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Respecting Our Differences

Some Christians celebrate Christmas and some don't. Romans 14 tells us to respect each other's differences in areas like this. This 1-minute devotion explains.

Some Christians don’t celebrate Christmas because they don't believe Christ was born on December 25th.

Instead, they think our present Christmas celebration originated with a pagan holiday and the Christmas tree originated with tree-worship.

Other Christians believe the actual date doesn't matter. And whether or not December 25th was once a pagan holiday, they feel their present celebration honors Christ's birth. 

 They don't worship their Christmas tree but consider it a symbol of Life (Tree of Life/Genesis 2:9).

So who's right? It doesn't matter.

According to Romans 14 what matters is our motives.

Christmas is one of many areas where genuine believers come to different conclusions.

 We should ask ourselves: Does my choice make me judgmental and proud or more devoted to Christ and more loving toward other Christians? 

In these disputable areas, God will judge our motives/attitudes. 

So let's be careful not to let our views hinder our fellowship and respect for fellow Christians who believe differently.
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Pertinent Passages:

Romans 14:5-6; 12-13: Some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable. 6 Those who worship the Lord on a special day do it to honor him... Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. 13 So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.

 Colossians 2:16: Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.

Please check out the Wisdom for Life devotional. It's a great Christmas gift to give yourself or your loved ones. If you'd like to know more, see 10 Reasons Why You'll Love Wisdom for Life. 

Some Christians celebrate Christmas and some don't. Romans 14 tells us to respect each other's differences in areas like this. This 1-minute devotion explains.


6 comments:

  1. A Proverbs 31 WifeDecember 24, 2012 at 8:55 AM

    The history of Christmas is indeed pagan. I don't know anything about tree worship, but the Baal worshippers hung balls on trees to worship Baal, the sun god. So somehow I cannot justify my own actions, if I were to hang balls on trees, no material how pretty.
    But, you are so right on something, many people who avoid Christmas like the plague also keep the old testament ordinances. Also wrong.
    If we as Christians could respect each other's veiws (aside from them being completely wrong and in danger of eternal judgment) perhaps the world would actually be able to see Christ instead of continual bickering.
    enjoyed your post as always :)

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    Replies
    1. Gail @ http://biblelovenotes.comDecember 24, 2012 at 10:46 AM

      Hi, Kendra.
      I appreciate hearing your views.

      If you'd like to read some info about the origin of the Christmas tree you may not have heard before, I recommend you read the first link I gave above (Should Christians Celebrate Christmas).

      While I celebrate Christmas and put up a tree, I don't think my way is the only right way to approach Christmas. The important thing is that whatever we do, we do it out of love for Christ.

      And even though I don't know you except through the blogosphere, I know that your motivation is love for Christ, Kendra.

      Thanks again for sharing your views.

      Delete
    2. Teresa R.December 19, 2018 at 2:22 PM

      I couldn't find your "Should Christians Celebrate Christmas" article. I did find the Should Christians Celebrate Halloween one. Could you send me the link?

      Delete
    3. Gail @ http://biblelovenotes.comDecember 20, 2018 at 9:58 AM

      Hi Teresa,
      The link doesn't show up as a link in a comment, but you can copy this:
      https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2015/12/why-celebrate-christmas.html

      The 1-minute devotion is called "Why Celebrate Christmas"

      God bless you,
      Gail

      Delete
  2. AnonymousDecember 26, 2012 at 9:42 PM

    I so needed to read this! It matches what me heart has been pondering. Thankyou Gail!

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownDecember 23, 2017 at 12:11 PM

    I belive Jesus was born on 25. Of december

    ReplyDelete