December 19, 1999 Humble Messenger
"Christmas" srf
The Roman Catholic Church is known for adapting heathen practices into
"Christian" observances. Colliers and World Book Encyclopedia
tells us that Bishop Liberius of Rome in 354 AD set the date for "Christmas" as
Dec. 25, probably due to the fact that this was a feast day to the sun god. Christmas is
unknown to the New Testament. It is of purely human origin. Following are some quotes you
may find enlightening and useful (file them for later reference?). Note the sources for
the second and third quotes. These are official Roman Catholic publications.
Funk and Wagnalls Encyclopedia (1994) article on "Christmas":
The origin of the festival is unknown. Scholars
believe that it is derived in part from rites held by pre-Christian Germanic and Celtic
peoples to celebrate the winter solstice. Christmas festivals, generally observed by
Christians since the 4th century, incorporate pagan customs, such as the use of holly,
mistletoe, Yule logs, and wassail bowls. The Christmas tree, an evergreen trimmed with
lights and other decorations, is derived from the so-called paradise tree, symbolizing
Eden, of German mystery plays. The use of a Christmas tree began early in the 17th
century, in Strasbourg, France, spreading from there through Germany and then into
northern Europe.
The New Catholic Encyclopedia (Van Rees Press, New York, 1929), p. 211:
Christmas (O.E., Christes Maesse, Christıs Mass) or FEAST OF
THE NATIVITY, 25 Dec., celebration of the anniversary of the birth of Our Lord. In the
earliest days of the Church there was no such feast . . . The Latin Church began c.
300 to observe it on 25 Dec., though there is no certainty that Our Lord was born on that
day . . . Many peculiar customs of the day are the outcome of the pagan
celebrations of the January calenders. The Christmas tree, of which the first known
mention was made in 1605 in Strasborg, was introduced into France and England in
1840." [italics mine, srf]
The manger scenes? The Catechism Explained (Benziger Brothers, New York,
1899), p. 710:
In the Middle Ages, before the invention of printing had placed Holy
Scripture within the reach of the people, it was customary to present to their view the
chief events of Our Lordıs life in theatric representations. For instance, St. Francis of
Assisi [1182-1226, srf] obtained the Papal permission to construct a stable of
brushwood and moss in the midst of a pine-wood. In it he placed a real manger in which was
laid an image of the divine Infant, while figures representing Mary and Joseph stood
beside it. A real ox and an ass were tied up to a stall outside the stable; inside an
altar was erected, at which at midnight the Christmas Mass was solemnly celebrated . . .
From that time forth the custom of making a crib in churches began to prevail. [This
article goes on to discuss how "passion plays" grew out of this. srf]
Here are some quotes we ought sure to heed:
And He said to them, "Rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is
written, 'This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far away from me. But in
vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.' Neglecting the
commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men." (Mark 7:6-8, NASB).
[italics mine, srf]
Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God; just as I also please
all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of the many,
that they may be saved. (1 Corinthians 10:31-33, NASB). [italics mine, srf]
So, enjoy the holiday season‹the family gatherings, the good food, the festive
spirit. But beware of being entangled in "man-made religion." Be cognizant of
the impact of our conduct on others, whether believers or unbelievers. "Whatever
you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Col. 3:17).
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News of Interest
June Hodges had surgery last Thursday to remove a metal plate in her leg
that was inserted nearly thirty years ago when she broke her leg. She may be able to
return home today . . . Should you want copies of the articles on Christmas, or any part
of the articles (e.g. the quotes), that appeared this week and last for your files, you
can download them by copying and pasting from the web site,
http://www.kingwoodcable.com/colblip/humble churchofchrist/ . . . WEDNESDAY AM CLASS:
Wednesday morning class is suspended for the holidays. We will resume January 5, the Lord
willing . . . CLASS MATERIAL: When finished using class material, please be sure
and put in back in order (for example, the flannelgraph material) and in place (for
example, the material that belongs in the file cabinet) so that the next teacher can find
and use it. Thanks . . . WEDNESDAY CLOSE LIST: Note that the Wednesday
Evening Close list has been revised. It will possibly change weekly due to work schedules,
out of town, etc. . . . NEXT GOSPEL MEETING: Our gospel meeting with Joe
Fitch is scheduled for February 13-18, 2000 . . . "Devotion":
"Ardent, often selfless affection and dedication" American Heritage
Dict. Recently Iıve seen some folks exemplify "devotion" to Christ and His
church. Thank you for your example and encouragement!
***
Transportation for Zelma Bobbitt
‹ December ‹
Sun., 19, am - xxxxx pm -
Wed., 22, pm -
Sun., 26, am - xxxxx pm - Jamie Whitehead
Wed., 29, pm - Rocky Rodriguez
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Wednesday Evening Close