Ep. 50: Is Christmas Rooted in Paganism... And Should Christians Celebrate It?

Is mistletoe really a pagan symbol? Where did our Christmas celebration come from? This episode shares the story of Christmas traditions and whether Christians should celebrate it! JOIN the NEWSLETTER SUPPORT Binmin with a tax-deductible gift HERE 0:00 - INTRO 1:29 - WHY ALL THE CONTROVERSY ABOUT CHRISTMAS AND PAGANISM? 2:50 - WHY DO WE CELEBRATE DECEMBER 25 AS JESUS' BIRTHDAY? We don’t know the exact date of Jesus’ birth. 4:47 - Are there Pagan Rituals Associated with Christmas? Yes and no. Some traditions have their origins in ancient pagan practices, but the meaning of any word, symbol, or custom is determined by current usage, not its origins. 6:56 - SO WHAT SHOULD WE DO ABOUT SOME OF THE CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS THAT SUPPOSEDLY HAVE PAGAN ORIGINS? For us modern Christians, they don’t hold relevance anymore (ringing bells, giving gifts, mistletoe, etc.) 10:20 - IS THERE ANY BIBLICAL EVIDENCE OF REDEEMING PAGAN SYMBOLS OR BELIEFS? Yes: Paul appropriated a pagan altar for gospel evangelism in Acts 17:22–24. 11:14 - SHOULD A CHRISTIAN CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS? Whether you choose to celebrate Jesus’ birth falls under the category of “Christian liberty” (Rom. 14:5-6; 1 Cor. 10:31). 12:29 - SO WHAT? WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED? CHRISTMAS GLORIFIES GOD. PAGAN ORIGINS OF CHRISTMAS ARE IRRELEVANT 13:29 - WHAT’S YOUR NEXT STEP? GIVE ATTENTION TO JESUS. 14:31 - THANK YOU & WRAP UP CONNECT WITH THE BINMIN TEAM For more info about Binmin & more resources for your spiritual life, visit www.Binmin.org CONNECT WITH THE BINMIN TEAM Instagram: Binmin Instagram Linkedin: Binmin Linkedin Twitter: Binmin Twitter Ask Questions: [email protected] PODCAST RESOURCES More from Binmin: Binmin.org Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on AnchorFM Subscribe on YouTube PLEASE CONSIDER LEAVING A REVIEW If this podcast is helping you make your spiritual life more important to you, help share it by leaving an Apple podcast review in the “Ratings & Reviews” section at the bottom of the podcast’s page. Thank you for sharing!