CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE: 2nd Week of December (Part 1)

CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK: First, I want to ensure the readers of this post that I am not an atheists. I am a Spirit-filled retired Baptist Pastor. I do a lot of reading, studying and I am an author of many books. Honesty, I am not always excited and emotionally fulfilled at the truth of God's Word in which I uncover. But God's Word is absolute and He never asks me how I might feel about it. After 42 years of pastoring there are two truths about people that remain constant. (1) "People will believe everything you teach as long as you teach what they already believe." (2) "People are more EMOTIONALLY bound to a belief than they are INTELLECTUALLY bound to it. This is why people say "I don't care what the Bible says or what you are teaching, this is what I feel to be right."

We are in our 2nd week of December and the stores are full of shoppers getting ready for the big day. I would like to issue a challenge to those who are curious for truth and facts. This challenge is not for the intention to bring condemnation, guilt, or accusation, so don't allow yourself to get mad. This is my way of getting some people educated about the upcoming season. Here goes. I challenge anyone to study the Word of God in Matthew 2 and Luke 2 with an open mind and find any "reason for the season." Then go to other sources and study the history behind the holiday. Find out what is truly worshipped on December 25th. Try not to be overcome with the emotional and mental ties of the season that might blind the truth. Look on the web, the Encyclopedia, or other sources.

Why do I do this? I refuse to keep silent when well-meaning believers consistently and emotionally state that "Jesus is the reason for the season", or that "Jesus' birthday is December 25th", or that we should not use "X-mas" because we are taking Christ out of His birthday and season.

WARNING: Don't research this if you already have your mind made up about Christmas and nothing anyone can say will change it. Or if your argument is "I've heard it all, and nothing changes what I believe." Remember, we as believers are responsible to God for truth received, to act on it. I know some may unfriend me on Facebook, social media platforms, and my website over this, because after all, it is easier to unfriend me then to take an honest look at the holiday we worship. But please don't. If you disagree with me, just consider me an over-zealous religious fanatic that will move on to another Biblical topic soon.