Birth, as recorded in Matthew.2:1-12, and Luke.2:1-14, it has become Necessary that we find out how 25th December became the Birth day of our Lord Jesus Christ as acclaimed by the Denominational Christian Religious World.
“PLEASE NOTE’’ The observance of ”CHRISTMAS’‘ as the Birthday of CHRIST Is not taught in the Bible, either by Direct command, Approved Apostolic Example, or by Necessary inference.
THE VOICE OF HISTORY
History reveals that in A D 38, when the Church began to grow, there was a great persecution against the Church at Jerusalem, Judea and beyond, that the Jews persecuted the Church, thereafter, the Roman government in collaboration with the pagans. Now it happens that Nero began to throw those who are followers of Christ into the lion arena, the Roman courts declare safety for those who denounce Christianity, those who refused to denounce their faith in Christ died a horrible death, some into the lions mouth, some killed by the sword and some burnt in the fire. The persecution was so great that the Church went into hiding.
VOICE OF HISTORY
History reveals that in 354 A D Bishop Liberious of the Roman Catholic Church embraced the pagan festival of the Sun god which is celebrated 25th December, to be the Birth day of Christ. Therefore adopted 25th December as Christmas in honour of the Birth of Christ.
It is interesting to note that 25th December Celebration of Christmas, not only did the day coincide with the Roman Celebration of Saturnalia, but other pagan deities are directly connected to this date. (Facts are contained from the Encyclopaedia Britannica)
SOME FACTS WHY CHRISTIANS CANNOT CELEBRATE CHISTMAS
- The origin of CHRISTMAS IS born out of Heathenistic Paganism, and not from God.
- The Observance of December 25th as the Birth date of ”CHRIST” is of the Roman Catholic Authority, and not from God.
- The Observance of December 25th as the birth day of CHRIST, is an act of Spiritual adultery.
- If Christmas is not from paganism, why are the Masquerades rolled out on Christmas day Celebration?
- Why are Idol worshipers involved in the Christmas celebration?
CONCLUSION
After a careful study of the Holy Scriptures, and history, it has been proved beyond all reasonable doubt, that the origin of Christmas, the widely acclaimed birth day of Christ is born out of heathenistic paganism and not from God. Celebrating Christmas therefore, is a Sin. II John 9
2 John 9
Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.
NKJV
WARNING TO TRUE CHRISTIANS
Apostle Paul by the inspiration of God warned in Gal. 4:8 -11.
But then, indeed, when you did not know God, you served those which by nature are not gods. 9 But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years. 11 I am afraid for you, lest I have laboured for you in vain.
NKJV
In 1 Peter.2:9 – 10, The Scriptures Declared.
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. NKJV
Download Lesson
