“Do some Christmas traditions have pagan origins?”

Posted on December 6, 2012 by Dr. Mike Harmon


 There is no doubt that some of what we now refer to as Christmas traditions can be traced back, in some form, to pagan cultures and celebrations. The ringing of bells, for example, is generally thought to have had its origin in the early pagan winter celebration of ringing of bells to drive out evil spirits. In later centuries, bells were rung on Christmas Eve to welcome in the spirit of Christmas with joyful noise (Psalm 95:1). When Christians enjoy the beauty of a glorious bell choir ringing Christmas carols, we are reminded of the coming of Jesus into the world, not the driving out of evil spirits.

Similarly, there was an early pagan tradition of lighting candles to drive away the forces of cold and darkness. However, is it likely that our hearts are drawn to those early pagans rather than rejoicing in our Savior, the Light of the World (John 1:4-9) as we light candles? Of course not. Nor is it likely that when I give gifts to my loved ones at Christmas, the gifts will have less significance to either of us because some Druid somewhere in time offered a gift to his goat as part of some pagan ritual. No, we remember, as we should, the gifts given to the Christ-child by the Magi (Matthew 2:11). Jesus was the greatest gift ever given, and therefore His birth is worthy of celebration.

So obscure are the beginnings of many Christmas traditions that reference books and internet sites contradict one another on the details. Some of our most popular and beloved Christmas symbols are entirely Christian, and were never part of any pagan religion anywhere. At the same time, some Christmas traditions undoubtedly do have their origins in the pagan past. What is important is not the origins of traditions, but their significance to us today as believers in the Son of God. December 25 was not mentioned in the biblical narrative as the day Jesus was born, and, as such, we cannot be dogmatic about it one way or the other. But even if the date is completely wrong, there is still the opportunity for thousands of people who wouldn’t go to church any other time of the year to go on Christmas day and hear the gospel of Christ.

If you are fully convinced that you cannot, in good conscience, observe a particular Christmas tradition, do not observe it. If you are fully convinced that a particular tradition is too steeped in paganism to honor God in any way, by all means forsake that tradition. At the same time, if you are fully convinced that you can honor and worship God through a particular tradition, honor and worship God (Romans 14:5)! For Christians, Christmas traditions can be an important part of the celebration of the birth of our Savior, and they remind us of that momentous event that changed the world forever. More importantly, they bring to mind the miracle of new birth He created in us when He came into our hearts, saved us from our sins, and made us children of God by the shedding of His blood on the Cross (Colossians 1:20). It is this amazing truth that enables us to say with the angels, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14).

Posted in Apologetics, Guest Contributors | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

GRIN AND SHARE IT: “Squirrels”

Posted on December 6, 2012 by Dr. Mike Harmon

There were three country churches in a small Texas town: the
Presbyterian church, the Methodist church and the Baptist
church. Each church was overrun with pesky squirrels.

One day, the Presbyterian church called a meeting to decide
what to do about the squirrels. After much prayer and
consideration they determined that the squirrels were
predestined to be there and they shouldn’t interfere with
God’s divine will.

The Methodist group got together and decided that they were
not in a position to harm any of God’s creations. So, they
humanely trapped the squirrels and set them free a few miles
outside of town. Three days later, the squirrels were back.

It was only the Baptists who were able to come up with
the best and most effective solution.

They baptized the squirrels and registered them as members
of the church. Now they only see them on Christmas and Easter.

Posted in Grin and Share It | Leave a comment

“Is it wrong to say ‘Xmas’ instead of ‘Christmas’?”

Posted on December 5, 2012 by Dr. Mike Harmon


 There are many who view the word Xmas as part of an overall “war on Christmas.” They view it as a blatant attempt to take Christ out of Christmas. While it is undeniable that some use Xmas in that manner, the actual origin of the word Xmas has nothing to do with taking Christ out of Christmas.

In Greek, the original language of the New Testament, the word for “Christ” is Χριστός, which begins with the Greek letter that is essentially the same letter as the English letterX. So, originally, Xmas was simply an abbreviation of Christmas. No grand conspiracy to take Christ out of Christmas. Just an abbreviation.

But there is no denying that there is a trend to, in a sense, take Christ out of Christmas. In pursuit of tolerance, inclusiveness, and political correctness, some are attempting to obscure the Christian origins of Christmas—as if our society’s materialism has not already obscured the meaning of Christmas. Whether they refer to it as “Xmas” or “the winter holidays” or something else, some will not be satisfied until the celebration is entirely secularized. In response to this, rather than getting angry or complaining about the use ofXmas, we should be sharing the love of Christ through word and deed.

Posted in Apologetics, Guest Contributors | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

GRIN AND SHARE IT: “The Impatient Holiday Shopper”

Posted on December 5, 2012 by Dr. Mike Harmon

An impatient woman was waiting in the check-out line
at a shopping center. Her arms were laden with a mop
and broom and other cleaning supplies. By her actions
and nasty tone, it was obvious she was unhappy about
the speed of service.

When the cashier called for a price check on a box of
soap, the woman remarked indignantly, “Well, I’ll be
lucky to get out of here and home before Christmas!”

“Don’t worry, ma’am,” replied the clerk. “With that
wind kicking up out there and that brand new broom you
have there, you’ll be home in no time.

Posted in Grin and Share It | Leave a comment

“How wise were the Wise Men?”

Posted on December 4, 2012 by Dr. Mike Harmon

 We assume that there were three wise men because of the three gifts that were given: gold, incense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). However, the Bible does not say there were only three wise men. There could have been many more. Tradition says that there were three and that their names were Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, but since the Bible does not say, we have no way of knowing whether the tradition is accurate.

It is a common misconception that the wise men visited Jesus at the stable on the night of His birth. In fact, the wise men came days, months, or possibly even years later. That is why Matthew 2:11 says the wise men visited and worshiped Jesus in a house, not at the stable.

We know that the magi were wise men from “the East,” most likely Persia, or modern-day Iran. This means the wise men traveled 800 to 900 miles to see the Christ child. Most likely, the magi knew of the writings of the prophet Daniel, who in time past had been the chief of the court seers in Persia. Daniel 9:24-27 includes a prophecy which gives a timeline for the birth of the Messiah. Also, the magi may have been aware of the prophecy of Balaam (who was from the town of Pethor on the Euphrates River near Persia) in Numbers 24:17. Balaam’s prophecy specifically mentions a “star coming out of Jacob.”

The wise men were guided to look for the King of the Jews by a miraculous stellar event, the “Star of Bethlehem,” which they called “His star” (Matthew 2:2). They consulted with King Herod in Jerusalem concerning the birth of Christ and were so directed to Bethlehem (Matthew 2:4-8). They followed God’s guidance joyfully (Matthew 2:10). Their gifts for Jesus were costly, and they worshiped Him. God warned them in a dream against returning to Herod, so, in defiance of the king, they left Judea by another route (Matthew 2:12).

So, the magi were men who 1) read and believed God’s Word, 2) sought Jesus, 3) recognized the worth of Christ, 4) humbled themselves to worship Jesus, and 5) obeyed God rather than man. They were truly wise men!

Posted in Apologetics, Guest Contributors | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

GRIN AND SHARE IT: “Tension”

Posted on December 4, 2012 by Dr. Mike Harmon

There was a church where the preacher and the song leader were not
getting along. This began to spill over into the worship service.

One week the preacher preached on commitment, and how we should
dedicate ourselves to service. The song leader then led the song, “I
Shall Not Be Moved”.

The next Sunday, the preacher preached on giving and how we should
gladly give to the work of the Lord. The song leader then led the song,
“Jesus Paid It All”.

The next Sunday, the preacher preached on gossiping and how we should
watch our tongues. The song leader then led the song, “I Love To Tell
The Story”.

The preacher became very disgusted over the situation, and the next
Sunday he told the congregation he was considering resigning. The song
leader then led the song, “Oh, Why Not Tonight”.

As it came to pass, the preacher resigned and the next week informed the
church that it was Jesus that led him there and it was Jesus that was
taking him away. The song leader then led the song, “What A Friend
We Have in Jesus”.

Posted in Grin and Share It | Leave a comment

“Should we give gifts at Christmas?

Posted on December 3, 2012 by Dr. Mike Harmon


 Many people take the idea of gift giving at Christmas back to the scripture in Matthew 2:10-11which talks about the Magi (wise men) giving gifts to Jesus at his home: “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.”

The Bible gives a wonderful story about the gift God gave us—Jesus Christ—and we can use it as an opportunity to present the gospel and to show love. Giving and receiving gifts can be part of fulfilling what Paul says about giving in 2 Corinthians 8:7-8, “But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving. I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others.” Paul was talking to the churches who were giving him gifts (financial) so that he could keep on in the ministry. We can apply this same lesson to our own lives by giving to others, not just at Christmas, but year round!

So, can gift giving become the focus of Christmas instead of thanking the Lord for the gift of His Son (John 3:16)? Absolutely! Does giving gifts have to take away from the true meaning of Christmas? No, it does not. If we focus on the wonderful gift of salvation the Lord has given us (Isaiah 9:6), giving to others is a natural expression of that gratitude. The key is our focus. Is your focus on the gift, or on the ultimate gift-giver, our gracious Heavenly Father? “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights…” (James 1:17).

Posted in Apologetics, Guest Contributors | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

GRIN AND SHARE IT: “The Christmas Tree”

Posted on December 3, 2012 by Dr. Mike Harmon

There were two blondes who went deep into the woods
searching for a Christmas tree.

After hours of subzero temperatures and a few close
calls with hungry wolves, one blonde turned to the other
and said, “I’m chopping down the next tree I see. I don’t
care whether it’s decorated or not!”

Posted in Grin and Share It | Leave a comment

“Was Jesus born on December 25?”

Posted on November 30, 2012 by Dr. Mike Harmon


 Speculation as to the time of Jesus’ birth dates back to the 3rd century, when Hyppolytus (ca. 170-236) claimed that Jesus was born on December 25. The earliest mention of some sort of observance on that date is in the Philoclian Calendar, representing Roman practice, of the year 336. Later, John Chrysostom favored the same date of birth. Cyril of Jerusalem (348-386) had access to the original Roman birth census, which also documented that Jesus was born on the 25th of December. The date eventually became the officially recognized date for Christmas in part because it coincided with the pagan festivals celebrating Saturnalia and the winter solstice. The church thereby offered people a Christian alternative to the pagan festivities and eventually reinterpreted many of their symbols and actions in ways acceptable to Christian faith and practice.

December 25 has become more and more acceptable as the birth date of Jesus. However, some argue that the birth occurred in some other season, such as in the fall. Followers of this theory claim that the Judean winters were too cold for shepherds to be watching their flocks by night. History proves otherwise, however, and we have historical evidence that unblemished lambs for the Temple sacrifice were in fact kept in the fields near Bethlehem during the winter months.

The truth is we simply don’t know the exact date of our Savior’s birth. In fact, we don’t even know for sure the year in which He was born. Scholars believe it was somewhere between 6 B.C. and 4 B.C. One thing is clear: if God felt it was important for us to know the exact date of the Savior’s birth, He certainly would have told us in His Word. The Gospel of Luke gives very specific details about the event, even down to what the baby was wearing – “swaddling clothes”—and where he slept—“in a manger” (Luke 2:12). These details are important because they speak of His nature and character, meek and lowly. But the exact date of His birth has no significance whatsoever, which may be why God chose not to mention it.

The fact is that He was born, that He came into the world to atone for our sins, that He was resurrected to eternal life, and that He’s alive today. This is what we should celebrate, as we are told in the Old Testament in such passages as Zechariah 2:10: “’Shout and be glad, O Daughter of Zion. For I am coming, and I will live among you,’ declares the LORD.” Further, the angel that announced the birth to the shepherds brought “good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10). Surely here is the cause for celebration every day, not just once a year.

Posted in Apologetics, Guest Contributors | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

GRIN AND SHARE IT: “The Haircut”

Posted on November 30, 2012 by Dr. Mike Harmon

A pastor, known for his lengthy sermons, noticed
a man get up and leave during the middle of his
message. The man returned just before the conclusion
of the service. Afterwards the pastor asked the
man where he had gone.

“I went to get a haircut,” was the reply.

“But,” said the pastor, “why didn’t you do that before
the service?”

“Because,” the gentleman said, “I didn’t need one then.”

Posted in Grin and Share It | Leave a comment