Episode 18: Christmas Controversies, the Pagan Origins of Christmas

This episode we discuss several Christian controversies, including the pagan origins of some Christmas traditions. How should Christians answer those who say we are embracing Pagan customs in our Christmas celebrations, like Saturnalia in gift giving, the Winter Solstice, Christmas trees being similar to the, "trees adorned with silver and gold" as mentioned in Jeremiah 10? Is it inappropriate for churches to put up Christmas trees in the lobby of the church or on the pulpit? What about decorating with holly or mistletoe? What is the true date of Jesus' birth? Should Christians be celebrating on a date known to be inaccurate? What about the displaying of nativity scenes with figures, like the 2 wise men, who are believed to have not been present at the birth of Jesus, but several days or weeks after HIs birth? And what of the, "Santa Conspiracy"? Should children be told the truth about Santa? Is it harmless fun, or does lying to children about Santa Claus cause them to question the honesty of their parents and the truth about Jesus Christ? Is it appropriate to use Christmas gift giving as an opportunity to witness to our non-believing friends and family? Should we give them gifts that they want, or give them gifts we feel they should have, like Bibles and other Christian material?