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CovenantInBlood said:
I am less and less enamored of the holiday each passing year. Although I think a Christian is free to celebrate it in his home, I am more impressed now by the freedom not to be pressured to celebrate it. Unfortunately, American evangelical culture regards it almost as a litmus test for being a Christian, as though you can't be a true believer unless you're willing to say, "Merry CHRISTmas!" and put up a CHRISTmas tree and defend the propriety of public displays of the nativity. Insofar as that culture has infiltrated the Reformed churches, there is pressure there as well to celebrate it, even in Sabbath worship.

So, while I still enjoy Christmas trees and lights and gifts and carols, the day and season mean less to me than they have in previous years. Frankly I'd have virtually nothing to do with celebrating it this year were I not living in the home of some who do. And since I prefer not to create dischord over what I regard as a Christian freedom anyway, I'll be participating in some of the festivities.

I am of course open to correction if anyone thinks I'm wrong in this matter.

My opinion is similar to Kyle's. Actually it's been almost four years since I was in the U.S. to celebrate Christmas, but I always felt that even in Christian homes it was hard to keep the focus on Christ and keep from letting the commercial aspect completely taking over. Since I've been in Japan (which is a decidely non-Christian nation), Christmas is not really observed much at all among non-Christians. Even among Christians, it doesn't seem to be a family holiday like it is in the west. Although my church has a special Christmas service it is fairly low-key (and quite nice). No one worries about running around at the last minute finding presents, shopping, etc. I've found it quite a relief actually compared to Christmas in the U.S. (although I dearly miss being with my family for Christmas). It's so much easier to focus on Christ when all the other distractions are removed.

I can understand partly the evangelical cultures desire to say "Merry Christmas", defending public displays, etc., although I agree it shouldn't be and is not a litmus test for being a Christian. I think they (I do to actually) feel that it's sort of a slippery slope we are on as Christ is slowly being removed from every aspect of life. For now, it is "voluntary", but who knows when it may become required. One day, it might reach the point where you could lose your job for saying Merry Christmas.

John