Everything Wrong With Christmas
Table Of Contents
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Christmas Is Seen As A Christian Holiday
Let’s Reason Together
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How Do We Define Paganism?
God’s Warning Against Pagan Practices
Separation from the World
Initial Rebuttals
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How Was Christmas Initially Established?
List Winter Solstice Pagan Festivals.
Saturnalia
Sol Invictus
Yule
Mithraism
Brumalia
Kekri
Shabe Yalda
Dōngzhì Festival
Zagmuk
Kronia
How These Winter Solstice Festivals Are Similar
Evergreen Trees and Decorations
Gift-Giving
Feasting and Merrymaking
Candles and Light Symbolism
Reversals and Festivity of Roles
Honoring the Sun or Light
Mythical Gift-Bearers
Alcohol and Revelry
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Facts About Santa Claus
Santa and the Culture of Commercialism.
How Santa is a Counterfeit Father God
Who Is The Yule Father?
Comparing Odin (Yule Father) and Santa Claus
Evergreen Trees
Tree Worship In Early Germany
Yule Traditions as a Precursor to Christmas
From Yule To Christmas
Satan’s Track Record of Syncretism
Visual Examples of Satanically Guided Syncretism
Why Is Syncretism Important?
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Should We Keep God’s Commands?
OT and NT Verse On Obeying God’s Commands
Why Antinomianism & Nomism Are Wrong
What A Pharisee Actually Is
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Theological and Scriptural Defenses
Historical and Traditional Justifications
Cultural and Practical Arguments
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What This Has Taught You
Make Your Choice, And Make It Wisely
Consider Supporting This Teaching And Our Ministry
1️⃣ Introduction
Christmas Is Seen As A Christian Holiday
Most Christians cherish Christmas as a beloved Christian holiday—a time for families to gather, share traditions, and celebrate the birth of Jesus. It is seen as a harmless season of joy, love, and worship. But what if Christmas, one of the most celebrated Christian holidays aside from Easter, is not what it seems? Beneath the cheerful glow of twinkling lights and the warm presence of a brightly lit tree, could there lurk something far darker—a troubling legacy of deeply satanic roots? What if the holiday’s widespread popularity masks a history steeped in paganism and occult symbolism? And if this were true, as Christians, should we continue to participate in such practices?
Let me ask you directly: If you discovered that something widely accepted and celebrated by culture was directly rooted in paganism and had no foundation in Scripture, would you be willing to depart from it? Would you heed the call to come out from the world, to “be separate” and live apart for the Lord? (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). Or would you cling to the traditions of this world, risking friendship with it—and thereby enmity with God? “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (James 4:4).
Perhaps your initial response is, “Yes, I would do anything the Lord asks of me.” But let me challenge you: Are you doing that now with what He has already asked of you?
Let’s Reason Together
Come now, brothers and sisters, let us reason together (Isaiah 1:16-20). Let us examine the validity of these claims with humility and open hearts. Let us seek out the truth in obedience to God, repenting of anything that diminishes our testimony or draws us away from Him. For the Word of God commands us: “Be ye holy; for I am holy” (Leviticus 19:2, 1 Peter 1:15-16, Matthew 5:48, Leviticus 20:7).
Is Christmas a pagan practice rooted in worldly traditions and condemned by Scripture? Or is it acceptable for Christians to participate in?
Many vehemently argue that Christmas has little or no connection to paganism, dismissing concerns as the ramblings of “extremist Christians” who see the devil behind every rock. They insist that participating in Christmas is harmless and that calls for holiness and separation are unwarranted in this instance.
But what if the evidence shows otherwise? What if it can be demonstrated—clearly and unequivocally—that Christmas is deeply tied to pagan mysticism and practices explicitly condemned in Scripture? If that is the case, what excuse remains for the discerning Christian to ignore the truth?
This post aims to lay out irrefutable evidence that Christmas is steeped in pagan traditions. It challenges Christians to seriously consider whether this holiday aligns with biblical worship and the call to holiness.
So, buckle up for an intriguing and thought-provoking journey. Set aside your cognitive dissonance and join me in a rational, Scripture-centered, and historically accurate examination of Christmas. Together, let us stand not on cultural traditions but on the unshakable foundation of God’s Word. Sola Scriptura—guiding not only what we believe but how we live and worship as true Christians seeking to honor God above all else.
2️⃣ What's Does "Pagan" Mean?
How Do We Define Paganism?
If we are going to call Christmas or rather anything Pagan, we should define our terms and determine what really makes something inherently pagan or not.
Historically, paganism referred to the religious act or practices of non-Christian or Jewish peoples. It is important to note the level of intent to worship a said deity or object in pagan practices has no bearing on whether or not it is a pagan practice or whether God forbids it, as he clearly does in Deuteronomy 12:1-4. In more recent Biblical history, paganism is defined by those in the Greco-Roman world and indigenous tribes as well as neopaganism in practices such as wicca. It is commonly characterized by:
Polytheism: The belief in and worship of multiple gods, as seen in Roman, Greek, Norse, and other mythologies.
Animism: The belief that natural objects and forces possess spirits or divine essence.
Seasonal Rituals: Many pagan religions revolve around agricultural or seasonal cycles, such as solstice celebrations (e.g., Yule, Saturnalia).
Self-Elevation: Practices designed to enhance personal spiritual power or manipulate forces for favorable outcomes.
Transactional Worship: Rituals aimed at practical results, like fertility, prosperity, or protection.
Lack of Revelation: Paganism lacks a revealed scripture like the Bible, relying instead on oral traditions, myths, and rituals.
The reality is there is really only two Kingdoms on this Earth. The Kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan. Jesus also clarified the reality of Satan’s kingdom versus God’s Kingdom, leaving no room for another in Matthew 12:26-28.
The Bible explicitly teaches us to be separate and apart from any practice founded in paganistic roots as it is not of the Kingdom of God, and thus those of the Kingdom of God should not practise them (2 Corinthians 6:14-18).
Paul reinforces this truth in 1 Corinthians 10:20-21, warning,
“The things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.”
This reveals that pagan practices, no matter how innocuous they seem, are practices which are meant to honor demonic powers, making participation in them spiritually dangerous at best, and potentially damning at worst.
God’s Warning Against Pagan Practices
God consistently warned His people not to adopt pagan customs or use them in worship. In Deuteronomy 12:30-31, He commands,
“Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou inquire not after their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise.’ Thou shalt not do so unto the Lord thy God: for every abomination to the Lord, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods.”
This passage unequivocally forbids the adoption of pagan practices, even with the intent of honoring God. To imitate the ways of false worship is to dishonor Him, as such practices are inherently corrupt and abominable in His sight.
Separation from the World
Additionally the Bible makes a clear distinction between the earth (which belongs to God) and the world (kosmos in Greek), which refers to the systems and cultures governed by Satan. While Psalm 24:1 states, “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof,” this verse speaks to God’s ownership of creation, not the cultural systems of the world. The "world," as defined by Scripture, is under Satan’s dominion.
2 Corinthians 6:14-17 commands believers to separate themselves from worldly influences: “What fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord.”
Similarly, James 1:27 describes pure religion as remaining “unspotted from the world,” emphasizing the need to avoid contamination by the world’s systems and practices.
Jeremiah echoes this in Jeremiah 10:2-3, where God warns, “Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain.” This passage specifically rejects adopting pagan customs, which are both futile and offensive to God.
If one were to use the argument from Psalm 24:1 that "the earth is the Lord’s" and so they are free in their “christian liberty” to practise what they wish. It would fail in two points.
First being that you have liberty in Christ to not follow the Law in order to achieve salvation, but you do not have liberty to sin and go against the Commands of scripture to be holy and perfect, in fact, it is required of you.
Secondarily, if you were to apply this same logic, of “Well its from the Earth and I have liberty” you could also justify the use of harmful substances like drugs, which are created from the earth’s resources.
In the same way, it cannot justify adopting cultural practices rooted in paganism. Just because God created the physical materials used in these things does not mean their misuse or adoption is acceptable in worship. The Bible clearly commands that worship must be holy and according to God’s prescription (Deuteronomy 12:4; John 4:24).
Initial Rebuttals
So by this point, any discerning Christian will agree that practising Pagan things is not okay. Two main rebuttals will emerge at this juncture however for those on the fence:
So if any culture uses anything in Pagan worship I can’t use it?
Well obviously you can use any benign natural thing as it is intended to be used so long as it's not causing harm to you or others. But this doesn't mean we can adopt pagan rituals just because they are not practised in a pagan way anymore (which isnt true about Christmas). Think of the absurdity of taking some long dead Egyptian ritual and trying to worship God with it. In that instance you would agree I Imagine that it is evil, yet many do the exact same thing with Christmas.
There is a difference between playing a game with cards that is not based on occult pagan practices, and playing a game of cards that IS based on occult pagan practices. If Goldfish was Pagan in origin, it would be sinful to play it. If it doesn't have Pagan roots, its benign. Its as simple as that. The problem isn't the physical cards, it's the ritual and practices that is the issue. The cards would be swapped with stone plates, and it would still originate in paganism.
Putting a tree in your home for year round decoration is not a sin. Putting one in your home, specifically of the evergreen type, only around the time of pagan rituals of the same, is in fact participating in pagan rituals. The problem isn't the tree, it is benign, it is the practise.
Well… Christmas cannot be proven to be based in paganism.
That is where you would be wrong, as the next section will set out to prove using primary sources as well as secondary ones.
3️⃣ Is December 25th Pagan?
How Was Christmas Initially Established?
In our last article, we set out to demonstrate the many occurrences of false god worship happening in and around the winter solstice, effectively proving that numerous cultures over millennia have held rituals worshipping false gods near the 25th of December. The timing, practices, and themes of these festivals show that this date has long been associated with worldly traditions rooted in false god worship. Not in Christianity and that Christianity had adopted it.
It is verifiably true that the celebration of Christmas on December 25 was first recorded in 336 AD in the Chronograph of 354, a Roman document detailing important dates and festivals. This indicates that the date was adopted during the reign of Emperor Constantine (306–337 AD), the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity.
While Pope Julius I (337–352 AD) is traditionally credited with formalizing December 25 as the date to celebrate Christ's birth, there is no primary source definitively proving this claim. Instead, it appears that the date was likely chosen earlier as part of a broader effort by the early Church to align Christian celebrations with existing pagan festivals, such as the feast of Sol Invictus (instituted by Emperor Aurelian in 274 AD) and Saturnalia. You couldn't have more proof of the Sol Invictus and Saturnalia connection to December 25th then that. It is not speculation, and is well documented as historical fact. For the skeptical reader you may want primary sources, and secondary sources. Those are coming in in this following section.
List Winter Solstice Pagan Festivals
Although we covered this in our last article, some stated we did not provide solid enough resources, so we have provided undeniable evidence that the timing of December 25th, the actions taken on those dates, and their resemblance to modern Christmas traditions are not from biblical teachings or Christian traditions, but are practices factually from pagan origins.
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Dates Practiced: December 17–23 (ancient Rome, 3rd–4th centuries BC).
Worshipped Deity: Saturn, god of agriculture and time.
Why They Worshipped: Celebrated the end of the agricultural cycle and welcomed the sun’s return.
Practices: Feasting, role reversals (masters serving slaves), gift-giving, decorating with greenery, lighting candles, and public revelry.
Current Practice: No direct modern observance, but influences seen in Christmas customs.
Primary Sources:
Macrobius, Saturnalia (Book I, Chapters 7–10). (Detailed accounts of Saturnalia practices like feasting, gift-giving, and role reversals.)
Livy, Ab Urbe Condita (Book II). (Mentions the founding of Saturnalia and its agricultural significance.)
Secondary Sources:
The Roman Festivals of the Period of the Republic, William Warde Fowler, pp. 272–280. (Comprehensive analysis of Saturnalia customs and their influence on later traditions.)
T.P. Wiseman, Saturn and the Return of the Golden Age, pp. 25–30. (Exploration of Saturnalia’s cultural and social significance.)
Why is this relevant?
Saturnalia is well-documented in Macrobius, Saturnalia (Book I, Chapters 7–10) (primary source), which describes key customs such as feasting, gift-giving, and decorating with greenery. Livy’s Ab Urbe Condita (Book II) (primary source) highlights its agricultural and religious significance, tying it to renewal and the winter solstice. William Warde Fowler’s The Roman Festivals of the Period of the Republic (pp. 272–280) (secondary source) provides detailed analysis of Saturnalia’s influence, while T.P. Wiseman’s Saturn and the Return of the Golden Age (pp. 25–30) (secondary source) explores its social dynamics and similarities to modern traditions.
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Dates Practiced: December 25.
Worshipped Deity: Sol Invictus, the Unconquered Sun.
Why They Worshipped: Marked the rebirth of the sun at the winter solstice.
Practices: Sun worship, offerings, feasting, and lighting candles.
Current Practice: No direct modern observance; its date influenced Christian adoption of December 25.
Primary Sources:
Calendar of Filocalus (354 AD). (Lists December 25 as the feast of Sol Invictus.)
Inscriptions from Mithraeum sites in Rome and Ostia. (Mention Sol Invictus as the patron deity.)
Secondary Sources:
Sol: The Sun in the Art and Religions of Rome, Steven Hijmans, pp. 588–592. (Thorough examination of Sol Invictus’s feast and its links to Roman sun worship.)
David Potter, The Roman Empire at Bay, pp. 325–330. (Context of Sol Invictus’s establishment by Emperor Aurelian.)
Why is this relevant?
The Calendar of Filocalus (354 AD) (primary source) explicitly marks December 25 as the feast of Sol Invictus, celebrating the rebirth of the sun. Inscriptions from Mithraea (primary source) further associate Sol Invictus with solar worship. Steven Hijmans’ Sol: The Sun in the Art and Religions of Rome (pp. 588–592) (secondary source) elaborates on the religious and cultural significance of this date, while David Potter’s The Roman Empire at Bay (pp. 325–330) (secondary source) contextualizes its integration into Roman political and religious life.
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Dates Practiced: Mid-to-late December through January (3rd–10th centuries AD).
Worshipped Deity: Odin, nature spirits, and ancestral spirits.
Why They Worshipped: Celebrated the rebirth of the sun and survival through winter.
Practices: Burning the Yule log, decorating homes with evergreen boughs, gift-giving, animal sacrifices, and feasting, the Yule Father who is essentially ancient Santa.
Current Practice: Modern Yule celebrated by neopagans and Wiccans, with elements seen in Christmas customs
Primary Sources:
The Prose Edda, Snorri Sturluson (Prologue, Chapters 3–5). (Accounts of Odin’s “Wild Hunt” and Yule celebrations.)
The Heimskringla, Snorri Sturluson (Saga of Hákon the Good). (Mentions Yule sacrifices and feasts.)
Secondary Sources:
The Pagan Religions of the Ancient British Isles, Ronald Hutton, pp. 96–98. (Detailed analysis of Yule customs and their survival in modern traditions.)
Gods and Myths of Northern Europe, H.R. Ellis Davidson, pp. 176–180. (Odin’s role as the Yule Father and its connection to Santa Claus.)
Why is this relevant?
Snorri Sturluson’s The Prose Edda (Prologue, Chapters 3–5) (primary source) describes Odin’s “Wild Hunt” during Yule, portraying him as the “Yule Father,” a clear precursor to Santa Claus. The Heimskringla (Saga of Hákon the Good) (primary source) documents sacrifices and feasting, emphasizing the communal and ritual aspects of Yule. Ronald Hutton’s The Pagan Religions of the Ancient British Isles (pp. 96–98) (secondary source) and H.R. Ellis Davidson’s Gods and Myths of Northern Europe (pp. 176–180) (secondary source) explore the cultural significance of Yule and its influence on modern Christmas customs.
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Dates Practiced: December 25.
Worshipped Deity: Mithras, god of the sun and contracts.
Why They Worshipped: Believed December 25 marked Mithras’s birth.
Practices: Sacred meals, animal sacrifices, and sun worship.
Current Practice: Discontinued; heavily suppressed after Christianity became dominant.
Primary Sources:
Reliefs and inscriptions from Mithraea in Ostia, Rome, and Dura-Europos. (Depictions of Mithras’s birth and solar worship.)
Porphyry, On the Cave of the Nymphs (Chapter 6). (Describes Mithraic symbolism and cosmic connections.)
Secondary Sources:
The Mysteries of Mithras, Franz Cumont, pp. 190–195. (Classic study on Mithras’s birth on December 25 and associated rituals.)
The Religion of the Mithras Cult in the Roman Empire, Roger Beck, pp. 35–40. (Modern analysis of Mithraic rituals and solar associations.)
Why is this relevant?
Reliefs and inscriptions from Mithraea in Ostia and Dura-Europos (primary source) depict Mithras’s birth from a rock and his association with solar worship. Porphyry’s On the Cave of the Nymphs (Chapter 6) (primary source) provides cosmic symbolism tied to Mithraism’s rituals. Franz Cumont’s The Mysteries of Mithras (pp. 190–195) (secondary source) and Roger Beck’s The Religion of the Mithras Cult in the Roman Empire (pp. 35–40) (secondary source) analyze the solar and sacrificial themes of Mithraism, including the December 25 celebration of Mithras’s birth.
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Dates Practiced: November 24–December 25 (2nd–5th centuries AD).
Worshipped Deity: Bacchus (Dionysus), god of wine and revelry.
Why They Worshipped: A mid-winter festival honoring Bacchus and preparing for Saturnalia.
Practices: Feasting, drinking, and candle-lighting.
Current Practice: No direct observance today.
Primary Sources:
John Lydus, On the Months (Chapter IV). (Details Brumalia’s feasting and connection to Saturnalia.)
Emperor Julian, Oration to the Sun (Oration IV). (Mentions Brumalia’s significance in late Roman pagan culture.)
Secondary Sources:
An Introduction to Roman Religion, John Scheid, pp. 78–80. (Explores Brumalia’s role in winter celebrations.)
Richard Gordon, Roman Religion, pp. 140–144. (Discusses late Roman religious syncretism, including Brumalia.)
Why is this relevant?
John Lydus’ On the Months (Chapter IV) (primary source) provides details on Brumalia’s feasting, drinking, and connection to Saturnalia. Emperor Julian’s Oration to the Sun (Oration IV) (primary source) highlights Brumalia’s role in late Roman pagan culture and its association with solstice celebrations. John Scheid’s An Introduction to Roman Religion (pp. 78–80) (secondary source) and Richard Gordon’s Roman Religion (pp. 140–144) (secondary source) contextualize Brumalia within the broader framework of Roman religious syncretism.
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Dates Practiced: Late autumn/early winter (pre-Christian Finland).
Worshipped Deity: Ancestors and spirits of the dead.
Why They Worshipped: Celebrated the end of the harvest season and honored ancestors.
Practices: Feasting, lighting fires, offerings to spirits, and communal meals.
Current Practice: Elements survive in Finnish folk traditions.
Primary Sources:
Oral traditions preserved in Finnish folk songs and the Kalevala. (References harvest-end feasts and ancestor worship.)
Archaeological evidence of pre-Christian burial rites in Finland.
Secondary Sources:
The Mythology of the Kalevala, Martti Haavio, pp. 112–114. (Explores Kekri’s role as a harvest and ancestor festival.)
Religion, Myth, and Folklore in the World's Epics, Lauri Honko, pp. 85–90. (Comparative analysis of Kekri with other harvest festivals.)
Why is this relevant?
Finnish oral traditions and pre-Christian burial practices recorded in the Kalevala (primary source) emphasize feasting, ancestor worship, and rituals to honor the dead. Archaeological findings of burial sites further confirm Kekri’s role in pre-Christian Finnish culture (primary source). Martti Haavio’s The Mythology of the Kalevala (pp. 112–114) (secondary source) and Lauri Honko’s Religion, Myth, and Folklore in the World's Epics (pp. 85–90) (secondary source) offer comparative insights into Kekri and other harvest festivals.
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Dates Practiced: December 21 (ancient Persia to modern day).
Worshipped Deity: Mithra and light/darkness symbolism.
Why They Worshipped: Celebrated the longest night of the year and the triumph of light over darkness.
Practices: Feasting, storytelling, and eating symbolic fruits (e.g., pomegranates).
Current Practice: Still celebrated in Persian culture.
Primary Sources:
Persian poetry by Ferdowsi in the Shahnameh. (References themes of light and darkness associated with Yalda.)
Zoroastrian texts like the Avesta. (Mentions Mithraic connections and solstice celebrations.)
Secondary Sources:
Encyclopedia Iranica, Ehsan Yarshater, Volume VIII, pp. 496–499. (Explores Yalda’s history and rituals.)
Mehrdad Bahar, A History of Persian Mythology, pp. 144–147. (Analysis of Yalda’s symbolic significance.)
Why is this relevant?
Persian poetry in Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh (primary source) celebrates Yalda with themes of light overcoming darkness and rituals such as feasting and eating symbolic fruits like pomegranates. Zoroastrian texts in the Avesta (primary source) emphasize Mithraic worship and solstice celebrations. Ehsan Yarshater’s Encyclopedia Iranica (Volume VIII, pp. 496–499) (secondary source) and Mehrdad Bahar’s A History of Persian Mythology (pp. 144–147) (secondary source) trace the historical evolution of Yalda and its symbolic relevance.
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Item description
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Dates Practiced: Late December to early January (ancient Mesopotamia).
Worshipped Deity: Marduk, the chief Babylonian god.
Why They Worshipped: Celebrated Marduk’s victory over chaos and renewal of order.
Practices: Processions, sacrifices, and reenactments of mythological battles.
Current Practice: Discontinued.
Primary Sources:
The Enuma Elish. (Depicts Marduk’s battle with chaos and its connection to Zagmuk.)
Babylonian cuneiform tablets describing New Year rituals.
Secondary Sources:
Religion in Ancient Mesopotamia, Jean Bottero, pp. 113–115. (Analyzes Zagmuk’s rituals and mythological significance.)
The Treasures of Darkness, Thorkild Jacobsen, pp. 168–171. (Explores Zagmuk’s role in Mesopotamian cosmology.)
Why is this relevant?
The Enuma Elish(primary source) describes Marduk’s victory over chaos, a central theme of Zagmuk’s renewal rituals. Babylonian cuneiform tablets (primary source) document New Year processions and sacrifices tied to the festival. Jean Bottero’s Religion in Ancient Mesopotamia (pp. 113–115) (secondary source) and Thorkild Jacobsen’s The Treasures of Darkness (pp. 168–171) (secondary source) examine the cosmological and societal importance of Zagmuk.
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Dates Practiced: July/August (pre-Hellenistic period) but themes influenced Saturnalia (7th century BC onward).
Worshipped Deity: Cronus, god of agriculture and time.
Why They Worshipped: Celebrated the harvest and equality.
Practices: Feasting, role reversals, gift exchanges.
Current Practice: Elements absorbed into Roman Saturnalia.
Primary Sources:
Hesiod, Works and Days (lines 400–500). (Describes agricultural festivals linked to Kronia.)
Aristophanes, The Clouds (lines 400–420). (Mentions Kronia’s feast and role reversals.)
Secondary Sources:
Greek Religion, Walter Burkert, pp. 176–178. (Discusses Kronia’s influence on later Roman festivals.)
M.I. Finley, The Ancient Greeks, pp. 82–85. (Context of Kronia’s agricultural roots.)
Why is this relevant?
Hesiod’s Works and Days (lines 400–500) (primary source) discusses agricultural festivals that influenced Kronia, highlighting feasting and communal celebration. Aristophanes’ The Clouds (lines 400–420) (primary source) mentions the festival’s festivity and role reversals. Walter Burkert’s Greek Religion (pp. 176–178) (secondary source) and M.I. Finley’s The Ancient Greeks (pp. 82–85) (secondary source) explore Kronia’s agricultural roots and its cultural legacy.
How These Winter Solstice Festivals Are Similar
In an effort to further expose the pagan origins of Christmas, we have put together a list of the various things we see used in Christmas, that have their roots in Pagan idol worship. The argument being made is that these things are not simple traditions of a benign and harmless nature, but deeply rooted in paganism and sin.
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The use of evergreen trees and decorations during the Christmas season originates from ancient pagan festivals, specifically Yule and Saturnalia. During Yule, evergreen boughs were brought indoors as symbols of eternal life and resilience, meant to protect against evil spirits and the harshness of winter. Similarly, Saturnalia involved decorating homes with greenery to celebrate the agricultural god Saturn and the fertility of nature. Modern Christmas trees and garlands directly reflect these ancient practices, with their placement in homes and public spaces mirroring the traditions of Yule and Saturnalia.
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The tradition of exchanging gifts during Christmas is a direct parallel to customs observed in festivals like Saturnalia, Yule, Kronia, and Brumalia. During Saturnalia, gifts were exchanged as offerings to the gods or as symbols of goodwill among friends and family. This practice was seen as a way to honor the deities and foster community bonds. Similarly, Yule involved the giving of tokens to strengthen relationships and pay homage to nature’s cycles. Today’s Christmas gift-giving, celebrated on December 25 and often framed as a gesture of generosity, closely mirrors these ancient customs in both spirit and execution.
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Feasting and revelry, cornerstones of modern Christmas celebrations, are rooted in ancient solstice festivals such as Saturnalia, Yule, Brumalia, Zagmuk, and Kekri. These festivals featured large communal meals, intended to symbolize abundance and provide hope for the coming year. In Saturnalia, feasts were held in honor of Saturn, often accompanied by days of uninhibited merrymaking. Yule celebrations included large banquets and gatherings to mark the turning of the season. Modern holiday feasts, with their emphasis on indulgence and communal celebration, are virtually identical in form and intent to these ancient practices.
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The symbolism of light, central to Christmas with its candles and festive illuminations, has deep roots in pagan solstice festivals such as Sol Invictus, Yule, Shabe Yalda, and the Dōngzhì Festival. These festivals celebrated the triumph of light over darkness as the days began to grow longer after the winter solstice. Fires and candles were lit to honor the sun’s rebirth, representing hope and renewal. The modern use of Christmas lights, from tree decorations to window displays, directly reflects these ancient traditions, retaining their symbolic association with light’s victory over the dark.
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The practice of temporary role reversals and goodwill, commonly associated with the Christmas spirit, originates from Saturnalia and Kronia. In Saturnalia, slaves and masters exchanged roles, and societal norms were relaxed in favor of equality and camaraderie. Similarly, Kronia involved a temporary suspension of hierarchies, symbolizing a time of universal harmony. The modern emphasis on generosity and goodwill during Christmas mirrors these ancient customs, continuing the spirit of social unity and celebration fostered during these pagan festivals.
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The emphasis on light and its rebirth during the Christmas season parallels ancient celebrations of the sun’s return in festivals like Sol Invictus, Mithraism, Shabe Yalda, and the Dōngzhì Festival. These festivals, centered on the winter solstice, honored the renewal of the sun and its life-giving power. December 25 was specifically chosen for Sol Invictus as the “birthday of the unconquered sun,” marking the sun’s triumph over darkness. Modern Christmas celebrations, with their focus on lights, decorations, and Christ as the “light of the world,” replicate these pagan traditions with little alteration in symbolism.
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The figure of Santa Claus, central to modern Christmas celebrations, has its roots in mythical figures from pagan festivals such as the Yule Father (Odin) and Saturn of Saturnalia. Odin, riding his eight-legged horse Sleipnir during Yule, was believed to deliver gifts to children, a tradition directly influencing the development of Santa Claus. Similarly, Saturn was revered during Saturnalia as a generous, benevolent deity. These figures, tied to the themes of gift-giving and magical journeys, remain virtually unchanged in today’s portrayal of Santa Claus as the central gift-bringer of Christmas.
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Drinking and festive indulgence, hallmarks of modern Christmas celebrations, were integral to ancient pagan festivals like Saturnalia, Brumalia, Yule, and Kekri. Alcohol was consumed in abundance during these celebrations, symbolizing joy, abundance, and the breaking of societal norms. Revelry often accompanied these libations, creating an atmosphere of uninhibited festivity. Modern holiday parties, with their emphasis on drinking and merrymaking, carry forward these traditions, demonstrating their direct lineage from ancient solstice celebrations.
4️⃣ Santa, trees, and the Occult
Facts About Santa Claus
It might be surprising to learn that 96% of Christians in the United States celebrate Christmas according to Pew Research Center. And Lifeway Research found the following in their 2010 study:
Gift-Giving was present in 94% of Christian households.
Encouraging A Belief in Santa Claus in Christian households was at a staggering 42%
Christmas Trees were present in 86% of Christian households.
What many Christians may not realize is that Santa Claus is deeply rooted in pagan mythology, occult symbolism, and modern commercialism. Far from being a harmless figure of holiday cheer, Santa represents a blend of traditions and practices that are incompatible with biblical Christianity. Santa Claus serves as an idol. A figure who distracts from Christ and promotes unbiblical values.
Parents who encourage belief in Santa, teach their children to place their trust and adoration in an idol rather than in the living God. Jesus gave a sobering warning about leading little ones astray:
“But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea”
(Matthew 18:6).
Encouraging children to revere a figure like Santa, who embodies attributes that mimic God but distort His truth, directly causes spiritual harm and confusion.
Santa and the Culture of Commercialism
Santa Claus and the broader celebration of Christmas also heavily encourage commercialism, fostering a culture of materialism, greed, and discontentment. The holiday has become a time when extravagant gift-giving is equated with love, and children are taught that their "good behavior" entitles them to rewards. This mindset contradicts the Bible’s clear teachings on contentment and trusting God for provision. “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Luke 12:15).
Rather than encouraging trust in God, the Santa myth perpetuates the idea that material possessions define happiness and fulfillment. This undermines the biblical call to be content with what we have: “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5).
Additionally, the tradition of making lists of wants and desires feeds a spirit of covetousness, a sin explicitly condemned in Scripture: “Thou shalt not covet” (Exodus 20:17). By focusing on what we lack or desire, rather than on gratitude for what God has already provided, commercialism shifts our hearts away from dependence on God.
Ultimately, the Santa figure and the commercialization of Christmas distract from the truth that our joy and provision come from God alone. Instead of seeking fulfillment in material possessions, Christians are called to “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).
As Christians, we are called to be holy and set apart, examining all traditions against the light of Scripture. If something distracts from God’s truth or encourages worldly values, you must abandon it utterly. Christ made it clear in Luke 14:33 “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” We cannot serve two masters, we cannot serve God, and mammon (money and covetousness) Matthew 6:24
“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
How Santa is a Counterfeit Father God
One thing that many people dont recognize about Santa Claus, is how he embodies nearly every divine attribute of the true God in a distorted and worldly form. By attributing God-like qualities to Santa, the focus is shifted from the Creator to a fabricated figure that promotes materialism, idolizes self-centered desires, and subtly replaces the reverence owed to God alone.
As Christians, it’s essential to discern and reject such counterfeits, adhering to the command to worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24, Exodus 20:3).
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Santa is portrayed as an all-knowing figure, famously described as one who “knows if you’ve been naughty or nice.” This supernatural knowledge is said to extend to every child on earth, allowing Santa to monitor their behavior and determine their worthiness for rewards. In contrast, Scripture declares that only God is truly omniscient, knowing the hearts and deeds of all people. “For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things” (1 John 3:20). Psalm 139:1-4 further emphasizes God’s unparalleled ability to know our thoughts and actions, even before they occur. The portrayal of Santa’s omniscience creates a counterfeit image of God’s all-knowing nature, redirecting children’s fear and respect toward a mythical figure rather than the true, all-knowing Creator.
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The myth of Santa claims that he visits every home around the world in a single night, entering through chimneys to deliver gifts. This extraordinary feat suggests a level of near-omnipresence, as Santa is imagined to be “everywhere” on Christmas Eve. However, only God is omnipresent, fully present at all times in every place. “Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?” (Psalm 139:7). Jeremiah 23:24 declares, “Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the Lord.” By attributing this divine characteristic to Santa, the myth presents a false and diminished reflection of God’s omnipresence, creating confusion about the true nature of God’s unlimited presence.
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Santa’s role as a moral arbiter is central to his mythology, as he determines which children are “naughty” or “nice” and rewards or withholds gifts based on their behavior. This simplistic portrayal of judgment mimics the divine role of God, who is the ultimate Judge of all humanity. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). James 4:12 further declares, “There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy.” By attributing moral judgment to Santa, this figure replaces God’s role as the ultimate arbiter of righteousness and justice, creating a counterfeit source of moral authority.
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Santa is famously associated with rewarding good behavior with gifts and material blessings, a central aspect of his persona in modern celebrations. This focus on material rewards mirrors, but diminishes, God’s role as the ultimate giver of blessings. Scripture teaches that “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17). Unlike Santa, God’s rewards transcend material possessions, offering spiritual blessings and eternal life to those who seek Him (Matthew 6:33). Santa’s emphasis on materialism fosters a worldly mindset, diverting attention from the immeasurable blessings that come from God alone.
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Santa is often portrayed as an eternal figure, ageless and immune to death, residing timelessly in the mythical North Pole. This depiction subtly mirrors God’s true eternal nature as the unchanging Creator. Scripture affirms that “the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God” (1 Timothy 1:17) is the sole possessor of true immortality. Revelation 1:8 declares God as “Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending,” emphasizing His unmatched eternal existence. Santa’s depiction as an immortal benefactor creates a false perception of an ever-living figure, detracting from God’s unique and holy attribute of eternal life.
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The North Pole, Santa’s mythical residence, is described as a hidden, wondrous place filled with magic and mystery. This imagery bears a striking resemblance to the biblical description of heaven, God’s dwelling place. Scripture describes heaven as the ultimate place of perfection and holiness: “Thus saith the Lord, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool” (Isaiah 66:1). Revelation 21:1-4 further depicts heaven as a place of divine beauty and eternal joy. By attributing a mystical and otherworldly residence to Santa, this myth creates a counterfeit parallel to the unseen majesty of God’s dwelling, diminishing the uniqueness of God’s heavenly throne.
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Children write letters to Santa as a way of communicating their desires, treating him as an intermediary for their wishes and hopes. This practice imitates the biblical concept of intercession, a role exclusively fulfilled by Jesus Christ. “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). Hebrews 7:25 declares that Jesus “ever liveth to make intercession” for those who come to God through Him. By positioning Santa as a substitute intercessor, this tradition redirects children’s faith and hope away from Christ, undermining the true and only source of intercession between humanity and God
Clearly, Santa—though some suggest his name is an anagram for Satan (which may be a stretch)—is, in fact, fulfilling everything Satan desires to do: to ascend to the throne of the Most High and displace Him. Isaiah 14:13-14 reveals Satan's ambition: “I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God... I will be like the most High.”
While Satan can never be God, through Santa, he accomplishes a key tactic: distracting and deceiving children into placing their faith, awe, and reverence in a false god.
This subtle redirection aligns perfectly with Satan’s goal to take glory from God and turn hearts away from Him, beginning with the youngest and most impressionable.
Who Is The Yule Father?
Santa Claus, whom we have shown to be a counterfeit God and a false idol, is not merely a harmless figure parents use to teach their children to wrongfully place their trust and faith in. Instead, Santa while being a tool of Satan, is also based on a character deeply rooted in Norse mythology, particularly in the figure of Odin, the "Yule Father."
Odin played a central role in Yule celebrations, a pagan festival marking the winter solstice that aligns with the timeframe of December 25th. Even today, Yule remains a significant celebration in some cultures, commemorating the darkest time of the year with traditions tied to the veneration of Odin and other deities.
For Christians with discernment, it becomes clear that this is no mere coincidence. Satan, who is described as the deceiver and the one who seeks to exalt himself as God (Isaiah 14:13-14), operates subtly through cultural traditions like this. Many of Santa’s defining attributes can be traced directly to Odin, whose mythology and rituals were gradually adapted and repackaged, blending with so-called “Christian traditions” and later with secular commercialization. These transformations reflect a deliberate scheme, one designed to distract, deceive, and redirect worship from the true God to a false idol.
The transition from Odin to Santa Claus was facilitated through centuries of cultural and religious syncretism—a tactic Satan has repeatedly employed throughout history to confuse and lead people astray.
As Christianity spread throughout Scandinavia and the Germanic regions, the attributes of Odin, such as his role as a benevolent gift-giver riding through the night sky, were rebranded. These traits merged with the story of Saint Nicholas, a Christian man traditionally believed to have been born on March 15, 270, and who died on December 6, 343.
While Saint Nicholas was known for his acts of generosity and kindness, particularly toward children, the merging of his character with Odin’s led to a figure who bears little resemblance to the humble servant of God. Instead, the resulting Santa Claus retained the core attributes of the Yule Father: a magical, omniscient figure, riding through the sky, dispensing rewards based on behavior.
Over time, this hybrid figure was secularized into the Santa Claus we recognize today, a symbol of materialism and mythological enchantment. Yet, for those with spiritual discernment, the parallels to Odin and the persistent pagan influences in Santa’s character are unmistakable.
Satan has succeeded, once again, in taking what is unholy and disguising it as innocent, using it to lead people—especially children—away from the Living God. As Paul warns in 2 Corinthians 2:11, “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” Unfortunately, many Christians have failed to heed this warning, blindly participating in practices that bear the marks of syncretism and spiritual compromise.
Santa Claus, far from being a harmless cultural figure, embodies centuries of pagan ideology that has been subtly transformed into a counterfeit object of awe and reverence. The traditions surrounding him continue to echo the Yule Father’s attributes, making it clear that the roots of this figure remain firmly planted in the schemes of Satan to divert worship from God and place it on false idols.
Comparing Odin (Yule Father) and Santa Claus
Below is a visual comparison of Odin and his attributes, and that of Santa.
Evergreen Trees
Perhaps it is believed that evergreen trees are another harmless tradition that the Western world has adopted. But would it surprise you to know that the origins of the Christmas tree can be directly linked to norse pagan mythology, which aptly coincides with Santa?
Let’s take a look at the History of the Evergreen tree throughout the dawn of man. Citing primary sources for our investigation. In our previous article, we linked the use of evergreen tree worship to as far back as the Norse Pagan Mythology and religions and pagan practices in Europe. Today our goal will be to succinctly track that origin citing specific scholarly sources. To leave no doubt of the origins of evergreen tree usage.
Tree Worship In Early Germany 500 BC- 500 AD
We begin in the Early Germanic Paganism era, approximately 500 BC to 500 AD. A Primary Source found in Germania by Tacitus (1st century AD) describes Germanic tribes worshipping their gods by sacred trees.
Tacitus writes, "They do not confine their gods within walls... but consecrate woods and groves." While Tacitus does not specifically mention evergreens, this reverence for trees formed the foundation of Germanic nature worship. A Secondary Source, The Tree of Life by E.O. James (1966), explores sacred groves in Germanic religions and suggests that the use of evergreens symbolized immortality due to their resilience through harsh winters and staying “ever green”. This evidence establishes that trees, particularly evergreens, were central symbols in Germanic paganism long before “Christian traditions” emerged.
Next in examining tree worship, and specifically that of evergreen usage, we turn to Norse Mythology and Yggdrasil, spanning 500 AD to 1200 AD. In The Poetic Edda, a Primary Source written in the 13th century but based on earlier oral traditions, Yggdrasil, the "evergreen ash," is described as the World Tree connecting all realms: "Yggdrasil, the great ash tree... stands evergreen, and its boughs are fed by the sacred waters of Urd's Well."
Yggdrasil’s depiction as an eternal, life-sustaining “evergreen tree” underscores the Norse veneration of Yggdrasil being forever green and thus evergreens as symbols of continuity and cosmic order. Another Primary Source, The Prose Edda by Snorri Sturluson (c. 1220), echoes this reverence by describing Yggdrasil as "always green," highlighting its divine and eternal attributes.
A Secondary Source, Gods and Myths of Northern Europe by H.R. Ellis Davidson (1964), connects Yggdrasil to broader Germanic beliefs, emphasizing the sacred role of trees as representations of life and spiritual connection. These sources firmly establish the evergreen tree’s central role in Norse cosmology and rituals.
What this succinctly demonstrates is that early Germanic Pagan tribes absolutely venerated evergreens and participated in worship of their gods using trees, and specifically that of evergreens.
Yule Traditions as a Precursor to Christmas
Yule traditions further demonstrate the use of evergreens in pagan Norse practices during the winter solstice, from approximately 500 AD to 1000 AD.
A Primary Source from the Saga of Hákon the Good, found in The Heimskringla by Snorri Sturluson, describes Yule customs where greenery was brought indoors to honor gods and spirits during midwinter (in and around December and January). This practice symbolized renewal and protection during the darkest time of the year.
A Secondary Source, The Pagan Religions of the Ancient British Isles by Ronald Hutton (1991), elaborates on these Yule traditions, stating that Germanic tribes decorated their homes with evergreen branches to ward off spirits and signify life’s persistence. This continuity of evergreen use in Norse Yule festivals directly influenced later “Christian practices”.
From Yule To Christmas
Moving to the Christianized era of Scandinavia and Germany, we observe the gradual blending of pagan and Christian “customs” (non biblical traditions: see Colossians 2:8) from 1000 AD to 1500 AD.
A Primary Source, Adam of Bremen’s Gesta Hammaburgensis Ecclesiae Pontificum (c. 1075), notes the persistence of tree-centered rituals even after Christianization, writing about sacrifices and festivals involving trees during midwinter. This underscores how deeply ingrained these practices were in Norse and Germanic cultures. A Secondary Source, The Battle for Christmas by Stephen Nissenbaum (1996), highlights how Christianity reinterpreted these traditions, transforming evergreens into symbols of eternal life in Christ while maintaining their symbolic role in winter celebrations.
The first recorded use of a decorated evergreen tree in a home appears in the Early Modern Period, in 1605 in Strasbourg, Germany. A Primary Source from the Chronicle of Strasbourg notes, "At Christmas, they set up fir trees in the parlors... and hang thereon roses cut out of many-colored paper, apples, wafers, gold foil, sweets." This marks the earliest documented instance of an evergreen tree being used as part of Christmas celebrations in homes. A Secondary Source, The History of the Christmas Tree by Bernd Brunner (2012), traces this transition, linking it to pagan Yule practices and their gradual Christian adaptation. This evidence solidifies the connection between ancient Germanic and Norse reverence for evergreens and the modern Christmas tree “tradition.”
It is clear that the use of evergreens in celebrations, whether in Norse Yule festivals, Germanic rituals, or Christian Christmas “traditions”, has deep roots in paganism. Even earlier, greenery was a common feature in pagan winter practices worldwide, such as the Egyptians using greenery to honor Ra during the solstice and the Romans decorating with evergreens during Saturnalia. These parallels suggest a widespread, syncretic use of evergreens as symbols of life, health, and immortality across cultures.
Satan’s Track Record of Syncretism
From the dawn of human history, Satan has worked tirelessly to counterfeit and corrupt true worship of the true God which is to be worshipped in spirit and in truth (John 4:24) and cannot be worshipped through the pagan customs or traditions of cultures (Deuteronomy 12:4).
“Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree: And ye shall overthrow their altars, and break their pillars, and burn their groves with fire; and ye shall hew down the graven images of their gods, and destroy the names of them out of that place. Ye shall not do so unto the LORD your God.”
Even in the time of Moses when this was written they were worshipping their gods with groves and green trees, and erecting things that eerily describe something close to a Christmas tree as described in Jeremiah 10.
Satan, by weaving paganism into the fabric of human culture and cleverly masking its influence over time, has implanted these ultimately demonic things into our everyday lives to blaspheme God.
Christians ought not to be ignorant of his devices as they so clearly are today (2 Corinthians 2:11). His track record of syncretism is staggering, seamlessly blending false worship into what might appear as benign or even sacred traditions.
Through cultural shifts, political expediency, and religious compromise, the gods of old and their rituals and practices have been repackaged and rebranded, slipping unnoticed into new eras under different names and guises. From the “mighty” Enlil of Mesopotamia to the saints of medieval Christendom, Satan has exploited humanity's tendency toward idolatry, leaving a trail of syncretized traditions that persist even today. To uncover this hidden history is to expose the fingerprints of deception and shine the light of biblical truth into darkened corners of this world.
Religious syncretism has been a recurring phenomenon throughout history, with many cultures borrowing and adapting features of gods and idols from neighboring peoples. This blending of beliefs is a well-documented and widely accepted historical fact, demonstrating how deities were reshaped to suit the traditions and values of different regions.
What people often fail to recognize, however, is that this is not merely the result of cultural syncretism for its own sake. Rather, it is part of a deliberate strategy by our adversary, Satan, to perpetuate false worship and distract humanity from the worship of the one true God. Scripture makes it clear that Satan seeks to deceive the whole world (Revelation 12:9) and has long worked to blind the minds of unbelievers, lest they see the light of the gospel (2 Corinthians 4:4). Through these false gods and idols, Satan binds the world in delusion, masking the reality that “there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5).
This pattern of false worship is designed to divert glory from God and lead people away from the truth. Ephesians 4:5 reminds us that there is “one Lord, one faith, one baptism” and Acts 4:12 declares that “there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Satan’s continual propagation of idolatry and syncretism across cultures is an effort to obscure this truth, to keep people from turning to the only God who can save and deliver.
Visual Examples of Satanically Guided Syncretism
Let’s Take a look at a list of deities that have changed hands in a widely accepted historical phenomena known as religious syncretism.
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⬇️ Ba'al
Culture: Canaanite
Role/Attributes: Storm & Fertility God
Iconography: Thunderbolt
Sources:
[a] The Ba’al Cycle (14th century BCE).
[b] Psalm 68:4.
⬇️ Zeus
Culture: Greek
Role/Attributes: King of Gods, Weather Lord
Iconography: Lightning Bolt, Eagle
Sources:
[c] Mark S. Smith, The Early History of God (2002).
⬇️ Jupiter
Culture: Roman
Role/Attributes: Protector of Rome
Iconography: Lightning, Scepter, Eagle
Sources:
[d] Sarah Iles Johnston, Religions of the Ancient World (2004).
⏹️ Thor
Culture: Norse
Role/Attributes: Defender, Storm Wielder
Iconography: Hammer (Mjölnir)
Sources:
[e] Neil Price, The Viking Way (2002).
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⬇️ Isis
Culture: Egyptian
Role/Attributes: Motherhood & Magic
Iconography: Ankh, Throne Headdress
Sources:
[a] R.E. Witt, Isis in the Ancient World (1971).
⬇️ Astarte
Culture: Phoenician
Role/Attributes: Fertility & Love
Iconography: Crescent Moon, Star Symbol
Sources:
[b] The Ba’al Cycle (14th century BCE).
⬇️ Venus
Culture: Roman
Role/Attributes: Goddess of Beauty
Iconography: Seashell, Nudity
Sources:
[c] Sarah Iles Johnston, Religions of the Ancient World (2004).
⏹️ Diana
Culture: Roman
Role/Attributes: Virgin Huntress, Fertility
Iconography: Bow and Arrow, Crescent Moon
Sources:
[c] Sarah Iles Johnston, Religions of the Ancient World (2004).
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⬇️ Tammuz
Culture: Sumerian
Role/Attributes: Shepherd God, Fertility
Iconography: Agricultural Symbols
Sources:
[a] The Descent of Ishtar (ca. 1900 BCE).
⬇️ Adonis
Culture: Greek
Role/Attributes: Beauty & Seasonal Cycles
Iconography: Youthful Appearance
Sources:
[b] Walter Burkert, Greek Religion (1985).
⬇️ Dionysus
Culture: Greek
Role/Attributes: God of Wine & Ecstasy
Iconography: Grapevines, Panther Skin
Sources:
[c] Richard Reitzenstein, Hellenistic Mystery-Religions (1927).
⏹️ Bacchus
Culture: Roman
Role/Attributes: God of Revelry & Rebirth
Iconography: Wine Goblet, Grapes
Sources:
[c] Richard Reitzenstein, Hellenistic Mystery-Religions (1927).
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⬇️ Ra
Culture: Egyptian
Role/Attributes: Sun God, Creator
Iconography: Solar Disk, Falcon
Sources:
[a] The Pyramid Texts (ca. 2400 BCE).
⬇️ Amun-Ra
Culture: Egyptian
Role/Attributes: King of the Gods, Creator
Iconography: Solar Disk, Ram Horns
Sources:
[b] Erik Hornung, The Ancient Egyptian Books of the Afterlife (1999).
⬇️ Zeus
Culture: Greek
Role/Attributes: King of Gods, Weather Lord
Iconography: Lightning Bolt, Eagle
Sources:
[c] Mark S. Smith, The Early History of God (2002).
⏹️ Jupiter
Culture: Roman
Role/Attributes: Supreme Protector
Iconography: Lightning, Eagle, Laurel
Sources:
[d] Sarah Iles Johnston, Religions of the Ancient World (2004).
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⬇️ Horus
Culture: Egyptian
Role/Attributes: God of Kingship, Light
Iconography: Falcon, Solar Disk
Sources:
[a] The Coffin Texts (ca. 2000 BCE).
⬇️ Apollo
Culture: Greek
Role/Attributes: God of Light & Prophecy
Iconography: Laurel, Lyre
Sources:
[b] Jane Sellers, The Death of Gods in Ancient Egypt (1992).
⬇️ Helios
Culture: Greek
Role/Attributes: Personification of the Sun
Iconography: Radiant Crown, Chariot
Sources:
[c] Steven Hijmans, Sol: The Sun in the Art and Religions of Rome (2012).
⏹️ Mithra
Culture: Persian
Role/Attributes: Solar Deity, Covenant Keeper
Iconography: Sun Rays, Bull Sacrifice
Sources:
[d] Roger Beck, The Religion of the Mithras Cult in the Roman Empire (2006).
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⬇️ Osiris
Culture: Egyptian
Role/Attributes: God of Death & Rebirth
Iconography: Crook and Flail
Sources:
[a] The Pyramid Texts (ca. 2400 BCE).
⬇️ Serapis
Culture: Hellenistic
Role/Attributes: Hybrid Savior Deity
Iconography: Modius (grain basket)
Sources:
[b] Erik Hornung, The Ancient Egyptian Books of the Afterlife (1999).
⬇️ Dionysus
Culture: Greek
Role/Attributes: God of Wine & Ecstasy
Iconography: Grapevines, Panther Skin
Sources:
[c] Walter Burkert, Greek Religion (1985).
⏹️ Bacchus
Culture: Roman
Role/Attributes: God of Revelry & Rebirth
Iconography: Wine Goblet, Grapes
Sources:
[d] Richard Reitzenstein, Hellenistic Mystery-Religions (1927).
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⬇️ Ea (Enki)
Culture: Sumerian
Role/Attributes: God of Water & Wisdom
Iconography: Streams, Fish
Sources:
[a] Enuma Elish (ca. 1750 BCE).
⬇️ Poseidon
Culture: Greek
Role/Attributes: God of Seas & Earthquakes
Iconography: Trident, Horses
Sources:
[b] Hesiod, Theogony (ca. 700 BCE).
⬇️ Neptune
Culture: Roman
Role/Attributes: God of the Sea
Iconography: Trident, Dolphin
Sources:
[c] Sarah Iles Johnston, Religions of the Ancient World (2004).
⏹️ Triton
Culture: Greek
Role/Attributes: Sea Herald, Son of Poseidon
Iconography: Conch Shell, Fish Tail
Sources:
[d] Jane Ellen Harrison, Mythology and Monuments of Ancient Athens (
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Ra ➡️ Amun-Ra ➡️ Zeus ➡️ Jupiter ➡️ Odin
Horus ➡️ Apollo ➡️ Helios ➡️ Mithra
Osiris ➡️ Serapis ➡️ Dionysus ➡️ Bacchus
Isis ➡️ Astarte ➡️ Venus ➡️ Diana
Set ➡️ Typhon ➡️ Chaos Deities (e.g., Eris, Nyx)
Thoth ➡️ Hermes ➡️ Mercury ➡️ Odin (Wisdom Aspect)
Anubis ➡️ Hades ➡️ Pluto ➡️ Grim Reaper Archetype
Bastet ➡️ Artemis ➡️ Diana (Virgin Huntress Archetype)
Sekhmet ➡️ Athena ➡️ Minerva (Warrior Wisdom)
Tammuz ➡️ Adonis ➡️ Dionysus ➡️ Bacchus
Ashur ➡️ Marduk ➡️ Mithra ➡️ Helios
Ba'al ➡️ Zeus ➡️ Jupiter ➡️ Thor
Inanna ➡️ Ishtar ➡️ Astarte ➡️ Aphrodite ➡️ Venus
Ea (Enki) ➡️ Poseidon ➡️ Neptune ➡️ Triton
Dagon ➡️ Triton ➡️ Neptune (Maritime Deities)
Amun ➡️ Zeus-Ammon ➡️ Jupiter-Ammon
Pan ➡️ Faunus ➡️ Baphomet (Early Idolatry)
Cupid ➡️ Eros ➡️ Kama (Hindu)
Nemesis ➡️ Fortuna ➡️ Lady Justice (Symbolic Fairness)
Ereshkigal ➡️ Hecate ➡️ Persephone (Underworld Figures)
Ninurta ➡️ Heracles ➡️ Hercules ➡️ War Gods
Thor ➡️ Perun ➡️ Indra (Storm Gods)
Freyja ➡️ Aphrodite ➡️ Venus ➡️ Hathor (Fertility)
Hathor ➡️ Isis ➡️ Astarte (Goddesses of Motherhood)
Odin ➡️ Zeus ➡️ Jupiter (Sovereignty Figures)
Brahma ➡️ Zeus ➡️ Jupiter (Creator Deities)
Shiva ➡️ Set ➡️ Chaos and Destruction Deities
Loki ➡️ Mercury ➡️ Trickster Figures (Hermes, Anansi)
Anansi ➡️ Hermes ➡️ Mercury (Wisdom and Deception)
Freyja ➡️ Hathor ➡️ Isis (Fertility and Love)
Demeter ➡️ Persephone ➡️ Ceres (Harvest Deities)
Why Is This Important?
The purpose of sharing these visuals, is to highlight the track record of Satan in transposing false idols, rituals, and gods into new ones in new eras or regions of people. The reason that is important is to see that he has done the same thing with Christmas, Santa, and Evergreen trees. The Bible proclaims there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9-10) and indeed there is nothing new of Satan and his schemes to which we are not to be ignorant of (2 Corinthians 2:11).
The pagan traditions of old, the gods of old, have been shifted in their purpose and in their likeness to achieve a singular goal, idolatry and distraction from God and righteous living. This is Satan’s goal in your life, among others I imagine. To distract, and otherwise employ a whole host of things to keep you from adhering to God's word, and living righteously.
There is an old military doctrine that employs the use of D-words such as deny, distract, defeat etc.
Well If Satan cannot defeat you, he will try to deter you from your faith, distract you from your purpose, deceive you with lies, disrupt your peace, deny you access to truth, and destroy your testimony.
One might say that Santa and Christmas trees are not you worshipping a false god. And sure, that is probably true. However, it is important to know that your argument in that instance is predicated upon intent equals innocence. You are in essence saying that: Because you do not intend to worship a false deity, you are then free of guilt in doing so. The problem is, nothing in the Bible supports the idea of intent being the problem.
Perhaps the Israelites' attempt to worship the golden calf was actually an attempt to worship God, perhaps not. The issue was not in intent, it was in action. In fact we do see examples in the Bible where they attempted to worship God with pagan rituals and were utterly rebuked. We see God setting a standard of how He is to be worshipped and utterly condemning other forms of worship of Him in the Bible in places such as:
Exodus 20:3-5: "Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image... Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them."
Leviticus 10:1-2: The account of Nadab and Abihu, who offered "strange fire" before the Lord, resulting in their deaths as a judgment for worshiping Him in an unauthorized way.
Deuteronomy 12:4: "Ye shall not do so unto the Lord your God," commanding the Israelites not to adopt pagan practices in their worship.
Isaiah 29:13: "This people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me," showing that God despises insincere or corrupt worship.
John 4:23-24: "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him."
Another way to look at this is in examining how people groups tend to adhere to cultural norms, and even religious ones without being totally and utterly convinced of its legitimacy. People participate in rituals around the world for the sake of avoiding the proposed “bad thing” that will happen to them, their crops, or their family if they don’t.
A great example of this is how many Christians just go to church and follow the motions for the sake of moral therapeutic deism and social conformity within a group which frees them of their guilt, instead of for the sake of a love for truth and righteousness.
In fact this is the accusation of those who criticize the word of God and Christianity in general. That Christians are a people seeking to relieve their guilt by participating in some sort of religious activity. And for many unconverted Christians, this is very very true. Think about how many Catholics blindly followed the heresies of that organization, and still do for the last 2000 years. Blindly adhering to heresies. This is a well-documented human pathology referred to in philosophy as "obedience to authority" and in psychology as "social conformity", exemplified by experiments such as the Milgram experiment and the Asch conformity experiments.
So when it comes to erecting Christmas trees, which verifiably have their roots in paganism, it doesn't really matter if your intent is to worship a false god or partake in a pagan practise, you are doing so by definition, void of intent, by the very metric of your actions. You are condemned by God in scripture, commanded to not do so. The next rational step would then be to say “Yea, but you are just being a pharisee, and a law keeper!” Which is something we will cover next.
5️⃣ Addressing “You’re a Pharisee!”
Should We Keep God’s Commands?
Some respond to the saying “we need to follow the commandments of God”, as you preaching Pharisaical Law Keeping. When in reality you are not doing or saying anything different then what the Bible says for us to do. If the bible is completely irrelevant, and we do not need to follow the Bible in the first place. Why have it at all?
From the Old Testament to the New Testament, the Bible consistently teaches that loving God is demonstrated through obedience to His commandments, which serve as a reflection of faith, devotion, and the path to righteousness, this righteousness does not earn salvation, but rather is a product of salvation.
OT and NT Verse On Obeying God’s Commands
Surely, if God intended for His people to obey His commands, He would make that abundantly clear in Scripture, wouldn’t He? Conversely, if obedience to His laws were no longer relevant under the new covenant, we would expect Scripture to reflect that absence with a lack of instruction to follow His commands, correct?
The truth is, both the Old and New Testaments consistently emphasize the importance of obeying God and following His commands. From the laws given through Moses to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, the Bible repeatedly calls believers to live in obedience to God as an expression of love, faith, and submission to His will.
The following is a list of commands from Scripture that affirm this truth and, in doing so, reject the concept of antinomianism—the belief that Christians are no longer required to follow God’s laws. These verses demonstrate that obedience is not optional for those who claim to love God but is, in fact, the evidence of a genuine relationship with Him.
Old Testament
Exodus 19:5 – "Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people."
Deuteronomy 5:10 – "And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments."
Deuteronomy 6:17 – "Ye shall diligently keep the commandments of the Lord your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he hath commanded thee."
Deuteronomy 10:12-13 – "And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, to keep the commandments of the Lord, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?"
Joshua 1:8 – "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein."
1 Samuel 15:22 – "Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice."
Psalm 119:1-2 – "Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart."
Ecclesiastes 12:13 – "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man."
Isaiah 1:19 – "If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land."
New Testament
Matthew 5:19 – "Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."
John 14:15 – "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
John 14:21 – "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me."
John 15:10 – "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love."
Acts 5:29 – "We ought to obey God rather than men."
Romans 6:16 – "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?"
1 Corinthians 7:19 – "Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God."
Hebrews 5:9 – "And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him."
1 John 2:3-4 – "And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him."
1 John 3:24 – "And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him."
1 John 5:3 – "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous."
Revelation 12:17 – "And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ."
Revelation 14:12 – "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus."
Why Antinomianism & Nomism Are Wrong
Now that we have established the need to follow the commands of God, it is equally important to outline the two dangerous ditches of error that people often fall into: Antinomianism (which rejects all forms of following God’s laws) and Nomism (which prescribes God’s laws as mandatory for salvation).
The balance between Antinomianism and Nomism lies in understanding that keeping the law cannot save, but that those who are truly saved will desire to keep the commands of God. Where people fall into error is either proclaiming that liberty in Christ means you can do anything you want, including sin, or teaching that you must obey all the laws of God perfectly to avoid Hell. Both of these positions are heretical. The only position supported by Scripture is perfectly captured in Ephesians 2:8-10:
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
It is clear that following the commands of God is not optional for those who are saved in the sense that obedience validates the authenticity of their salvation. However, it remains optional in terms of actual choice, as a saved person still retains the capacity to disobey God’s laws. Yet, for a true Christian, the act of sinning—such as lying—is so abhorrent that they will reject it, not out of compulsion but out of a transformed heart that desires to please God. While disobedience is technically possible, no true believer will desire to live in habitual defiance of God’s commands.
The reason why Antinomianism developed in the first place was to dodge this reality, and remain in sins whilst still clinging to Christ. Effectively fulfilling what Matthew 7:21-24 says about them. It is a psychological means to dodge the reality of breaking God’s law. The same exact mechanism I expect that a sinner uses to justify their actions in order to silence the voice of their conscience.
a Christian is walking dangerously close to proving they are unsaved by adopting theological positions such as “The Old Testament is irrelevant because of Christ” to justify their disobedience. This mindset reflects a dangerous suppression of conviction. Paul warns of this in 1 Timothy 4:2, where he speaks of those “having their conscience seared with a hot iron.” When this behavior becomes habitual and worsens, it can reveal that the person’s heart never truly belonged to the Lord, fulfilling Jesus’ words: “This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me” (Mark 7:6).
This does not mean that a Christian who commits a sin is instantly unsaved. Rather, Hebrews 10:26 warns, “For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment.” A willful, unrepentant lifestyle of sin is incompatible with genuine faith.
So how do we reconcile these two extremes—Antinomianism and Nomism? We simply understand that Christians who are truly saved must obey the commands of God, but not out of compulsion to earn salvation. Instead, obedience flows from a love and devotion to God. Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
We must also recognize that Christians grow in their sanctification over time, which includes their obedience to God’s laws. As Paul wrote in Philippians 1:6, “He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Which perfectly presents the concept that the work of perfection of sanctification, is an ongoing ever deepening process, which will cause you to depart from the world more and more and more.
If this is entirely absent in a Christians life, there is almost a 100% guarantee they are not saved. As genuine faith produces a departing from sin and an obedience to Gods commands out of love. But sometimes, and unfortunately too often: growth is slow. Therefore, we should be patient and prayerful, allowing our brothers and sisters in Christ space to learn, grow, and repent.
However, it must be stated, that if a professing believer shows no growth in obedience and continues in willful sin or stagnation, they reveal the inward state of their hearts. As Titus 1:16 declares, “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.”
In summary, the true biblical balance is this: obedience is not the cause of salvation but its evidence. A true Christian obeys God not out of fear of Hell, but out of love for the Savior who redeemed them.
Finally the concept of salvation being predicated upon perfect obedience to Christ is also a fallacious position to take. It can be described as a theology which promotes threat of Hell, unless there is perfect obedience. The two major problems with this is:
If perfect obedience were possible Christ was not necessary and if Christ not necessary you undermine the totality of his atonement. It is a slippery slope into all sort of heresies.
The other issue is that the person with this theology, pridefully assumes that they are currently capable, or will be capable, of perfect obedience. They know full well they have already failed that, and even in their Christian walk, they know of sins which instantly, post salvation, would break their streak of perfection, thus making them (in their theology) heading to Hell. For if perfect obedience is required, then none shall make it to heaven.
Again, the biblical balance, is to understand you do have liberty in Christ to obey the commands of God. But that those who are saved, are naturally inclined to obey them. And perfect obedience, while being the goal, is not perfectly attainable, since if you do all things, but sin in your mind or heart, you have failed. Therefore while we strive to be perfect, we understand our salvation is not predicated upon performance, but the work of Christ. And if the work of Christ be in you, your actions will follow the commands of Christ, as you grow in your sanctification and righteousness towards God.
You cannot be perfect, but you can and should try to honor God in all areas of your life. Why? Because true faith, is deep genuine love for God, and true love and faith in God produces true and genuine works meet for repentance (Acts 26:20).
What A Pharisee Actually Is
Being called a Pharisee is actually a pretty serious accusation, as when someone calls you a Pharisee, they are typically accusing you of embodying traits associated with the Pharisees as portrayed in the New Testament. Traits that are essentially not associated with salvation and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
This often includes legalism, implying an excessive focus on strict rule-keeping or traditions at the expense of grace and genuine faith. They may also be suggesting hypocrisy, accusing you of outwardly appearing righteous while inwardly failing to live by the same standards. Additionally, the accusation might include judgmentalism, meaning you are perceived as overly critical, self-righteous, or quick to condemn others.
While these things definitely are accurate portrayals of the behaviours of Pharisees, to be a true biblical Pharisee involves more than just these traits alone. As many possess these traits in varying degrees, and aren't truly biblical Pharisees.
One of the main hallmarks of a true Pharisees is actually the opposite of what one would expect. It is not just all those things above, but all those things above coupled with an overemphasis on tradition over Scripture, elevating man-made customs above God’s Word.
Which directly implies that Pharisees are not the Christians attempting to follow Gods commands as closely as possible, but the whole sect of Christian denominations, pastors, and church goers, which carelessly adopt and perform traditions of men, that are not founded in the Bible. It is literally what the Pharisees did in the creation and following of the Talmud.
Not only is something that is grievous to do: To elevate traditions of men, above that of the sufficiency of God’s word. But it is even worse, when that tradition, such as in the case of celebrating Christmas rooted in paganism, is done against God’s word. And this is the crux of the issue…
Again, the person who is the Pharisee truly, is not the one attempting to adhere perfectly to God’s commands in love and admiration for God and the free gift of salvation they have received, but the man or woman who scoffs at God’s commands, and supersedes them for their own traditions. Jesus when addressing the Pharisees said the exact same thing in Mark 7:9
“And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.”
Finally, the term may point to a perceived resistance to spiritual growth or humility, clinging to rigid perspectives or traditions instead of being open to correction and deeper understanding.
What This Reveals
All of these things listed above, of what makes someone a Pharisee, are more true of anyone hanging onto traditions not founded in the word of God such as practicing Christmas, then it is of the person simply seeking to obey God in all that they can.
If a Pharisee is someone who obeys God's word, then call me a Pharisee. But that is not what a Pharisee is, that is what a biblical Christian is.
The Pharisee is the one adding to, or taking away from the commands of God. Commands to abhor and destroy idols and be separate and apart. A God who does not allow you to continue in sin, or otherwise forever disobey his commands. We ought to follow Joshua 24:15
“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
6️⃣ Refuting Common Rebuttals
Bellow is a thorough list going through all the rebuttals we have heard or seen since the last time we attempted to put this issue to rest. Hopefully if you are still on the fence, these following arguments and their rebuttals neatly categorized into three main subheadings should help you decide what to believe in when it comes to celebrating Christmas.
Theological and Scriptural Defenses
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While it is true that the Bible does not explicitly mention Christmas, it does explicitly forbid adopting pagan customs in worship. Jeremiah 10:2-5 warns, “Learn not the way of the heathen,” describing practices eerily similar to modern Christmas traditions, such as decorating trees. Deuteronomy 12:30-31 commands, “Take heed… that thou inquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise.” The Bible’s silence on Christmas does not equate to permission. Instead, it repeatedly emphasizes that worship must be based on God’s commands, not human traditions (Mark 7:7-8). By partaking in customs rooted in idolatry, even without overt pagan intent, Christians violate biblical principles of purity and holy worship.
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Christian liberty does not extend to practices explicitly condemned by Scripture. While Paul writes, “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient” (1 Corinthians 6:12), he also warns against participating in practices that dishonor God or lead others astray (1 Corinthians 8:9-13). Incorporating pagan-derived customs into Christian worship directly violates Deuteronomy 12:30-31, which forbids adapting idolatrous practices for God’s worship. Romans 8:4 calls believers to “walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit,” emphasizing holiness over compromise. True liberty in Christ is freedom from sin, not permission to conform to worldly traditions (Galatians 5:13).
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While Jesus attended the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) as recorded in John 10:22-23, this was not an endorsement of adding unbiblical traditions to worship. Jesus was there in order to reveal himself as the true light of the world, not to support the event. Hanukkah commemorates a historical event of God’s deliverance and does not have pagan roots. In contrast, Christmas incorporates customs explicitly linked to idolatry, which Scripture condemns (Deuteronomy 12:4). Jesus consistently upheld the purity of worship, emphasizing that it must be in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Using His attendance at Hanukkah to justify celebrating Christmas fails to account for the clear biblical prohibition against pagan practices and the real purpose for him being there, which was to reveal who he was.
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While modern Christians may not view decorating a tree as worship, the practice originates from pagan customs condemned in Scripture. Jeremiah 10:2-5 describes heathen traditions of cutting and adorning trees, warning God’s people to avoid them. Even if the intent has changed, adopting practices rooted in idolatry contradicts the biblical command to worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Actions matter, and participating in customs with pagan origins risks blurring the line between holy worship and cultural conformity.
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While God does examine the heart (1 Samuel 16:7), outward actions still matter. Jeremiah 10:2-5 and Deuteronomy 12:30-31 explicitly condemn adopting pagan customs, illustrating that obedience to God’s commands is integral to worship. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for prioritizing outward appearances while neglecting inward righteousness (Matthew 23:25-26), but He never dismissed the importance of aligning actions with God’s will. Worshiping in spirit and truth (John 4:24) requires both sincere intent and adherence to biblical principles.
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While salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-10), believers are called to live in obedience to God’s Word as evidence of their faith (James 2:17). Participating in traditions rooted in idolatry directly contradicts Scripture’s call to holiness (1 Peter 1:16) and risks compromising the believer’s witness. Romans 6:1-2 warns against using grace as a license to sin, emphasizing that those saved by Christ should no longer conform to sinful practices. While celebrating Christmas may not determine salvation, it reflects a believer’s commitment to biblical faithfulness.
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Redeeming cultural practices is only permissible when they do not conflict with God’s commands. Deuteronomy 12:30-31 explicitly forbids adapting pagan customs for worship, illustrating that intent does not sanctify unbiblical practices. Romans 8:4 calls believers to “walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit,” emphasizing holiness over compromise. True redemption involves aligning practices with Scripture, not rebranding traditions rooted in idolatry.
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"One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord."
While Romans 14 advocates for personal conviction in disputable matters, it is important to recognize that Paul is addressing dietary laws and traditional Jewish holy days, not the adoption of pagan-inspired festivals. Deuteronomy 12:30-31 explicitly forbids adapting pagan customs to honor God. Christmas, with its documented pagan origins, cannot be considered a disputable matter as it directly contravenes biblical principles of worship purity.
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"Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ."
Paul addresses Jewish ceremonial practices fulfilled in Christ, not pagan holidays. This verse warns against legalism, not against calls for holiness or separation from idolatry. Christmas, rooted in paganism, is not equivalent to the biblical holy days referenced here. Participating in such traditions undermines the biblical call to reject the customs of the heathen (Deuteronomy 12:30-31).
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"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
While this verse calls believers to glorify God in all things, it does not permit actions that contradict His commands. Adopting traditions rooted in idolatry and paganism, even with good intentions, violates the biblical prohibition against such practices (Jeremiah 10:2-5). True worship must align with God’s Word, not reinterpret human traditions.
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"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people... Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
While the angels celebrated Christ’s birth, Scripture provides no command to commemorate this event with a holiday. Instead, Christians are commanded to remember His death and resurrection (1 Corinthians 11:26). Celebrating Christ’s birth with practices rooted in paganism does not align with biblical worship.
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"An idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one... But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak."
Paul warns against causing others to stumble. He does not approve of or condone participation in idolatrous practices. While food offered to idols may not defile a believer, because idols arent real, and it is just meat. This is a far cry from adopting pagan customs like Christmas, which is a step further entirely. Actively incorporating elements of idolatry into worship. Christians are called to flee from idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:14), not adapt it.
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The claim that the wise men’s gifts justify modern Christmas gift-giving ignores the context. Their offerings were acts of worship specific to Christ’s birth, not a recurring tradition. Modern Christmas gift-giving, influenced by pagan customs such as Saturnalia, emphasizes materialism and self-indulgence, diverging entirely from the biblical account.
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"Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just... think on these things."
This verse calls believers to focus on virtues that honor God. Customs with pagan origins, such as Christmas, fail to meet the standard of purity and truth set by Scripture. Jeremiah 10:2-5 and Deuteronomy 12:30-31 explicitly forbid adopting practices rooted in idolatry, regardless of their reinterpretation.
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"But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good."
While God can redeem evil for His purposes, this does not give believers permission to engage in practices He has condemned. Participating in traditions with pagan roots violates the command to be holy and set apart (2 Corinthians 6:17). God’s ability to bring good from evil does not justify Christians embracing pagan practices.
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Paul referenced the altar to the unknown god to expose the falsehoods of paganism, not to adopt their practices. He called for repentance and rejected idolatry entirely. Adopting pagan customs like Christmas contradicts Paul’s message and the biblical mandate to worship in spirit and truth (John 4:24).
Historical and Traditional Justifications
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Historical evidence shows that the early church did not prioritize or universally celebrate Christ’s birth. Early Christians focused on His death and resurrection, as commanded in Scripture (1 Corinthians 11:26). Celebrating Christ’s birth on December 25 began centuries later as a compromise with pagan solstice festivals. Church fathers like Tertullian strongly opposed adopting pagan customs, warning against mixing idolatry with Christian worship (De Idololatria). Claims of early support for Christmas often stem from later traditions, not the practices of the apostolic church.
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The theory that December 25 was chosen based on calculations of Christ’s conception is speculative and lacks historical support. Early records show that December 25 was adopted to align with pagan solstice festivals such as Sol Invictus, not biblical chronology. Furthermore, Scripture does not command or emphasize celebrating Christ’s birth, let alone on a specific date. Choosing a date linked to idolatrous celebrations contradicts biblical principles of worship (Deuteronomy 12:30-31) and reflects human tradition rather than divine instruction (Mark 7:7-8).
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While some symbols, like Nativity scenes, may not directly stem from pagan origins, the holiday as a whole is steeped in customs explicitly linked to idolatry and false worship. Deuteronomy 12:30-31 warns against adopting any elements of pagan culture, even if they are reinterpreted. Furthermore, mixing biblically acceptable symbols with those rooted in idolatry risks diluting the purity of worship (John 4:24). Celebrating Christmas alongside its pagan-derived elements creates confusion and compromises the integrity of Christian faith.
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The claim that the church “sanctified” Christmas ignores the biblical principle that no tradition or institution has the authority to override God’s Word. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for “making the word of God of none effect through your tradition” (Mark 7:13). Historical records show that the adoption of December 25 as Christ’s birthdate was a strategic compromise with pagan solstice festivals, not a divinely ordained celebration. Deuteronomy 12:30-31 warns against adopting idolatrous customs, even with good intentions. Sanctifying a practice rooted in false worship does not erase its pagan origins or align it with biblical worship.
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While meanings may change, God’s commands regarding worship remain consistent. Deuteronomy 12:30-31 explicitly forbids adopting pagan practices, regardless of intent or redefinition. Jeremiah 10:2-5 condemns customs tied to idolatry, illustrating that the origins of a practice are spiritually significant. Rebranding pagan traditions does not erase their history or the spiritual dangers they represent. God calls His people to holiness and separation from worldly customs (2 Corinthians 6:17), not to compromise by adapting idolatrous practices.
Cultural and Practical Arguments
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Dismissing Christmas as a harmless tradition fails to acknowledge the spiritual implications of its pagan origins. Romans 12:2 commands believers to “be not conformed to this world,” calling for a life distinct from worldly customs. History shows that traditions like decorating evergreen trees and celebrating December 25 stem from pagan solstice rituals such as Saturnalia and Sol Invictus, designed to honor false gods. Jeremiah 10:2-5 condemns adopting these customs, even if they appear benign. Moreover, Jesus warned against elevating human traditions over God’s commands (Mark 7:9). A tradition rooted in idolatry is not harmless; it compromises the distinctiveness of Christian worship and risks desensitizing believers to spiritual dangers.
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Using a holiday with pagan origins to share the gospel compromises the very purity of the message Christians are called to proclaim. Paul’s approach at Mars Hill (Acts 17:22-31) involved exposing the falsehoods of pagan worship, not adopting their practices. Deuteronomy 12:4 explicitly forbids adapting pagan customs to honor God, illustrating that intent does not sanctify unbiblical practices. Evangelism rooted in compromise undermines the transformative power of the gospel, which relies on truth, not cultural accommodation (Romans 10:17). Sharing Christ does not require participation in traditions that obscure the gospel’s purity and diminish the call to holiness.
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The argument that other holidays have pagan roots fails to justify the adoption of unbiblical practices in Christian worship. While some secular customs (e.g., days of the week) may have historical pagan connections, they do not claim to honor God as acts of worship. Christmas, however, is presented as a Christian celebration, making its pagan origins incompatible with biblical worship. John 4:24 declares, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” Celebrating a holiday rooted in idolatry contradicts the call to “be holy” (1 Peter 1:16) and risks perpetuating traditions that dishonor God.
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While family and love are important, they cannot justify participating in practices that conflict with biblical principles. Jesus said, “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:37), emphasizing that loyalty to God must take precedence over family traditions. Romans 12:2 warns against conforming to worldly patterns, calling believers to live distinctively holy lives. Practices like Christmas, rooted in paganism, shift focus from God to materialism and sentimentality, diluting the true meaning of biblical love, which is grounded in truth (1 Corinthians 13:6). Family unity should not come at the expense of faithfulness to God’s commands.
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Misusing Matthew 7:1 (“Judge not, that ye be not judged”) to defend Christmas practices takes the verse out of context. Jesus’ teaching condemns hypocritical judgment, not righteous discernment. John 7:24 clarifies, “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” Believers are called to test all things against Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and to “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness” (Ephesians 5:11). Evaluating Christmas practices in light of their pagan origins is not judgmental but a biblical exercise in discernment and faithfulness.
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The claim that Christmas is no longer pagan overlooks the enduring significance of its symbols and customs. Practices like decorating evergreen trees, gift-giving, and celebrating December 25 originated in pagan solstice festivals such as Saturnalia and Yule. Jeremiah 10:2-5 and Deuteronomy 12:30-31 explicitly forbid adopting such customs, regardless of their perceived transformation. While the meanings may seem diluted, their origins remain rooted in idolatry, which God’s Word consistently condemns. Participating in these traditions risks blurring the line between holy worship and worldly compromise, contrary to the call to “be separate” (2 Corinthians 6:17).
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While unity among believers is important, it must never come at the expense of compromising biblical truth. Jesus Himself said, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword” (Matthew 10:34), highlighting that faithfulness to God’s commands often causes division. Romans 12:18 encourages peace “as much as lieth in you,” but never at the cost of endorsing unbiblical practices. Upholding Scripture’s authority is a higher priority than maintaining harmony through compromise.
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While focusing on Christ is essential, the methods used to do so must align with Scripture. Celebrating a holiday rooted in pagan traditions detracts from the purity of worship that God commands (Deuteronomy 12:4). The Bible calls believers to commemorate Christ’s death and resurrection, not His birth (1 Corinthians 11:26). Attempting to redeem a secular season through practices tied to idolatry risks confusing the gospel message and diluting the call to holy living (1 Peter 1:16).
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Perhaps yes. But not all traditions carry the same spiritual implications. While some cultural practices may have historical pagan connections, they do not inherently involve acts of worship or compromise biblical principles. Christmas, however, is celebrated as an act of worship, making its pagan origins incompatible with Scripture. Deuteronomy 12:30-31 and Jeremiah 10:2-5 explicitly forbid adopting idolatrous customs. Believers are called to discernment (1 Thessalonians 5:21), ensuring that their practices honor God and align with His Word.
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Rejecting cultural traditions that conflict with biblical principles is a necessary part of holy living. Romans 12:2 calls believers to “be not conformed to this world,” emphasizing separation from worldly patterns. While not all cultural traditions are inherently sinful, those rooted in idolatry, such as Christmas, directly contradict Scripture (Deuteronomy 12:30-31). Faithfulness to God often requires rejecting popular customs, as demonstrated by Daniel and his companions, who refused to compromise their convictions despite cultural pressures (Daniel 1:8).
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While Paul referenced cultural elements in his preaching at Mars Hill (Acts 17:22-31), he did so to expose the falsehoods of paganism, not to adopt its practices. His approach emphasized the truth of the gospel, calling for repentance and rejection of idolatry. Using cultural references to illustrate biblical truths differs significantly from incorporating idolatrous customs into worship. Deuteronomy 12:4 forbids adapting pagan practices, underscoring the importance of maintaining the purity of worship.
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Paul’s teaching on eating meat sacrificed to idols (1 Corinthians 8) addresses matters of personal liberty that do not involve direct acts of worship. Christmas, however, is celebrated as a form of worship, making its pagan origins incompatible with Scripture. Deuteronomy 12:30-31 explicitly forbids adopting idolatrous customs for worship, regardless of personal conviction. True worship must align with God’s commands (John 4:24), not individual preferences.
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Faithfulness to God’s Word must take precedence over maintaining social acceptance. Jesus warned that following Him often results in rejection and division (Matthew 10:34-36). While relationships are important, they should not come at the expense of compromising biblical truth. Romans 12:18 encourages peace “as much as lieth in you,” but never at the cost of endorsing unbiblical practices. Upholding Scripture’s authority is a higher priority than avoiding potential alienation.
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Biblical faithfulness may appear rigid to those who prioritize cultural conformity, but obedience to God’s commands is not optional. Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15), emphasizing the importance of aligning worship with Scripture. While cultural accommodation may seem more approachable, it risks diluting the gospel and compromising the call to holiness (1 Peter 1:16). True Christianity is marked by love and truth, which often conflict with worldly expectations (John 15:19).
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While God can use any circumstance for His glory, this does not justify adopting unbiblical practices. Romans 3:8 condemns doing evil that good may come, underscoring the importance of maintaining the purity of worship. Church outreach should rely on the power of the gospel (Romans 1:16), not cultural traditions rooted in idolatry. Compromising biblical principles for the sake of evangelism risks diluting the message and leading others astray (Galatians 1:6-9).
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Rejecting the commercial aspects of Christmas does not address its underlying pagan origins. Jeremiah 10:2-5 and Deuteronomy 12:30-31 explicitly forbid adopting idolatrous customs, regardless of their modern reinterpretation. Celebrating Jesus apart from the biblical commands for worship risks mixing holy and profane practices, contrary to God
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While the gospel is paramount, the methods used to proclaim it must align with biblical principles. Romans 12:2 calls believers to reject conformity with the world, including traditions rooted in idolatry. Using Christmas as a platform for the gospel risks overshadowing the message with practices God has condemned (Deuteronomy 12:4). True gospel proclamation relies on the Word of God, not compromised traditions (Romans 10:17). The focus should remain on Christ’s death and resurrection, the core of the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3-4), rather than a holiday with questionable origins.
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Faithfulness to God’s commands should never be sacrificed for the sake of avoiding offense. Jesus warned that following Him would cause division and rejection (Matthew 10:34-36). Prioritizing cultural acceptance over obedience risks distorting the gospel and misleading others about the nature of true worship (Galatians 1:10). Christians are called to proclaim the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), trusting God to work in the hearts of those who hear the message. Avoiding Christmas does not turn people away from faith but instead calls them to a deeper, more biblical understanding of worship.
7️⃣ Conclusion
What This Has Taught You
If you have made it all the way through this teaching, you have hopefully come to the conclusion that the evidence is undeniable: Christmas, as it is celebrated today, is inseparably tied to pagan practices that God explicitly condemns in Scripture. While it has been culturally rebranded and widely accepted, its origins remain rooted in idolatry and worldly traditions. Jeremiah 10:2-5, Deuteronomy 12:30-31, and 2 Corinthians 6:17 all command God’s people to reject such practices, regardless of how they are repackaged or reinterpreted.
This is not about personal preferences or sentimentality, it is about obedience to God. As Christians, we are called to worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24), not to conform to the patterns of this world (Romans 12:2). Participating in traditions with origins steeped in idolatry risks compromising the purity of our worship and our testimony before others.
We cannot free ourselves from the burden to obey Christ and his commands, simply because we have freedom and liberty in Christ, for our liberty has not been given to include sin and disobedience to God.
Make Your Choice, And Make It Wisely
The choice is clear: will we align ourselves with cultural norms and traditions, or will we honor God by standing apart from practices that conflict with His Word? Jesus declared, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Love for God requires action, and that action includes a willingness to part ways with anything that distracts, compromises, or blasphemes His holy name.
Luke 14:33, Matthew 19:21, Matthew 19:29, Matthew 16:24-26, and many verses like it make it clear that we need to be willing to abandon all. Yet many are not so much as willing to drop Christmas traditions in their home for the sake of their comfort. Jesus made it so so clear that we are to carry our cross (Matthew 16:24), that there is no profit in gaining the whole world but forfeiting our souls (Matthew 16:26). He taught us that if we do not forsake all we have, we cannot be his disciple (Luke 14:33), and he taught us friendship with the world is being an enemy of God (James 4:4).
He made it clear that we are to be separate and apart, to touch not the unclean thing (2 Corinthians 6:17), to not reject the commands of God for the traditions of men (Mark 7:9). The apostles warned of those who would try to establish traditions of men after the rudiments of the world (Colossians 2:8). Brothers and sisters… If it be true that Christ is your King, and the Spirit dwells within you, then flee these idols (1 Corinthians 10:14). Flee the wrath to come, and depart from anything that makes you spotted from the world (James 1:27).
In the end of all things, as this comes to an end. The question remains: will you cling to the traditions of man, or will you fully submit to the commands of God? The decision is yours, but the consequences are eternal.
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