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Cheers,
Soon
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
Can Christians celebrate christmas?
Christmas Not A Bible Doctrine
In the first place, Christmas is not a Bible doctrine. If our blessed Lord had wanted us to celebrate His birthday, He would have told us when to celebrate it and how to celebrate it. But Christ never told anyone to celebrate His birthday. Furthermore, we know from the Bible and from church his story that the apostles and the early church never celebrated Christ's birthday.
In fact, there are only two birthday celebrations recorded in the Bible; and each of them is connected with murder. The Bible tells us in Genesis 40:22 that on one of Pharaoh's birthdays he murdered his chief baker while a big celebration was going on. The other birth day celebration recorded was that of Herod, when he had John the Baptist murdered. I personally believe that God purposely records these two birthday celebrations to warn and to teach us-and to show us that the Lord has no pleasure in birthday celebrations or anniversaries.
The Bible is God's complete and final revelation to man, and it tells us everything we need to know for our spiritual lives (see II Timothy 3:16). We don't have to go outside the Bible for anything. God's Word tells us how we're to worship, how we're to give money for the support of the Lord's work, how to evangelize the lost, how to observe the Lord's Supper, and everything else pertaining to the Christian life. But not once in the Bible does God tell us to celebrate Christmas! We're told to remember the Lord's death, but nowhere are we told to celebrate His birth.
God's people are supposed to be Bible people. We're supposed to live by the teaching of God's holy Word. So the very fact that Christmas is never mentioned in the Bible is sufficient reason for us not to have anything to do with it. But that's not all.
Don't miss the point: The shepherds WERE IN THE FIELDS taking care of their flocks on the night Jesus was born. As the shepherds were watching their sheep, the message came to them of the birth of Jesus.
It's a well-known fact that December falls in the middle of the rainy season in Palestine, and the sheep were kept in the fold at that time of the year. The shepherds always corralled their flocks from October to April. They brought their sheep from the mountainsides and the fields no later than October 15 to protect them from the cold, rainy season that followed that date. So the birth of Christ could not have taken place at the end of December.
Luke 2:1, 3 tells us that at the time of the birth of Jesus it was decreed that ". . . all the world should be taxed... And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city." This couldn't have taken place in the winter. Caesar Augustus, the ruler at Rome, would certainly not call for such a taxing in the depth of winter. Travel at this time of the year is extremely difficult; hence, it would be virtually impossible for everyone to comply with the decree if it had been given then. The Lord himself testified to the rigors of traveling in winter, for He told the people to pray that their flight at the end of this age would not be in winter (see Matthew 24:20).
No one knows the exact day when Jesus was born, but in all probability He was born sometime during the first part of October. We can be reasonably sure of this because His earthly ministry lasted three and a half years, and He was crucified on the fourteenth day of the month of Nisan, which corresponds to our April (see John 19:31; Leviticus 23:5). If we go back three and a half years to the time when Jesus was 30 years old-when He began His public ministry-we come to the month of October. This was probably the month when our blessed Lord was born into the world.
However, let's remember that it's not the date of Jesus' birth that's important. The important thing is that He was born and that He died for our sins. We're not worshiping a helpless infant lying in a manger. We're worshiping a risen and exalted Christ who has all power in Heaven and in earth (see Matthew 28:18).
Origin of Christmas
Where do you suppose Christmas originated? Certainly not with God! Christmas started with the sun worshipers during the time of Nimrod, the man who supervised the building of the tower of Babel. And that's another reason why I don't celebrate Christmas.
Thousands of years before Jesus was born, the heathen in every country observed December 25 as the birthday of a god who was called the sun god. Semiramis, the widow of Nimrod, was his mother. She claimed to be the queen of heaven. And she had a son who was supposed to have been born on December 25; his name was Tammuz.
According to all the heathen religions of that time, Tammuz had a miraculous birth; and for centuries his birthday was celebrated with feasts, revelry, and drunken orgies. The heathen celebrated Tammuz's birthday according to the very example he set for them. He was the world's greatest lover of women, strong drink, dirty jokes, and other sensual fun. It is said that he loved everybody and everybody loved him. And it was December 25 that all the pagan religions celebrated the birthday of Tammuz, the sun god.
In the first place, Christmas is not a Bible doctrine. If our blessed Lord had wanted us to celebrate His birthday, He would have told us when to celebrate it and how to celebrate it. But Christ never told anyone to celebrate His birthday. Furthermore, we know from the Bible and from church his story that the apostles and the early church never celebrated Christ's birthday.
In fact, there are only two birthday celebrations recorded in the Bible; and each of them is connected with murder. The Bible tells us in Genesis 40:22 that on one of Pharaoh's birthdays he murdered his chief baker while a big celebration was going on. The other birth day celebration recorded was that of Herod, when he had John the Baptist murdered. I personally believe that God purposely records these two birthday celebrations to warn and to teach us-and to show us that the Lord has no pleasure in birthday celebrations or anniversaries.
The Bible is God's complete and final revelation to man, and it tells us everything we need to know for our spiritual lives (see II Timothy 3:16). We don't have to go outside the Bible for anything. God's Word tells us how we're to worship, how we're to give money for the support of the Lord's work, how to evangelize the lost, how to observe the Lord's Supper, and everything else pertaining to the Christian life. But not once in the Bible does God tell us to celebrate Christmas! We're told to remember the Lord's death, but nowhere are we told to celebrate His birth.
God's people are supposed to be Bible people. We're supposed to live by the teaching of God's holy Word. So the very fact that Christmas is never mentioned in the Bible is sufficient reason for us not to have anything to do with it. But that's not all.
Christ Not Born On December 25
Don't miss the point: The shepherds WERE IN THE FIELDS taking care of their flocks on the night Jesus was born. As the shepherds were watching their sheep, the message came to them of the birth of Jesus.
It's a well-known fact that December falls in the middle of the rainy season in Palestine, and the sheep were kept in the fold at that time of the year. The shepherds always corralled their flocks from October to April. They brought their sheep from the mountainsides and the fields no later than October 15 to protect them from the cold, rainy season that followed that date. So the birth of Christ could not have taken place at the end of December.
Luke 2:1, 3 tells us that at the time of the birth of Jesus it was decreed that ". . . all the world should be taxed... And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city." This couldn't have taken place in the winter. Caesar Augustus, the ruler at Rome, would certainly not call for such a taxing in the depth of winter. Travel at this time of the year is extremely difficult; hence, it would be virtually impossible for everyone to comply with the decree if it had been given then. The Lord himself testified to the rigors of traveling in winter, for He told the people to pray that their flight at the end of this age would not be in winter (see Matthew 24:20).
No one knows the exact day when Jesus was born, but in all probability He was born sometime during the first part of October. We can be reasonably sure of this because His earthly ministry lasted three and a half years, and He was crucified on the fourteenth day of the month of Nisan, which corresponds to our April (see John 19:31; Leviticus 23:5). If we go back three and a half years to the time when Jesus was 30 years old-when He began His public ministry-we come to the month of October. This was probably the month when our blessed Lord was born into the world.
However, let's remember that it's not the date of Jesus' birth that's important. The important thing is that He was born and that He died for our sins. We're not worshiping a helpless infant lying in a manger. We're worshiping a risen and exalted Christ who has all power in Heaven and in earth (see Matthew 28:18).
Origin of Christmas
Where do you suppose Christmas originated? Certainly not with God! Christmas started with the sun worshipers during the time of Nimrod, the man who supervised the building of the tower of Babel. And that's another reason why I don't celebrate Christmas.
Thousands of years before Jesus was born, the heathen in every country observed December 25 as the birthday of a god who was called the sun god. Semiramis, the widow of Nimrod, was his mother. She claimed to be the queen of heaven. And she had a son who was supposed to have been born on December 25; his name was Tammuz.
According to all the heathen religions of that time, Tammuz had a miraculous birth; and for centuries his birthday was celebrated with feasts, revelry, and drunken orgies. The heathen celebrated Tammuz's birthday according to the very example he set for them. He was the world's greatest lover of women, strong drink, dirty jokes, and other sensual fun. It is said that he loved everybody and everybody loved him. And it was December 25 that all the pagan religions celebrated the birthday of Tammuz, the sun god.
This is all clearly brought out in Alexander Hislop's great book, The Two Babylons. Any reputable encyclopedia will also verify these facts.
It's plain to see, isn't it, that Christmas is a pagan holiday that came out of pagan Babylon. As born-again believers, let's have nothing to do with it.
The Bible commanded us to remember Christ Death, Not Birth
During the institution of the Lord's Supper,
"23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread;
24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”
25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”
26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes."
Notice that we remember Christ death every first day of the week when we partake the Lord's Supper, and not remembering his birth once every year.
Something to ponder about:
"Jer 10:2-4"
2 Do not learn the way of the Gentiles; Do not be dismayed at the signs of heaven, For the Gentiles are dismayed at them.
3 For the customs of the peoples are futile; For one cuts a tree from the forest, The work of the hands of the workman, with the ax.
4 They decorate it with silver and gold; They fasten it with nails and hammers So that it will not topple.
Sounds like Christmas Tree hah??
Cheers,
Soon
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Story for Thought
As Melinda walks into the room, she saw a dreadful sight; a scene which she could not bear seeing anymore. She wants to quickly turn her back and run away. She wants to get out of this place. “Why is there so much pain and suffering? Why is life so unfair to these little children? They don’t deserve it,” she whispers softly in her thoughts.
Melinda was a young lady, who has just graduated from a local university as a qualified nurse. This is her first day of work at GHKL. She was shocked to know how unprepared she is for her profession. All the studying she did had not prepared her for this scene. This horrendous scene. Children of all ages were thin, frail and malnourished. They were very ill and could barely stand to walk. Hence, they lied down on the floor of the hospital as there were not enough beds in the wards.
Deep down, Melinda felt a great compassion towards those children. She wanted to walk away at first, but if she do so, who will look after those children who are in need? Who would show care for them if everyone walks away from this place? Then, she remembered what Mother Teresa had said, “Let us touch the dying, the poor, the lonely and the unwanted according to the graces we have received and let us not be ashamed or slow to do the humble work.”
Like Melinda, we as Christians should show compassion to those who are in need. Jesus’ said, “for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.” Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, “Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?” And the King will answer and say to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” Matt. 25:35-40 (NKJV)
Jesus encourages us to help one another. Helping someone does not mean leaving your job to lend a helping hand. However, there are always little things that we can do daily to ease one’s burden. These acts do not depend on our wealth, ability or intelligence, but rather our willingness and time. You can always carry out simple acts such as giving your friend a ride home, sharing your food/toys with the needy or even taking some time to talk to the elderly or strangers. I personally have spoken to a couple of strangers who are in need and sometimes, it amazes me how much they have actually help me instead of me helping them. So, spend a little time helping those who are in need like what our Lord has done.
Written by,
Li Hoong
20th Nov 2009
Melinda was a young lady, who has just graduated from a local university as a qualified nurse. This is her first day of work at GHKL. She was shocked to know how unprepared she is for her profession. All the studying she did had not prepared her for this scene. This horrendous scene. Children of all ages were thin, frail and malnourished. They were very ill and could barely stand to walk. Hence, they lied down on the floor of the hospital as there were not enough beds in the wards.
Deep down, Melinda felt a great compassion towards those children. She wanted to walk away at first, but if she do so, who will look after those children who are in need? Who would show care for them if everyone walks away from this place? Then, she remembered what Mother Teresa had said, “Let us touch the dying, the poor, the lonely and the unwanted according to the graces we have received and let us not be ashamed or slow to do the humble work.”
Like Melinda, we as Christians should show compassion to those who are in need. Jesus’ said, “for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.” Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, “Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?” And the King will answer and say to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” Matt. 25:35-40 (NKJV)
Jesus encourages us to help one another. Helping someone does not mean leaving your job to lend a helping hand. However, there are always little things that we can do daily to ease one’s burden. These acts do not depend on our wealth, ability or intelligence, but rather our willingness and time. You can always carry out simple acts such as giving your friend a ride home, sharing your food/toys with the needy or even taking some time to talk to the elderly or strangers. I personally have spoken to a couple of strangers who are in need and sometimes, it amazes me how much they have actually help me instead of me helping them. So, spend a little time helping those who are in need like what our Lord has done.
Written by,
Li Hoong
20th Nov 2009
Take Note:
Calling all youths!!
Please take note your duties for the month of December, January, Feburary and March.
The weekly duties will be posted up soon, sorry I dont quite know how to copy and paste the table to this post :P
Any suggestions to brighten up this blog, do let me know :) Also,feel free to post any articles that would be helpful in strengthening our knowledge in God's word. After all, a reading Christian is a growing Christian! :)
In Christ we serve,
Sue May
Please take note your duties for the month of December, January, Feburary and March.
The weekly duties will be posted up soon, sorry I dont quite know how to copy and paste the table to this post :P
Any suggestions to brighten up this blog, do let me know :) Also,feel free to post any articles that would be helpful in strengthening our knowledge in God's word. After all, a reading Christian is a growing Christian! :)
In Christ we serve,
Sue May
Youth Duty Roster
Youth Board
Leaders
Birthday: Sandra /Li Zhen
Yearly Calendar: Sue May
Pictures: Joshua
Activities: Patrick
Inspirational Point: Li Hoong
Youth Bible Class Lesson: Michelle Lim
News from other churches (youth): Eunice/ Sue May
Website/ Blog
Leaders
Sermons: Patrick
Pictures: Joshua
Upcoming activities: Eunice/Sue May
Weekly stories (Inspirational Point): Li Zhen
Prayer: Michelle Lim
Youth Board Leaders
Birthdays: To plan youth monthly birthday celebration
Yearly Calendar: To update the youth calendar regularly (ie. Weekly)
Pictures: To get pictures from anyone (who has pictures) and to put in up on the board.
Activities: To update and inform the youth on our weekly/monthly activities.
Youth Bible Class Lessons: To get youth bible class lesson from the youth in charge on that week and paste it on the board. For example, the youth in charge on 6/12/09 is Eunice. So, the leader will have to text/call/email Eunice to ensure that she has the type out the bible class lesson (6/12/09) and the leader has to put the information on the board on the following week (13/12/09).
News from other churches (youth): To get the latest news from anyone and paste it on the board.
Website/Blog Leaders
Sermons: To get sermons from the men weekly and to put it up on the website/blog.
Pictures: To gather pictures and upload it to the website/blog
Upcoming activities: To inform about the activities on the website/blog
Weekly Stories: To get those stories/quotes/etc (in soft copy) from the youth in charge, then upload it. (Please read the “Youth Bible Class Lessons” above. It similar)
Prayer: to regularly check the prayer request area and give those information to the men to announce on Sunday.
Weekly Duty
Inspirational Point: The youth in charge should have their story/quotes/etc prepared by the date given. For example, Chi Leong should have prepared his materials by 6/12/09. He should hand it in on the 6/12/09 when he comes to church. Then, it would be paste on the board on 6/12/09.
Youth Bible Class Lessons: The youth in charge should be writing down notes on bible class that Sunday. For example, Eunice will be writing notes during the youth bible class on the 6/12/09. She would have to type it out during the week and hand it in to Michelle Lim (leader) before Saturday (12/12/09). Then, Michelle will paste the information given by Eunice on the board on Sunday (13/12/09)
Leaders
Birthday: Sandra /Li Zhen
Yearly Calendar: Sue May
Pictures: Joshua
Activities: Patrick
Inspirational Point: Li Hoong
Youth Bible Class Lesson: Michelle Lim
News from other churches (youth): Eunice/ Sue May
Website/ Blog
Leaders
Sermons: Patrick
Pictures: Joshua
Upcoming activities: Eunice/Sue May
Weekly stories (Inspirational Point): Li Zhen
Prayer: Michelle Lim
Youth Board Leaders
Birthdays: To plan youth monthly birthday celebration
Yearly Calendar: To update the youth calendar regularly (ie. Weekly)
Pictures: To get pictures from anyone (who has pictures) and to put in up on the board.
Activities: To update and inform the youth on our weekly/monthly activities.
Youth Bible Class Lessons: To get youth bible class lesson from the youth in charge on that week and paste it on the board. For example, the youth in charge on 6/12/09 is Eunice. So, the leader will have to text/call/email Eunice to ensure that she has the type out the bible class lesson (6/12/09) and the leader has to put the information on the board on the following week (13/12/09).
News from other churches (youth): To get the latest news from anyone and paste it on the board.
Website/Blog Leaders
Sermons: To get sermons from the men weekly and to put it up on the website/blog.
Pictures: To gather pictures and upload it to the website/blog
Upcoming activities: To inform about the activities on the website/blog
Weekly Stories: To get those stories/quotes/etc (in soft copy) from the youth in charge, then upload it. (Please read the “Youth Bible Class Lessons” above. It similar)
Prayer: to regularly check the prayer request area and give those information to the men to announce on Sunday.
Weekly Duty
Inspirational Point: The youth in charge should have their story/quotes/etc prepared by the date given. For example, Chi Leong should have prepared his materials by 6/12/09. He should hand it in on the 6/12/09 when he comes to church. Then, it would be paste on the board on 6/12/09.
Youth Bible Class Lessons: The youth in charge should be writing down notes on bible class that Sunday. For example, Eunice will be writing notes during the youth bible class on the 6/12/09. She would have to type it out during the week and hand it in to Michelle Lim (leader) before Saturday (12/12/09). Then, Michelle will paste the information given by Eunice on the board on Sunday (13/12/09)
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
First Post :D
Hello guys! x)
Anyways, here's yet another preview. This one's called blogger layout. Cause it's all based on blogger's already-given/ready-made customization. Which well, makes it easier to customize our blog I guess, but a bit limited at the same time.
Up to you guys, at the end of the day.
Link to the other blog preview is under the 'affiliates' section, by the way. (;
lovesloves,
eunicequay<3
Anyways, here's yet another preview. This one's called blogger layout. Cause it's all based on blogger's already-given/ready-made customization. Which well, makes it easier to customize our blog I guess, but a bit limited at the same time.
Up to you guys, at the end of the day.
Link to the other blog preview is under the 'affiliates' section, by the way. (;
lovesloves,
eunicequay<3
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