Choose to Worship God - DOES IT REALLY MATTER?

Some know the pagan origins of Christmas and other holidays, but they continue to celebrate them.  They feel that holidays are just as good an opportunity to spend time with their family.  Is that how you feel?  It is not wrong to spend time with your family, Jehovah created the family, and he wants us to have a good relationship with them (Ephesians 3:14, 15)  However, we need to focus on having a good relationship with Jehovah rather than  on pleasing our relatives by celebrating false religious holidays. That is why the apostle Paul said:  "Keep on making sure of what is acceptable to the Lord." - EPHESIANS 5:10.

Many people feel that where a holidays comes from doesn't really matter, but Jehovah doesn't feel that way.  He does not approve of holidays that come from false worship or that exalt humans or national symbols.  For example, the Egyptians had many celebrations for their false gods. After the Israelites escaped from Egypt, the copied one of their pagan celebrations and called it "a festival to Jehovah."  But Jehovah punished them for doing that. (Exodus 32:2-10)  As the prophet Isaiah said, we should "touch nothing unclean." -Read ISAIAH 52:11.

BE KIND WHEN DEALING WITH OTHERS

When you decide to stop celebrating holidays, you may have many questions.  For example:  What should I do if my workmates ask why  I don't celebrate Christmas with them?  What should I do if someone gives me a Christmas gift?  What should I do if my spouse expects me to celebrate a holiday?  How can I help  my children not to feel say because of not celebrating a holiday or their birthday?

It is important to use common sense when you decide what to say and do in each situation.  For example, if people wish you a happy holiday, you don't need to ignore them. You can simply say, "Thank you."  But in situations where someone would like to know more , you might chose to explain why you don't celebrate a holiday.  However, always be kind, tactful, and respectful.  The Bible says:  "Let your words always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you answer each person.  (Colossians 4:6)  Perhaps you could explain that you do enjoy spending time with others and giving gifts but that you just choose not to do so in connection with these holidays.

What should do if someone gives you a gift?  The Bible does not give a list of rules, but it does say that we should keep a good conscience.  (1 Timothy 1:18, 19)  Maybe the person giving you the gift doesn't know that you don't celebrate a holiday  Or he might say, 'I know you don't celebrate holidays, but I still want to give you this."  In either case, you can decide  if you will accept the gift or not. But whatever decision you make, be sure to keep a good conscience.  We would not want to do anything that would affect our relationship with Jehovah in a bad way.

Next time: Choose to Worship God - YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

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