Ezekiel 44:23--"And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and the profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.

Gal 4:8-11 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know God-or rather are known by God-how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? YOU ARE OBSERVING SPECIAL DAYS AND MONTHS AND SEASONS AND YEARS! I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you.

THE PAGAN YEAR. The pagan year usually has four cardinal days, or periods, for celebration; fall; midwinter; spring; and midsummer.

1) The Autumnal Equinox. This is the day (or period of days) in the Autumn when the days and nights are of approximately the same length. This is generally a time of celebrating harvest, but the main emphasis is on the dying of nature and death.

2) The Winter Solstice. This is the day (or period of days) in winter when the days are shortest and the nights longest. This is generally a time of drunkenness, revelry and debauchery. The pagan Romans called this celebration Saturnalia, in honor of their god Saturn, and the festival lasted from the 17th to the 24th of December, with gifts exchanged, especially on the last two days. Then, on the 25th, they celebrated "The Birth of the Unconquerable Sun," as the days began to lengthen and the sun began to regain its dominance (it has been generally believed among pagans that the sun dies during winter solstice, and then rises from death).

3) The Vernal Equinox. This is the day (or period of days) in spring when the days and nights are again of approximately equal length. This is a time of celebrating new life, the resurrection of nature from the dead, and it has typically featured fertility rites, merrymaking, and usually centers on orgiastic sexual activities. In ancient times there was the sacrificing of virgins, the worship of fertility gods and goddesses (Pan, Isis, Demeter, Ceres) and worship of the phallus. "May poles" almost certainly had their origin as phallic shrines, around which orgiastic celebrants danced to honor the male sex organ. Such practices are known to have been featured in spring festivals in ancient Egypt, Babylon, Greece and among the Druids in Great Britain and Europe. Eggs, as symbols of fertility and new life, have always been featured in such pagan festivals, as have rabbits (symbols of vigorous sexual activity and reproduction). Many of these practices continue today.

4) The Summer Solstice. This is the day (or period of days) in midsummer when length of day is greatest and night is shortest. The shortest night (about June 21) was known in Britain as Midsummer Night, and was a time of great revelry, drunkenness and sexual abandon. This was a wild and wicked night, and is the setting in time for Shakespeare's play "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

There were (and are), of course, many other times of pagan celebration in the year; but all existed (and still do) against the backdrop if these four most-significant times. Against this same backdrop, let's examine some of the facts about our holidays and holy days. We will look at CHRISTMAS.

Christmas is one of the most exciting holidays to honor our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and celebrate His birth. But is Christmas about Jesus or is it about Santa Claus, reindeer and elves? Let's take a look at what really happened to Christmas (and don't forget to take a look at Biblical alternatives and ideas for Christmas near the end of this page):

The Christmas Date. We really don't know when Jesus was born; there is neither scriptural nor secular evidence to establish the date of His birth. But we do know one thing about it: IT WAS NOT IN DECEMBER. One reason that this is certain is that when He was born shepherds were "abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night" (Lk. 2:8). And in Israel shepherds have never slept out on the ground with their flocks in December, because it is much too cold. In winter they lead the flocks out in the day time and bring them in at night. During the very early Christian centuries His birthday was not celebrated at all. But during its first 300 years, the true Church in Rome maintained a staunch position against all pagan beliefs and practices; however, many new "converts" were reluctant to give up their familiar celebrations. One of the most popular holidays in the Roman year was the Saturnalia. It was a week-long festival with torchlight processions, gift-giving and merry-making, culminating in a winter solstice feast on December 25, called the The Birth of the Unconquerable Sun. The holiday honored the strength of the sun and the fertility it would soon bring to the earth. In 375 A.D. the (Catholic) church (which was birthed from the merger of paganism with Christianity) announced that the birth date of Christ would be celebrated on December 25 also, and allowed some of the older celebrations, such as feasting, dancing and the exchange of gifts, to be incorporated into the observance of Christmas. The use of greenery, however, popularly used to decorate homes and holy places during the Saturnalia, was still prohibited as pagan idolatry but later over the centruies was also incorporated into Christmas and we have been doing it ever since.

Mistletoe. Mistletoe was sacred to the Druids, and was worshipped by them. They also used it to cast spells, the principal belief being that if they held it over a woman's head she was powerless to resist, and they could then have their way with her sexually. From this comes our custom of hanging it over doorways, and the tradition that if a girl is caught under the sprig of mistletoe she may be kissed and may not resist.

The Yule Log. The Yule Log tradition comes to us from Scandinavia, where the pagan sex and fertiltiy god Jul, or Jule (pronounced "Yule"), was honored in a twelve-day celebration in December. A large, single log (generally considered to have been a phallic idol) was kept with a fire against it for twelve days, a different sacrifice to Jul being offered in the fire on each of the twelve days.

Yuletide, or the Twelve Days of Christmas. The period of twelve days, now counted as the twelve days between Christmas and Epiphany (January 6th), was originally the period in which twelve daily sacrifices were offered to the Yule Log, honoring the fertility god Jule (Yule). When we send "Yuletide Greetings", this is what it means; we are sending greetings in the name of this Scandinavian fertility god and his festival.

Elves. An elf is considered a tree demon. A spirit who lives in the trees of evergreens and a few select others. Druids and common Celtic folk have worshipped evergreens and their spirits that live in them. They go by different names depending on the culture such as: Dryads, pixies, genii, jinn, huldefolk, dwarfs, pixies, trolls, etc.

Santa Claus. Many pagan societies have worshipped a hearth god, clad in red, who came down the chimney to bless those who pleased him and to curse those who didn't. Food and drink offerings were left for him on hearth or mantel, and effort to please and appease him. There are such red-clad hearth gods worshipped in India and China today. Santa Claus, as we know him, is a composite of many (un-Christian) traditions, taking the form in which we now depict him only about 100 years ago. He is clearly supernatural, attended by a host of supernatural elves (spirits), is able to travel over the entire surface of the Earth in a few hours (also climbing down millions of chimneys and back up in this time), and knows whether we have "been naughty or nice." He is known to bless with gifts those who have found favor and are rightly related to him, and to leave bundles of switches for those with whom he isn't pleased. In the fourth century there is believed to have been a bishop in Asia Minor remembered for his gifts to children. Because his name was Nicholas, the name "Saint Nicholas" has been blended into the Santa Claus tradition; but there is nothing even remotely Christian about this red-nosed, fat-bellied, pipe-smoking "jolly old ELF." He is completely pagan in origin, and has displaced Jesus in the awareness and affections of children, becoming the undisputed spirt, symbol and centerpiece (idol) of Christmas.

Christmas Greenery. The carrying in and draping of holly and other evergreen plants has come down to us from the pagan worship of evergreen plants, especially from Druid rituals conducted in mid-winter (late December).

The Christmas Tree (You've guessed it! I got the goods on our favorite, The Christmas Tree! But please don't call me "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas"--I didn't do it!) There are a number of quaint and appealing stories about the origin of the Christmas tree tradition, including an unreliable one about Martin Luther. But towering above all the folk stories, these facts stand, stark and undeniable, on the field of inquiry: a) The Christmas tree has nothing at all to do with Jesus, His birth or His life; b) Since earliest times everygreen trees have been worshipped as symbols of life, fertility, sexual potency and reproduction, and were often brought into the house and set up as idols. The Bible speaks specifically to this pagan practice and comdemns it (Jer. 10:1-5); c) Although some Christians hang Christian symbols on them, most feature snow, icicles, elves and Santa symbolism and have nothing at all to do with the coming of the Savior to redeem lost mankind. The pagans of old have hung apples and other fruit as a food offering and would offer gifts to the tree, which is where we get putting presents under the tree. This was purely pagan in origin.

History of Christmas Celebrations. In colonial America there were no Christmas celebrations; and as recently as 100 years ago such observances and celebrations were against the law (as being pagan and a reproach to the Lord) in many parts of the United States, including most of New England. Now it is against the law in many places to display any Christmas symbolism that is not pagan (e.g. the banning of nativity scenes in many parts of the country)! Santa, elves and fairy craftsmen from the black forest are alright; but the family of Jesus, wise men and shepherds are prohibited. . .especially in New England. How quickly we have reversed our values! It seems obvious that the most significant days in the Christian year have all been invaded by the enemy, bringing in pagan practices and appealing substitutes (jolly old elves, benevolent bunnies, etc.) to take our eyes and affections from the Lord.

Some Comforting Words. It is understood that these traditions are well established in our lives . . . at least most of them. They are often very difficult to give up. Many see the truth of these things and turn immediately and completely away from them; for others it is more difficult. It may take a year for this to become real to you; it might even take longer. Those Christmas stockings our children had used, year after year, with names stitched on them, were dear to us; but allow the truth to be revealed to you, and don't feel desperate if you can't change completely in one day. Commit it all to the Lord and let Him change you, whether it happens instantly or slowly. (Please see "Biblical Alternatives and Ideas for Christmas" near the end of this page!)

Remember--". . . Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. .  But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)

Deut. 18:9-13 When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord, and because of these destable practices the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you. You must be blameless before the Lord you God.

1 Cor. 10:20-21 I say the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord's table and the table of demons.

2 Cor. 6:17 "Therefore come out from them and be separate", says the Lord, "Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you."

2 Cor.7:1 Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

1 Pet. 4:1-3 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do&emdash;living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.

Joshua 7:11-13 (Amplified) Israel has sinned; they have transgressed My covenant which I commanded them; they have taken of the things devoted (for destruction); they have stolen, and lied, and put them among their own baggage. That is why the Israelites could not stand before their enemies, but fled before them; they are accursed (devoted) things among you. Up, sancify (set apart for holy purpose) the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves for tomorrow; for thus says the Lord, the God of Israel. There is an accursed thing in the midst of you, O Israel; you can not stand before your enemies until you take away from among you the thing devoted (to destruction.)

1 John 2:3 We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

John 14:23-24 Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching.

Titus 2:12 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. . .

and John 2:6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.

BIBLICAL ALTERNATIVES AND IDEAS FOR CHRISTMAS

Make a birthday cake for Jesus. The whole family can participate in helping to make (and certainly in eating it!)

Figure out some new, inventive and creative ways of decorating your home without
the use of Santas, elves, mistletoe, etc.

CELEBRATE HANNUKAH! Go to the library and pick up some books on the Jewish holidays!

DO A FAMILY BIBLE STUDY STARTING WITH THE FIRST WEEK OF CHRISTMAS. FOR EXAMPLE:

Dec. 1-Jesus-Eternal with the Father. Read: Revelation 22:13 Have some family time questions and end with family prayer like: Lord Jesus, You always were and You always will be. We cannot understand it, but we believe it and give You thanks and praise. In Your name. Amen.Dec. 2 Read: John 1:1 and 2 , 14; Dec. 3 Read: Colossians 1:15 and 16;

Dec. 4-Jesus-Sent to Save Sinners. Read: Isaiah 59:2; Dec 5 read: Isaiah 53:6 Dec. 6 read: John 1:29; Dec. 7 read: 1 John 4:9; Dec 8 read: John 3:16;

Dec. 9-Jesus spoken of by the Prophets. Read: Isaiah 9:2; Dec. 10 Read: Isaiah 60:103; Dec. 11 Read: Isaiah 49:6; Dec. 12 Read:Isaiah 9:6; Dec. 13 read: Isaiah 9:7; Dec. 14 read: Isaiah 40:11; Dec. 15read: Isaiah 11:1-3; Dec. 16 read: Micah 5:2; Dec. 17 read: Isaiah 7:14;

Dec. 18-Jesus-Born of the Virgin Mary. Read: Luke 1:26-38; DEC. 19 Read: 1:20-24; Dec. 20 Read: Luke 2:1-7; Dec. 21 Read: Luke 2:8-14; Dec. 22 Read: Luke 15-20; Dec. 23 read: Mat 2:1-8; Dec. 24 Read: Mat 2:9-12; Dec. 25 Have family worship, singing many of the Biblical Christmas songs.

REACHING OUT TO OTHERS:

Invite a newcomer. Invite a stranger to dinner, maybe someone who has no other place to go, such as a young woman from a halfway house, a truck driver whose work has left him in your city over the holidays, a couple who just moved into the neighborhood, a foreign student. If you still don't know who to ask, pray to the Lord and tell Him you are willing to bring someone who is hurting or lonely into your home and for Him to bring who He has in mind. You may be surprised and someone will be blessed.

Adopt-A-Prisoner. Remember the children of prisoners in your area. These youngsters often are alone and lonely at Christmas and have little hope of receiving even essentials, let alone such gifts as toys. For information on ways to help children
of prisoners, write to Prison Fellowhip Angel Tree, P.O. Box 17500, Washington, DC 20041.

Christmas time is an excellent time (but better not be the only time) to witness the love of Jesus. Check out the link here for some excellent tracts (and let's not stop with tracts either) for witnessing!

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