Magazine Articles
2009 November-December
Douglas S. Winnail
Billions of people are caught up in Christmas celebrations each year, thinking “Jesus is the reason for the season” and telling everyone, “Merry Christmas,” but do they really understand the truth about Christ's birth? The answer is right in the pages of your Bible!
Magazine Articles
2000 November-December
Douglas S. Winnail
At year-end, busy shoppers and revelers turn their attention to Halloween, Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations. But how often do they stop to ask "Why?" What do these holidays mean, and do they obscure mankind's attention from more important instructions given by God?
Magazine Articles
2018 November-December
Editorial Staff
How should a Christian approach Christmas?
Question: Does the Bible give any guidelines as to how Christians should observe Christmas?
Answer: Many are surprised to learn that there is neither biblical command nor biblical example supporting the commemoration of the anniversary of Jesus Christ’s birth.
Not once does Scripture record a birthday celebration for or by Jesus Christ. Some wrongly assume that Matthew 2:11–12 is the first occasion of...
Commentary
20th December 2011, 19th December 2015
J. Davy Crockett III
Tis the season—a time for beautiful music, lovely pageantry, parties, fun and family time, the annual bedlam in shopping malls, specialty stores, discount houses and over the Internet.
Commentary
26th December 2009
William Bowmer
From December 26–January 1, several million Americans will be celebrating Kwanzaa, a "harvest festival" first proclaimed in 1966 to celebrate blessings of African heritage. How should we view this recently-devised holiday?
Commentary
06th December 2018
William Williams
Come December 25, someone gets a birthday party! But it isn’t who most people think, as they prepare once again to celebrate Christmas. Along with Easter, Christmas is one of the most recognized holidays on the calendar. Professing Christians worldwide look to its various traditions for warmth, comfort, and inspiration. But, did the first Christians actually celebrate it? Was a Jesus Christ birthday festival—no matter the date—based upon true Christian belief?
The answers to these questions...
Commentary
12th December 2006
J. Davy Crockett III
Tis the season ... a time for beautiful music, lovely pageantry, parties, fun and family time, the annual bedlam in shopping malls, specialty stores, discount houses and now the Internet.
Much of the world is caught up in what is called the "spirit of the season" evidenced by a gift buying frenzy, which often puts the purchasers deep into debt and which fills the coffers of the merchants.
Some folks lament the commercialization of Christmas. "We need to put Christ back into Christmas" is an...
Commentary
23rd December 2010, 24th December 2011, 18th December 2014, 03rd December 2016
Wyatt Ciesielka
Many people realize that Jesus Christ was not born anywhere near December 25 and that Christmas is rooted in ancient paganism, but will still proclaim that Jesus is “the reason for the season.” Is this true? Who is really being celebrated on December 25? Why the evergreen tree? And most importantly, is Jesus Christ really pleased?
Commentary
24th December 2009
J. Davy Crockett III
The sounds, the smells, the colorful lights and decorations; folks being thoughtful and remembering the poor, good feelings all around; what could possibly be wrong with any of this? Short days, cold, long nights can use some brightening up and some cheerful activities, so "Just leave me alone" the devotees to Christmas might say to those who decry the celebrations of the season.
"It's for the children!" many say, as a defense for continuing the observance in the face of all the incriminating...
Magazine Articles
2015 November-December
Editorial Staff
What kind of Christmas are you dreaming of? Should you be dreaming of it?