Dear Brethren and Friends:
Within a few weeks, this world celebrates Christmas. Paradoxically and perhaps surprisingly to many, it is not only the “Christian” world, which observes this popular festival. Many non-Christian nations observe it too—but this fact is not all that startling when we consider that Christmas is anything else but Christian. Its origins are steeped in paganism, and any objective researcher will have to admit this truth. Many don’t care, though, thinking that it makes no difference whether it’s pagan or Christian, as long as it’s nice, fun-filled, family-oriented and, perhaps, resembling the appearance of “some” warm religious “feelings.”
From a strictly human point of view, this concept might even make sense. After all, what could possibly be wrong with a family gathering; a common meal; a beautifully decorated Christmas tree; colorful lights in the front yard; nice carols; the exchange of gifts; donations to worthy causes of feeding the hungry; the smiling faces of children receiving presents; and even the rare walk or drive to a nearby Church service? One would be well-advised, of course, to overlook rampant alcoholism, brutal crimes and strife at home, and the many “nice” fabricated stories about Santa Claus or the little Christ child, which are told to innocent and believing children… but apart from these accompanying circumstances or “excusable” white lies, what could possibly be wrong with observing a most joyous Christmas season—a time of peace and good will toward man?
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