We’ve gone back and forth on this topic for years. I appreciate that you and other former RCs have un-scriptural associations with December 25th as an obligatory “holy” day simply because of your past. As I’ve said again and again I’ve no problem with you and others not celebrating, much like the weaker brother that cannot eat meat offered to idols.

However, I do take issue when false historical claims as to the origins of words and false timelines are presented over and over and over again. Propagating the same urban legends year after year- misleading and binding the consciences of others with lies is wrong.

Man Instituted Yearly Celebration of an Act of God’s Providence: Esther 9:20-22; 27-28; John 10:22-23

Decorating (even with Trees): 1Kings 6:29;32

Giving Gifts: Esther 9:20-22; 2 Corinthians 9:5-7

Sending Greetings: Acts 15:23; Romans 16; Philippians 4:21

Feasting during such Celebrations: Esther 9:20-22;

Generaly speaking, (at least in the American Apologetic and Theonomic circles I’m familier with) “Ultimate Authority” means whatever is viewed as your “final court of appeals” when dealing with lesser authorities- i.e. Parents, Civil Magistrates, and Elders in the Church. For example, Anarchists view themselves as the “Ultimate Authority” and Statists view the State as the “Ultimate Authority”. In reality, God (as revealed through His Word) is the only True Ultimate Authority.

Biblically speaking, God has granted conditional sphere authority to The State, The Church, and The Family. (Romans 13:1) We are to submit to these authorities except when they over-step the Ultimate Authority- God’s Revealed Word. To deny these lesser authorities would be to undermine Scripture itself.

“200's AD- First recorded celebrations of Christ's birth and calculations setting the date as December 25th.

300’s AD- RCC started

500's AD- Old English/Latin form of word "Mass" (meaning "to send" as in “Missionary”) in wide use.

1038 AD- First recorded use of term "Christmas".

1215 AD- Heresy of Transubstantiation (the idea of "sacrificing" Christ at Communion) adopted by the RCC.”

So very sorry for your loss.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” ~Luke 2:14

@JAG I guess that explains it- we have only Hens and no Roosters!

All it takes for our backyard flock is Mealworms, Scratch Grains, or Clover!

“All people that on earth do dwell, (0)
Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice; (1-Lord)
Him serve with mirth, his praise forth tell, (2- serve; with)
Come ye before him and rejoice. (2- come; before)”

Thank you very much for your reply and the links! Those articles were very interesting. It seems to me that the problems evidenced in them will require delicate handling, but wouldn’t much of it be solved by a better and more-widespread knowledge of Scripture? I know a large problem in the American Church right now is a lack of teaching actual Scriptural applications rather than little “spiritual” pep talks - has that infected your country as well? One never failing encouragement when speaking of any portion of Christ’s Church is that it is His Church and He will not abandon His people!

I’m afraid the banishment of children from the Church would be something I could not abide by. It is heart-breaking to think of young believers not able to be baptized or participate in communion- it is an express violation of Mark 10:14. Parents should take charge of teaching their children, and Sunday School is un-biblical, but they shouldn’t be banned from the assembly of the saints altogether.

You’re welcome! And thanks for the clarification- there is a history of messing with monikers here on SA, so I thought I’d ask.

Most jam is a mix up... of fruit!