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Spirit and Truth

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

December 25 has been a focal point of sun-worship for many millennia. The pagan origins of this day are so well documented that it raises the question of why Christians would attempt to Christianize something that has been blatantly anti-God from the very beginning.

Excusing Paganism in Christmas

Commentary by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The celebration of Christmas on December 25 is widely observed across various beliefs, yet it is not supported by any divine command to commemorate the birth of Jesus on that specific date. Historical attempts to justify December 25 as the date of His birth often rely on calculations, such as those by John Chrysostom, who suggested that Zacharias' second course of service in the Temple and subsequent events led to Jesus' conception on March 25, resulting in a birth date of December 25. However, these calculations are flawed due to the omission of the additional weeks of service during the holy days, which shifts the timing and suggests a different period for His conception and birth. Furthermore, the proximity of December 25 to the pagan Saturnalia festival raises concerns about the syncretism of pagan customs into the observance, a fact that some Christian scholars acknowledge but justify by claiming the current meaning of Christmas overrides its historical pagan roots. Despite these arguments, there remains no scriptural basis for selecting December 25 as the date to honor His birth.

Christmas Contradictions

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Many people are aware of the contradictions surrounding Christmas, particularly the traditional claim that Jesus was born on December 25. It is acknowledged that He could not have been born around the winter solstice. In the early fourth century, the Catholic Church combined the Roman winter solstice festival, Saturnalia, with a celebration of His birth to ease the transition of new converts to Christianity. Despite this, the celebration continues on December 25, even though it is not supported by biblical command or suggestion to commemorate the Savior's birth on this date.

Reasons for Not Celebrating Christmas

CGG Weekly by John Reiss

Why do we not keep Christmas? Jesus was not born on December 25, during Saturnalia, a pagan festival. It is a commercialized holiday rife with lies.

When Was Jesus Born?

Article by John O. Reid

The Catholic Church chose December 25 as the date of Jesus' birth, centuries after the fact. However, internal biblical evidence gives a very different story.

'Tis the Season: Help for Our Young People

Article by Staff

As another Christmas season approaches, many in God's church, including our children, dread having to endure it. We can help them understand God's way.

Dating Christ's Birth

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

While a minority of Christians insist that December 25 is the actual date of the Nativity, most people realize that proof for this early winter date is quite scanty.

Syncretismas!

Article by Martin G. Collins

Christmas is a very blatant form of syncretism, the blending of diverse religious practices. The origins of Christmas testify of why we should reject it.

The Crazy in Christmas

CGG Weekly by Ronny H. Graham

Jesus tells us that we must worship God in spirit and truth. Where is the truth in Christmas? What is the Christmas spirit, and where does it come from?

Cogitations on Christmas

Article by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Most recognize Christmas' pagan origins and its lack of biblical support. These facts should make us consider whether Christians should celebrate it.

Crazy or Christmas

Sermonette by Ronny H. Graham

If Christmas is Christ's birthday, it is strange that everybody else except Christ receives a gift. All of its symbols derive from pagan sources.

What's Wrong With Christmas?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The Catholic Church mixed truth and falsehood to have the 'official' birthdate of the Son of God coincide with the rebirth of the sun, the winter solstice.

The Plain Truth About Christmas

Herbert W. Armstrong Booklet

Did Christmas come from the Bible or paganism? Here are the origins of the Christmas tree, Santa Claus, mistletoe, the holly wreath, and exchanging gifts.

The Names of Christmas

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Christmas is also called Yule, Noël, the Nativity, Advent, and the Feast of the Incarnation. The holiday's names reveal what Christmas is all about.

Christmas and Sun Worship

Sermonette by Mike Ford

Christmas, Easter, and Halloween all derive from sex, fertility, and sun worship. Christmas traces to the incestuous relationship of Semiramis and Nimrod.

Is New Year's Eve a Pagan Holiday?

'Ready Answer' by Mike Ford

New Year's Eve may seem like an innocuous, secular holiday, but it, too, has ties to ungodly, pre-Christian customs and religious practices.

Hearing and Understanding the Truth

Sermonette by Cody Ford

Even though many know the pagan origins of Christmas, they continue to follow it, thinking the good outweighs any of the downsides of its origins.

What Is This 'Advent'?

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

'Advent' can refer both to Christ's first coming as a human being or to His second coming in overwhelming power and glory to establish the Kingdom of God on earth.

Is New Year's Eve Pagan?

Sermonette by Mike Ford

New Year's celebrations often involve drunkenness, debauchery, and adultery. God commands us to separate ourselves from these customs and traditions of the world.

Sincerity Without Truth Is Worthless

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

It is dangerous to judge something on the basis of apparent 'sincerity,' which is often the opposite of godly sincerity. Godly sincerity is paired with the truth.

Truth-Based Worship Vs Spiritual Confusion

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

God never accepts worship that comes from human reasoning and the traditions of man. The starting point for worship must always be God and His revelation.

To Be, or Not To Be, Like Everyone Else?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

To keep from being swept up in the bandwagon effect of compromising with sin, we must make sure our convictions are not merely preferences.

A Search For Christmas Truth?

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh

Rejecting the Sabbath or embracing Christmas requires rejecting fundamental biblical truths. If we do not do what Christ did, we cannot claim to follow Christ.

Be My Valentine?

Article by Mike Ford

February 14, Valentine's Day, may seem harmless until the truth of its origins comes to light. Here is what lies behind this licentious, pagan day.