Many Christians feel tension about celebrating Christmas. Concerns about commercialization, cultural influence, or questionable history can create confusion. But Christmas can be celebrated faithfully when approached with intention and a Christ-centered mindset. Avoid Judging Others Not every believer celebrates Christmas in the same way. Some prefer quiet, simple traditions. Others enjoy a more festive approach. […]
A frequent objection raised by skeptics of December 25 as Jesus’ birth date concerns the shepherds in the fields. Many argue that winter in Bethlehem would be too cold for shepherds to watch their flocks overnight. Historical climate data and traditional shepherding practices, however, show that this objection is based on misconceptions. Bethlehem’s Winter Climate: […]
For many years people have repeated the claim that Christmas was placed on December 25 because Christians copied pagan festivals like Saturnalia or the feast of Sol Invictus. While these festivals did occur around the same time, the earliest Christian writings that refer to Christ’s birth do not mention paganism as the reason for choosing […]
In preparation for Christmas, I wrote a letter to the editor to a local newspaper. I was desiring local discussion. I got it. While Christmas celebration has ceased for most of us, today (Saturday January 7th) is Christmas for Russian orthodox churches in 2017. Whichever the date you celebrate, the arguments are relevant and timeless. […]
As you gather with family and friends, and kin and kith for Christmas celebrations, conversation starters are always handy. In two previous posts “3 Things You Thought The Bible Says About Christmas, But It Doesn’t” and “5 Christmas Myths That Some May Thought Were in the Bible, But Aren’t“, I noted a number of first […]
“The most wonderful time of the year” is also the time of the year when we start hearing some denounce Christmas celebrations and Christmas paraphernalia. While we may expect this from atheists, we are sideswiped unexpectedly when it comes from a Christian. It all comes down to celebrations on December 25th are thought to have […]
As you gather with family and friends for Christmas celebrations, here are some fun conversation facts to tell everyone! In a previous post I talked about 3 Things You Thought The Bible Says About Christmas, But It Doesn’t. Here I have 5 more myths that some may think that are taught in the Bible but […]
How can one be a follower of Christ without a desire to tell others the Gospel? I don’t really know. However, you know how it is, many people don’t like to hear the Gospel. But one time in the year most are not only okay with hearing the Gospel, but expect it! Check out your […]
At the end of the 2014 year, I have pulled together my top 4 blog posts from ibitedge.blogspot.com. I think it is important to think about these topics again, both for the content and the reasons many may have wanted to read the posts. As a blogger, I need to be sensitive to the needs […]
Now each one of these three items may be true, they may have happened as tradition says, we may even have external evidence that points to their truthfulness. However, the Bible does not bear them evidence. Jesus Was Born In A Stable What we hear is that Jesus was born in a stable, now like […]
