What would you do on December 25th (Christmas)? [Archive]

Caissie

25th December 2007, 02:52 AM

I also believe we should be practicing the feasts and not pagan holidays, but I was wondering, "What would you do (or not do) on the 25th?"

1. Eat with family (even though you know they are making a 'Christmas dinner')

2. Accept a gift from someone

3. Give a gift to someone

4. Wish someone a "Merry Christmas"

5. Put Christmas ornaments in your house (but no tree)

6. Put Christmas ornaments in your house (with a tree)

7. If your job is putting on a "Christmas party", would you attend?

On a related subject...would you accept a gift from your Indian friend on March 6th (and then return it after finding out it was a custom for a Hindu to give a gift on that day)?

If your Indian friend was away from home (India) for one of their holidays for the first time and she wanted someone to spend the holiday with, so she invites you to eat with her, would you turn her down after finding out it was on a Hindu holiday?

If your Indian friend was going to take a few days off from work for Navratras, would you wish her a "Happy Navratras" (or say something like, "I hope you have a good Navratras") or when she comes back ask her if she had a good Navratras?

I am just wondering where Messianics here stand on each issue

Thanks,

ChavaK

25th December 2007, 03:31 AM

I'm not a Messianic, but just to get the ball rolling......

2. Accept a gift from someone Sure, so as not to offend them. It's no
big deal to accept it in the spirit of friendship.

3. Give a gift to someone If it was something like an office
gift exchange, why not? Doesn't
mean you are approving of or
celebrating other's religous beliefs...

4. Wish someone a "Merry Christmas"No, but if someone says it to me, I say "thank
you, and the same to you". Not a big deal to
be polite.

5. Put Christmas ornaments in your house (but no tree)

6. Put Christmas ornaments in your house (with a tree)Oh, definitely "no" to both of these!

7. If your job is putting on a "Christmas party", would you attend?
Sure, why not? Not a problem being social with the office
staff.....especially if it is something that is customary that
employees attend...

On a related subject...would you accept a gift from your Indian friend on March 6th (and then return it after finding out it was a custom for a Hindu to give a gift on that day)?I would accept it, but not return it. That would be incredibly rude.
Again, accepting a gift in friendship doesn't mean you are
accepting their religous beliefs.

If your Indian friend was away from home (India) for one of their holidays for the first time and she wanted someone to spend the holiday with, so she invites you to eat with her, would you turn her down after finding out it was on a Hindu holiday?No, although I wouldn't eat at her house because of kosher problems. If kosher could be arranged, eating with her and
keeping her company doesn't mean you join her religous
celebration.

If your Indian friend was going to take a few days off from work for Navratras, would you wish her a "Happy Navratras" (or say something like, "I hope you have a good Navratras") or when she comes back ask her if she had a good Navratras?Don't have a clue what Navratras is....but I would probably ask
her how her holiday was, but not wish her "Happy Navratras",
if that is even an appropriate thing to say...

christinepro

25th December 2007, 11:42 AM

1. Eat with family (even though you know they are making a 'Christmas dinner')
Yes I will eat with friends and family because they came to my Hanukkah Party and Passover Seder. I'm sure they won't do the Lord's appointed time with me if I don't do things with them. I won't eat anything that is not Kosher. Stick to veggies.

2. Accept a gift from someone
Yes.

3. Give a gift to someone
Yes, only to people I don't want to hurt. Like my 80 y.o. aunt.

4. Wish someone a "Merry Christmas"
No.

5. Put Christmas ornaments in your house (but no tree)
No

6. Put Christmas ornaments in your house (with a tree)
No. We are kind of tired of decorations because we just finished Hanukkah. I don't like the idea of evergreen stuff but a nativity seen I like.

7. If your job is putting on a "Christmas party", would you attend?
I attended but I think it was to kick off the holidays because we have a very multicultural workplace.

On a related subject...would you accept a gift from your Indian friend on March 6th (and then return it after finding out it was a custom for a Hindu to give a gift on that day)? I would accept it.

If your Indian friend was away from home (India) for one of their holidays for the first time and she wanted someone to spend the holiday with, so she invites you to eat with her, would you turn her down after finding out it was on a Hindu holiday? I would eat with her because it is sacred to her. I think Paul talks about this in Roman's. How are we to tell the people the good news if we reject everything that they do.

If your Indian friend was going to take a few days off from work for Navratras, would you wish her a "Happy Navratras" (or say something like, "I hope you have a good Navratras") or when she comes back ask her if she had a good Navratras? Yes I would. What a good opportunity to talk.

Torah

25th December 2007, 12:34 PM

I also believe we should be practicing the feasts and not pagan holidays, but I was wondering, "What would you do (or not do) on the 25th?"

My family all go to the movie’s today 25th. [it’s the only time my wife and I go to the movies]

1. Eat with family (even though you know they are making a 'Christmas dinner')
We don’t go to family house today.

2. Accept a gift from someone
All the people that work with, know we don’t do Christmas. They will give Hanukkah gifts. [If someone offered a Christmas gift we would accept]

3. Give a gift to someone
my wife will put candy that she makes out for all to eat.

4. Wish someone a "Merry Christmas"
We do not go out of our way to say "Merry Christmas"but will respond with happy Holidays.

5. Put Christmas ornaments in your house (but no tree)
No

6. Put Christmas ornaments in your house (with a tree)
No

7. If your job is putting on a "Christmas party", would you attend?
No

On a related subject...would you accept a gift from your Indian friend on March 6th (and then return it after finding out it was a custom for a Hindu to give a gift on that day)?
Out of politeness I would accept. I would also explain [in a nice way] that I do not partake in the Hindu religion.

If your Indian friend was away from home (India) for one of their holidays for the first time and she wanted someone to spend the holiday with, so she invites you to eat with her, would you turn her down after finding out it was on a Hindu holiday?
Yes I would, As I said before; I would also explain [in a nice way] that I do not partake in the Hindu religion.

If your Indian friend was going to take a few days off from work for Navratras, would you wish her a "Happy Navratras" (or say something like, "I hope you have a good Navratras") or when she comes back ask her if she had a good Navratras?
I would just ask if you had a good time on you day’s off and with family.

I am just wondering where Messianics here stand on each issue

Thanks,
As you will see you will get many different answers here.
Most of the time I forget that today is the 25th.

A_Pioneer

25th December 2007, 01:00 PM

I am one who is offended when someone I trusted turns out to be a liar! Stands there all inocent looking and tells me Christmas is in the bible.
Just maybe you are better at hiding your dismay!
I felt like an "Old Fool" when at the ripe old age of 50 to find out that I was sold a bill of goods and the ones who sold it to me, knew all the time it was false. Oh well, I was an "Old Fool", so it's okay. Yeah, Right!

Henaynei

25th December 2007, 01:27 PM

1. Eat with family (even though you know they are making a 'Christmas dinner') my family hasn't had such a dinner in over 30 years, my family has long been basically secular... but if they did I'd likely put in an appearance - I'd not go to church with them though... 2. Accept a gift from someone yes, it is a kindness - I even get non-kosher gifts (I live in the pork belt ;)) - these I accept and then find someone to bless with them later 3. Give a gift to someone yes, office exchanges - after the first year they usually get around to giving me Khanukah related gifts, I've gotten a beautiful crystal dreidel and crystal engraved with a khanukia in past years. I tend to give non-Christmas themed items and wrap in non-Christmas specific wrappings 4. Wish someone a "Merry Christmas" sure, it is their holiday 5. Put Christmas ornaments in your house (but no tree) absolutely not 6. Put Christmas ornaments in your house (with a tree) absolutely not - and the major economy here is the christmas tree growing/shipping/selling - I am thinking about possibly getting pine garland from them to use on my sukkah next year though 7. If your job is putting on a "Christmas party", would you attend? yes, cautiously - these tend to be fairly secular in nature - I would not attend a Christmas party at church though On a related subject...would you accept a gift from your Indian friend on March 6th (and then return it after finding out it was a custom for a Hindu to give a gift on that day)? I probably accept it as long as it was not an idol or the like - and later I'd explain that I'd prefer to not get a gift in the future and why - as humbly and gently as possible If your Indian friend was away from home (India) for one of their holidays for the first time and she wanted someone to spend the holiday with, so she invites you to eat with her, would you turn her down after finding out it was on a Hindu holiday? I'd have to find out a lot more about the holiday and what was entailed ... but it is highly probable that I'd have to withdraw my acceptance of the invitation - however if we were close enough that she had such feelings for me that such an invitation suggests she'd likely already know where I stood and not invite me to start with (unless I'd gone to pains to withhold such information about myself) If your Indian friend was going to take a few days off from work for Navratras, would you wish her a "Happy Navratras" (or say something like, "I hope you have a good Navratras") or when she comes back ask her if she had a good Navratras? I'd probably wish her a pleasant holiday... and ask her how her time off/time with family went ....

I guess the line for me is this: I have no control over the observances of others; being haughty about them keeping a pagan celebration will only burn any possible bridges to growing a relationship with them that might show them the Truth; I do have control over my observances and where the activity constitutes worship or honoring the pagan celebration I tend to avoid participation ...

HadassahSukkot

25th December 2007, 01:38 PM

Well,

We went shopping for our grocery needs and returned home and then for a few hours we were at my inlaws yesterday and had dinner.

They know we don't celebrate, and the agreement was made months ago that neither of us (them or us) would be exchanging gifts.

I was not in on the decision for the 'big family' name exchange last year, so my aunt who had my name sent me a gift anyway when I had said explicitly that DH and I wouldn't have the time, it would be too expensive (to send from Germany to the US) and not to mention we do not celebrate so it's a conflict of interests... our names were put in the pot anyway... that is the only gift we accepted, and we ended up having to pay customs on it anyway.

I don't participate in Christmas parties, gift exchanges, decorating or any of that -- not even saying Merry Christmas OR Happy Holidays.

I do wish people a nice evening after work and a nice weekend though. :)

Tea

25th December 2007, 06:38 PM

We also don't celebrate christmas. The family that are here, didn't want to compromise on christmas, (gifts, decs, trees, etc), so we don't celebrate meals with them.
We don't decorate, and as this is end of year break up time here, I give non christmas gifts, in normal wrapping paper, just as Henny does.
For 12 years we have been regarded as "heathens" because we don't keep christmas. ie: no one of true faith wouldn't keep christmas. Although interestingly enough, some are starting to see where we are coming from.
As it is my daughters birthday, we usually have a party, and go somewhere for the day.
Just us.
Tracey

zaksmummy

25th December 2007, 07:43 PM

Despite my best efforts we are still very christmased.

I did however refuse to help put up a tree, but we did eat christmas dinner, have a christmas dinner with friends from work etc.

What we didnt do was send any christmas cards, except for family and we substituted money to charity for presents and gave them the most recent picture of Zak.

I'm glad to see that so many people dont mind other peoples celebrations, I've really struggled with christmas this year (this being the first after God revealing the paganism of it to me).

Still theres always next year!!!

Cant wait for Sukkot to celebrate the birth of Yeshua properly

Catrin xx

Henaynei

25th December 2007, 08:35 PM

Bananna

26th December 2007, 02:24 AM

I also believe we should be practicing the feasts and not pagan holidays, but I was wondering, "What would you do (or not do) on the 25th?"
I keep peace in the family. I let them do what they desire and I love them where they are at.
1. Eat with family (even though you know they are making a 'Christmas dinner')
Yes I went to eat the tradition Christmas eve dinner with family

2. Accept a gift from someone
With thankfulness, but I do ask them not to give me gifts for Christmas
3. Give a gift to someone
I feed everyone. I do get the grandparents gifts to honor them they celebrate Christmas
4. Wish someone a "Merry Christmas"
Sometimes it still rolls off the tongue, but usually I just smile and give them a hug or just say thank you and don't return the statement
5. Put Christmas ornaments in your house (but no tree)
I don't. The kids did last night for the grandma [they are Catholic]
6. Put Christmas ornaments in your house (with a tree)
the family hates to give up the tree.
7. If your job is putting on a "Christmas party", would you attend?
I'd do the service for others as long as it were not lauding christmas trees and santa claus
On a related subject...would you accept a gift from your Indian friend on March 6th (and then return it after finding out it was a custom for a Hindu to give a gift on that day)?

No I'd not question the giver's motivation. the gift were a pagan God I could not accept it to begin with.

If your Indian friend was away from home (India) for one of their holidays for the first time and she wanted someone to spend the holiday with, so she invites you to eat with her, would you turn her down after finding out it was on a Hindu holiday?
Don't know, I don't know any Hindu holidays or practices. I know that I would have been uncomfortable at a moracan wedding feast my friend went to where a girl became frenzied and possed. Some part of a ritual in the wedding brings it on. I'd have left if it were me. I've left a bridal shower that a a friend of the bride ordered a male stripper for.

If your Indian friend was going to take a few days off from work for Navratras, would you wish her a "Happy Navratras" (or say something like, "I hope you have a good Navratras") or when she comes back ask her if she had a good Navratras?
Don't know what it is, but I'd probably ask if her/his holiday went well.

I am just wondering where Messianics here stand on each issue

Thanks,

I'm personally wanting our family to drop Christmas and Valentines day and mother's Day... and so on and just keep the Moedim[appointed feasts] I'd rather drop giving gifts to eachother and start giving to the poor and needy.

My stand is that each should do as the Lord Commands them.
bananna

debi b

26th December 2007, 01:03 PM

We have not been celebrating Christmas in so long - it just isn't a problem anymore. I even got a Hanukkah card from my aunt this year :)

When people ask me casually (like at work) if I am ready for Christmas I say "yes" to those I don't know very well. There is no preperation for something I don't do ;)

To others that know me a little better I have explained simply I don't celebrate and they out of respect for me made sure to include Hanukkah on the calendar.

Now ask me what I did do - I had four days in a row to paint my kitchen cupboards. Turned out great! What a facelift :D

Gwenyfur

27th December 2007, 04:04 AM

I also believe we should be practicing the feasts and not pagan holidays, but I was wondering, "What would you do (or not do) on the 25th?"

1. Eat with family (even though you know they are making a 'Christmas dinner') I'm still married to a Bible believing, Jesus praising, hand raising, amen saying Baptist gentile...we have "christmas dinner"

2. Accept a gift from someone Yep...see the above answer

3. Give a gift to someone again...see answer to #1

4. Wish someone a "Merry Christmas" Despite the answer to #1 I usually resort to the Happy Holidays...(which annoys my in-laws to NO end!)

5. Put Christmas ornaments in your house (but no tree)

6. Put Christmas ornaments in your house (with a tree) We have the tree, the lights, the decorations, the kitchen and bathroom towels....See answer to #1 ...:sigh: Although...my menorah does shine rather brightly next to the tree in the front window during Chanukah ;)

7. If your job is putting on a "Christmas party", would you attend? Yep, nothing wrong with socializing with co-workers...

On a related subject...would you accept a gift from your Indian friend on March 6th (and then return it after finding out it was a custom for a Hindu to give a gift on that day)? Friends don't insult or intentionally hurt their friends' feelings by refusing a gift...after a suitable period of time explain your beliefs clearly though

If your Indian friend was away from home (India) for one of their holidays for the first time and she wanted someone to spend the holiday with, so she invites you to eat with her, would you turn her down after finding out it was on a Hindu holiday?

If your Indian friend was going to take a few days off from work for Navratras, would you wish her a "Happy Navratras" (or say something like, "I hope you have a good Navratras") or when she comes back ask her if she had a good Navratras? What's wrong wth being a friend and spending time with them or asking how their holiday was....Don't gentiles ever ask how your Chanukah was? or Sukkot?

I am just wondering where Messianics here stand on each issue

Thanks,

Bananna

27th December 2007, 05:45 PM

As a matter of fact... no they do not ask about my chanukkah. But in all fairness... I've changed this last five years.

Bananna

Gwenyfur

27th December 2007, 06:04 PM

fritz300

27th December 2007, 06:25 PM

1. Eat with family (even though you know they are making a 'Christmas dinner').
I wouldn't. I can't compromise YHVH's Word for my family. Matthew 10 says the day will come when family's are divided against itself.

I would possibly see them earlier in the day, the day after, or day before.

Nothing against my family or anything, I love them.. but simply it's sad that a pagan festival that God HATES has to bring us together.

2. Accept a gift from someone
No. A lot of my family bought me gifts this year, I told them I can't take them.

3. Give a gift to someone
No. The roots of gift giving and receiving involve pagan rituals. I want no part of that.

4. Wish someone a "Merry Christmas"
No.

5. Put Christmas ornaments in your house (but no tree)
No, they represent fertility even without a tree.

6. Put Christmas ornaments in your house (with a tree)
Folic symbols are abominations to the Mighty One of Israel... idolatry.

7. If your job is putting on a "Christmas party", would you attend?
I attended a somewhat Christmas oriented party thing that one of my bible study groups had. Thankfully there was no Christmas songs, decorations, caroling, trees and etc.

Tishri1

27th December 2007, 06:39 PM

Still not sure how I feel about it, but my family is divided in that my DH is not much of a Messianic Holiday observer , and more of a Christian Holiday observer(or my boys since daddy isnt), so for ten years we have had this tension that I hoped to ease this year

It was interesting, I still need to process it but can I say the ones who influenced me the most was dont even do Christmas.....

On Sukkot, my dear friends, and also the speakers who were brought in from around the country to come teach and worship with us were praying for me and my marrage and all encouraged me to do what pleases my husband, even if that ment to be a little less Messianic if that helps him....And I think it does......:wave:

And my Rabbi ,who clearly appreciates the effort the Christian community puts into declaring Jesus the King of the Jews (even if the day is wrong), has only good things to say about Christmas; and being a major leader in the MJ movement I trust him as well....His advise is sound as well, to those in mixed marriages (not really mixed though because we are all believers in Yeshua:thumbsup:) and this year I understood what I was needing to do to bless my family.....He has been very influential in many Churches these past few years teaching them and inspiring them as well to observe Gods Festivals, and I believe if we ever have a revival of Hebraic Roots in my area you will see my Rabbi at the head of it......

Like I said though I am still processing it all in my head and heart so I will have to let you all know later how bringing back this day I rejected 10 years ago affected me......later ok?

Tishri1

27th December 2007, 06:43 PM

PS it wasnt bad, I can let you know that much:wave:so I dont keep you hanging I mean lol;)

visionary

27th December 2007, 11:12 PM

Tishri1 ... it sounds like you and I are in the same boat. My hubby loves Christmas too much to give it up. I promise to cook the meal and make it special. He has to do the rest.

Tishri1

28th December 2007, 12:40 AM

((((((((((((((((((((((Vis))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Bananna

28th December 2007, 08:15 AM

visionary

28th December 2007, 10:33 AM

Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. We are accountable for what God has given us. It is at different levels on different matters for us all.

A_Pioneer

28th December 2007, 02:28 PM

LOL,
Some might say it is bad for women to start studying Torah as the Husband then feels no desire to lead the family.

I'd say... someone needs to give spiritual instruction and if not husbands then like Timothy's mother and Grandmother... someone has to do it. I've relaxed to a more reform standard than I'd like, but hey I'm not a Jewish convert... I just keep in mind what is literally required and I can keep.

Bananna
The man who I respect, teaches that Acts 15:19-21 & Acts 21:25 is the minimum mitzvot for Gentiles who turn to the God of Israel, then we are to learn the Torah of Moshe and as we learn and are convicted to committ to each of the remainder of the mitzvot that apply to us, we then committ ourselves to do what is required of a Jew! "If you love me, keep the commandments.'
I fully subscribe to this teaching.

Bananna, I think your post is great!

Shalom

SingingElk

2nd January 2008, 06:43 PM

What would you do on December 25th (Christmas)?

I also believe we should be practicing the feasts and not pagan holidays, but I was wondering, "What would you do (or not do) on the 25th?"

1. Eat with family (even though you know they are making a 'Christmas dinner')

I avoid this by not going places on the 25th. I live far from family. I don't cook a Christmas dinner. I cook a large meal sometime during Hanukkah.

2. Accept a gift from someone

Yes, because I have made it clear what I celebrate. They know I don't celebrate Christmas, so gifts are few and far between.

3. Give a gift to someone

Only to a very few people, and I give them during Hanukkah.

4. Wish someone a "Merry Christmas"

Rarely do I do this. I am getting away from it.

5. Put Christmas ornaments in your house (but no tree) I put up lights but no tree. Instead I place a Menorah.

6. Put Christmas ornaments in your house (with a tree) My husband and son wanted a tree after Hanukkah this year, so what I did is left the fiber optic tree undecorated except for a figure representing Yeshua at the very top. I made it look like the day when He would split the sky and return to gather His people. I don't like the tree and it is my way of saying Yeshua will do away with the practice once and for all.

7. If your job is putting on a "Christmas party", would you attend? I make sure I never get the job of putting on such a party. I have made it very clear to those that know me that I don't celebrate Christmas.

On a related subject...would you accept a gift from your Indian friend on March 6th (and then return it after finding out it was a custom for a Hindu to give a gift on that day)? I am pretty open about my faith and what I believe. I would ask why she is giving it and say it is not my custom. The difference between this and modern Christmas, is that this holiday is specifically dedicated to a pagan god.

If your Indian friend was away from home (India) for one of their holidays for the first time and she wanted someone to spend the holiday with, so she invites you to eat with her, would you turn her down after finding out it was on a Hindu holiday? Yes. As a messianic holidays that are not biblical, specially those dedicated to other gods are offensive.

If your Indian friend was going to take a few days off from work for Navratras, would you wish her a "Happy Navratras" (or say something like, "I hope you have a good Navratras") or when she comes back ask her if she had a good Navratras? No. I would just say have a nice vacation.

Talmidah

2nd January 2008, 06:50 PM

I'm not a Messianic, but just to get the ball rolling......

Sure, so as not to offend them. It's no
big deal to accept it in the spirit of friendship.

If it was something like an office
gift exchange, why not? Doesn't
mean you are approving of or
celebrating other's religous beliefs...
No, but if someone says it to me, I say "thank
you, and the same to you". Not a big deal to
be polite.
Oh, definitely "no" to both of these!
Sure, why not? Not a problem being social with the office
staff.....especially if it is something that is customary that
employees attend...
I would accept it, but not return it. That would be incredibly rude.
Again, accepting a gift in friendship doesn't mean you are
accepting their religous beliefs.
No, although I wouldn't eat at her house because of kosher problems. If kosher could be arranged, eating with her and
keeping her company doesn't mean you join her religous
celebration.
Don't have a clue what Navratras is....but I would probably ask
her how her holiday was, but not wish her "Happy Navratras",
if that is even an appropriate thing to say...I just saw this thread, but my answers would pretty much be the same as Chava's here.

Gwenyfur

2nd January 2008, 07:09 PM

Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. We are accountable for what God has given us. It is at different levels on different matters for us all.

The wisest statement I've seen in this thread!

If I had rep clickies left I'd rep ya! :angel:

SingingElk

2nd January 2008, 07:49 PM

I avoid attending festive dinners altogether because of kosher problems. I especially avoid Easter dinners because pork seems to be ever popular at these feasts.

Gwenyfur

2nd January 2008, 08:59 PM

I avoid attending festive dinners altogether because of kosher problems. I especially avoid Easter dinners because pork seems to be ever popular at these feasts.

I'm a bad girl....I've figured a way around that with hubby's gentile self and family...

I host ;)

While for some that aren't mixed families as we are that's probably deplorable...but it works, and i don't have to not eat or participate becuase of being non-Kosher foods...this way...everyone eats, spends time, and no starving 'cause I won't eat the foods ;)

SoldierOfTheKing

2nd January 2008, 09:11 PM

1. Eat with family (even though you know they are making a 'Christmas dinner')

I decided to do it last Christmas, with some misgivings. Not sure whether I will next Christmas.

2. Accept a gift from someone

Sure

3. Give a gift to someone

No. Last month I told my family not to include me in the gift exchange.

4. Wish someone a "Merry Christmas"

No. I respond to "Merry Christmas" with "Thank you"

5. Put Christmas ornaments in your house (but no tree)

No

6. Put Christmas ornaments in your house (with a tree)

No

7. If your job is putting on a "Christmas party", would you attend?

No

On a related subject...would you accept a gift from your Indian friend on March 6th (and then return it after finding out it was a custom for a Hindu to give a gift on that day)?

Sure, and I'd see no reason to return it.

If your Indian friend was away from home (India) for one of their holidays for the first time and she wanted someone to spend the holiday with, so she invites you to eat with her, would you turn her down after finding out it was on a Hindu holiday?

No reason to turn her down. The holiday means nothing to me.

If your Indian friend was going to take a few days off from work for Navratras, would you wish her a "Happy Navratras" (or say something like, "I hope you have a good Navratras") or when she comes back ask her if she had a good Navratras?

No, I wouldn't mention the holiday by name.

SingingElk

2nd January 2008, 09:15 PM

Gwenyfur

2nd January 2008, 09:54 PM

I agree...something about shrimp just reeks! :sick:
blech!!!!

Hubby has his own bbq grill and utensils for his unKosher foods...I'm a meanie...not in *my* kitchen ROFL...but it works....he'd rather have grilled anyhow... I do have my separate propane grill for cooking stuff that's Kosher...I'm sure the neighbors just scratch their heads at us when we're running them both ROFL

ContraMundum

2nd January 2008, 10:27 PM

I also believe we should be practicing the feasts and not pagan holidays, but I was wondering, "What would you do (or not do) on the 25th?"

1. Eat with family (even though you know they are making a 'Christmas dinner')

Probably not, as our congregation is part of a movement to feed the poor on Christmas, and I'd rather be there.

2. Accept a gift from someone

3. Give a gift to someone

4. Wish someone a "Merry Christmas"

Yes to all.

5. Put Christmas ornaments in your house (but no tree)

6. Put Christmas ornaments in your house (with a tree)

No, I don't do the tree thing or the ornaments.

7. If your job is putting on a "Christmas party", would you attend?

No. I'm too busy.

On a related subject...would you accept a gift from your Indian friend on March 6th (and then return it after finding out it was a custom for a Hindu to give a gift on that day)?

I guess so.

If your Indian friend was away from home (India) for one of their holidays for the first time and she wanted someone to spend the holiday with, so she invites you to eat with her, would you turn her down after finding out it was on a Hindu holiday?

I don't date women unless we're married or engaged so I'd say no, and I couldn't marry a Hindu.

If your Indian friend was going to take a few days off from work for Navratras, would you wish her a "Happy Navratras" (or say something like, "I hope you have a good Navratras") or when she comes back ask her if she had a good Navratras?

Never thought of it. I know nothing about that holiday.

I am just wondering where Messianics here stand on each issue

Thanks,

Perhaps most of us people who are raised Jewish might find the cultural customs related to Christmas somewhat different- though similar in some ways- to the activities of our culture. The religious activitives of Christmas in some traditions are very familiar to Jews yet in other ways not (depending on a whole host of variables.)

Personally, I take it as a purely religious event, and don't do the whole tree/Santa thing. I was saved miraculously on Christmas Day so it's very special to me. It took me years to get to the bottom of my personal "Christmas epiphany" and to really get a grasp of what that day represents, but with God's help I came to see it as a time to give and give some more- because God gave to us the greatest gift of all.

Tishri1

2nd January 2008, 10:51 PM

I happen to be in a mixed family. Both son and husband are very gentile in their ways. They stink up my kitchen with shrimp!:sick: That stuff rots real fast and draws flies. I make them take the tails out to the garbage as soon as they are finished. I have them eat the shrimp off paper plates. Not on my nice Wilton Armetale plates. I keep a Kosher cupboard to keep that stuff off the plates and utensils I use.

Anyways if dinner is at my place I fix it to make sure it is Kosher and it is prepared during Hanukkah or Passover. We had a nice Passover dinner last year.We are all Kosher in my family, it wasnt that at all, it was the fact that to honor the man my heavenly Father gave me who isnt really to excited about MJ things anymore(hes not opposed but his disinterest is growing year by year), I had to do the right thing for us as a family and I thank my shul who helped out alot.....

My Rabbi is Barney Kasdan author and speaker and foundational in the MJ movement, and he understands the conflict in mixed Christian/MJ families, and never puts pressure on the Christian to go against their hearts desire to do Christian Holidays, because if the love for Messiah is there that is what draws us and keeps us together not the MJ practises....And for the MJ he encourages them to stay in MJ or Jewish practices to honor the life they were born and called into, as it is a blessing and light to the world to do so.....For the Mixed Family he understands things will end up being mixed a bit and no problem, he says its gonna work out so long as you honor your good God given husband , and remember that the love he has for Yeshua is more important than the outward observance

Now please know I have been going there 2 years and just realized this year he was talking to ME.....I always thought we would just have this tension all our married life and God would bless that eventually and show my husband the truth.....ha!!! No I finally admitted that I WAS THAT MIXED FAMILY:cry:, Its not going to be a happy MJ ending and I have to start honoring my family and be thankful for the things they do do that agree with MJ ,and bless them and care for them and make them happy in all the festivals both the MJ and the Christian.

I have no idea how I will get thru Easter:doh: At least there are no present exchanges.

So Christmas was just like I remembered shopping, decorating, cooking and then there were the moments I missed, caroling and celebrating the Saviors Birth and looking forward to his return (like we do every Sukkot and Yom Kippur) Sharing our hearts with those who love him too was something I'd missed for 10 years......If only this day was on Abba's appointed day, it would be soooooo much easier for me and my family, but its not and to honor them I will try to do my best.

I dont advise anyone who isnt mixed to suddenly add Christmas to their family traditions, But I dont think that bringing it back for me was soooo bad, and it did draw me closer to those I love and my worship and love for Yeshua didnt suffer for the day either, it was very sweet and filled with good moments......I will leave it at that :groupray:

SingingElk

2nd January 2008, 11:32 PM

My husband's birthday fall right on Yom Kippur and he always wants a big dinner. So I am left unable to observe that day. I know my obligation is to honor my husband.

As much as I didn't like it. My husband wanted a Christmas tree. So I put up a small fiber optic one, undecorated except for a figure that represents the Messiah at the very top. The fiber lights on it represent the believer being gathered at the second coming when the Messiah returns to gather His own. So the tree is not so offensive to me and my husband is happy.

Now to eating non kosher food like pork and shrimp. I just cannot bring myself to do it. My throat closes and I retch. The last time I had bacon I was sick for two weeks.

visionary

3rd January 2008, 12:15 AM

I compromised with hubby... I cook... hubby decorate.

Tishri1

3rd January 2008, 12:22 AM

.

Now to eating non kosher food like pork and shrimp. I just cannot bring myself to do it. My throat closes and I retch. The last time I had bacon I was sick for two weeks.Me too:sick:

Ivy

3rd January 2008, 01:47 AM

I keep it really low-key........I try to refrain from going on a big materialistic excessfest with gifts, but I do try to bless a few special people that I'm blessed by God to have in my life.

I usually spend the day with my parents & other relations; the night before, I attend a church service and I always still love to sing Joy to the World & O Come All Ye Faithful & O Come Emmanuel (my favorite).

One of these years I'm going to get involved with some community effort to bless the poor.

Ivy

3rd January 2008, 01:50 AM

I was saved miraculously on Christmas Day so it's very special to me.

It was on Christmas? Wow!:cool:

ContraMundum

3rd January 2008, 11:04 AM

It was on Christmas? Wow!:cool:

I thought you knew that! :)

Ivy

3rd January 2008, 11:22 AM

I should have remembered the day. :)

I remembered how you said you were reading the Gospels and had a sense that Jesus/Yeshua was the one who could give you forgiveness. That was really a divine moment I think. I was telling one of my Jewish believing friends about it--her family is mostly Orthodox--and she said, "Wow, that geeve me cheeels." :D (She's French) What a wonderful story how God intervened in your life like that.

So how many years is it now, since your spiritual b-day is on the 25th?........18?

ContraMundum

3rd January 2008, 11:50 AM

Ivy

3rd January 2008, 12:15 PM

19 years of praise & glory. :)

SingingElk

3rd January 2008, 01:14 PM

ContraMundum, That is so cool! You definitely have a valid reason for keeping that day as a special day for you.

Gwenyfur

3rd January 2008, 01:18 PM

That is so awesome CM :)

LadyGarnetRose

4th January 2008, 05:59 AM

I gotta be brutally honest, growing up I didn't actually realize that Christmas was a religious holiday. I thought it was like the fourth of July or labor day or something like that.

More a secular day than a holy day. Holy Days were Shabbos and the list goes from there.

I never even thought to ask why we didn't have a tree, why we didn't decorate, we lived in an apt in Queens NY we were lucky the dog had room to sit down who had room to put up a tree?

We demand respect for our religious beliefs yet many do not give it back.

I say Merry Christmas, it's not that I celebrate or don't celebrate it's that I have respect for my fellow man, and in the US...Christmas is a federal holiday.

Colabomb

4th January 2008, 02:18 PM

I also believe we should be practicing the feasts and not pagan holidays, but I was wondering, "What would you do (or not do) on the 25th?"

1. Eat with family (even though you know they are making a 'Christmas dinner')

2. Accept a gift from someone

3. Give a gift to someone

4. Wish someone a "Merry Christmas"

5. Put Christmas ornaments in your house (but no tree)

6. Put Christmas ornaments in your house (with a tree)

7. If your job is putting on a "Christmas party", would you attend?

On a related subject...would you accept a gift from your Indian friend on March 6th (and then return it after finding out it was a custom for a Hindu to give a gift on that day)?

If your Indian friend was away from home (India) for one of their holidays for the first time and she wanted someone to spend the holiday with, so she invites you to eat with her, would you turn her down after finding out it was on a Hindu holiday?

If your Indian friend was going to take a few days off from work for Navratras, would you wish her a "Happy Navratras" (or say something like, "I hope you have a good Navratras") or when she comes back ask her if she had a good Navratras?

I am just wondering where Messianics here stand on each issue

Thanks,

Colossians 2

16Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. 17These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.

Why is this passage overlooked by so many....