I'm not sure how it is here in this forum but else where a wish of "merry Christmas" to someone might get you in trouble and a lecture as to why Christ has nothing to do with the Mass. I understand why some take exception to the holiday and don't wish to partake. I know myself that a lot that passes for honoring Christ is nothing more than human traditions and not based upon the Word of God and yet at the same time I can't help wonder why those who know the truth have to use that as some kind of a wedge to seperate themselves from their brothers and sisters who may not have reached their level of maturity if you can call it that. Not that I have seen any thing of that here, but I have seen it else where and it's sickening. It happens every year and those who take such great pride that they don't keep the day act as if they have something to boast about. I do understand the reasons and do share their view, but God help me if I use that as a reason to seperate from other believers who wish to honor their Lord in sincerity.
I think it would be a sin for those who believe that Christmas is a Popish festival that is an affront to God and idolatry to some degree to partake of any of it, whether it be worshipping at a Church that wants to celebrate that day and/or at someone's home because it would be violating their conscience. (cf. Rom 14) It would likewise be a sin for someone who is stronger in the faith to invite someone they know is opposed to anything to do with Christmas to their church's worship service and/or to their home to share in their celebration. However, I do not believe it is a sin to wish people a "Merry Christmas" on a Discussion Board. Those who are opposed will (should) simply ignore the greeting and those who are not opposed will (should) receive it with thanksgiving. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Well than may you and all those here at the Highway forum have a blessed day and great Christmas. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
And may our most merciful and loving Lord shed His grace upon you and your house during this Christmas holiday season. And my same heartfelt desire goes out to all our members and those who regularly visit this Board.
I wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and may our Lords grace and peace be with you.
Y.B.I.C,
Dave.
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. - Galatians 2:16
My best wishes to all as we rejoice in the coming of our Savior.
Of the Father's love begotten ere the worlds began to be, He is Alpha and Omega - He the source the ending He, of the things that are, that have been, and that future years shall see evermore and evermore.
O that birth forever blessed, when a virgin, blest with grace, by the Holy Ghost conceiving, bore the Savior of our race; and the babe, the world's Redeemer, first revealed His sacred face, evermore and evermore.
This is He whom seers in old time chanted of with one accord, whom the voices of the prophets promised in their faithful word; now He shines the long expected; let creation praise its Lord, evermore and evermore.
Let the heights of heaven adore Him; angel hosts, His praises sing: powers dominions, bow before Him and extol our God and King; let no tongue on earth be silent, every voice in concert ring evermore and evermore.
Christ, to you, with God the Father and the Spirit, there shall be hymn and chant and high thanksgiving and the shout of jubilee: honor, glory, and dominion and eternal victory evermore and evermore!
REJOICE THE LORD HAS COME!
Wes
When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride. - Isaac Watts
Come, Thou long-expected Jesus, born to set Thy people free; From our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in Thee. Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth Thou art; Dear Desire of ev’ry nation, Joy of every longing heart.
Born Thy people to deliver, born a child, and yet a King. Born to reign in us forever, now Thy gracious kingdom bring. By Thine own eternal Spirit, rule in all our hearts alone. By Thine all sufficient merit, raise us to Thy glorious throne.
Trust the past to God's mercy, the present to God's love and the future to God's providence." - St. Augustine Hiraeth
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holiday season. And my same heartfelt desire goes out to all our members and those who regularly visit this Board. ![[Linked Image]](http://www.the-highway.com/Smileys/biggrinking.gif)
