• (Colossians 2:8)  Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

• (Isaiah 29:13)  “These people praise me with their words,” said YHWH, “but they never draw near to me  hearts [deepest thoughts]. Their reverence for me comes from the repetitious tradition of men.

• (Matthew 15:3)  His answer to them was in the form of a question: “Why do you go against the word of God in favor of your tradition?

• (Matthew 15:6)  “You say there is no need for him to give honor to his father. You have invalidated the word of God because of your tradition!

• (Mark 7:3)  (For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat  until they  wash  their  hands.  They  practice  the tradition of the elders.)

• (Mark 7:5)  The Pharisees and the scribes asked: “Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders. Instead they eat their bread with defiled hands?”

• (Mark 7:8)  Speaking to the Pharisees and scribes He said: “You abandon the commandment of God, and hold fast the tradition of men.

• (Mark 7:9)  “You totally reject the commandment of God that you may keep your tradition.

• (Mark 7:13)  “You make the word of God invalid by your tradition.”

• (Colossians 2:8)  See to it that no one enslaves you by means of philosophy and worthless deceit of human wisdom according to tradition of men. It is according to the elementary principles of the world, and not from Christ.

• (Galatians 1:14)  I advanced as a Jew beyond many of my  own  age  among  my  countrymen.  I  was  more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.

• (2 Thessalonians 2:15)  So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the precepts [Greek: paradosis: traditions of doctrines, teachings handed down] you were taught by word of mouth or by letter from us.

• (Colossians 2:8)  Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. (kjv)
  

Where did Christmas come from?
It did not begin at the birth of Christ; it began earlier! The December 25 celebration had nothing to do with His birth. It is an interesting story; one I think you will be interested in.

Read the following questions, then read this about decorated trees and wooden Idols.
Then study the links of the history of how the trees, the bulbs and wreath were used and also we all know the world is trying to get Santa's parade to take over Christmas and push Jesus away! 

• Is their a reason God is allowing this to happen to Christmas?  Is it because it is not really a true celebration for Christ in God's eyes; because of how this tradition originated?   Or better yet,  did we make this happen because we added the pagan traditions to this day we say that we set aside for Christ?  Could it be that all the Pagan ritual traditions that people have attached to Christ Mass (Christmas) have made the celebration in his eyes nothing to do with him?
  

• Is it because December 25th used to be the day they worshiped the Pagan Sun God?
  

• Is it because it has become to many people a dreaded exhausting holiday, because people rush around decorating, overspending and don't actually get to enjoy Christmas; because they are worn out and glad it is over.  Is this how Jesus would want us feel on this day?  Is it our own fault?

• Churches even play Santa!  I have actually seen in Church photos, Santa sitting in a chair by the alter in a church, is this appropriate?  Would God see that as setting up an alter to a pagan God Santa?  Does any of this edify the Lord?
  

• They are trying to take Christ out of Christmas, how can we get him back as the focal point!?  They want Jesus to be banned for his own birthday celebration but Santa gets to stay?  Why not celebrate Saint Nick day on December 6, as it historically was, and kids get to keep Santa and Christians have the Christ Mass for his birthday during a more appropriate season, while shepherds would have been tending to their flocks at night with no pagan roots attached?  I agree, we should not ever do away with God's Holy Days, but have all the changes and additions made them unholy in the sight of God?
  

• Listen to many of the Christmas songs; "This is Santa's big day"  Does Jesus really see this as harmless, or will he accept "oh it's for the kids, it is harmless"?

• Could Christians have exchanged gifts in honor of Jesus only; with Santa not involved, and then the true focus would have been on Jesus in the Child's eyes?  When they grow up; they will not be confused as to why Jesus is real, and Santa is not.  They may say; "You lied to me about Santa because he is dead!"  Also questions about; did Santa bring Jesus his gifts like he brings me?  If not, why do we celebrate Santa if it is the birth of Jesus Christ Mass day!  Ask a child what they think of when you say Christmas, most all Children will say Santa and presents!  Very few will say it's the birth of Jesus.  The Lord was clear about raising up our children in the ways of the Lord.  Are the ways we teach our Children really Biblical?  Children are smart and they want to know why?  Maybe smarter than some of us have been?  We may find out later in this study!

• We all know that Satan is after our youth and it is so important to keep our Childrens focus on the Lord on the days that we deem to be a Celebration for Christ Jesus.  However, does Satan try to steal the focus off of Jesus by making subtle changes that may seem harmless to some, knowing that people tend to fall into the traditions of their world because they grow up with it and it seems perfectly normal to them; because that was what they were taught to do?  But is it really right?  Is it Biblical?  When we really think about the time spent on holidays such as decorating, shopping, baking, wrapping tons of presents to play Santa, coloring eggs, placing our plastic light up rabbits on the lawn and among all the rushing, have we ever really stopped to think how much of the time is really spent focusing on Jesus, worship and praise for him and also to thank him?  If we were to record the hours spent on all of the above things mentioned, would we be utterly shocked of how much time (possibly Satan) has kept us so busy on things that really are not important just to steal the focus off of the true meaning of it all?  Yes we all say that "Oh, Jesus is what I celebrate it for!"  That may be true, however are we adding things to the celebration that is not Biblical?
  

• Are we adding things that has caused the Christmas celebration to suffer in the public eye?  Did people loose their focus of what Christmas was all about by teaching their children to focus on Santa coming with presents and then wonder why people are moving away from seeing it as all about Christ?

• Are we to blame for people trying to ban Jesus on his own birthday because we "Christians" also promote Santa on our lawns and teach our children yipeee...Santa's coming!  We are seeing that Santa gets to stay because the government and retailers are not about to give up the revenue that Santa generates?  Are we really to blame because of the way we celebrate it and teach our children or is there nothing wrong with it?   Did we allow Santa and "too much" gift giving to steal the focus? 
  

• On your lawn and home are you promoting Santa and trees or 'The Nativity" that is all about the birth of Jesus?

• We have all heard the saying, Santa's Parade and the Easter Parade and now that we have the internet, Satan worshipers, the occult and witches call themselves the Dark Parade on the internet.  Notice that over the years they have all been referred to as "Parade"....odd or just a coincidence?
  

• All of the above are questions we will take a closer look at in the links below.  We have listed many study links so that you can see the many viewpoints and from both sides concerning the issue over Holidays.

• Yes we should celebrate Christmas and Resurrection day, however it may be wise to drop anything that is not mentioned in the Bible, this is the view of this ministry.
  

(See the links below and we will explore this issue that is increasingly becoming noticed by Christian Churches today.)

Jeremiah 10  KJV

2 Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. 

3 For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.

4 They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.

5 They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.

6 Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O LORD; thou art great, and thy name is great in might.

NKJV Version
2 Thus says the LORD: "Do not learn the way of the Gentiles; Do not be dismayed at the signs of heaven, For the Gentiles are dismayed at them.

3 For the customs of the peoples are futile; For one cuts a tree from the forest, The work of the hands of the workman, with the ax.

4 They decorate it with silver and gold; They fasten it with nails and hammers So that it will not topple.

5 They are upright, like a palm tree, And they cannot speak; They must be carried, Because they cannot go by themselves.
Do not be afraid of them, For they cannot do evil, Nor can they do any good.”

6 Inasmuch as there is none like You, O LORD (You are great, and Your name is great in might),
      
7 Who would not fear You, O King of the nations?  For this is Your rightful due. For among all the wise men of the nations,
And in all their kingdoms, There is none like You.

8 But they are altogether dull-hearted and foolish; A wooden idol is a worthless doctrine.
      
9 Silver is beaten into plates; It is brought from Tarshish, And gold from Uphaz, The work of the craftsman And of the hands of the metalsmith; Blue and purple are their clothing; They are all the work of skillful men.

10 But the LORD is the true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King. At His wrath the earth will tremble,
And the nations will not be able to endure His indignation.

11 Thus you shall say to them: “The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth shall perish from the earth and from under these heavens.”

12 He has made the earth by His power, He has established the world by His wisdom, And has stretched out the heavens at His discretion.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

• Is it truly possible to shed Pagan root traditions when it comes to setting up a tree and decorating the tree in the home for celebration to our Jesus Christ?  Is it really that important to us or should the birth of Jesus be the focal point for his Birthday, and the nativity be the only decorations we should have?  What about the tradition concerning Santa?
  

• It is also true that trees were used to carve idols as we see in the above scriptures; the Bible tells us this, however in modern times how do we feel about all of these questions after we study and learn the history of it all?

• Should Christians that have knowledge that December 25th was NOT originally intended for the birth of Christ have appointed a more appropriate day to celebrate his birth, such as a time when shepherds would have been attending to their flocks at night?  And after we have this knowledge, is it appropriate for us to continue in these traditions; when the Bible warns in various different places about the traditions of man?
  

• At Christmas time we can drive by homes and if you will notice, there are tons of trees and Santas however, you will find very few Nativities....even among the Christian homes, but you will see a tree and Santa.  When we really study this, does this start seeming odd to you?

Videos below in the study links.  CLICK HERE for a time-line of the history of the use of the tree in pagan traditions and also how we use it today.  Videos and more in-depth studies at the study links.

Linda: Thank you for this.  I’m wondering why the churches are allowed to use the word Easter since it is an occult word. The churches should know the past history of how Satan has changed everything good and pure, to make everything his holiday. I do not understand why they do not keep us really informed.

Pastor Toohey:  You’re right, Easter comes from Ishtar, the Babylonian fertility goddess, and is a corruption of Resurrection Day. It’s amazing how naive we’ve been in the churches about such things. We’re in Boulder, Colorado, where much paganism exists…the witches find it hilarious to see the Christians adopting their terminology and even their holidays themselves. (Halloween, anyone?).
Keep going, sister- you’re on the right track.
Sincerely,  Jim

Cindy:  The word Easter is in the kjv bible in acts chap 12, what does this mean, please give me understanding based on the scriptures, so that i can do better the word rapture isn’t in the bible but we still use the term, it’s content is there but not the actual word I need help!  Answer, Cindy, there are people who disagree with the KJV translation of the original word and now in most translations it is translated as Passover.  Much of this will be discussed at the links below and after a very in-depth study of many of the sites, it is up to each individual to make up their mind as to how the holidays should be observed, however, the Bible is the final answer and authority for everyone's questions and the Bible made it clear of the lack of reverence for God because of traditions!  No where in the Bible will you find Easter eggs, Bunny Rabbits or Santa Clause, Valentines Day and especially Halloween!  If you are in doubt of your Bible translation, there are some great sites that you can study from the original Greek and Hebrew.  You can find this on our Bible study page.

Studies that determine that some holiday traditional rituals are pagan:

Please understand that not all views may be the views of this ministry,
this is intended to get us to study the Bible for the truth!


http://www.worldtocome.org/player.html#!Item=558792,1

http://www.goodnewsaboutgod.com/studies/holidays2.htm

http://www.lasttrumpetministries.org/tracts/tract3.html

See what the History Channel has to say, let the videos keep running and they have many of the holidays: 

http://www.history.com/videos/history-of-christmas#history-of-christmas

• Where did Halloween Come From?
• Where did Christmas Come From?
• Where did Easter Come From?

http://www.worldtocome.org/player.html#!Item=558741,1

http://godkind.org/pagan-holidays.html

http://www.hope-of-israel.org/cmas1.htm

http://www.bsu.edu/web/01bkswartz/xmaspub.html

http://www.biblestudy.org/question/why-is-christmas-shortened-to-xmas.html

Festivals: December 25 Easter Halloween Personal Sabbath

http://www.letgodbetrue.com/bible/holidays/easter-problems.htm

http://www.shalom-peace.com/easter.html


______________________________________________


Studies that determine they are not pagan, well some aren't they say:

http://www.bible.com/bibleanswers_result.php?id=168

http://bible.org/article/should-christians-celebrate-christmas

http://www.gotquestions.org/Christmas-tree.html

http://www.str.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=5172

http://www.wcg.org/av/SPoL/spol119.htm

http://www.comereason.org/soc_culture/soc030.asp

http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Bible/easter_is_not_a_mistranslation.htm

http://www.minuteswithmessiah.com/question/practices.html

http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/panelists/john_mark_reynolds/2010/04/on_pagan_easter.html

http://deepforestgreen.blogspot.com/2010/12/was-christmas-pagan-holiday-no.html

http://www.kjv-only.com/acts12_4.html

http://www.churchyear.net/answers/easterpagan.html

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ch/thepastinthepresent/storybehind/whychristmastrees.html

Although, I do feel that Santa was originally derived from Saint Nicholas who's Celebration is on December 6th, however, it is a uncanny resemblance of what this describes in the film below and a shock that anyone would want to combine the December 6th (Saint Nicholas) and December 25th (Sun God) celebration together and call it Holy and declare this day to be all about Jesus, look at the way we celebrate Christmas, is it really all about Jesus?

Keep in mind though, the Devil is the arthur of confusion and he has played a huge role in distorting what is right and wrong in the minds of the Christians in this modern world that we live in, one cannot go wrong by removing all things that does not pertain to Christ and we should follow the WORD OF GOD ONLY!  Are the traditions that we follow scriptural?

I have actually heard a Pastor say that he knows that many of the days that we celebrate are on the wrong days and may have even had Pagan roots, however this is just how we celebrate it today, he said.  Why is it that many know the truth and still follow after Pagan ways?  Everyone has their own opinion concerning these matters and we should all simply pray that God will lead us all to the truth and that anything in our life that does not edify him; that he will show us and lead us away from it.  Remember if it is not in the Bible, it is probably not of God!

Now that we are in the information age and the history records are so readily available to us, is it possible that the Devil has blinded the Church over the years with "mans" traditions simply because they had no way at that time of knowing the truth about the history of it all?  Should we have actually noticed that Santa and the Easter bunny and eggs were not taught to us in the Bible?  I personally think we should have, but this is what the Bible means by accepting the traditions of man and being blinded, I was raised up in an area that follows all the Santa traditions, Easter traditions, Valentine's Day and Churches here even have Halloween parties???  Church, wake up, a party is a celebration!  Why are people following pagan traditions and things not taught to us in the Bible?  The biggest reason is that many Christians today have not really studied the Bible and they go by what others have taught them or they have heard.

I urge everyone to read the Bible and let God's word be the final authority on all matters!

Below is one ministries view on this subject, at the above links you will find that most connect the Saturn God to New Year and the Sun God to December 25.