It seems that many church leaders at that time in history thought that many holy persons were conceived and died on the same day of the year only years apart. This was Hippolytus' thinking. If there was a tradition that came from Mary as to the date of Jesus birth, that may have played into this, too. But I am not aware of anything that was recorded of Mary's contribution to the knowledge concerning Jesus' birth day, childhood, etc. I would think that there was most likely an oral tradition known by the apostles and disciples in those early times.
We do have Mary's contribution to the Gospel writers Luke and Matthew as each of these begin with the annunciation and birth of Jesus. Regardless of whether Hippolytus was correct or not in setting Dec. 25 as Jesus' birth day, His birth is worthy of being celebrated and we have no prohibition in Scripture to not celebrate it. It does seem that historically the pagan celebrations in December came later than what Hippolytus introduced as the day of Jesus' birth.
With all this said, I do know that Paul instructs us to utilize the liberty we have in Christ whether to celebrate certain holy days, events, etc. or not to do so. He says each believer is to act according to their own conscience which the Holy Spirit renews in believers, and not let our exercise of Christian liberty bring another believer to stumble. These directives from Paul in Scripture should be our guide in matters such as this topic of celebrating Jesus' birth. Let us all be charitable with one another as we each allow the Holy Spirit to work His will in us.
And to end this, I will say that I wish everyone here a very blessed and joyful celebration of the coming of Jesus' as a babe and the astounding truth that at His birth He was "God with us" and will always be "God with us."
Thank you Gigi for sharing your thoughts on this subject. From what I glean from it, your observance of this season, setting up a tree, etc., stems from a long-standing practise, even from your childhood. So, I can understand why it would seem natural and proper to continue the tradition in remembrance of our Lord.
So, your perspective would be different to mine, in that I had no such upbringing, where the traditions of a decorated tree, Father Christmas, gifts, etc. were totally absent. This was largely due to our strict Christian Brethren upbringing, one of the branches of Christianity that does not hold to observance of such events. So, I guess it would stand to reason that our understanding from the Scriptures, of history, and what is appropriate Christian application would vary, sometimes a great deal. Some might say, that I have softened in my understanding and acceptance of those who do celebrate the season; but I would think that that 'softening' is more to do with learning how God's Word specifically directs us to understand & apply matters that are not disclosed to us in the Word. Or, as one aged pastor often said, "Let us major on the majors and minor on the minors", as far enforcing teaching or being critical of others.
Anyway, I hope your family will enjoy a precious time together, which might even be a catalyst for a spiritual awakening or renewal for those not truly embracing our Lord in their lives. Blessings.
Thanks for sharing your perspective on this subject and now I know more of your upbringing.
I think in every believer's life there are specific things and practices that remind us of spiritual truths. These things I have mentioned do just that.
In reading the OT God instituted many practices and utilized objects within the tabernacle that were reminders of truths to the Israelites. I think of the golden lampstand, the table with show bread on it, the mercy seat, the priestly garments, etc. that reminded them of God's holiness and also pointed forward to Jesus so that the Jews of His day and all who read the New Testament, especially the book of Hebrews, can come to understand how these objects and practices were a foreshadowing of Who the Messiah is and what He will do/did.
And at the Last Supper, Jesus used bread and wine to symbolize the New Covenant that advented with His death and resurrection. Whenever we celebrate the Lord's Supper we commemorate this covenant and remember His saving work for us.
It seems that many church leaders at that time in history thought that many holy persons were conceived and died on the same day of the year only years apart. This was Hippolytus' thinking. If there was a tradition that came from Mary as to the date of Jesus birth, that may have played into this, too. But I am not aware of anything that was recorded of Mary's contribution to the knowledge concerning Jesus' birth day, childhood, etc. I would think that there was most likely an oral tradition known by the apostles and disciples in those early times.
We do have Mary's contribution to the Gospel writers Luke and Matthew as each of these begin with the annunciation and birth of Jesus. Regardless of whether Hippolytus was correct or not in setting Dec. 25 as Jesus' birth day, His birth is worthy of being celebrated and we have no prohibition in Scripture to not celebrate it. It does seem that historically the pagan celebrations in December came later than what Hippolytus introduced as the day of Jesus' birth.
With all this said, I do know that Paul instructs us to utilize the liberty we have in Christ whether to celebrate certain holy days, events, etc. or not to do so. He says each believer is to act according to their own conscience which the Holy Spirit renews in believers, and not let our exercise of Christian liberty bring another believer to stumble. These directives from Paul in Scripture should be our guide in matters such as this topic of celebrating Jesus' birth. Let us all be charitable with one another as we each allow the Holy Spirit to work His will in us.
And to end this, I will say that I wish everyone here a very blessed and joyful celebration of the coming of Jesus' as a babe and the astounding truth that at His birth He was "God with us" and will always be "God with us."
So, your perspective would be different to mine, in that I had no such upbringing, where the traditions of a decorated tree, Father Christmas, gifts, etc. were totally absent. This was largely due to our strict Christian Brethren upbringing, one of the branches of Christianity that does not hold to observance of such events. So, I guess it would stand to reason that our understanding from the Scriptures, of history, and what is appropriate Christian application would vary, sometimes a great deal. Some might say, that I have softened in my understanding and acceptance of those who do celebrate the season; but I would think that that 'softening' is more to do with learning how God's Word specifically directs us to understand & apply matters that are not disclosed to us in the Word. Or, as one aged pastor often said, "Let us major on the majors and minor on the minors", as far enforcing teaching or being critical of others.
Anyway, I hope your family will enjoy a precious time together, which might even be a catalyst for a spiritual awakening or renewal for those not truly embracing our Lord in their lives. Blessings.
Thanks for sharing your perspective on this subject and now I know more of your upbringing.
I think in every believer's life there are specific things and practices that remind us of spiritual truths. These things I have mentioned do just that.
In reading the OT God instituted many practices and utilized objects within the tabernacle that were reminders of truths to the Israelites. I think of the golden lampstand, the table with show bread on it, the mercy seat, the priestly garments, etc. that reminded them of God's holiness and also pointed forward to Jesus so that the Jews of His day and all who read the New Testament, especially the book of Hebrews, can come to understand how these objects and practices were a foreshadowing of Who the Messiah is and what He will do/did.
And at the Last Supper, Jesus used bread and wine to symbolize the New Covenant that advented with His death and resurrection. Whenever we celebrate the Lord's Supper we commemorate this covenant and remember His saving work for us.
Got to go. Rosie is up and running.
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