The Origins of Christmas (December 1995)

December 1995
Volume 4, Number 11

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Innocent Victims?

We often hear of "innocent victims" dying in some tragic way, but are they truly innocent? John Ritenbaugh discusses God's perspective of the sinful, human condition.

Ready Answer
What Was the Law 'Added Because of Transgressions'?
by Earl L. Henn

Some think Galatians 3:19 means that God's law has been done away. Earl Henn explains how certain misunderstandings have led people astray on this verse.

Prophecy Watch
Your Land Shall Not Yield Its Produce
by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Modern Israel is heavily dependent on its ability to produce food, but recent reports reveal just how unstable agriculture is. Bible prophecy predicts that famine will be part of the end-time scenario.

Syncretismas!
by Martin G. Collins

Christmas is a very blatant form of syncretism, the melding of religious ideas and practices into one. Martin Collins explains some of the origins of Christmas and why these facts should cause us to reject this holiday.

So You Plan to Keep Christmas Now?
by Mike Ford

From the outside, Christmas looks harmless. Many would say that with all the greenery in wreaths, trees, and mistletoe, not to mention all the colorful, twinkling lights, it is a beautiful holiday! Yet when we peel away the pleasing exterior to gaze at what lies behind, we find unholy roots that lead not to Christ but to ancient gods and heathen practices. Mike Ford explains the origins of a few Christmas customs.

Simplicity in Christ
by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The truth of God is simple, even some of the more complex doctrines are easily understood by those who truly seek God. We need to remember this principle when faced with doctrinal change.

Bible Study
Basic Doctrines:
Salvation
by Earl L. Henn

Are you saved already or are you being saved? What is salvation anyway? What part do we play in our own salvation? These are important questions that we must answer from God's Word.