Wow...I can see why Christmas is about the worst time of the year for you. I actually agree that our holidays have been taken over with specific dates and symbolism that is not of God...we are really not just talking about Christmas...but Easter, Valentine's Day and Halloween. Everyone has a right to their own belief...but is there a right or wrong. You really quoted the best scriptures that discuss this. I have just finished reading about Paul talking about eating meat sacrificed to idols. It is obvious that the obedience that God wants is to the law of the Ten Commandments which translates to love God with your heart, mind and soul and your neighbor as yourself. The ultimate law is LOVE. I think there is a fine line to loving the sinner but not the sin and hating the sinner and the sin both.

I wonder if there is any common ground between the two factions of your family. Could you be a bridge between the two? I personally put up a tree and lights and I even have a collection of Santa Claus decorations despite knowing the history of the symbolism. I don't feel that condemns me to hell, but I can understand that is offensive to some people. My belief is God made trees and gives good gifts and He is the creator of the heart, eggs and rainbow. So satan's use of any of these things really doesn't matter. Whether I celebrate the birth of Jesus in December or September... the importance is that I am celebrating the birth of Jesus.

Maybe the family can get together for dinner on neutral ground to just share a meal and some fellowship without any of the trappings of the holiday that are offensive. After all, Paul said he had no problem eating meat sacrificed to idols, but he would refrain if it offended others.

I think that while God gave us the family unit and He certainly honors family there are times when we have to choose God over family, which your scriptures refer to. It really depends on those personal beliefs that we all have and are entitled to. You have aptly spoken of the dichotomy that is presented when beliefs can be so divisive...and it is hard to choose a side when you want family to come together. You are in a bad spot, but I really believe that God has the answer for your family and perhaps you are someone that can be a bridge, a peacemaker...bringing reconciliation. I believe that many families have been destroyed and divided by so much that has happened lately. We need to find commonality, not division. Love, not hate. My prayer is that God works in your family to bring them together and that you find peace in the midst of all this turmoil. God is LOVE...first and foremost. God bless you and your family.

Wow...I can see why Christmas is about the worst time of the year for you. I actually agree that our holidays have been taken over with specific dates and symbolism that is not of God...we are really not just talking about Christmas...but Easter, Valentine's Day and Halloween. Everyone has a right to their own belief...but is there a right or wrong. You really quoted the best scriptures that discuss this. I have just finished reading about Paul talking about eating meat sacrificed to idols. It is obvious that the obedience that God wants is to the law of the Ten Commandments which translates to love God with your heart, mind and soul and your neighbor as yourself. The ultimate law is LOVE. I think there is a fine line to loving the sinner but not the sin and hating the sinner and the sin both.

I wonder if there is any common ground between the two factions of your family. Could you be a bridge between the two? I personally put up a tree and lights and I even have a collection of Santa Claus decorations despite knowing the history of the symbolism. I don't feel that condemns me to hell, but I can understand that is offensive to some people. My belief is God made trees and gives good gifts and He is the creator of the heart, eggs and rainbow. So satan's use of any of these things really doesn't matter. Whether I celebrate the birth of Jesus in December or September... the importance is that I am celebrating the birth of Jesus.

Maybe the family can get together for dinner on neutral ground to just share a meal and some fellowship without any of the trappings of the holiday that are offensive. After all, Paul said he had no problem eating meat sacrificed to idols, but he would refrain if it offended others.

I think that while God gave us the family unit and He certainly honors family there are times when we have to choose God over family, which your scriptures refer to. It really depends on those personal beliefs that we all have and are entitled to. You have aptly spoken of the dichotomy that is presented when beliefs can be so divisive...and it is hard to choose a side when you want family to come together. You are in a bad spot, but I really believe that God has the answer for your family and perhaps you are someone that can be a bridge, a peacemaker...bringing reconciliation. I believe that many families have been destroyed and divided by so much that has happened lately. We need to find commonality, not division. Love, not hate. My prayer is that God works in your family to bring them together and that you find peace in the mist of all this turmoil. God is LOVE...first and foremost. God bless you and your family.

Wow...I can see why Christmas is about the worst time of the year for you. I actually agree that our holidays have been taken over with specific dates and symbolism that is not of God...we are really not just talking about Christmas...but Easter, Valentine's Day and Halloween. Everyone has a right to their own belief...but is there a right or wrong. You really quoted the best scriptures that discuss this. I have just finished reading about Paul talking about eating meat sacrificed to idols. It is obvious that the obedience that God wants is to the law of the Ten Commandments which translates to love God with your heart, mind and soul and your neighbor as yourself. The ultimate law is LOVE. I think there is a fine line to loving the sinner but not the sin and hating the sinner and the sin both.

I wonder if there is any common ground between the two factions of your family. Could you be a bridge between the two? I personally put up a tree and lights and I even have a collection of Santa Claus decorations despite knowing the history of the symbolism. I don't feel that condemns me to hell, but I can understand that is offensive to some people. My belief is God made trees and gives good gifts and He is the creator of the hearts, eggs and rainbow. Whether I celebrate the birth of Jesus in December or September, perhaps the importance is that I am celebrating the birth of Jesus.

Maybe the family can get together for dinner on neutral ground to just share a meal and some fellowship without any of the trappings of the holiday that are offensive. After all, Paul said he had no problem eating meat sacrificed to idols, but he would refrain if it offended others.

I think that while God gave us the family unit and He certainly honors family there are times when we have to choose God over family, which your scriptures refer to. It really depends on those personal beliefs that we all have and are entitled to. You have aptly spoken of the dichotomy that is presented when beliefs can be so divisive...and it is hard to choose a side when you want family to come together. You are in a bad spot, but I really believe that God has the answer for your family and perhaps you are someone that can be a bridge, a peacemaker...bringing reconciliation. I believe that many families have been destroyed and divided by so much that has happened lately. We need to find commonality, not division. Love, not hate. My prayer is that God works in your family to bring them together and that you find peace in the mist of all this turmoil. God is LOVE...first and foremost. God bless you and your family.