Here is something that confuses me. Some people don't like to celebrate Christmas, because it's derived from a heathen holiday. Yes, originally the 25th of December was a holiday to celebrate the "sun god" and the solstice. However, in an attempt to turn people to God, Constantine changed it to a day to celebrate the birth of Jesus. (This was around 336 A.D.)
Another thing people object to is Christmas trees, because they are a tradition originally started to in Germany. This is also slightly incorrect. While in Germany there was a tradition of using trees to pay homage to Thor, they were oak trees. In one town, there was even a large oak known as "The Oak of Thor". It was said that nobody could cut it down. So in order to prove that God was more powerful than a mystical god, the missionary cut it down. He then told the people that an evergreen tree would be their new standard. This was because it stand straight and tall to point toward heaven. Eventually, people would hang an evergreen tree from the rafters of their house as a reminder of the one true God.
I do realize that Christmas has gotten greatly commercialized. But it still is an amazing time to reflect on the amazing gift that God gave to us by sending His perfect Son as a child to this world. This is the true meaning behind Christmas. If you celebrate Christmas with the intention of glorifying God, I believe you are doing so, rather than celebrating ancient traditions of fertility or idol-worship. I don't mean to step on any toes, but that is what I believe about Christmas.
