CGMedley Posted December 16, 2011 Share Posted December 16, 2011 What's the real story of Christmas? Erica Richards explains. http://www.adventistreview.org/issue.php?issue=2011-1535&page=28 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators LynnDel Posted December 16, 2011 Moderators Share Posted December 16, 2011 The article states, "Part of his [santa's] attractiveness “is represented in Santa’s willingness to give without expecting anything in return.” That is partially true -- what children have to give in return is good behavior. I suppose that when we consider that, Santa is teaching us legalism. But then, how many parents actually withhold gifts because their children have misbehaved? Not many, I would guess. In this way, parents are teaching grace, though no one mentions it. The article also quoted, “[Christmas] has the potential to teach about such things as greed and selfishness." The way that Christmas is done in the commercial world, it teaches a lot about greed and selfishness -- it promotes it! For a number of reasons, I, personally, am backing away from the kinds of Christmases I used to celebrate. LD Quote LD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Rich Posted December 16, 2011 Share Posted December 16, 2011 LynnDel, nice to see you back. You made some good points about the 'Christmas Story'. But is it really true that salvation is as simple as a free gift? In the December's "Adventist World" Dan Jackson (President of NAD) wrote about "God's Christmas Card". Interestingly he said that the bottom line is that God said that everyone who wants to be in heaven will be there. This smacks the face of Jesus when He said what He did in Matt.7:19-23 and 25:12! Here we see the blind leading the blind! Truly, the Adventist Church has now become the synagogue of Satan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators LynnDel Posted December 16, 2011 Moderators Share Posted December 16, 2011 I didn't read Dan Jackson's message. I doubt he meant that everyone who wants to be in heaven--only because it sounds like a better place to spend eternity than hell--will be there. My understanding of "everyone who wants to be in heaven will be there" is that everyone who truly wants to be in heaven will be so closely connected to our Savior that they will be doing the will of God, through the power and grace of God. They will not be practicing lawlessness. I do not believe the Adventist church is the synagogue of Satan. Quote LD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 16, 2011 Share Posted December 16, 2011 My understanding of "everyone who wants to be in heaven will be there" is that everyone who truly wants to be in heaven will be so closely connected to our Savior that they will be doing the will of God, through the power and grace of God. They will not be practicing lawlessness. I do not believe the Adventist church is the synagogue of Satan. Amen! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gibs Posted December 17, 2011 Share Posted December 17, 2011 The problem with santa and Christmas it's all false. Jesus birth can be determined to be on or near the 1'st day of the feast of tabernacles. It's also gotten to be such an opportune time for the merchandisers to make out like bandits which they truly are and people go in debt even to have what they feel in themselves is a glorious holiday. Really it can be seen as Satanic and it has been noted just take the "n" from santa and move it to the end and it spells Satan. As a child I never was taught santa claus was anything but a myth and we never made anything of it. The time means nothing to me as my Saviour was born in a manger when it was not so cold but they could He and His parents survive. The people dwelt in "booths" at that celebration. A lot of booz is sold this time of year for some to have the "Christmas spirit". However, to each his own. Remember to please Him though. 1Jo 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. Quote A Freeman In Jesus Christ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members phkrause Posted December 17, 2011 Members Share Posted December 17, 2011 I didn't read Dan Jackson's message. I doubt he meant that everyone who wants to be in heaven--only because it sounds like a better place to spend eternity than hell--will be there. My understanding of "everyone who wants to be in heaven will be there" is that everyone who truly wants to be in heaven will be so closely connected to our Savior that they will be doing the will of God, through the power and grace of God. They will not be practicing lawlessness. I do not believe the Adventist church is the synagogue of Satan. Quote phkrause By the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near. {5T 451.1} Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
olger Posted December 17, 2011 Share Posted December 17, 2011 I didn't read Dan Jackson's message. I doubt he meant that everyone who wants to be in heaven--only because it sounds like a better place to spend eternity than hell--will be there. My understanding of "everyone who wants to be in heaven will be there" is that everyone who truly wants to be in heaven will be so closely connected to our Savior that they will be doing the will of God, through the power and grace of God. They will not be practicing lawlessness. I do not believe the Adventist church is the synagogue of Satan. That weren't bad LD. Quote "Please don't feed the drama queens.." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pierrepaul Posted December 20, 2011 Share Posted December 20, 2011 Really it can be seen as Satanic and it has been noted just take the "n" from santa and move it to the end and it spells Satan. "Santa" merely means "saint" or "holy"; from the Latin "sanctus". The English "santa claus" probably comes from the Latin through the Dutch "Sinterklaas", since normally the "a" ending would denote the feminine form (for example "santa" is the Spanish feminine form of "saint" and "holy). Most Spanish language bibles are inscribed with the title "Santa Biblía", meaning "Holy Bible". By playing these silly "make-a-new-word-by-moving-a-letter" games, the Spanish-language Bible would also be from Satan. Quote God never said "Thou shalt not think". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators LynnDel Posted December 20, 2011 Moderators Share Posted December 20, 2011 Good point, PierrePaul. LD Quote LD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Shane Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 he said that the bottom line is that God said that everyone who wants to be in heaven will be there. This smacks the face of Jesus when He said what He did in Matt.7:19-23 and 25:12! Matthew 7: 19. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23. And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Mathew 25:12. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Those verses do not conflict that theology of love being taught by Brother Dan Jackson. In heaven there will be no sin. Those that will be excluded from heaven love sin. For them, there would be no joy in heaven. Heaven would be a place of punishment for them. Only those that have a regenerated heart which hates sin will be allowed into heaven. Quote Pastoral Family Counselor... Find me at www.PostumCafe.com Author of Peculiar Christianity Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Shane Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 My comments on Facebook: We have never taught our children to believe that Santa Claus is a real person but we incorporate the myth into our Christmas celebrations. Of course, Christ is always the center of the season but since it isn't really the actual date of His birth, Santa mythology really isn't infringing on something that belongs to the Lord and Savior exclusively. Quote Pastoral Family Counselor... Find me at www.PostumCafe.com Author of Peculiar Christianity Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators LynnDel Posted December 21, 2011 Moderators Share Posted December 21, 2011 Christmas is so many things -- paganism draped in catholicism, a lie about a date, pageantry, decorations, gift giving, credit card debt, loving family times, surrounded by Santa, elves, commercialism, stress -- some positives, lots of negatives. There are just too many negatives to make a positive for me. LD Quote LD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Shane Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 There are just too many negatives to make a positive for me. Quote Pastoral Family Counselor... Find me at www.PostumCafe.com Author of Peculiar Christianity Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators LynnDel Posted December 21, 2011 Moderators Share Posted December 21, 2011 That's great, Shane. So many families go into debt to buy "it's the thought that counts" gifts for people who don't really want the gift but are gracious about receiving it. I am sure the retail stores don't like people like you or me! LD Quote LD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M. T. Cross Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 My comments on Facebook: We have never taught our children to believe that Santa Claus is a real person but we incorporate the myth into our Christmas celebrations. Of course, Christ is always the center of the season but since it isn't really the actual date of His birth, Santa mythology really isn't infringing on something that belongs to the Lord and Savior exclusively. I like that. I see Santa as much the same as a parable for kids. A figure that teaches that it is better to give than to recieve, that giving is its own reward. Santa simply is a story that makes it easy for kids to understand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members phkrause Posted December 22, 2011 Members Share Posted December 22, 2011 Yeah I like that too. Quote phkrause By the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near. {5T 451.1} Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.