By: Bro. Sunday Eyanrin (Evangelist)
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Introduction
As we approach the end of the year, precisely the month of December, millions of people all over the world prepares for the celebration of the widely acclaimed Christian festival called “CHRISTMAS”, in honour of the Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Consciously or unconsciously some Brethren in the Lord’s Church are involved in this celebration, it is on this basis, we have come to expose the facts about Christmas.
Our Focus On This Message
- WHAT IS CHRISTMAS?
- WAS CHRIST BORN ON DECEMBER 25TH?
- CHRISTMAS – WHERE DOSE IT COME FROM?
- WHO AUTHORIZED IT?
- SHOULD CHRISTIAN CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS?
- WHAT IS THE FEAST ORDAINED FOR CHRISTIANS?
- CONCLUSION
What is Christmas
The Word Christmas is derived from two distinct Words.
- CHRIST
- MASS
“CHRIST” – “Messia” a word that represents the Hebrew – Messiah.
The Aramaic – “Meshiana”
The Greek – “Messias”
Messias, is a Transcription 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 Word “CHRISTO’S”, meaning THE “ANOINTED” Read – John 1:41, & 4:25.
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 Catholic scholar James Cardinal Gibbon, admits that the “Mass” in Christmas, is derived from the sacrifice of the Mass in honor of “CHRIST”.
This fact is derived from (The book faith of our Fathers page.335). Christmas – Therefore literally means “Christ’s Mass” or the Mass of Christ, and properly denotes a mass said, and performed in honor of Christ. A mass 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. Heb. 7: 26 – 27.
Heb. 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; 27 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. NKJV
Was Christ Born on 25th December?
Since the bible is the only Christian guide and authority in all religious matters, it is appropriate that we go to the bible, the book of books to find an answer to this unavoidable question.
THE ACCOUNT OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST – AS RECORDED BY MATTHEW IN MATTHEW 2:1- 13
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: ‘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.” 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. 13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.” NKJV
THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST AS RECORDED BY LUKE IN LUKE 1:1 – 12
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 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, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, 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. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, 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.” NKJV
After a careful analysis of the Historical Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Bible account of Matthew and Luke, it is absolutely clear that both Inspired writers were silent about the date, and month when Jesus was born. God in His infinite wisdom kept the date, and month of the Lord’s Birth secret from man.
In Deuteronomy 29:29, the Scriptures declares.
Deut. 29:29 – “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. NKJV
CHRISTMAS WHERE DOSE IT COME FROM?
Since the Bible, the Inspired Word of God is silent about the date, and month of the Birth of “CHRIST” as recorded in Matthew 2:1-13, and Luke 2:1-12, it has become necessary that we find out where does Christmas come from? From GOD or Man?
THE VOICE OF HISTORY ABOUT THE PRESECUTION OF THE CHURCH
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, Acts 8:1-4, thereafter, the Roman government in collaboration with the pagans persecuted the Church.
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 Revealed from the Encyclopaedia Britannica).
WHO AUTHORISED CHRISTMAS?
CHRISTMAS – Came by the Authority of Bishop Liberious of the Roman Catholic Church, who 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 clear that Christmas is from Man and not from God.
SHOULD CHRISTIANS CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS
It is absolutely clear that the observance of December 25th had its origin in paganism. To accept December 25th as the birth day of Christ is to submit to a Roman Catholic Church edict, therefore bowing to the authority of the Roman Catholic Church. It has come necessary that we pounder over the following Questions.
- If Christmas is from God, why is the Bible silent it’s celebration?
- Why did Christ not command its observance?
- Why did the New Testament Church not celebrate Christmas?
- Why did the Apostles of Christ not celebrate Christmas?
In 2 Cor. 6. 14 – 18 – Apostle Paul Warned
14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” 17 Therefore Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.” 18 ‘I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty.” NKJV
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.
WHAT IS THE FEAST ORDAINED FOR CHRISTIANS?
The Lord’s Supper is the only Christian feast Instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ to remember His Death. Matthew 26 – 29. Matt. 26:26-29
26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.” NKJV
THE OBSERVANCE OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
After the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ back to heaven, The Lord’s Supper was first Observed at the Inception of the New Testament Church in the City of Jerusalem on Pentecost day. Acts.2. 36 – 42. and 1Cor.11.23 – 29.
OBSERVANCE OF THE LOD’S SUPPER IS ONLY UPON THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK. Acts. 20. 7.
Conclusion
My dearly beloved brethren, and our visitors. If you have carefully listened to this life changing message on Christmas, you will agree that Christmas is not from God, but man’s innovation, from heathenistic paganism. Therefore, God warns in Rev. 22:18 – 19. The only remedy is absolute repentance. Lk.13:3&5, Acts 17:30 -31, Acts 22: 16.
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