Glen Burnie Evangelical Presbyterian Church

Some Comments on the Origins of Christmas

Every year during the Christmas season there are those who debate whether or not we should be celebrating Christmas because some think it has pagan origins.  A typical example of this position is found on Steve Camp's blog where he quotes Retired Baptist Minister James MuCutchan as follows:

Should Christians celebrate 'Christmas' or the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ? Do you want to obey our Lord Jesus or pagan tradition via Romanism? The Scriptural answer is obvious: Christ Jesus is not the reason for the season!

On the other hand, Steve contrasts this position when he quotes Al Mohler quoting Gene Veith:

"According to conventional wisdom, Christmas had its origin in a pagan winter solstice festival, which the church co-opted to promote the new religion. In doing so, many of the old pagan customs crept into the Christian celebration. But this view is apparently a historical myth--like the stories of a church council debating how many angels can dance on the head of a pin, or that medieval folks believed the earth is flat--often repeated, even in classrooms, but not true."

And further,

It is true that the first evidence of Christians celebrating December 25th as the date of the Lord's nativity comes from Rome some years after Aurelian, in A.D. 336, but there is evidence from both the Greek East and the Latin West that Christians attempted to figure out the date of Christ's birth long before they began to celebrate it liturgically, even in the second and third centuries. The evidence indicates, in fact, that the attribution of the date of December 25th was a by-product of attempts to determine when to celebrate his death and resurrection."

So, this is certainly a debatable issue, but I want to suggest that Christians can and should enjoy the Christmas seasson with no pangs of conscience.  Keep reading for my reasons.

Women’s Retreat

Glen Burnie Evangelical Presbyterian Church
Women’s Retreat
“GRACE”
March 31-April 2, 2006
The Dunes Manor Hotel
Ocean City, Maryland

God's grace is a wonderful gift to humankind. Grace is God's love freely offered to us. God places a little spark of divine grace within us which enables us to recognize and accept God's justifying grace. When we experience God's justifying grace, we come into that new life in Christ. We do not do anything to "earn" grace.

John Piper said ”Wouldn’t it be a beautiful world if everyone lived without being prideful and realized that we deserve nothing. What if every trouble was received without grumbling and every pleasure was received with amazing thankfulness for grace?”

Join us for the 2006 Glen Burnie Evangelical Presbyterian Church Women’s Retreat as motivational speaker Beth M. Boyd reveals that God’s Grace is indeed sufficient for us. You’ll be inspired and encouraged as you hear from Beth’s heart how God ultimately brings us closer to Him through His gift of grace. Breakout sessions will provide the opportunity to explore this topic. It’s a life-changing retreat you won’t want to miss.

About our Speaker: Beth M. Boyd was one of the founding members of Glen Burnie Evangelical Presbyterian Church. She will share how she has experienced God’s grace in her life.
About our location:
Built in the grand style of Ocean City's Victorian era, the Dunes Manor Hotel is truly one of a kind. With its unique design, each room is oceanfront with a direct oceanfront balcony. When you walk through the doors, you step back in time...to the gentle days of a bygone era. With a magnificent view of the Atlantic Ocean right from the lobby, you will be reminded of how close you are to the beach as soon as you enter.

• Microwave oven, a small refrigerator, coffee & coffee maker in each guestroom
• Wireless high speed Internet access in each guestroom
• Clock radio, hair dryer , iron & iron board
• 25 " color cable TV with remote
• Individually climate controlled
• Handicap Accessible Rooms available
• Complimentary morning coffee in the lobby
• Complimentary afternoon tea served daily
• Indoor/Outdoor pool, Jacuzzi & children's wading pool
• Large sundeck with lounge chairs for sun bathing
• Year-round oceanfront restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Room Service
• Verandah with rocking chairs for your enjoyment
• Exercise Room
• Jewelry store
• Entertainment by Ms. Shirley on piano each weekend
• Complimentary on site parking, 1 car per room
• Just one block from the famous Ocean City Boardwalk!

How to register:
Register at the church after the worship service or call Peggy Abernethy (410-360-2564). The cost is approximately $150/ person for double occupancy and $240/person for single occupancy. A deposit ($35 for double and $55 for single) is due by January 1. Another payment of $35 / $55 is due February 5. The deposits are non-refundable. Scholarships are available.
If you are able to do so please consider a donation so others are able to attend.