Xmas Myth #5 - Pagan Worship

Some Christians avoid Xmas because they believe it came from paganism and God forbids us worshiping him like pagans. That is a Xmas myth. Whether or not Xmas came from paganism is open to question, but that it is forbidden pagan worship is a misunderstanding of Scripture. Deuteronomy 12:30-31 specifically commanded Israel not to adopt vile and despicable pagan things. One abomination was child sacrifice and another was ritual sex.

Nowhere does the Bible forbid other acts of worship that pagans performed. They prayed, played music, danced, raised hands in praise, made sacrifices and kept certain dates on the calendar. That kind of worship is also done by faithful Christians. The festivals of ancient Israel focused on Old Testament history. We are released from the old law (Romans 7:4-6) and are subsequently free to celebrate the events surrounding the most important event of history, the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus. May your Xmas be one filled with every blessing!