We gave up Christmas and holidays 20 years ago. It was the most freeing thing we have ever done. No longer doing something just beacause the world told us to do it. We still give our chidren and grandchildren presents. When we see something they would like we give it to them at anytime of year. Such a fun surprise.
Thank you. I thought about the jammies, socks and blankets I give each year and how to that without the holiday fanfare. The kids love those things and they are practical gifts.
It is confirming to see the Holy Spirit convicting more and more people to drop the pagan filled traditional holidays. He started dealing with me about them in the mid 1980s. I gave up everything at that time...except Christmas. He finally convinced me about that one, too, in 2001. So, 2000 was our last Christmas.
@@tabandken8562 Please clarify. What was a demonic spirit? The spirit telling me to quit pagan filled traditional holidays? Or whatever it was that caused me to hold on to Christmas? ...which probably was a spirit that kept reminding me of all the warm, comfortable feelings associated with my memories of happy Christmases of the past.
Oh goodness, it's so refreshing to hear you talk about this! We last celebrated Christmas in 2016, so this is our 7th year without it also! We actually addressed this on our TH-cam channel and it really seemed to make quite a few of our viewers uncomfortable. Some assumed that we must not believe in Jesus as our Savior if we don't celebrate his birthday. I love the way you convey your thoughts with confidence and strength, but also with soft words and a lot of humility. What a strong testimony, sister! 💕
About ten years ago I asked God to purge my life of all things “worldly”. He took me through EVERYTHING from the music, the tv, the entertainment, the holidays, etc. it was a massive purge! Throughout the past decade He has guided me to bring back some things, and He has also solidified me stepping further away from others. We “celebrate Christmas” very differently than we used to in some ways, but brought other things back in as I felt God’s permission to. I think the biggest thing is the heart! That’s why I feel like God has us all on our own unique walks; He knows that each of us needs something a little different to get our hearts in the right place. Thanks for sharing your journey with us.
I do know that the Lord has been showing me the Holy Days in His Word for a reason. I’ve always wondered about Sukkot the Feast of Tabernacles, and I did try my best to partake in Yom Kippur the Day of Atonement. It’s like the world is upside down. I told my hubby and he still wants to have a tree, and that’s his decision. But I did decline to my mom taking our son to get Santa photos, she is very confused. Please pray for our families to understand and to honor the decision not to partake. Thank you sis for giving your experience with this journey. May the Lord bless you 🙏✝️🩷🩷🩷🩷
I agree. So my last 🎄christmas was in 2005, and I will definitely say that it took me a lot of time to be able to communicate to others that I don’t celebrate it.
Once you go down the Christmas origins rabbit hole you can't look at a Christmas tree or Christmas songs again without getting a queasy stomach. Standing your ground and not caving to participate is the challenge. 😭
Jesus celebrated many holidays. Passover, Hanukkah, and such. To me Christmas is about getting together with family and sharing a good meal. I also love giving my loved ones a well thought out gift. I love to give to them. Jesus is all about relationships and family and that is what Christmas is to me. A day set aside to honor our family and friendships. We also honor Jesus on that day. I live alone and look forward to getting together with extended family. If it wasn't for the holidays, I doubt my extended family (brothers sisters, nephews, nieces, grandparents) would ever get together again. I think it depends on your mind set.
Jesus was all about teaching the people to follow God's laws instead of men's traditions/laws (Matt 5:18-.19) All but one of the holidays the scriptures reveal that He celebrated were God's appointed times (Lev 23). The only one mentioned in scripture of Him celebrating that was not was Hanukkah. As far as the warm fuzzies of family, see what Jesus says in Matthew 10, specifically verses 21-22, 34, 35, and 37. Continuing to put the traditions of men over God's preferred behavior for us to follow is disobedience. There is nothing in scripture that says He likes it when we put our feelings and traditions above His word. However, it does depend on your mind set - you get to choose. (Deut 30:19-20)
@@calichigalyou have a perfect answer, thank you for speaking the truth, satan does not like it, but those of us who set Him Jesus first do. Thank you, Lord!
Sister, this will be my and my family's 8th year not celebrating Christmas and THIS YEAR the Lord is convicting me of not telling loved ones that we don't celebrate chirstmas. I mean, I've left subtle hints before, but I was hardly bold about it... What confirmation you're giving me right now!!! Every year we've had to come up with something as to why we're not able to spend the day with them, and we had to come up with something without lying, because I was not going to LIE! But that in itself is also not right and I realize that now. At the end of the day, it only matters what God thinks. Love you, sis'! Celesté
This video was answered prayer. We decided to stop christmas this year and it has been rough. I was feeling very defeated this morning after all the conversations with family members even the people that seem to support it said stuff that still hurt my feelings so I prayed about it and decided to put some uplifting worship music on and your video popped up. It was alot of what ive been struggling with. I was deeply convinced about doing christmas but was having second thoughts because of how others where making me feel. I felt like i had to go in detail to get them to understand and accept it. My 9 year old watched it with me and we are both excited about tomorrows video. Thank you so much.
I think one goes through a grieving process when you stop and family can get down right cruel when you tell them you aren't participating. It's definitely a sacred cow and believers get to ruffled and defensive vs respecting spiritual boundaries. My heart goes out to you. It's not easy. I've caved for a few years, but I just can't stomach it any longer. - Heather
@@openlybookish You nailed the grief part. Grief over the conviction to change and grief over open eyes seeing the holidays as the Lord sees it. double grief.
It took me about 3 years to finally let it all go. The bondage of tradition is really strong, and now that it's been completely severed (in my life), it's so freeing not being bound. Go with your conviction and see the transformation in your life. ❤
Yes. Yes to all of this. We didn't live near family when we stopped Christmas, and our extended family has sort of seen a more gradual letting go than it actually was. What I struggle with now is grandparents and extended family who still want to celebrate with our children. I'm not really sure what to do with that. Especially since we are living with extended family and not in our own home.
I am today, where you were seven yrs ago. This august I was convicted about the holidays and it’s been a heartbreak but freeing at the same time. This message is very helpful to me. How I can tell my conviction rather than talk about biblical facts and history. It’s a challenge at times but I feel better about following my conviction than worldly traditions. 💛
We quit Christmas 4 year ago, and I too was the crazy Christmas lady 😂 So happy to hear from someone like minded. So far, I have not met any Christian who has also quit Christmas.
What do you mean by quitting Christmas? Do you mean quitting to celebrate the birth of Jesus? Do you mean quitting the worldly festivities, such as santa claus, Christmas trees, Christmas lights, etc?
Totally overthinking it. How bout focusing on the peace on earth, good will towards men, and just be in a happy spirit because it's a fun holiday. How bout that...I don't think God is bent out of shape about the origins of Christmas. And I don't think not celebrating is going to get you any God brownie points either. It's about being good to one another and often this season brings out the better in people.
I think no matter how well we try to express our convictions for giving up the season/day with family and friends there will be a disconnect. All of the sudden they get defensive as to why they don’t have a problem partaking in it. We’re 4 years removed from it and when my husband tried to explain to his mother she got very quiet and simply said “I don’t agree”. Can’t control how people are going to respond.
Stopped Christmas about 24 years ago. When I was young, my Mother kept saying we shouldn't be celebrating this holiday, this included Halloween, Easter and Valentines Day. Yet, we did, I think she let us because I lost my Father at age 8 and she probably didn't want us to be left out of stuff. Then, I get married and my husband says the same thing, we shouldn't be celebrating these holidays. Well, over the years, it kept bothering me, I guess the Lord was working on me. In 1999, our last Christmas, my youngest, 17 year old son says, you know we should be celebrating Christmas. Ok, that did it, no more. I do not regret it at all. I tell people as a Christian I do not want to celebrate because they are pagan and if you look into them their orgins you would see too. Thank you for this video.
I dont do the tree but I celebrate the his coming which led to the cross. I just try to keep Jesus as the reason for the season. So Merry Christmas everyone.
We still celebrate Christmas, My husband and I haven’t had a conviction to quit it, at least not at this point. It’s also not an idol in our family or life style. We’ll see what God does in the future.
Absolutely same here! And his birth was absolutely celebrated! Also sometimes I celebrate my kids birthdays on different days and yet our hearts are still celebrating them!! Just a fifteenth day! The lord knows our hearts! It definitely matters HOW we celebrate and that's with everything in life! My personal opinion however we all need to go with what we feel our convictions are!!
Agree. I’ve not been convicted to not celebrate Jesus’s birth. Even if it’s not on the exact day He was born I find celebrating his birth is very important. And I know you say in your video that you aren’t judging people who do, but when you say why you’re not doing something with a laugh in a way it comes across as judgmental. I also don’t understand at the end you stated you were celebrating your TH-cam anniversary. How is that not worldly but celebrating Christ’s birth is? This seems hypocritical to me. Just my two cents. I wish you all the best and believe you should absolutely honor your convictions. Just this one seems double edged to me.
Where in the New Testament did the Apostles ever celebrate the birth of Christ? The incarnation was divinely celebrated, but not on any kind of massive scale. Only shepherds were even aware of it, and pagan kings from the East, bowing down to worship that which even they did not fully understand.
I’ve been feeling this conviction too myself lately. I did not decorate at all this Fall or Christmas & not doing any gift giving either. It’s a liberating feeling. I may be “quitting Christmas soon too” Amen 🙏🏻
My husband (pastor) and I quit Christmas 5 years ago for the very same reasons you did. No regrets- After investigating further, I discovered that Jesus' birth occurred in the latter part of September. Nothing the world does regarding His birth is on target. Also, we are instructed through the Word to not put one day above another. We should be honoring His birth every day because with His birth we have gained heaven through the gift of salvation. Love your channel-
What is beautiful about that is when you realize it probably coincided with the Fall Feasts and Emmanuel, God with us came to earth as His temporary dwelling to dwell among men, born in Bethlehem, the City of Bread, as our Messiah, the Bread of Life. Truly, God is amazing and works all things together so beautifully, it's truly awe inspiring if you strip away all the man-made trappings and traditions. ❤
God bless your hearts. Yes! You are right that his birth occurred around the Feast of Tabernacles. Right again that nothing the world does regarding his birth is right... Let us celebrate his birth, life, death, and resurrection every day and be thankful always for the gift of salvation through his shed blood.
Something I read recently, that made so much sense to me, is that Christmas celebrates the mother and child, not the Father and Son. I believe Catholicism is an extension of Rome, and they do love their mother and most of their traditions are worldly, not biblical, and they have their fingers in most denominations, now, too. A lot of the Protestant denominations are following their lead, and now are just an extension of Rome.
When you say that you don't celebrate Christmas, what does that kind of consist of? Do you mean you don't celebrate the birth of Jesus, or do you mean that you don't engage in any of the worldly festivities, such as Christmas trees, lights, etc.?
@@AM-6030if Jesus was as birthday obsessed as we are, His actual birth day would not be a mystery. Yes, He came as a baby to live as our example , to or for our sins in order to redeem us. The story of redemption is crucial to the Christian walk. I don’t get a tree, I don’t buy gifts for everyone like I used to and I don’t believe in the magic of Christmas. If an opportunity arises for me to bless someone who has nothing and is in need, I do participate year round but that seems to mean more to many during the holidays. I am from a family of occultists and I am the only one saved by Jesus Christ. We know that Christmas is just as important to Satan as Halloween. Once I became fully dedicated to Jesus, I couldn’t continue in the same traditions as before. There’s a reason that SANTA also spells Satan. He is putting in your faces so you can’t say you didn’t know or gave an opportunity to know. I don’t condemn those who do celebrate. It is my conviction and I will honor it.
@@AJvictors I will say this. The angels, the shepherds, the heavens were rejoicing at the birth of Jesus. If anyone was excited, they were. God Himself was happy to know that the Savior would be born to set humanity free from their captivity and that Israel's Messiah has come. I'll just put that on the record to respond to your first sentence. (And as for humans, we do obsess and go bananas over the wrong things oftentimes. I get that. But again, the host of heaven were just thrilled at Jesus' birth. Do you disagree with that?) I appreciate your transparency and your willingness to share about your past. I am so sorry that you grew up in an occultic family and that you are alone in your family as far as being a believer goes. I feel for you deeply. I also totally agree with you that Christmas (Dec 25) is just as important to satan as Halloween is. The world really hijacked a celebration of the birth of Jesus and turned it into a mess. I agree with you. I also agree how "santa" literally is "satan" with the letters rearranged. The truth couldn't be any clearer!
@AM-6030 I agree that the angels rejoiced along with the wiseman. If we knew the true date of the birth of Jesus, it should be the only birthday celebrated. He deserves it. Most Bible scholars agree that Jesus was actually born in the fall. I don't have an issue celebrating Jesus' birth. My issue is combining it with a very pagan, demonic, holiday. Thank you for your kind words. they mean more than you know.
@peacefulslumber3104 It is great to hear back from you again. I'm glad that my message was touching to you and that you did not take offense to it! I agree with you. We should not be mingling that which is "holy" (HOLYday/holiday) with that which is worldly. It's also no mystery that the the world literally calls it "Xmas Day." They are literally crossing out Christ from the day, as is evidenced by how the world celebrates Christmas with Santa, etc. Thank you for your kindness as well, and I hope you will have a wonderful and blessed new year ahead!
My husband and I have been talking about this and thanksgiving. Because thanksgiving should be done everyday. We want to know how to have this conversation with family.
So proud of you! Everything you said I have experienced. Such a blessing not getting sucked into the trappings of it all. God bless you! So glad to see the young ones celebrating the Biblical feasts!❤
Since my best friend and her family "quit" Christmas a few years back, my husband and I have been back and forth about it because i understood the conviction. I couldn't look away from the many reasons to not "celebrate Christmas." I very much appreciate this video. Your willingness to share is such a blessing, and I can't wait to see the rest of the videos this week!!
You have to do what the holy spirit leads you to do. Because at the end of it all , you will be the one who stands before the Lord and gives an account. No one else. 🙏❤️
All glory to God! I think many of us just never think about it or look into it… and then the more you do. 😳😳😳 Yup, it just doesn’t interest me anymore. 🙏🏼💕
I despise the commercialization of celebrating Christmas but I also feel convicted to celebrate Christ's birth above my own. His birth was the beginning of the end of our bondage. How can we ignore His birth, His crucifixion and His resurrection that removed the veil between us and God? I am not trying to be argumentative but these are the convictions I have.
I been convicted about this holiday for many years now but trapped because my husband won’t let it go! I do not look forward to this time. I feel so defeated!
This video came out at such a good time yesterday. My husband and I talked about being gone for Christmas and so when the topic of Christmas came up at two Thanksgivings, I thought we got out of it! My mom texted me and said we’re doing two Christmases in one regular weekend. Not even the extended weekend of Christmas. I instantly felt anxious and sick! Thanksgiving with my family was already not great, and I just wanted to say ‘we’re not doing Christmas this year’ and then I got the notification for this video! So I feel better about quitting Christmas (and my husband is all for it). It made me stop and think more about our why and how I’m going to tell my family why instead of reacting to a text message 😅 I just watched the one of your kids’ take on it and loved it, too. What are some Hanukkah activities you all do? And why or how did you come to celebrate Hanukkah? And thank you for your all your work and telling us how your home has grown in a Christian way! I’m very new to this part in my life and I look forward to your videos! ❤
Do you celebrate your children's birthdays? Curious since birthdays are also not mentioned in the Bible. I'm a little hesitant to not celebrate something due to it not being mentioned in the Bible or not doing something else (more benal, benign, everyday) because it's not mentioned.
The one birthday celebration mentioned that I can recall is Herod's birthday, where he is obliged to serve up John the Baptist's head on a platter... Obviously that one did not end well.
Thank you for doing this video. This is my 1st year not doing Christmas. I'm learning about paganism and the meaning of things (WOW) I never this stuff. Thank you for sharing! ❤
The more the years go by, the less Christmas is anything about Christ. Youre not missing anything. My mother and I haven't had the quitting Christmas discussion yet. I need to have her watch your videos about it first.
I totally feel the same as you! We haven’t been celebrating Christmas since before we had children but it was so much harder once we had children. Thank you for your videos it helps me not feel alone with our decisions in this world ❤
I have no regrets about not celebrating Christmas. We stopped about 8 years ago when my youngest was a year old. The hardest part for me is dealing with people concerning the issue: neighbors, strangers, and family alike. We moved to a new neighborhood about 3 years ago and it was automatically assumed that we celebrated Christmas. When I picked up on the assumption and was asked about it I shared how filled with consumerism it is and how it has nothing to do with Christ. What I’ve come to realize is no matter how well you convey your convictions some people will continue to push the issue in some way. The Lord warned me about the neighbors I moved next to..that they were going to try to force us to celebrate Christmas (and they did try). I was warned at least a year before it happened and had forgot about the warning itself. We have been explaining since 2020 that we do not partake in any holidays and they still ask if we will come to their church for Trunk or Treat. Smh. Some people will feign ignorance in hopes that along the way you will change your mind about the situation. Because of this, I no longer speak with those neighbors and I really feel like I had to do it I really didn’t want to but every time we spoke they were telling us about the holiday taking place at their church and showing up at our door with Christmas presents after being told multiple times we don’t partake in it and after seeing how uncomfortable it made my children and me.
I can't wait to see your video about why you have stopped celebrating Christmas! I have heard that some Christians do not, but the reasons why have not been clear to me... looking forward to your video!
As a gentleman, I've stopped celebrating CHRISTMAS yrs ago like about 30 yrs of no CHRISTMAS, I love your perspective, I'm learning a lot more about our relationship with yours and several other channels I follow ty for a deeper understanding.
While Santa is certainly commercialized, we explained to our kids that he represents the spirit of st. nicholas who was a holy man who served the poor, not a magical figure. You dont have to throw the baby out with the bath water. For those of us who do celebrate Christmas as Christ's birth, we could all benefit from simplifying the holy-day and not partaking of the secular version of the celebration. Ive definitely had to take a step back and evaluate my motivations and expectations for this season.
The catholic church, in 1976- declared there was no St. Nicolas in their church history. He was a myth. Old Nic translates linguistically to Odin- Saturn- Baal- Nimrod.
I would say think the only spirit that should be important, is the Holy Spirit. My brother used to tell his daughter the gifts were from Jesus, Santa just delivers them. So, you want your daughter to believe that nothing is impossible for God, yet, he can’t deliver her gifts, but some magical made up fat man in a red suit can do just that? 🤦♀️
What a timely video to show up on my yt feed. For the past couple of yrs I’ve been internally questioning all the “whys” of the Christmas celebration. This year Im feeling it even stronger - conviction. It didnt even occur to me that it was a conviction until I heard you say it. Many yrs ago when my mother in law announced that they wouldnt be buying Christmas gifts any more and she stopped putting up a christmas tree, I thought how could she not?!? Shes a Christian! We’re Christians! How can we NOT celebrate the birth of Christ!?! We still got together as a family and enjoyed being together and enjoying the foods of the season but no gifts or big celebrations. Most decor I’ve been buying lately for “Christmas” has been mostly geared toward Winter not “Christmas” decor. So I see a shift in my mindset. So now, Im feeling a strong conviction to stop with all of this, but I’ve already bought gifts for grandkids… saving them until birthdays wont work because I’ve bought Winter clothing items (some have warm weather birthdays). I dont know… if I decide to go through with it this yr, I think this will be our last year. I like what my mother in law did with getting together as a family just to be together. I have so many thoughts & questions! I’m looking forward to more of your videos on this topic.
Please may I ask for prayer on this topic. I am currently the only Christian in my family, and have been making it clear that I do not wish to partake in Christmas anymore. My daughter who has a 5 year old of her own finds this really difficult to accept, and I find it difficult to explain properly as they are very anti-religious. Thank you for sharing on this subject, it's nice to know I'm not alone in how I feel. ❤
I quit it 10 years ago. It was very lonely. The hardest thing for me is that my church does Christmas for the entire month of December. Anyone else struggle with this?
@MusicMentory I decided to step away from the organized religion of men back in May. There are no regrets. Yes, it can be a little lonely, but I'd rather be lonely and on the right standing with God than take part in the pagan celebrations of the mainstream church. I understand that struggle.
We actually this month of December are refraining from attending our church because of this…not sure if we’re going to leave completely, just needed to get away for this month with the trees and everything
@@k8schmate Same! We are just not attending during December - not while all the Christmas decorations are up and they are trying to worship Jesus under a pagan canopy.
I’m just wondering if these churches are celebrating Christmas, how else are they misleading the congregation? I also stepped away from organized religion, years ago. Rome has its fingers in all of the Christian organized religions, and possibly others. I am never lonely, though, and I don’t see why you still can’t have the other churchgoers as friends or welcome them to your home for a Bible study, if you are feeling lonely. I do believe Jesus is sufficient enough for me, remember he came to heal people of that loneliness, but I can understand if some people do get lonely and would like some company.
My husband and I are on the same page with Christmas. We enjoy the decorations outside. Because the lights just looks pretty. But we don’t don’t decorate our apartment. We don’t do gifts either. We keep it simple. “My mind set on Christmas Day is that the Word became flash and made his dwelling among us”❤
Thank you for sharing! I received so much confirmation through this video, after being convicted by Holy Spirit, to not celebrate Christmas or Easter anymore.
I wish more Christians understood that Xmas is unchristian but sadly most would still not give up this awful tradition of lumping something pagan with something holy.
I saw your video and it really opened up my eyes as Ive been praying for the lord to do so. I feel like this video was for me! It is now Dec 11 2024 and I have already decided to not participate in Christmas. I have not and will not put up a tree or stockings like i have done for years and it does feel different. I know the Lord will see me through! I dont want to go against the Lord as I have prayed for him to open my eyes and ears to things that he needs me to see and hear and to help me fix things about myself to help serve him better. Thank you for this video!! God bless!
Aside from a person allowing Christmas to become an idol in his or her life, would you not say that the Bible gives the believer the opportunity to set aside any day for the Lord, including Christmas? I believe scripture backs this up in Romans 14:5-6 as well as Colossians 2:16. I’m trying to understand your perspective as I have family members in the same boat as you. Thanks!!
She shared in previous videos that the biggest issue for her was the idolatry of it. She was a huge over the board Christmas type person and it had become an issue. As far as historical topics, there is a whole lot of misinformation on paganism and christmas that aren’t true. My family and I celebrate, but we keep things simple, keep it Christ centered, and avoid all the commercial part of it. I totally understand if it is an issue of idolatry, like alcohol to an alcoholic, best to stay away.
I wish my husband was open to this. I hate the expense and the hypocrisy of it all. If it was actually a time of prayer and fasting in reflection of what Christ did I wouldn’t be so put off by it. People spend so much time and money on useless decorations (of which I can appreciate the beauty of) but this doesn’t translate into greater Biblical literacy or a more reverent people.
I think my husband would be on board, but my younger son would not be, he would be incredibly mad at us for a long time. He loves the surprise of gifts and loves putting up the tree.
@@inchristalone25my 13 year old talked about how he couldn't wait for Christmas since August but when we found out the origins I could not believe how on board he was with giving it up.
Do you observe any part of the christmas season? Fellowshiping with church family or actual family who continue to celebrate it? Or using it as a time to evangelise since unbelievers are more receptive during this time? Also, what do you think about churches who celebrate it? Should we go tell the leadership it is wrong and why, or should we just not participate? Thank you!
In my experience, going to church leadership will not end well, and nothing will change. I feel like it mostly put a target on our backs marked, "dissenters, pot-stirring trouble makers, sowers of discord, unorthodox heathen heretics!"
Christmas has always been a wonderful opportunity for all of our extended family to see each other together in one place. Do yall still show up to the extended family Christmas get-togethers?
I stopped in 2021 the same year I got saved, praise God for giving me discernment by His Spirit within me to show me the dark side of all the holidays and the true significance of His holy feasts. Since God showed me, it was my responsibility to heed His warning. And that's my conviction: to follow God in the light of His truth by His Word or continue following the world in the dark? The biggest thing for me every day to practice is: since I'm no longer blind, I want to stop pretending to be. Grateful for your channel about being open about it. I'm excited to hear what your children say about it because if I ever have kids in the future I would like to hope that they will blessed by it as well 🙏🤍🌼 and not feeling "robbed of a childhood" like other people try to argue. I just think of it as still making good, yet different memories? 😂 However, I struggle with the family aspect. If that's the only time I get to see my unbelieving family members all in one place, then yes, I will be there bringing Christ's light into the dark as His vessel. Just knowing what is ok to partake in & what's not.
I got convicted only 2 weeks ago, it's been overwhelming learning about the origins of not only this but so much else. My 16 year old had questions so I let him do a research project on the origins of Christmas and we both learned so much. The kids are fine with it but then things come up. Least of what do I do with my boxes of decorations and 2 year old tree, iI can't in good conscience donate it, I mentioned that to my son and he said in the Bible God told then to burn all the idols, yes very true but I think the garbage truck will have to suffice 😂 next 2 of boys were invited to a Christmas party with Christian friends which they declined with no explanation. We just aren't ready to explain yet. Then my youngest wanted to tell our church pastor (a church of 2000) about what we learned but I advised against that only to fins out my 16 year old after all his research asked the lead pastor some questions when he saw him at his youth group. I haven't even told my parents yet. So for questions, I'd love to know: -Did you donate or throw out your Christmas stuff? -were you attending a church then, if so, did you leave slowly or cold turkey? (The boys are so involved but the church celebrates and I don't know how to navigate that part) -What exactly do you think is the best explanation to give family and friends?
I threw out my stuff over a period of three years. It was a slower process for me. I was attending a church at the time and just didn't see it the same anymore (ended up leaving too, after much was shown to me by the Lord that wasn't biblical). As far as sharing, let the Holy Spirit guide. I keep my mouth shut now and only when prompted. Mainly because people will not understand. Scripture even says they will not be open to hearing the Truth. So those with open hearts, God will make sure they learn, whether through you or someone else. God is working in you and your boys. Kudos to your son for doing the research! ❤
Same questions! We were given a hand carved nativity set my husband's grandmother made. It's beautiful, but it makes my stomach turn to set it up- how is it not a direct violation of the 2nd commandment?
We would love to see some ideas on how your doing meals during Habakkuk as a carnivore! This being new to us I’d also love ideas/resources on what to do each night. My husband and I have read through “Truth or Tradition Does It Matter?”by Dick York and we are currently working on ideas for our first Hanukkah celebration this year. Thanks so much for your videos!
I think that when you quit a huge holiday you have to replace it with something. I can relate to this as my Dad years ago decided one Christmas to not do anything at all...and it hurt because there wasnt enough to replace it with. So when the Lord puts something on your heart it always hard right away...but then over time it eases. I am glad you stood up.
We stopped celebrating about 5 years ago. Now we just leave during that time to go camping. I don't share with anyone anymore. Folks, including family, just can not understand. Even scripture says they will not understand. I will share if prompted by the Holy Spirit because the Lord knows who is open to receiving the Truth.
We quit 7 years ago also, it is so hard to be in a church setting this time of year bc it causes my children to question me rather than the “Christian” church , but God is faithful ❤
We stopped Christmas, this year will be 3 years. We had a true God moment and have not looked back. We have increased our study in the word and do not have any problems with it. I truly had an experience in which I was instructed to get all that stuff out of my home, by God. It was an experience and even though it sounds weird and contrived, it was real. What we do is not celebrate christmas, however, we do get together with family to have a dinner. Everyone knows we do not celebrate it and will not be a part of their "celebration" but want to have family time. It has been so much more relaxing not worrying about what to get for everyone, how much to spend, the hassle of going out shopping, wrapping, etc, when how is that celebrating the birth of our Savior??? Especially as He was not born at this time an the pagan issues surrounding it, which goes against the Word of God. Our family does not necessarily understand it but they do not give us any problems about it. Thank you for this message.
We had a discussion with them about why we are not celebrating Christmas. We tried very hard to do it in a way that would not make them feel like we were saying they were wrong for celebrating it. We discussed how we have come to a different understanding about Gods Word and his commandments, such as not celebrating Him in a way that others do. We told them that we have decided to celebrate Gods feasts and festivals as prescribed in the bible. That we love Jesus, and he is out Messiah, but we did not feel like celebrating Him in the way that has come to be popular is not what we feel comfortable with doing. Everything should be between you and God. So after we got that out of the way we just discussed that we still wanted to be with them for dinners, etc, we just did not want to do it while they were opening gifts. We do not want to hurt relationships, so we compromised. However, my husband and I both decided if it turns into something more, or, if we just start feeling like we are uncomfortable, we will just try to do something with them on another day. So far it has worked out. @@kathrinr.m.9847
This was actually really helpful to help explain to our daughter about how we don’t do Holween. She is 4 and is having a hard time understanding how some people celebrate Holween but still love Jesus. She then says, “do they not celebrate Christmas as Jesus birthday” The idea of being convicted about Halloween while others are not. Feels like this is what I need to try to explain to her. Thank you for sharing your convictions, it is beautiful! We all have different convictions. My husband and I talked about not doing Christmas when we were first married. At this point we don’t feel convicted about not celebrating Christmas, but I also believe either way we should be focusing on the gospel, weather that is from Celebrating or Not Celebrating.
Same with Halloween; my children are very zealously against it... I have a difficult time of helping them to understand that they mustn't judge those who still do, simply because of our family's convictions against it. Idk how to explain that as a concrete concept to them. That we can love people without doing what they do; to them it feels like we don't love them because we don't share in what makes them happy.
Born again believers shouldnt lie. Like i told my mom and dad earlier in my dads truck, and ive told my daughter who is 20 years old, i dont get into lying about santa, i dont get into santa, I dont see anything wrong with being generous or gifts, but thats how we should always be as disciples of Christ, but anyways, thanks for sharing about your convictions and being humble..
Once you step out of the Christmas snow globe the world is in for a few months you truly start to see there is a spirit associated with, but imo it's not a Christian spirit.
I agree- that's where the idolatry started to really show. I know I was guilt, but how tightly we hold onto something that is just not worship. It's like the Grinch- he was right in so many ways... and we'd be wise to realize the true meaning... and that it doesn't happen on December 25th but should be the very essence of our each and every day in true thought and deed.
I love being able to hear this from a woman's perspective. I definitely want to hear what you do instead and also how to celebrate the feast days. I need all the ideas and guidance. Lol
If someone is sinning in conscience then they should not do it, but those who do celebrate should do it confidently. Let each one be convinced in their own mind. I’ve devoted my life to Christ and I celebrate Him every single day! The flesh craves a sacrifice but the fruit should always be love and trust.
Yes, asking why we're doing something, my answer is Because i love Jesus so much, the calender day doesn't matter, we celebrate differently then the world, and CHRISTmas is beautiful!
I remember the first time I met someone who didn't celebrate Christmas at my Christian university, my overriding thoughts were sadness. I just felt sorry for the girl. I didn't talk about it with her, however - didn't try to tell her how sorry I felt for her nor did I talk with her about what we did.
This is how I feel. I don't want to be pressured, coerced, guilted into celebrating any day. I want to choose with a glad heart. I want to celebrate the way I want to celebrate the way i can afford to. This year is easier not to celebrate holidays because I lost my only child. But its still kind of hard because everyone feels extra sorry for me. They want to bring me gifts they don't want me to be alone during the holidays. They want to help me any way they can.
Jesus's birth was celebrated by the angels when He was born....and by the wise men when they came and visited Him.....not at the manjure but did come celebrate His birth. no, He wasn't born on Dec 25th but that's irrelevant. just because we don't know the exact day doesn't mean we can't or shouldn't celebrate the birth of Christ and what that ment. just because we don't know the exact day doesn't mean we shouldn't take time to reflect on it, thank God for the miracle of it, and teach the importance of Christ's birth to our children. it's more important to me then celebrating the passover. Christ is the center of my faith.
I think the question isn’t about Christmas, it’s about asking “Does this honor God?” - loving people in truth & gentleness always honors God. Everything will be evil to some people. Everything will be permissible to some. Our perspective should be above that. If giving a thoughtful gift would bring joy to someone, just as The Father gives us every good & perfect gift, do it. If putting lights up in the cold of winter because it reminds the family of the beauty of The Father of lights in a dark world, do it. Intention is the focus, not the do’s & do not’s. In the explaining it becomes about us & our self righteousness. Let’s be love - in action! Honor The Lord in all things. Put others before ourselves. Be peaceable, not a stumbling block. Live an abundant life full of joy, godliness & contentment. The Holy Spirit is the one who does the convicting ❤
I have been feeling convictions about celebrating Christmas but I am still not quite sure because I do enjoy decorating and beautiful Christmas lights and gifts etc. It's something I have been wondering about as to why we were always tought to celebrate Christmas when it is not even on Our Lord Jesus's birthday?
Oh thank you for this. For our family, we had the same convictions on basically the same timeline. It hit us really hard as my husband was pastoring, and we first saw the biblical and historical reasons to tell Christmas goodbye, then we looked around us at all the egregious spending, the stress, the overwhelmed people, the sugared-up kids, the illness that came from overindulgence wrecking immune systems, financial stress, familial stress over who hosts/attends... and we said, Nope- this in no way glorifies Christ, and He isn't in this at all. But our family... They don't know how to respond to us. We are already the weirdos with livestock and 6 kids. Our extended families all celebrate, and don't really know what to do with us; they don't know how to engage with us and our children. That is the hardest part- being judged and glared at as if we're heretics for not participating in Christmas. Your two bigfest regrets are also mine, but in a new place, surrounded by extended family now where as before we moved back home, we were pretty isolated and just did our own thing, I'm not sure how to navigate it without offending or hurting people. I have a lot of questions and need for wisdom: How do you interact and spend time with family and friends who DO participate in all the trappings of Christmas and know virtually nothing of His appointed Feasts? How do you handle Grandparents and gifts with the kids? How do you effectively communicate these convictions to other Christians who are passionately devoted to Christmas and all that goes with it? What about within your church, specifically? We aren't in a church my husband pastors at this time, so we don't have any real input into how things go, or what is observed. How do you share these convictions with people who are disappointed in your lack of participation?
Hello - this year will be our first season without traditional Christmas. 🎁🎁❓❓ How do you handle the wish from relatives to give your children presents? (Especially when the love language from Granny is presents?) Our oldest one is 14 - he has 14 years of traditional Christmas in his mind/experience, I am so afraid he will be very disappointed and claims us to be fanatics.
That's my biggest reason we haven't considered quitting. So many family members want to play their role of giving my kids gifts. And my son wants gifts!
There’s nothing wrong with giving gifts… but we’re diligent to be aware of how much we’re consuming and addressing heart issues if we’re seeing our kids desiring stuff that they wouldn’t be willing to do without. Our treasure is to be stored in heaven- not earth. 🙏🏼💕 But we do not go to anyone else’s Christmas celebrations, we invite everyone to our Hanukkah celebrations (just like we do with the spring and fall Holy Days too) and we’ve all actually found we enjoy that quite a deal more. 🥰
@@HeavenlyMindedHome yes this is so true. We have cut back on acquiring things so much, we ourselves were addicted to having more and so were our kids. We have asked family to either not give gifts or something small and we have cut way back as well because our kids were showing very selfish, me me I want more I need more then the next kid attitude. We try to focus on more experience gifts than items.
Even satan appears as an angel of light! I have no regrets and actually cringe at the thought of people believing one thing but if you break down words…. Christ Mas! That means CHRIST death! We have been deceived by man about the darkest days, but fear not for GOD ALMIGHTY is found in the cloud just as Moses. The people were afraid and trembled. The Two Witnesses, THE WORD AND THE HOLY SPIRIT IS ALIVE! Revelation 11:10 “And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.” John 8:18 “I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.” 1 John 5:7 “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.”
I was convicted last year, I don’t wanna do it at all, I don’t want any celebration or the tree. But I don’t know how to tell my family and I’m sure that they will probably still go ahead and put up a tree and celebrate it. It’s so much pressure around this season. I was convicted last year right around Christmas, and I’ve been dreading this season ever since.
I am not sure I understand how they didn’t celebrate in the Bible. In Mathew 2 the wise men presented Him with gifts. In Luke 2 the angels announced His birth to the shepherds and then sang Gloria in excelsis. That sounds like celebration to me. Obviously if you are convicted, don’t do it, but there is a difference between saying “celebrating it is wrong” or “There is no biblical evidence” and “ I choose not to celebrate it.”
Evidence for December 25th. :) Obviously there was much celebration and praising the Lord-- but we see the times in the Biblical feasts that fulfill these events. The grand celebration of Sukkot is literally for the Lord living up His creation. :)
My aunt did the same thing probably 45 to 50 years ago. As the years rolled by, after that, she finally quit all holidays except Thanksgiving. Her grown daughter was upset about losing more fun family times and traditions, because Valentines was one of the last to go. She still does birthday’s. About twenty four years ago when my cousin said that her mom now also quit Valentine’s Day, (she always bought her daughter a large heart box of chocolates)…we now had the internet to be able to dig into anything. I decided to look up why we celebrate birthday’s. All the things we do on birthdays…the cake, inviting guests, the candles, the gifts are based on paganism. I printed it off, and gave it to my cousin. She said, “please don’t show that to my mom.” So, I didn’t. She still celebrates her kids and grandkids birthday’s. I said all of this to say we can turn anything into a pagan thing. Kids need traditions, and holidays. It’s much easier to follow the calendar for days, holidays and times off..so even if you don't celebrate (said traditional holidays) kids still need holidays. They need fun traditions to look forward to, and to look back on. It helps ground us, and make us closer as families. I’m a Christian. I raised my kids in church. We never did Halloween, but the church did a fall festival that night. We never did Santa. My mom was a non Christian when I was growing up, and she never did Santa. Her non Christian mother never did Santa with her, and her siblings. My mom said she worked hard for the money to buy our gifts, so she wanted us to know who bought them for us. Our gifts said from mom and dad. We do the other holidays. In some peoples eyes I’m a very odd/strict Christian, because I’m careful about what I watch, what I wear on my body, places I will and won’t go. However, if we look hard enough, every symbol will have a different beginning, or used in a different way in the past. The fish symbol that Christians love to use, and put stickers, and plaques of everywhere was a pagan symbol in times past. I don’t celebrate holidays for what they were in the past, or where someone thinks they originated from. One book I have says that Christmas and the tree is from Victorian times, and the Germans brought in the tradition of the tree. Again, if we dig deep enough we can attach any modern day celebration or symbol (that seems holy) to a time someone or group used it in a different way. If you decorate yourself or the walls in your home is that a sin...the Amish think so... Again, we can spiral out of control. To each their own. I don't harp on anyone for how they live their lives. These are just my own experiences and thoughts through the years.
It' s unusual for people who don't celebrate Christmas to not be able to tell others about it. It's about like an Apple user not talking about their iphone or a vegan not mentioning it within the first hour of meeting them. We had missionaries come to Poland and they mentioned not celebrating Christmas and Easter within half hour of meeting them - and we weren't even on the topic! It was a big turnoff.
This is my first time here. And our first year that we quit decorating our home in any Christmas decorations. I'm still struggling with how to explain myself without people thinking we are judgmental on their celebration. So, l just don't explain , try to change the subject.
That's exactly how it happened with me....I loved Christmas and the feeling you get when the lights are off except the tree lights...the coziness and listening to the old Christmas music. So, when I found out the truth of Christmas, the pagan holiday..I was convicted...I had to tell my husband too and give him everything I read that explained it, he was in agreement. We loaded up all our Christmas stuff and took it to the transfer station to get rid of it. We struggled telling our kids who are all grown, married with kids and are not christians. Our kids was already struggling to our new Christian life, thinking we were in an occult, brainwashed. I also had to explain at work because my co-workers like exchaning gifts. Same with refusing to participate in Halloween...I work at walmart, they have each department pass out candy. I had to close so I was expected to pass it out...they brought the bucket with candy I left it where they set it and the kids helped themselves...I prayed for the kids and parents to open their eyes to the truth. We threw away movies, books, music whatever wasn't Godly..I need to throw my phone away 🫤
I read something recently that said Christmas celebrates the mother and child, not the Father and Son, and that really hit me. I have been not celebrating Christmas for a few years, but I still had my children come over and have dinner and they still brought gifts and such, so this year I am not doing anything like that. My daughter and I are totally giving up those things. What do you say to the cashiers or other people who say “Merry Christmas?” I would like to know how to respond to them more appropriately, than just saying nothing, but you don’t also have time to tell them what you believe.
I stopped celebrating Christmas in 2007. And what to say when people wish a Merry Christmas has been difficult ever since. I usually just tell them that I don't celebrate it and then tell them to have a nice time or something like that. Then if they ask I share more. That's the approach I default to. But I do try to pray ahead each season and each time I am out and about during the season that Yeshua (Jesus) will show me how to respond each time. You never know if He is wanting to use you or not. One time as I was leaving a store I interacted with a Salvation Army bell ringer. I don't remember exactly what I said to him initially but as I walked away I felt the Holy Spirit tug me to go back. So I did and I told him Jesus wasn't really born on that day. He asked me if I knew when so I walked him through some Scriptures. And then he told me he always wanted to know that. So be yourself and trust Yeshua to help you respond each time.
It's more so... how does a tree celebrate his birth? How does gathering on December 25th connect to the birth of Christ? Where are we called to celebrate this? Why aren't we living for his return EVERY day and sharing that, like the apostles did? Things along those lines... :)
@@HeavenlyMindedHome In our home putting up a tree, lightly decorating, baking, making/buying a few gifts, singing carols about Jesus’ birth is like preparing for a birthday party. It’s fun and exciting to celebrate our Lord’s birthday. We know He wasn’t born on December 25th (there’s no record of the exact date) but He knows our hearts and I think He loves seeing His children get excited to remember His birth. His birth is the absolute best gift we will ever receive. I feel that celebrating that gift is a time of thankfulness. We are also thankful and mindful of His birth and His coming return all year round of course. A lot of things we do every day are not commanded in scripture but that doesn’t mean they are wrong. If our heart posture is to thank God for the precious gift of His son as we celebrate, I don’t personally have any conviction on the matter. I’m trying to convince anyone otherwise because God convicts people about different things, and we need to obey Him.
@@HeavenlyMindedHometraditionally, December 25th is the allotted day to celebrate the Nativity of the Lord in the Catholic Church. It corresponds with the Liturgical Calendar, in which the Church has allotted particular calendar days (feast days, holy days/holidays, and entire seasons) to celebrate all the events of the life of Christ, the Gospel, and salvation history the whole year through, so they can always be remembered and lived out in the life of the Church. Some interesting tidbits… The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) is celebrated nine months after the the Feast of the Annunciation on March 25th. Advent is a penitential season of anticipation (reflecting on the coming Messiah) just before the birth of Jesus. The Christmas season begins Christmas Eve, and includes the Feast of the Nativity (Christmas), the Feast of the Epiphany, and ends on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. The term Christmas comes from Christ-Mass, as every Mass is always centered around Christ. Lent (a penitential season like Advent) and Easter/Pascha (a celebratory season) are also very important (actually more important) liturgical seasons in the Church.
We gave up Christmas and Easter over 18 years ago now. We had 6 children at home at the time. The Lord convicted me in a big way. It was like getting hit by a train. Why he chose me and not my husband, I don't know. He agreed to stop the "traditions of man" too, though. Now, all but one of our 6 kiddos are out of the house, some married some not. They all celebrate Christmas now. It is their decision to make, but it also hurts this mama's heart.
We havent participated in Christmas for like 8 years. We had the same family reactions. But we replaced it with our own tradition of celebrating new years as a family and being thankful God gave use another year to be able to share God's grace and such with others. Us parents are thankful that our kids have been good stewards and so we give them a few gifts, mostly family oriented as a way to say God has blessed us parents with good things so we want to bless the kids with good things etc. so we decorate for winter so snowmen welcome lol everything else is for thw birds. We teacg our kids helping others isnt seasonal. But being greedy, selfish, conditional volunteering, decorations etc are not something god wants us to focus on. So for us when ppl ask why we sont celebrate, its because Christmas doesnt glorify God and how he wants us to live and treat each other. P.S. My 5 kids look forward to new years all year when they talk about things they want as a group.
I also think that the people who were idolizing Christmas were convicted so they had to go to cold turkey. For us is the gospel and the story how it happened, and prophecy being fulfilled,to reflect on it and be grateful to God. We don’t do gifts neither have Christmas Tree. And I feel sorry for the people who are in this Christmas chaos using so much energy and time just to please everyone to measure up to the culture standards being thrown on the society
For us we always celebrated Christmas and still do but it was never about Jesus birth. For us we see it as a season of giving and being together as a family. I don’t think there is anything wrong with celebrating Christmas. It depends on your heart (I will edit that so it’s not taken out of context) it depends on your intentions behind celebrating, is it idiolizing something or someone, is it because you have to keep up with joneses and look better are you doing it for any reasons that would be unpleasing to the Lord. Everyone has their own convictions that’s ok. But it’s also not wrong to celebrate.
@@juststeph6940 I appreciate the edit . Sadly many believers do not know their word. They believe God knows their heart, so that makes it okay. God Bless.
@@user-bn7dg2km2d this I understand but I also don’t think it’s nice to just throw a scripture at people either. It’s actually one of a few reasons I left the church for a long time. Just be mindful that not everyone is in the same place or knowledge and we need to be careful how we handle that. Yes also I need to be careful of how I’m writing as well, not trying to be mean either, I apologize for my knee jerk reaction to just send an emoji at you. God bless.
@@user-bn7dg2km2d Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. REJOICE And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. ... Luke 2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed,[b] who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.[c] 8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”[d] 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. Weird that the shepherds and angels and later the magi, celebrated the birth of Christ by bringing gifts and sharing with others. Every time a person gives their life to Christ, there is celebrating in heaven and look at all the gifts God gives those who belong to Him.
@@juststeph6940I understand where you are coming from. Scripture is supposed to be used to correct, it is offensive at times. That can be hard to receive and give. The issue is when you respond online there is no tone. So people assume it's out of spite or rudeness, when it was a simple correction. If we are offended by the word of God, then we need to be asking why. Not being rude, just simply reflecting on your response. I have issues with the church as well, mostly because of all the compromise. So I get that as well... We are all growing. I will pray for you, and I hope you will for me as well my fellow sister in Christ. 😊
My journey has been very similar to yours. My biggest question would be, you said you regret not better articulating and being comfortable in your conviction… have you found a way to be firm yet gracious to others while explaining your reasons to not celebrate? Personally, it’s been hard to explain without some people feeling defensive, no matter how hard I try to frame my feelings in a nonjudgmental way. I think it’s more their issue than mine at that point? Also, do you have a succinct reply for the situations you mentioned like a cashier or acquaintance? You sort of generally listed those regrets, but could you really flesh them out as to what you do differently now? Personally, I have given up re-explaining to some family and friends. They still gift us items and I just accept thankfully. With strangers telling me “merry Christmas,” I just say thanks or you too. Any thoughts about choosing your battles in this way? I guess I’ve come to understand that not everyone shares my conviction, and most have goodwill as their motivations. Romans 14. I’d love to see if your approach is different from mine throughout the years. It is a process, sometimes a messy one, and I’m looking forward to learning more from this week of videos! And in case anyone thinks I’ve just given up or am being wishy-washy, the Lord works in His time, not ours. Praise Him that there are now others in our extended family who share our convictions! Maybe you could share some of your Holy Feasts traditions with us so we can build a new legacy for our family. 🙏🏻🙌🏻
I too am wondering how to graciously explain my newfound convictions to everyone, especially my teenage children who I have celebrated Christmas with every year up till now. I have already decided what to say when a stranger or someone in public or on the phone at my job tells me merry Christmas and that will be: God bless you. Maybe that last part can help you.
I'm pretty much with you in my current response. In the past, we just isolated during the season and that eliminated a lot of the necessities of explanation. That's less possible for us this year in different circumstances. I think the biggest thing was letting go of the need to convince other people of my convictions, which I'm still tempted to do, because obviously, I believe I'm in the right and am justified in not participating. But not trying to win them over to what the Holy Spirit has done in me- I'm not their Holy Spirit, so I shouldn't take it personally when they disagree.
When you discuss the why you quit Christmas, could you please include primary sources? We have been told it is connected to paganism, we have never actually found any historical proof (just online rumours and speculations). Thank you.
We kept the holy days, not holidays. Feast of tabernacles, unleavened days, etc. We never did Christmas. I believe in giving gifts because you want to, not have to. Helping the homeless twice a year? No. They need help through out the year. I really need some help right now. Things are so difficult.
I always tell people that I am a Christian and because of my faith and the true origins behind the holidays I do not celebrate them.
Ruth here ok as long as ya do not chide me
Then you really don't know Christmas or Trust God.
We gave up Christmas and holidays 20 years ago. It was the most freeing thing we have ever done. No longer doing something just beacause the world told us to do it. We still give our chidren and grandchildren presents. When we see something they would like we give it to them at anytime of year. Such a fun surprise.
Thank you. I thought about the jammies, socks and blankets I give each year and how to that without the holiday fanfare. The kids love those things and they are practical gifts.
It is confirming to see the Holy Spirit convicting more and more people to drop the pagan filled traditional holidays. He started dealing with me about them in the mid 1980s. I gave up everything at that time...except Christmas. He finally convinced me about that one, too, in 2001. So, 2000 was our last Christmas.
Amen.
That was a demonic spirit.
@@tabandken8562 Please clarify. What was a demonic spirit? The spirit telling me to quit pagan filled traditional holidays? Or whatever it was that caused me to hold on to Christmas? ...which probably was a spirit that kept reminding me of all the warm, comfortable feelings associated with my memories of happy Christmases of the past.
Saudi Arabia has banned Christmas. Maybe you'd be happier there.
Equating the birth of Christ with paganism is blasphemy!
Oh goodness, it's so refreshing to hear you talk about this! We last celebrated Christmas in 2016, so this is our 7th year without it also! We actually addressed this on our TH-cam channel and it really seemed to make quite a few of our viewers uncomfortable. Some assumed that we must not believe in Jesus as our Savior if we don't celebrate his birthday. I love the way you convey your thoughts with confidence and strength, but also with soft words and a lot of humility. What a strong testimony, sister! 💕
Nowhere in the Bible does it say that Christians need to celebrate Christ’s birthday, it does however mention observing his death.
About ten years ago I asked God to purge my life of all things “worldly”. He took me through EVERYTHING from the music, the tv, the entertainment, the holidays, etc. it was a massive purge! Throughout the past decade He has guided me to bring back some things, and He has also solidified me stepping further away from others. We “celebrate Christmas” very differently than we used to in some ways, but brought other things back in as I felt God’s permission to. I think the biggest thing is the heart! That’s why I feel like God has us all on our own unique walks; He knows that each of us needs something a little different to get our hearts in the right place. Thanks for sharing your journey with us.
Very true.
I do know that the Lord has been showing me the Holy Days in His Word for a reason. I’ve always wondered about Sukkot the Feast of Tabernacles, and I did try my best to partake in Yom Kippur the Day of Atonement. It’s like the world is upside down.
I told my hubby and he still wants to have a tree, and that’s his decision. But I did decline to my mom taking our son to get Santa photos, she is very confused. Please pray for our families to understand and to honor the decision not to partake. Thank you sis for giving your experience with this journey. May the Lord bless you 🙏✝️🩷🩷🩷🩷
I have no regrets quiting Christmas. I love the Lord my God with all my heart.
Then don't let evil deceive you.
I agree. So my last 🎄christmas was in 2005, and I will definitely say that it took me a lot of time to be able to communicate to others that I don’t celebrate it.
Once you go down the Christmas origins rabbit hole you can't look at a Christmas tree or Christmas songs again without getting a queasy stomach. Standing your ground and not caving to participate is the challenge. 😭
Exactly 💯 amen
Exactly what I said to my son today
Or Easter
That is a very true statement. I can't look at any of these decorations the same way or hear the songs without cringing.
Jesus celebrated many holidays. Passover, Hanukkah, and such. To me Christmas is about getting together with family and sharing a good meal. I also love giving my loved ones a well thought out gift. I love to give to them. Jesus is all about relationships and family and that is what Christmas is to me. A day set aside to honor our family and friendships. We also honor Jesus on that day. I live alone and look forward to getting together with extended family. If it wasn't for the holidays, I doubt my extended family (brothers sisters, nephews, nieces, grandparents) would ever get together again. I think it depends on your mind set.
Jesus was all about teaching the people to follow God's laws instead of men's traditions/laws (Matt 5:18-.19) All but one of the holidays the scriptures reveal that He celebrated were God's appointed times (Lev 23). The only one mentioned in scripture of Him celebrating that was not was Hanukkah. As far as the warm fuzzies of family, see what Jesus says in Matthew 10, specifically verses 21-22, 34, 35, and 37. Continuing to put the traditions of men over God's preferred behavior for us to follow is disobedience. There is nothing in scripture that says He likes it when we put our feelings and traditions above His word. However, it does depend on your mind set - you get to choose. (Deut 30:19-20)
@@calichigalyou have a perfect answer, thank you for speaking the truth, satan does not like it, but those of us who set Him Jesus first do. Thank you, Lord!
Sister, this will be my and my family's 8th year not celebrating Christmas and THIS YEAR the Lord is convicting me of not telling loved ones that we don't celebrate chirstmas. I mean, I've left subtle hints before, but I was hardly bold about it...
What confirmation you're giving me right now!!!
Every year we've had to come up with something as to why we're not able to spend the day with them, and we had to come up with something without lying, because I was not going to LIE! But that in itself is also not right and I realize that now.
At the end of the day, it only matters what God thinks.
Love you, sis'!
Celesté
This video was answered prayer. We decided to stop christmas this year and it has been rough. I was feeling very defeated this morning after all the conversations with family members even the people that seem to support it said stuff that still hurt my feelings so I prayed about it and decided to put some uplifting worship music on and your video popped up. It was alot of what ive been struggling with. I was deeply convinced about doing christmas but was having second thoughts because of how others where making me feel. I felt like i had to go in detail to get them to understand and accept it. My 9 year old watched it with me and we are both excited about tomorrows video. Thank you so much.
I think one goes through a grieving process when you stop and family can get down right cruel when you tell them you aren't participating. It's definitely a sacred cow and believers get to ruffled and defensive vs respecting spiritual boundaries. My heart goes out to you. It's not easy. I've caved for a few years, but I just can't stomach it any longer. - Heather
@@openlybookish You nailed the grief part. Grief over the conviction to change and grief over open eyes seeing the holidays as the Lord sees it. double grief.
It took me about 3 years to finally let it all go. The bondage of tradition is really strong, and now that it's been completely severed (in my life), it's so freeing not being bound.
Go with your conviction and see the transformation in your life. ❤
Yes. Yes to all of this. We didn't live near family when we stopped Christmas, and our extended family has sort of seen a more gradual letting go than it actually was.
What I struggle with now is grandparents and extended family who still want to celebrate with our children. I'm not really sure what to do with that. Especially since we are living with extended family and not in our own home.
Yes I’ve been there my saved Mother sent me a 6 page letter with scriptures on why Christmas is about Jesus. Just stand strong on your convictions❤
It's wonderful when we realize we no longer have to do what we thought we "had to" !! Takes major pressure off.
I am today, where you were seven yrs ago. This august I was convicted about the holidays and it’s been a heartbreak but freeing at the same time. This message is very helpful to me. How I can tell my conviction rather than talk about biblical facts and history. It’s a challenge at times but I feel better about following my conviction than worldly traditions. 💛
We quit Christmas 4 year ago, and I too was the crazy Christmas lady 😂
So happy to hear from someone like minded. So far, I have not met any Christian who has also quit Christmas.
What do you mean by quitting Christmas? Do you mean quitting to celebrate the birth of Jesus? Do you mean quitting the worldly festivities, such as santa claus, Christmas trees, Christmas lights, etc?
We are here and we know what you mean.
@@AM-6030all of it!
Just because l stop celebrating the holiday, the world is celebrating. Doesn't mean l don't celebrate life with my children , family, and friends.
I can't get over the thought, "how is this honoring God by celebrating a day the same way non believers are?"
Totally overthinking it. How bout focusing on the peace on earth, good will towards men, and just be in a happy spirit because it's a fun holiday. How bout that...I don't think God is bent out of shape about the origins of Christmas. And I don't think not celebrating is going to get you any God brownie points either. It's about being good to one another and often this season brings out the better in people.
I think no matter how well we try to express our convictions for giving up the season/day with family and friends there will be a disconnect. All of the sudden they get defensive as to why they don’t have a problem partaking in it. We’re 4 years removed from it and when my husband tried to explain to his mother she got very quiet and simply said “I don’t agree”. Can’t control how people are going to respond.
Stopped Christmas about 24 years ago. When I was young, my Mother kept saying we shouldn't be celebrating this holiday, this included Halloween, Easter and Valentines Day. Yet, we did, I think she let us because I lost my Father at age 8 and she probably didn't want us to be left out of stuff. Then, I get married and my husband says the same thing, we shouldn't be celebrating these holidays. Well, over the years, it kept bothering me, I guess the Lord was working on me. In 1999, our last Christmas, my youngest, 17 year old son says, you know we should be celebrating Christmas. Ok, that did it, no more. I do not regret it at all. I tell people as a Christian I do not want to celebrate because they are pagan and if you look into them their orgins you would see too. Thank you for this video.
I dont do the tree but I celebrate the his coming which led to the cross. I just try to keep Jesus as the reason for the season. So Merry Christmas everyone.
We still celebrate Christmas, My husband and I haven’t had a conviction to quit it, at least not at this point. It’s also not an idol in our family or life style. We’ll see what God does in the future.
Absolutely same here! And his birth was absolutely celebrated! Also sometimes I celebrate my kids birthdays on different days and yet our hearts are still celebrating them!! Just a fifteenth day! The lord knows our hearts! It definitely matters HOW we celebrate and that's with everything in life! My personal opinion however we all need to go with what we feel our convictions are!!
This is where I am on this subject too!@@gritandgracefarm
Agreed! Like to see someone with an answer like this
Agree. I’ve not been convicted to not celebrate Jesus’s birth. Even if it’s not on the exact day He was born I find celebrating his birth is very important. And I know you say in your video that you aren’t judging people who do, but when you say why you’re not doing something with a laugh in a way it comes across as judgmental. I also don’t understand at the end you stated you were celebrating your TH-cam anniversary. How is that not worldly but celebrating Christ’s birth is? This seems hypocritical to me. Just my two cents. I wish you all the best and believe you should absolutely honor your convictions. Just this one seems double edged to me.
Where in the New Testament did the Apostles ever celebrate the birth of Christ? The incarnation was divinely celebrated, but not on any kind of massive scale. Only shepherds were even aware of it, and pagan kings from the East, bowing down to worship that which even they did not fully understand.
I’ve been feeling this conviction too myself lately. I did not decorate at all this Fall or Christmas & not doing any gift giving either. It’s a liberating feeling. I may be “quitting Christmas soon too” Amen 🙏🏻
Is it wrong to decorate for fall or winter?
No it is not.
My husband (pastor) and I quit Christmas 5 years ago for the very same reasons you did. No regrets- After investigating further, I discovered that Jesus' birth occurred in the latter part of September. Nothing the world does regarding His birth is on target. Also, we are instructed through the Word to not put one day above another. We should be honoring His birth every day because with His birth we have gained heaven through the gift of salvation. Love your channel-
What is beautiful about that is when you realize it probably coincided with the Fall Feasts and Emmanuel, God with us came to earth as His temporary dwelling to dwell among men, born in Bethlehem, the City of Bread, as our Messiah, the Bread of Life. Truly, God is amazing and works all things together so beautifully, it's truly awe inspiring if you strip away all the man-made trappings and traditions. ❤
God bless your hearts. Yes! You are right that his birth occurred around the Feast of Tabernacles. Right again that nothing the world does regarding his birth is right... Let us celebrate his birth, life, death, and resurrection every day and be thankful always for the gift of salvation through his shed blood.
Actually, read Luke 1. He was conceived in Elul, making him born in Sivan.
Something I read recently, that made so much sense to me, is that Christmas celebrates the mother and child, not the Father and Son. I believe Catholicism is an extension of Rome, and they do love their mother and most of their traditions are worldly, not biblical, and they have their fingers in most denominations, now, too. A lot of the Protestant denominations are following their lead, and now are just an extension of Rome.
I stopped celebrating Christmas 15 years ago and it was the best decision ever.
When you say that you don't celebrate Christmas, what does that kind of consist of? Do you mean you don't celebrate the birth of Jesus, or do you mean that you don't engage in any of the worldly festivities, such as Christmas trees, lights, etc.?
@@AM-6030if Jesus was as birthday obsessed as we are, His actual birth day would not be a mystery. Yes, He came as a baby to live as our example , to or for our sins in order to redeem us. The story of redemption is crucial to the Christian walk. I don’t get a tree, I don’t buy gifts for everyone like I used to and I don’t believe in the magic of Christmas. If an opportunity arises for me to bless someone who has nothing and is in need, I do participate year round but that seems to mean more to many during the holidays. I am from a family of occultists and I am the only one saved by Jesus Christ. We know that Christmas is just as important to Satan as Halloween. Once I became fully dedicated to Jesus, I couldn’t continue in the same traditions as before. There’s a reason that SANTA also spells Satan. He is putting in your faces so you can’t say you didn’t know or gave an opportunity to know. I don’t condemn those who do celebrate. It is my conviction and I will honor it.
@@AJvictors I will say this. The angels, the shepherds, the heavens were rejoicing at the birth of Jesus. If anyone was excited, they were. God Himself was happy to know that the Savior would be born to set humanity free from their captivity and that Israel's Messiah has come. I'll just put that on the record to respond to your first sentence. (And as for humans, we do obsess and go bananas over the wrong things oftentimes. I get that. But again, the host of heaven were just thrilled at Jesus' birth. Do you disagree with that?)
I appreciate your transparency and your willingness to share about your past. I am so sorry that you grew up in an occultic family and that you are alone in your family as far as being a believer goes. I feel for you deeply.
I also totally agree with you that Christmas (Dec 25) is just as important to satan as Halloween is. The world really hijacked a celebration of the birth of Jesus and turned it into a mess. I agree with you. I also agree how "santa" literally is "satan" with the letters rearranged. The truth couldn't be any clearer!
@AM-6030 I agree that the angels rejoiced along with the wiseman. If we knew the true date of the birth of Jesus, it should be the only birthday celebrated. He deserves it. Most Bible scholars agree that Jesus was actually born in the fall. I don't have an issue celebrating Jesus' birth. My issue is combining it with a very pagan, demonic, holiday. Thank you for your kind words. they mean more than you know.
@peacefulslumber3104 It is great to hear back from you again. I'm glad that my message was touching to you and that you did not take offense to it! I agree with you. We should not be mingling that which is "holy" (HOLYday/holiday) with that which is worldly. It's also no mystery that the the world literally calls it "Xmas Day." They are literally crossing out Christ from the day, as is evidenced by how the world celebrates Christmas with Santa, etc.
Thank you for your kindness as well, and I hope you will have a wonderful and blessed new year ahead!
My testimony is I love HIM.YHWH too much to celebrate...
My husband and I have been talking about this and thanksgiving. Because thanksgiving should be done everyday. We want to know how to have this conversation with family.
So proud of you! Everything you said I have experienced. Such a blessing not getting sucked into the trappings of it all. God bless you! So glad to see the young ones celebrating the Biblical feasts!❤
Amen! God gave us amazing appointed times that bless us and teach us about Him.
Since my best friend and her family "quit" Christmas a few years back, my husband and I have been back and forth about it because i understood the conviction. I couldn't look away from the many reasons to not "celebrate Christmas."
I very much appreciate this video. Your willingness to share is such a blessing, and I can't wait to see the rest of the videos this week!!
Celebrate Christmas
You have to do what the holy spirit leads you to do. Because at the end of it all , you will be the one who stands before the Lord and gives an account. No one else. 🙏❤️
All glory to God! I think many of us just never think about it or look into it… and then the more you do. 😳😳😳 Yup, it just doesn’t interest me anymore. 🙏🏼💕
I despise the commercialization of celebrating Christmas but I also feel convicted to celebrate Christ's birth above my own. His birth was the beginning of the end of our bondage. How can we ignore His birth, His crucifixion and His resurrection that removed the veil between us and God? I am not trying to be argumentative but these are the convictions I have.
Do we never celebrate these important events?
I been convicted about this holiday for many years now but trapped because my husband won’t let it go! I do not look forward to this time. I feel so defeated!
😔🙏☝️
This video came out at such a good time yesterday. My husband and I talked about being gone for Christmas and so when the topic of Christmas came up at two Thanksgivings, I thought we got out of it! My mom texted me and said we’re doing two Christmases in one regular weekend. Not even the extended weekend of Christmas. I instantly felt anxious and sick! Thanksgiving with my family was already not great, and I just wanted to say ‘we’re not doing Christmas this year’ and then I got the notification for this video! So I feel better about quitting Christmas (and my husband is all for it). It made me stop and think more about our why and how I’m going to tell my family why instead of reacting to a text message 😅
I just watched the one of your kids’ take on it and loved it, too. What are some Hanukkah activities you all do? And why or how did you come to celebrate Hanukkah?
And thank you for your all your work and telling us how your home has grown in a Christian way! I’m very new to this part in my life and I look forward to your videos! ❤
Do you celebrate your children's birthdays? Curious since birthdays are also not mentioned in the Bible. I'm a little hesitant to not celebrate something due to it not being mentioned in the Bible or not doing something else (more benal, benign, everyday) because it's not mentioned.
I agree. I feel we can still celebrate Christmas in good conscience as per Romans 14:5-6 and Colossians 2:16.
The one birthday celebration mentioned that I can recall is Herod's birthday, where he is obliged to serve up John the Baptist's head on a platter... Obviously that one did not end well.
Exactly @@@angelinamccarville
Thank you for doing this video. This is my 1st year not doing Christmas. I'm learning about paganism and the meaning of things (WOW) I never this stuff. Thank you for sharing! ❤
The more the years go by, the less Christmas is anything about Christ. Youre not missing anything. My mother and I haven't had the quitting Christmas discussion yet. I need to have her watch your videos about it first.
I totally feel the same as you! We haven’t been celebrating Christmas since before we had children but it was so much harder once we had children. Thank you for your videos it helps me not feel alone with our decisions in this world ❤
I have no regrets about not celebrating Christmas. We stopped about 8 years ago when my youngest was a year old.
The hardest part for me is dealing with people concerning the issue: neighbors, strangers, and family alike. We moved to a new neighborhood about 3 years ago and it was automatically assumed that we celebrated Christmas. When I picked up on the assumption and was asked about it I shared how filled with consumerism it is and how it has nothing to do with Christ. What I’ve come to realize is no matter how well you convey your convictions some people will continue to push the issue in some way. The Lord warned me about the neighbors I moved next to..that they were going to try to force us to celebrate Christmas (and they did try). I was warned at least a year before it happened and had forgot about the warning itself. We have been explaining since 2020 that we do not partake in any holidays and they still ask if we will come to their church for Trunk or Treat. Smh. Some people will feign ignorance in hopes that along the way you will change your mind about the situation. Because of this, I no longer speak with those neighbors and I really feel like I had to do it I really didn’t want to but every time we spoke they were telling us about the holiday taking place at their church and showing up at our door with Christmas presents after being told multiple times we don’t partake in it and after seeing how uncomfortable it made my children and me.
I can't wait to see your video about why you have stopped celebrating Christmas! I have heard that some Christians do not, but the reasons why have not been clear to me... looking forward to your video!
As a gentleman, I've stopped celebrating CHRISTMAS yrs ago like about 30 yrs of no CHRISTMAS, I love your perspective, I'm learning a lot more about our relationship with yours and several other channels I follow ty for a deeper understanding.
While Santa is certainly commercialized, we explained to our kids that he represents the spirit of st. nicholas who was a holy man who served the poor, not a magical figure. You dont have to throw the baby out with the bath water. For those of us who do celebrate Christmas as Christ's birth, we could all benefit from simplifying the holy-day and not partaking of the secular version of the celebration. Ive definitely had to take a step back and evaluate my motivations and expectations for this season.
The catholic church, in 1976- declared there was no St. Nicolas in their church history. He was a myth. Old Nic translates linguistically to Odin- Saturn- Baal- Nimrod.
@MsFarmgirl22 www.google.com/search?q=does+the+catholic+church+recognize+st+nicholas&oq=does+the+Catholic+Church+recognize+st+nich&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqCAgBEAAYFhgeMgYIABBFGDkyCAgBEAAYFhgeMg0IAhAAGIYDGIAEGIoFMg0IAxAAGIYDGIAEGIoFMg0IBBAAGIYDGIAEGIoFMg0IBRAAGIYDGIAEGIoFMgoIBhAAGKIEGIkFMgoIBxAAGIAEGKIEMgoICBAAGIAEGKIEMgoICRAAGKIEGIkFMgcIChAhGI8C0gEJMTI0OTNqMGo0qAIBsAIB&client=ms-android-verizon-us-rvc3&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8
I would say think the only spirit that should be important, is the Holy Spirit. My brother used to tell his daughter the gifts were from Jesus, Santa just delivers them. So, you want your daughter to believe that nothing is impossible for God, yet, he can’t deliver her gifts, but some magical made up fat man in a red suit can do just that? 🤦♀️
What a timely video to show up on my yt feed. For the past couple of yrs I’ve been internally questioning all the “whys” of the Christmas celebration. This year Im feeling it even stronger - conviction. It didnt even occur to me that it was a conviction until I heard you say it. Many yrs ago when my mother in law announced that they wouldnt be buying Christmas gifts any more and she stopped putting up a christmas tree, I thought how could she not?!? Shes a Christian! We’re Christians! How can we NOT celebrate the birth of Christ!?! We still got together as a family and enjoyed being together and enjoying the foods of the season but no gifts or big celebrations. Most decor I’ve been buying lately for “Christmas” has been mostly geared toward Winter not “Christmas” decor. So I see a shift in my mindset. So now, Im feeling a strong conviction to stop with all of this, but I’ve already bought gifts for grandkids… saving them until birthdays wont work because I’ve bought Winter clothing items (some have warm weather birthdays). I dont know… if I decide to go through with it this yr, I think this will be our last year. I like what my mother in law did with getting together as a family just to be together. I have so many thoughts & questions! I’m looking forward to more of your videos on this topic.
Please may I ask for prayer on this topic. I am currently the only Christian in my family, and have been making it clear that I do not wish to partake in Christmas anymore. My daughter who has a 5 year old of her own finds this really difficult to accept, and I find it difficult to explain properly as they are very anti-religious. Thank you for sharing on this subject, it's nice to know I'm not alone in how I feel. ❤
Prayers!!! It's very difficult to be alone in these convictions
I quit it 10 years ago. It was very lonely. The hardest thing for me is that my church does Christmas for the entire month of December. Anyone else struggle with this?
@MusicMentory I decided to step away from the organized religion of men back in May. There are no regrets. Yes, it can be a little lonely, but I'd rather be lonely and on the right standing with God than take part in the pagan celebrations of the mainstream church. I understand that struggle.
We actually this month of December are refraining from attending our church because of this…not sure if we’re going to leave completely, just needed to get away for this month with the trees and everything
@@k8schmate Same! We are just not attending during December - not while all the Christmas decorations are up and they are trying to worship Jesus under a pagan canopy.
I’m just wondering if these churches are celebrating Christmas, how else are they misleading the congregation? I also stepped away from organized religion, years ago. Rome has its fingers in all of the Christian organized religions, and possibly others. I am never lonely, though, and I don’t see why you still can’t have the other churchgoers as friends or welcome them to your home for a Bible study, if you are feeling lonely. I do believe Jesus is sufficient enough for me, remember he came to heal people of that loneliness, but I can understand if some people do get lonely and would like some company.
@@MissMolly3377 good point
A good topic for this time of the year! 😊 Always love hearing you talk about this. ❤
I know it’s a big one people can get so worked up over… hopefully this can help! 🥰
My husband and I are on the same page with Christmas. We enjoy the decorations outside. Because the lights just looks pretty. But we don’t don’t decorate our apartment. We don’t do gifts either. We keep it simple. “My mind set on Christmas Day is that the Word became flash and made his dwelling among us”❤
Thank you for sharing! I received so much confirmation through this video, after being convicted by Holy Spirit, to not celebrate Christmas or Easter anymore.
Love it! ❤ Heart checks! God cares about our heart.
If the "WORLD" is doing it, it probably isnt right.
THIS ALONE should open people's eyes to the truth! Very good point. So true.
I wish more Christians understood that Xmas is unchristian but sadly most would still not give up this awful tradition of lumping something pagan with something holy.
I saw your video and it really opened up my eyes as Ive been praying for the lord to do so. I feel like this video was for me! It is now Dec 11 2024 and I have already decided to not participate in Christmas. I have not and will not put up a tree or stockings like i have done for years and it does feel different. I know the Lord will see me through! I dont want to go against the Lord as I have prayed for him to open my eyes and ears to things that he needs me to see and hear and to help me fix things about myself to help serve him better. Thank you for this video!! God bless!
Good for you. I quit Christmas in 2015. So tired of the ungodly practices. Thank you for sharing.
Aside from a person allowing Christmas to become an idol in his or her life, would you not say that the Bible gives the believer the opportunity to set aside any day for the Lord, including Christmas?
I believe scripture backs this up in Romans 14:5-6 as well as Colossians 2:16. I’m trying to understand your perspective as I have family members in the same boat as you. Thanks!!
She shared in previous videos that the biggest issue for her was the idolatry of it. She was a huge over the board Christmas type person and it had become an issue. As far as historical topics, there is a whole lot of misinformation on paganism and christmas that aren’t true. My family and I celebrate, but we keep things simple, keep it Christ centered, and avoid all the commercial part of it. I totally understand if it is an issue of idolatry, like alcohol to an alcoholic, best to stay away.
I wish my husband was open to this. I hate the expense and the hypocrisy of it all. If it was actually a time of prayer and fasting in reflection of what Christ did I wouldn’t be so put off by it. People spend so much time and money on useless decorations (of which I can appreciate the beauty of) but this doesn’t translate into greater Biblical literacy or a more reverent people.
I think my husband would be on board, but my younger son would not be, he would be incredibly mad at us for a long time. He loves the surprise of gifts and loves putting up the tree.
@@inchristalone25 maybe you can gradually just do christmas stockings till he understands and doesn’t want it for himself.
@@inchristalone25my 13 year old talked about how he couldn't wait for Christmas since August but when we found out the origins I could not believe how on board he was with giving it up.
Do you observe any part of the christmas season? Fellowshiping with church family or actual family who continue to celebrate it? Or using it as a time to evangelise since unbelievers are more receptive during this time? Also, what do you think about churches who celebrate it? Should we go tell the leadership it is wrong and why, or should we just not participate? Thank you!
In my experience, going to church leadership will not end well, and nothing will change. I feel like it mostly put a target on our backs marked, "dissenters, pot-stirring trouble makers, sowers of discord, unorthodox heathen heretics!"
Christmas has always been a wonderful opportunity for all of our extended family to see each other together in one place. Do yall still show up to the extended family Christmas get-togethers?
We don’t have any to show up to, we’re always happy to show up and see family, we just wouldn’t participate it all the activities necessarily. ☺️
I stopped in 2021 the same year I got saved, praise God for giving me discernment by His Spirit within me to show me the dark side of all the holidays and the true significance of His holy feasts. Since God showed me, it was my responsibility to heed His warning. And that's my conviction: to follow God in the light of His truth by His Word or continue following the world in the dark? The biggest thing for me every day to practice is: since I'm no longer blind, I want to stop pretending to be.
Grateful for your channel about being open about it. I'm excited to hear what your children say about it because if I ever have kids in the future I would like to hope that they will blessed by it as well 🙏🤍🌼 and not feeling "robbed of a childhood" like other people try to argue. I just think of it as still making good, yet different memories? 😂
However, I struggle with the family aspect. If that's the only time I get to see my unbelieving family members all in one place, then yes, I will be there bringing Christ's light into the dark as His vessel. Just knowing what is ok to partake in & what's not.
I got convicted only 2 weeks ago, it's been overwhelming learning about the origins of not only this but so much else. My 16 year old had questions so I let him do a research project on the origins of Christmas and we both learned so much. The kids are fine with it but then things come up. Least of what do I do with my boxes of decorations and 2 year old tree, iI can't in good conscience donate it, I mentioned that to my son and he said in the Bible God told then to burn all the idols, yes very true but I think the garbage truck will have to suffice 😂 next 2 of boys were invited to a Christmas party with Christian friends which they declined with no explanation. We just aren't ready to explain yet. Then my youngest wanted to tell our church pastor (a church of 2000) about what we learned but I advised against that only to fins out my 16 year old after all his research asked the lead pastor some questions when he saw him at his youth group. I haven't even told my parents yet.
So for questions, I'd love to know:
-Did you donate or throw out your Christmas stuff?
-were you attending a church then, if so, did you leave slowly or cold turkey? (The boys are so involved but the church celebrates and I don't know how to navigate that part)
-What exactly do you think is the best explanation to give family and friends?
I threw out my stuff over a period of three years. It was a slower process for me. I was attending a church at the time and just didn't see it the same anymore (ended up leaving too, after much was shown to me by the Lord that wasn't biblical). As far as sharing, let the Holy Spirit guide. I keep my mouth shut now and only when prompted. Mainly because people will not understand. Scripture even says they will not be open to hearing the Truth. So those with open hearts, God will make sure they learn, whether through you or someone else.
God is working in you and your boys. Kudos to your son for doing the research! ❤
Same questions! We were given a hand carved nativity set my husband's grandmother made. It's beautiful, but it makes my stomach turn to set it up- how is it not a direct violation of the 2nd commandment?
We would love to see some ideas on how your doing meals during Habakkuk as a carnivore! This being new to us I’d also love ideas/resources on what to do each night. My husband and I have read through “Truth or Tradition Does It Matter?”by Dick York and we are currently working on ideas for our first Hanukkah celebration this year. Thanks so much for your videos!
I think that when you quit a huge holiday you have to replace it with something. I can relate to this as my Dad years ago decided one Christmas to not do anything at all...and it hurt because there wasnt enough to replace it with. So when the Lord puts something on your heart it always hard right away...but then over time it eases. I am glad you stood up.
But what if you sincerely enjoy all of those things? And you glorify God in the Christmas season?
I regret not quitting earlier, I wish I could say that my kiddos didn't grow up celebrating Christmas most of their lives
We stopped celebrating about 5 years ago. Now we just leave during that time to go camping. I don't share with anyone anymore. Folks, including family, just can not understand. Even scripture says they will not understand. I will share if prompted by the Holy Spirit because the Lord knows who is open to receiving the Truth.
We quit 7 years ago also, it is so hard to be in a church setting this time of year bc it causes my children to question me rather than the “Christian” church , but God is faithful ❤
We stopped Christmas, this year will be 3 years. We had a true God moment and have not looked back. We have increased our study in the word and do not have any problems with it. I truly had an experience in which I was instructed to get all that stuff out of my home, by God. It was an experience and even though it sounds weird and contrived, it was real. What we do is not celebrate christmas, however, we do get together with family to have a dinner. Everyone knows we do not celebrate it and will not be a part of their "celebration" but want to have family time. It has been so much more relaxing not worrying about what to get for everyone, how much to spend, the hassle of going out shopping, wrapping, etc, when how is that celebrating the birth of our Savior??? Especially as He was not born at this time an the pagan issues surrounding it, which goes against the Word of God. Our family does not necessarily understand it but they do not give us any problems about it. Thank you for this message.
I am having the dilemma, if I should or shouldn't go to the family gatherings. How Did you explain it to your family members?
We had a discussion with them about why we are not celebrating Christmas. We tried very hard to do it in a way that would not make them feel like we were saying they were wrong for celebrating it. We discussed how we have come to a different understanding about Gods Word and his commandments, such as not celebrating Him in a way that others do. We told them that we have decided to celebrate Gods feasts and festivals as prescribed in the bible. That we love Jesus, and he is out Messiah, but we did not feel like celebrating Him in the way that has come to be popular is not what we feel comfortable with doing. Everything should be between you and God. So after we got that out of the way we just discussed that we still wanted to be with them for dinners, etc, we just did not want to do it while they were opening gifts. We do not want to hurt relationships, so we compromised. However, my husband and I both decided if it turns into something more, or, if we just start feeling like we are uncomfortable, we will just try to do something with them on another day. So far it has worked out. @@kathrinr.m.9847
Amen! So glad to hear a reasonable take on Christmas. "That looks a lot like idolatry" is a pretty good spiritual barometer.
This was actually really helpful to help explain to our daughter about how we don’t do Holween. She is 4 and is having a hard time understanding how some people celebrate Holween but still love Jesus. She then says, “do they not celebrate Christmas as Jesus birthday”
The idea of being convicted about Halloween while others are not. Feels like this is what I need to try to explain to her.
Thank you for sharing your convictions, it is beautiful! We all have different convictions. My husband and I talked about not doing Christmas when we were first married. At this point we don’t feel convicted about not celebrating Christmas, but I also believe either way we should be focusing on the gospel, weather that is from Celebrating or Not Celebrating.
Same with Halloween; my children are very zealously against it... I have a difficult time of helping them to understand that they mustn't judge those who still do, simply because of our family's convictions against it. Idk how to explain that as a concrete concept to them. That we can love people without doing what they do; to them it feels like we don't love them because we don't share in what makes them happy.
My husband and I quit Christmas 11 years ago. Our children were all grown with children of their own. But it didn't go over so well.
Born again believers shouldnt lie. Like i told my mom and dad earlier in my dads truck, and ive told my daughter who is 20 years old, i dont get into lying about santa, i dont get into santa, I dont see anything wrong with being generous or gifts, but thats how we should always be as disciples of Christ, but anyways, thanks for sharing about your convictions and being humble..
In regard to the date for His birthday being Dec. 25th; have you seen the video/documentary "The Star" I think it's called? It's compelling.
Once you step out of the Christmas snow globe the world is in for a few months you truly start to see there is a spirit associated with, but imo it's not a Christian spirit.
I agree- that's where the idolatry started to really show. I know I was guilt, but how tightly we hold onto something that is just not worship. It's like the Grinch- he was right in so many ways... and we'd be wise to realize the true meaning... and that it doesn't happen on December 25th but should be the very essence of our each and every day in true thought and deed.
I think most Christians know Jesus wasn’t born on December 25. You don’t have to celebrate something on the actual day it happened
@@deesherwood5020 it's deeper than just the date. 🥹
I love being able to hear this from a woman's perspective. I definitely want to hear what you do instead and also how to celebrate the feast days. I need all the ideas and guidance. Lol
If someone is sinning in conscience then they should not do it, but those who do celebrate should do it confidently. Let each one be convinced in their own mind. I’ve devoted my life to Christ and I celebrate Him every single day! The flesh craves a sacrifice but the fruit should always be love and trust.
Yes, asking why we're doing something, my answer is Because i love Jesus so much, the calender day doesn't matter, we celebrate differently then the world, and CHRISTmas is beautiful!
I remember the first time I met someone who didn't celebrate Christmas at my Christian university, my overriding thoughts were sadness. I just felt sorry for the girl. I didn't talk about it with her, however - didn't try to tell her how sorry I felt for her nor did I talk with her about what we did.
Does your church acknowledge Christmas at all and if so how does that work?
This is how I feel. I don't want to be pressured, coerced, guilted into celebrating any day. I want to choose with a glad heart. I want to celebrate the way I want to celebrate the way i can afford to. This year is easier not to celebrate holidays because I lost my only child. But its still kind of hard because everyone feels extra sorry for me. They want to bring me gifts they don't want me to be alone during the holidays. They want to help me any way they can.
Jesus's birth was celebrated by the angels when He was born....and by the wise men when they came and visited Him.....not at the manjure but did come celebrate His birth. no, He wasn't born on Dec 25th but that's irrelevant. just because we don't know the exact day doesn't mean we can't or shouldn't celebrate the birth of Christ and what that ment. just because we don't know the exact day doesn't mean we shouldn't take time to reflect on it, thank God for the miracle of it, and teach the importance of Christ's birth to our children. it's more important to me then celebrating the passover. Christ is the center of my faith.
Amen! Exactly what God’s festival of Sukkot focuses on! Thankfulness for Him coming and looking forward to our reunion! Amen!
I think the question isn’t about Christmas, it’s about asking “Does this honor God?” - loving people in truth & gentleness always honors God. Everything will be evil to some people. Everything will be permissible to some. Our perspective should be above that. If giving a thoughtful gift would bring joy to someone, just as The Father gives us every good & perfect gift, do it. If putting lights up in the cold of winter because it reminds the family of the beauty of The Father of lights in a dark world, do it. Intention is the focus, not the do’s & do not’s. In the explaining it becomes about us & our self righteousness. Let’s be love - in action! Honor The Lord in all things. Put others before ourselves. Be peaceable, not a stumbling block. Live an abundant life full of joy, godliness & contentment. The Holy Spirit is the one who does the convicting ❤
I have been feeling convictions about celebrating Christmas but I am still not quite sure because I do enjoy decorating and beautiful Christmas lights and gifts etc. It's something I have been wondering about as to why we were always tought to celebrate Christmas when it is not even on Our Lord Jesus's birthday?
Oh thank you for this. For our family, we had the same convictions on basically the same timeline. It hit us really hard as my husband was pastoring, and we first saw the biblical and historical reasons to tell Christmas goodbye, then we looked around us at all the egregious spending, the stress, the overwhelmed people, the sugared-up kids, the illness that came from overindulgence wrecking immune systems, financial stress, familial stress over who hosts/attends... and we said, Nope- this in no way glorifies Christ, and He isn't in this at all. But our family... They don't know how to respond to us. We are already the weirdos with livestock and 6 kids. Our extended families all celebrate, and don't really know what to do with us; they don't know how to engage with us and our children. That is the hardest part- being judged and glared at as if we're heretics for not participating in Christmas. Your two bigfest regrets are also mine, but in a new place, surrounded by extended family now where as before we moved back home, we were pretty isolated and just did our own thing, I'm not sure how to navigate it without offending or hurting people.
I have a lot of questions and need for wisdom:
How do you interact and spend time with family and friends who DO participate in all the trappings of Christmas and know virtually nothing of His appointed Feasts?
How do you handle Grandparents and gifts with the kids?
How do you effectively communicate these convictions to other Christians who are passionately devoted to Christmas and all that goes with it?
What about within your church, specifically? We aren't in a church my husband pastors at this time, so we don't have any real input into how things go, or what is observed. How do you share these convictions with people who are disappointed in your lack of participation?
This is our first year.
Hello - this year will be our first season without traditional Christmas.
🎁🎁❓❓ How do you handle the wish from relatives to give your children presents? (Especially when the love language from Granny is presents?)
Our oldest one is 14 - he has 14 years of traditional Christmas in his mind/experience, I am so afraid he will be very disappointed and claims us to be fanatics.
My question would be do you go to friends or family’s celebration of Christmas and do you allow family to buy your kids presents?
That's my biggest reason we haven't considered quitting. So many family members want to play their role of giving my kids gifts. And my son wants gifts!
There’s nothing wrong with giving gifts… but we’re diligent to be aware of how much we’re consuming and addressing heart issues if we’re seeing our kids desiring stuff that they wouldn’t be willing to do without. Our treasure is to be stored in heaven- not earth. 🙏🏼💕 But we do not go to anyone else’s Christmas celebrations, we invite everyone to our Hanukkah celebrations (just like we do with the spring and fall Holy Days too) and we’ve all actually found we enjoy that quite a deal more. 🥰
@@HeavenlyMindedHome yes this is so true. We have cut back on acquiring things so much, we ourselves were addicted to having more and so were our kids. We have asked family to either not give gifts or something small and we have cut way back as well because our kids were showing very selfish, me me I want more I need more then the next kid attitude. We try to focus on more experience gifts than items.
Even satan appears as an angel of light! I have no regrets and actually cringe at the thought of people believing one thing but if you break down words….
Christ Mas! That means CHRIST death! We have been deceived by man about the darkest days, but fear not for GOD ALMIGHTY is found in the cloud just as Moses. The people were afraid and trembled.
The Two Witnesses, THE WORD AND THE HOLY SPIRIT IS ALIVE!
Revelation 11:10
“And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.”
John 8:18
“I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.”
1 John 5:7
“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.”
Why do you celebrate Hanakah or the passover? How did you choose this for your family
I was convicted last year, I don’t wanna do it at all, I don’t want any celebration or the tree. But I don’t know how to tell my family and I’m sure that they will probably still go ahead and put up a tree and celebrate it. It’s so much pressure around this season. I was convicted last year right around Christmas, and I’ve been dreading this season ever since.
I am not sure I understand how they didn’t celebrate in the Bible. In Mathew 2 the wise men presented Him with gifts. In Luke 2 the angels announced His birth to the shepherds and then sang Gloria in excelsis. That sounds like celebration to me. Obviously if you are convicted, don’t do it, but there is a difference between saying “celebrating it is wrong” or “There is no biblical evidence” and “ I choose not to celebrate it.”
Evidence for December 25th. :) Obviously there was much celebration and praising the Lord-- but we see the times in the Biblical feasts that fulfill these events. The grand celebration of Sukkot is literally for the Lord living up His creation. :)
My aunt did the same thing probably 45 to 50 years ago. As the years rolled by, after that, she finally quit all holidays except Thanksgiving. Her grown daughter was upset about losing more fun family times and traditions, because Valentines was one of the last to go. She still does birthday’s. About twenty four years ago when my cousin said that her mom now also quit Valentine’s Day, (she always bought her daughter a large heart box of chocolates)…we now had the internet to be able to dig into anything. I decided to look up why we celebrate birthday’s. All the things we do on birthdays…the cake, inviting guests, the candles, the gifts are based on paganism. I printed it off, and gave it to my cousin. She said, “please don’t show that to my mom.” So, I didn’t. She still celebrates her kids and grandkids birthday’s. I said all of this to say we can turn anything into a pagan thing. Kids need traditions, and holidays. It’s much easier to follow the calendar for days, holidays and times off..so even if you don't celebrate (said traditional holidays) kids still need holidays. They need fun traditions to look forward to, and to look back on. It helps ground us, and make us closer as families. I’m a Christian. I raised my kids in church. We never did Halloween, but the church did a fall festival that night. We never did Santa. My mom was a non Christian when I was growing up, and she never did Santa. Her non Christian mother never did Santa with her, and her siblings. My mom said she worked hard for the money to buy our gifts, so she wanted us to know who bought them for us. Our gifts said from mom and dad. We do the other holidays. In some peoples eyes I’m a very odd/strict Christian, because I’m careful about what I watch, what I wear on my body, places I will and won’t go. However, if we look hard enough, every symbol will have a different beginning, or used in a different way in the past. The fish symbol that Christians love to use, and put stickers, and plaques of everywhere was a pagan symbol in times past. I don’t celebrate holidays for what they were in the past, or where someone thinks they originated from. One book I have says that Christmas and the tree is from Victorian times, and the Germans brought in the tradition of the tree. Again, if we dig deep enough we can attach any modern day celebration or symbol (that seems holy) to a time someone or group used it in a different way. If you decorate yourself or the walls in your home is that a sin...the Amish think so... Again, we can spiral out of control. To each their own. I don't harp on anyone for how they live their lives. These are just my own experiences and thoughts through the years.
It' s unusual for people who don't celebrate Christmas to not be able to tell others about it. It's about like an Apple user not talking about their iphone or a vegan not mentioning it within the first hour of meeting them. We had missionaries come to Poland and they mentioned not celebrating Christmas and Easter within half hour of meeting them - and we weren't even on the topic! It was a big turnoff.
This is my first time here. And our first year that we quit decorating our home in any Christmas decorations.
I'm still struggling with how to explain myself without people thinking we are judgmental on their celebration. So, l just don't explain , try to change the subject.
That's exactly how it happened with me....I loved Christmas and the feeling you get when the lights are off except the tree lights...the coziness and listening to the old Christmas music. So, when I found out the truth of Christmas, the pagan holiday..I was convicted...I had to tell my husband too and give him everything I read that explained it, he was in agreement. We loaded up all our Christmas stuff and took it to the transfer station to get rid of it. We struggled telling our kids who are all grown, married with kids and are not christians. Our kids was already struggling to our new Christian life, thinking we were in an occult, brainwashed. I also had to explain at work because my co-workers like exchaning gifts. Same with refusing to participate in Halloween...I work at walmart, they have each department pass out candy. I had to close so I was expected to pass it out...they brought the bucket with candy I left it where they set it and the kids helped themselves...I prayed for the kids and parents to open their eyes to the truth. We threw away movies, books, music whatever wasn't Godly..I need to throw my phone away 🫤
It sucks when your family is so blinded and won’t open their eyes to the reality of this … lonely road of Learning but it’s worth it praise Jesus ❤
I read something recently that said Christmas celebrates the mother and child, not the Father and Son, and that really hit me. I have been not celebrating Christmas for a few years, but I still had my children come over and have dinner and they still brought gifts and such, so this year I am not doing anything like that. My daughter and I are totally giving up those things. What do you say to the cashiers or other people who say “Merry Christmas?” I would like to know how to respond to them more appropriately, than just saying nothing, but you don’t also have time to tell them what you believe.
I stopped celebrating Christmas in 2007. And what to say when people wish a Merry Christmas has been difficult ever since. I usually just tell them that I don't celebrate it and then tell them to have a nice time or something like that. Then if they ask I share more. That's the approach I default to. But I do try to pray ahead each season and each time I am out and about during the season that Yeshua (Jesus) will show me how to respond each time. You never know if He is wanting to use you or not.
One time as I was leaving a store I interacted with a Salvation Army bell ringer. I don't remember exactly what I said to him initially but as I walked away I felt the Holy Spirit tug me to go back. So I did and I told him Jesus wasn't really born on that day. He asked me if I knew when so I walked him through some Scriptures. And then he told me he always wanted to know that.
So be yourself and trust Yeshua to help you respond each time.
Interesting-Very Interesting-Very Interesting Story
It’s definitely a personal conviction situation. I’m not sure how celebrating the birth of our savior = idolatry to you.
It's more so... how does a tree celebrate his birth? How does gathering on December 25th connect to the birth of Christ? Where are we called to celebrate this? Why aren't we living for his return EVERY day and sharing that, like the apostles did? Things along those lines... :)
@@HeavenlyMindedHome In our home putting up a tree, lightly decorating, baking, making/buying a few gifts, singing carols about Jesus’ birth is like preparing for a birthday party. It’s fun and exciting to celebrate our Lord’s birthday. We know He wasn’t born on December 25th (there’s no record of the exact date) but He knows our hearts and I think He loves seeing His children get excited to remember His birth. His birth is the absolute best gift we will ever receive. I feel that celebrating that gift is a time of thankfulness. We are also thankful and mindful of His birth and His coming return all year round of course. A lot of things we do every day are not commanded in scripture but that doesn’t mean they are wrong. If our heart posture is to thank God for the precious gift of His son as we celebrate, I don’t personally have any conviction on the matter. I’m trying to convince anyone otherwise because God convicts people about different things, and we need to obey Him.
It is absolutely possible to live everyday for His return and share with others and celebrate Christmas. It truly is
@@HeavenlyMindedHometraditionally, December 25th is the allotted day to celebrate the Nativity of the Lord in the Catholic Church. It corresponds with the Liturgical Calendar, in which the Church has allotted particular calendar days (feast days, holy days/holidays, and entire seasons) to celebrate all the events of the life of Christ, the Gospel, and salvation history the whole year through, so they can always be remembered and lived out in the life of the Church.
Some interesting tidbits… The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) is celebrated nine months after the the Feast of the Annunciation on March 25th.
Advent is a penitential season of anticipation (reflecting on the coming Messiah) just before the birth of Jesus. The Christmas season begins Christmas Eve, and includes the Feast of the Nativity (Christmas), the Feast of the Epiphany, and ends on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.
The term Christmas comes from Christ-Mass, as every Mass is always centered around Christ.
Lent (a penitential season like Advent) and Easter/Pascha (a celebratory season) are also very important (actually more important) liturgical seasons in the Church.
We gave up Christmas and Easter over 18 years ago now. We had 6 children at home at the time. The Lord convicted me in a big way. It was like getting hit by a train. Why he chose me and not my husband, I don't know. He agreed to stop the "traditions of man" too, though. Now, all but one of our 6 kiddos are out of the house, some married some not. They all celebrate Christmas now. It is their decision to make, but it also hurts this mama's heart.
We havent participated in Christmas for like 8 years. We had the same family reactions. But we replaced it with our own tradition of celebrating new years as a family and being thankful God gave use another year to be able to share God's grace and such with others. Us parents are thankful that our kids have been good stewards and so we give them a few gifts, mostly family oriented as a way to say God has blessed us parents with good things so we want to bless the kids with good things etc. so we decorate for winter so snowmen welcome lol everything else is for thw birds. We teacg our kids helping others isnt seasonal. But being greedy, selfish, conditional volunteering, decorations etc are not something god wants us to focus on. So for us when ppl ask why we sont celebrate, its because Christmas doesnt glorify God and how he wants us to live and treat each other.
P.S. My 5 kids look forward to new years all year when they talk about things they want as a group.
I also think that the people who were idolizing Christmas were convicted so they had to go to cold turkey. For us is the gospel and the story how it happened, and prophecy being fulfilled,to reflect on it and be grateful to God. We don’t do gifts neither have Christmas Tree. And I feel sorry for the people who are in this Christmas chaos using so much energy and time just to please everyone to measure up to the culture standards being thrown on the society
For us we always celebrated Christmas and still do but it was never about Jesus birth. For us we see it as a season of giving and being together as a family.
I don’t think there is anything wrong with celebrating Christmas. It depends on your heart (I will edit that so it’s not taken out of context) it depends on your intentions behind celebrating, is it idiolizing something or someone, is it because you have to keep up with joneses and look better are you doing it for any reasons that would be unpleasing to the Lord. Everyone has their own convictions that’s ok. But it’s also not wrong to celebrate.
Jeremiah 17:9 the heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?
@@juststeph6940 I appreciate the edit . Sadly many believers do not know their word. They believe God knows their heart, so that makes it okay. God Bless.
@@user-bn7dg2km2d this I understand but I also don’t think it’s nice to just throw a scripture at people either. It’s actually one of a few reasons I left the church for a long time. Just be mindful that not everyone is in the same place or knowledge and we need to be careful how we handle that.
Yes also I need to be careful of how I’m writing as well, not trying to be mean either, I apologize for my knee jerk reaction to just send an emoji at you. God bless.
@@user-bn7dg2km2d
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. REJOICE
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. ...
Luke 2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed,[b] who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.[c]
8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”[d]
15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Weird that the shepherds and angels and later the magi, celebrated the birth of Christ by bringing gifts and sharing with others. Every time a person gives their life to Christ, there is celebrating in heaven and look at all the gifts God gives those who belong to Him.
@@juststeph6940I understand where you are coming from. Scripture is supposed to be used to correct, it is offensive at times. That can be hard to receive and give. The issue is when you respond online there is no tone. So people assume it's out of spite or rudeness, when it was a simple correction. If we are offended by the word of God, then we need to be asking why. Not being rude, just simply reflecting on your response. I have issues with the church as well, mostly because of all the compromise. So I get that as well... We are all growing. I will pray for you, and I hope you will for me as well my fellow sister in Christ. 😊
My journey has been very similar to yours.
My biggest question would be, you said you regret not better articulating and being comfortable in your conviction… have you found a way to be firm yet gracious to others while explaining your reasons to not celebrate? Personally, it’s been hard to explain without some people feeling defensive, no matter how hard I try to frame my feelings in a nonjudgmental way. I think it’s more their issue than mine at that point? Also, do you have a succinct reply for the situations you mentioned like a cashier or acquaintance?
You sort of generally listed those regrets, but could you really flesh them out as to what you do differently now?
Personally, I have given up re-explaining to some family and friends. They still gift us items and I just accept thankfully. With strangers telling me “merry Christmas,” I just say thanks or you too. Any thoughts about choosing your battles in this way? I guess I’ve come to understand that not everyone shares my conviction, and most have goodwill as their motivations. Romans 14.
I’d love to see if your approach is different from mine throughout the years. It is a process, sometimes a messy one, and I’m looking forward to learning more from this week of videos!
And in case anyone thinks I’ve just given up or am being wishy-washy, the Lord works in His time, not ours. Praise Him that there are now others in our extended family who share our convictions! Maybe you could share some of your Holy Feasts traditions with us so we can build a new legacy for our family. 🙏🏻🙌🏻
I too am wondering how to graciously explain my newfound convictions to everyone, especially my teenage children who I have celebrated Christmas with every year up till now. I have already decided what to say when a stranger or someone in public or on the phone at my job tells me merry Christmas and that will be: God bless you. Maybe that last part can help you.
@@jennifermier7444 Yes, that is a great response!
I'm pretty much with you in my current response. In the past, we just isolated during the season and that eliminated a lot of the necessities of explanation. That's less possible for us this year in different circumstances.
I think the biggest thing was letting go of the need to convince other people of my convictions, which I'm still tempted to do, because obviously, I believe I'm in the right and am justified in not participating. But not trying to win them over to what the Holy Spirit has done in me- I'm not their Holy Spirit, so I shouldn't take it personally when they disagree.
When you discuss the why you quit Christmas, could you please include primary sources? We have been told it is connected to paganism, we have never actually found any historical proof (just online rumours and speculations).
Thank you.
It’s literally called Jul in Scandinavian countries.
We kept the holy days, not holidays.
Feast of tabernacles, unleavened days, etc. We never did Christmas. I believe in giving gifts because you want to, not have to. Helping the homeless twice a year? No. They need help through out the year.
I really need some help right now. Things are so difficult.