Christmas Controversy #5 - the Final Chapter!

Dr J Hernes M Abante

John 3:16-17: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 

[17] For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

Jesus Christ, the perfect man, was the fulfillment of God's promise of redemption to humanity—a divine plan initiated before the foundation of the world. As God, He was the Creator of all things, speaking the universe into existence through His Word, except for human beings, whom He formed from the dust of the ground. 

In the Garden of Eden, He was the voice that instructed Adam to take responsibility for caring for the earth and serving as its steward. He was present when sin was committed and asked Adam about his whereabouts. As the righteous Judge, He pronounced the consequences of their disobedience, emphasizing both justice and mercy.

To this day, Jesus Christ continues to be the Word—the gospel message we are called to proclaim—and the Truth that must be conveyed to all people. He is the life we are called to live, and His character should permeate every aspect of our lives; all we do should be for His glory. Sadly, He is still too often forgotten and ignored.

As the visible Person of the Godhead, Jesus reveals God's nature through His actions and words. He was the one who sent the Holy Spirit to transform all God’s children into the likeness of Himself, shaping our character and guiding our spiritual growth. Jesus Christ is our ultimate destiny and final goal. We must finish our race in Him and for Him.

How is this truth relevant to the word Christmas? 

The term "Christmas" combines the name Christ and Mass. Before the word "Mass" began to be used in reference to Eucharist or communion, the Latin word “MISSA” originally meant the END or the conclusion of an event.

The word "mass" originally comes from Latin "missa," meaning "dismissal" or "sending away.” It refers to the dismissal of the congregation at the conclusion of a worship service. Christmas, therefore, should mean that it is all about Christ. Ultimately, Christ should be our end—the one we honor and glorify above all.

Christmas is not about religion but about a Person—Jesus Christ. When we celebrate Christmas, we are not copying pagan traditions or replacing them with Christian alternatives. It is all about recognizing and honoring the Person at the heart of the season.

It was the enemy—Satan—who claimed and distorted God's original plans, twisting His ideas to satisfy Satan’s pride. He used God’s perfect creation, such as the tree and the serpent, to tempt and deceive. Was there anything wrong with the tree or the serpent? No. The evil was rooted in the heart of Satan and those deceived by him.

Let us now address the controversy surrounding whether Christmas is a pagan celebration we should avoid. Some claim the date is inaccurate or that having a Christmas tree is pagan. However, if we believe that Jesus Christ is the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end—we should reclaim all that Satan has stolen and dedicate it anew to the Savior. 

Remember, everything God created and gave was originally perfect and good. Satan did not produce anything; he only produced sin. God promised to restore everything to His original and perfect plan. 

Yes, I celebrate Christmas and all its trimmings because I want to give everything back to Him for His glory! Let us share this message that Jesus and His desire and plan are the reasons for this season.

To all, may your Christmas be joyful, blessed, and centered on Christ alone.

HAVE A MERRY AND BLESSED CHRISTMAS!! 

- Pastor J Hernes Abante & Family

2 Corinthians 9:15 - “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.”