In pagan Rome the 25th December was known for the celebration of the birth of the Sun god. Pope Julius I brought about the substitution of this celebration with a ‘Christ-mass’. This came about due to Constantine’s counterfeit ‘conversion’ after which the leaders thought of the ‘Christ-mass’ celebration as a vital part of the process of converting the pagan world.. [italicized part quoted from the Christianity Today website which was set up by those with Church of Rome connections]
Alas, Constantine and friends and their modern day counterparts missed the most important part. The only true way of “converting the pagan world” comes about through the simple message of the Bible that:
- Everyone chooses to sin. All are sinners. Isa 53:6, Rom 3:23
- Sin results in separation from God and spiritual death. Rom 6:23
- Christ paid the penalty for our sins in a once for all, never to be repeated sacrifice at Calvary. Heb 9:28; 10:12 [1-18]
- Salvation is a gift, accepted by faith. It cannot be earned. Eph 2:8,9
In attempting to coerce people to become ‘Christians’ through the use of the ‘Christ-mass’ Constantine and friends [and their modern day counterparts] commit the most un-Christian, un-Biblical and blasphemous thing they could do – just as they do any and every time they partake in a “mass”. A mass, in effect, involves the re-crucifying of the Saviour – whereas Hebrews 10:12 says “But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever…” Christ was sacrificed once. Satan must rejoice every time sincere, well-meaning people ignorantly carry out a ritual that puts Christ back on a cross but still leaves them guilt-ridden, wondering, hoping they are saved. But they are still lost and without Christ if that is all they are putting their trust in.
The Bible’s message is that because Christ “offered one sacrifice for sins for ever” anyone may accept by faith God’s gift of salvation. There is certainly nothing we can add to it.
To think about:
- The wise men gave gifts to “the young child”; How come people give gifts to each other?
- Beware of quotes like this from Grapevine magazine, Issue 4, 2006:
“Soul-search: He who hasn’t got Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.” ≈ Well meaning but missing the mark because of what’s outlined above. - May the Spirit of Christmas bless you abundantly.
≈ Well meaning, but if it’s the spirit of the discussion above I wouldn’t want it, thanks. - We hung God’s Gift on a Tree. Have you received Him yet?
≈ Now we’re starting to get a bit closer.
These sayings are clever – but do they convey enough truth?
Last but not least:
It was never the Saviour’s birth that God asked us to remember – but Him (the Lord Jesus Christ) and His death. Note these verses:
Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come. (1 Corinthians 11:24-26)