by Delta Vines
Christmas! It is such a special time for many people. Decorations can be seen everywhere; in restaurants, stores, and malls. Christmas carols can be heard almost everywhere it seems. It is a time when families tend to come together. As a Scripture-believing Christian, my faith is very important to me. Celebrating the birth of Jesus is a part of that faith.
Christmas! It is such a special time for many people. Decorations can be seen everywhere; in restaurants, stores, and malls. Christmas carols can be heard almost everywhere it seems. It is a time when families tend to come together. As a Scripture-believing Christian, my faith is very important to me. Celebrating the birth of Jesus is a part of that faith.
I also observe/celebrate the miracle of Hanukkah with some of my Jewish friends. The miracle G-d gave the Maccabees's to restore the Temple out of idol worship and back to the worship of G-d is a great miracle. When the Lord G-d caused the oil for the Temple Menorah to increase from one day's worth to burn for seven days (until more oil could be processed); it was indeed a sign that G-d had not given up on His People Israel. What cause for rejoicing!!!
The joy I have while celebrating Christmas includes sending cards and attending parties or other festivities. Yet, I find myself in a quandary at this time of year. How can I not isolate myself from my Jewish friends and yet be true to my own faith? I do not ask my Jewish friends to send me Christmas cards or join in my activities; although some do. Activities they join in on are not those that would be the kind which force my faith off on others. Perhaps that is why they are comfortable in attending.
There are other friends of mine, both Gentile and Jew, who are greatly offended by the Christmas holiday. There are some whose offense I do not understand. Atheists, agnostics, and those with New Age beliefs are some of the most angry. Their main complaint is that they do not believe in an all seeing, all loving, all knowing G-d who is just. (Some of them confuse "all seeing, all loving, and all knowing" with "all controlling". But that's a subject for another time).
I do, however, understand why some of my Jewish friends are not so thrilled with Christmas. I look back over time and see it through their eyes. There is an obvious difference in our beliefs about who Jesus is. I know Him as my Savior. There are some people, regardless of religion, who believe Jesus was a great prophet. There are those who believe He was some kind of nut job. Other's still believe He was a Zionist extremist.
One of the first laws of Judaism is the Shema. The first part of this prayer comes from Deuteronomy 6:4 "Shema Yisrael Adonai Eloheinu Adonai Echad." Transliteration of it in the English is "Hear oh Israel! The Lord is Our G-d, the Lord is One."
The Lord is One.
That is right up there with not having any other gods before Him. As Christians, we do not have any other gods. We are, however, taught about a "trinity" of G-d, His Son, and His Spirit. That is three. We are taught that G-d IS One, that the three are just different aspects of Him. That is not One, though, to our Judaic friends. To them, how could the Messiah be put upon the same level as G-d? How could He allow others to worship Him?
Speaking just for myself, I have been taught that we worship only G-d, because Jesus worshipped G-d on earth and in heaven. Even in the Christian scriptures, Jesus deferred such worship from Himself and to Father G-d. Yet, I do believe in Jesus as the Son of G-d. For my Jewish friends, that appears to be in conflict with the Shema's directive of "the Lord is One".
Pagan Influences in Christmas Customs
Many of our customs at Christmastime have had pagan origins. I do not think, personally, that means we are being paganistic by any means. There are also some misunderstandings about such. For example, the Christmas tree is sometimes associated with the pagan custom of carving idol images on trees, then overlaying them in gold or silver. The prophet Jeremiah referred to this in Jeremiah 10.
Mistletoe, Ivy, Holly, and other "greenery" have connections with pagan rituals of the Druids, ancient Scandinavians, and others. Even the date of December 25 for Christmas is a compromise used by Constantine and others in the early church in order to be more palatable to the Roman worship of their pagan gods. This, for many in Christianity as well as those in Judaism, is a problem.
Personally, I do not have any problem with Christmas trees and lights, or other activities. We do not hang holly or ivy or mistletoe just because it has never been a part of our families traditions. As far as the date goes – everyday is a day to thank G-d for that which He has done for us.
History of Cruelty to Jews by Christians
I am very much ashamed of the way the church has treated Jews throughout history. From the church-endorsed torture and murder of Jews in the early days up into the crusades and even into the days of Hitler’s Third Reich – to those today who blame the Jews for more recent tragic events – I must admit to feeling a combination of shame, and anger. Jews have been labeled "Christ Killers", "cheap and stingy", accused of drinking the blood of babies or using it in matzah ("blood libel"), and have just been on the receiving end of some of the most hateful and vile treatment from one man to another. All this has been done in the name of the one whom Christians say is the Jewish Messiah? I suggest that the behavior of many Christians toward Jews throughout the years has been a great disservice. To understand this more fully, I highly recommend the book "Our Hands Are Stained With Blood" by Michael Brown.
The Offense is Warranted
For my Jewish friends and/or family to be offended by the Christian celebration of Christmas is warranted. The religious concerns are reason enough given their perception. However, there is fear and suspicion as well. Lately there have been Hanukkah like services presented as Judaic celebrations when in fact it is an ambush of Christian evangelism. If one wants to share their faith with another who wishes to listen, that is one thing. To abuse the trust of any person of another religion – and using their religious observations as a tool for such – is just wrong. Deceit is never a valid way to share one’s beliefs.
How to Relate
Whether it’s with friends, or family, regardless of religion – just be real. This is especially true at Christmas. If your live your everyday life as if you have no belief in G-d at all, then verbally "share the good news" with your family, what kind of message is that? Not a good one. Going through the rituals of Sunday and midweek services alone is not enough. How you live is the greatest indicator of what your faith means to you.
Don’t be pushy toward your Jewish family members or friends. For over 2000 years they have been pushed around, literally, by one group or another. Christians have been a big part of that. Again, how you live your life is the best "evangelistic tool" one can have. I like the old saying "Preach the Gospel at all times - speak if only necessary". Your loved ones want to know they are valuable to you because they are who they are – not because you see them as a target at which to preach. Just be you.
Respecting Their Faith is most important
Realize that Christmas is not the only religious holiday being celebrated this time of year. Keep an open ear regarding how your friends and/or family (Jewish or otherwise) feel this time of year. Take time to stop talking and start listening. If you don’t know much about Judaism, ask and listen. You may learn something that enriches your own faith. It comes back to that thing about being real, doesn't it?
Christmas Cards can sometimes lead to a dilemma. Most of my friends, regardless of religion, do not mind receiving a card. Some do. If you know someone is offended or hurt by a card – don’t send it. I really enjoy sending and receiving Hanukkah cards with my Jewish friends and family. Is G-d not worthy of our praise in all things?
What about Other Religions?
I’ve had the question posed to me several times about purchasing Ramadan and Kwanzaa cards. I do not send them. I do not observe those holidays. In sharing a bit about each one:
Kwanzaa is a holiday primarily for those of African-American decent of which I am not. There are some items which the creator of Kwanzaa, a college professor, uses that are a bit uncomfortable for me. Among them are symbols which are almost identical of Judaism…although Kwanzaa is a cultural and not a religious holiday. You can learn more about it by going here.
Ramadan is another observance which is uncomfortable for me. While I respect the fact Muslims have the right to observe that which is important to them; I find no common ground on what their faith teaches and what my faith teaches. Among such things are that Ishmael was the son Abraham almost sacrificed , not Isaac; and that Jesus did not die on the cross but was taken up to heaven by Allah because he could not endure the sinfulness of mankind. It is written in the Dome of the Rock "G-d hath no son, neither has he any need of one". That goes against what my faith believes. An interesting website regarding Islamic roots can be found here.
Common Ground
Judaism and Christianity have much in common. We believe in the One True G-d. We believe G-d counted Abraham as righteous. G-d made a covenant with Abraham and with Himself that the Children of Abraham and Sarah would be the chosen people of G-d. That covenant was renewed with Isaac, and with Jacob/Israel. Judaism and Christianity also believe in the coming of Moschiach to the People of Israel. I have to smile when I say we just don't agree on when he will come/came!
It's up to you how you handle the Christmas-Hanukkah Challenge. Hopefully what I've shared here will be of help as you navigate through this time of year.
Happy Hanukkah!
and
Merry Christmas
The joy I have while celebrating Christmas includes sending cards and attending parties or other festivities. Yet, I find myself in a quandary at this time of year. How can I not isolate myself from my Jewish friends and yet be true to my own faith? I do not ask my Jewish friends to send me Christmas cards or join in my activities; although some do. Activities they join in on are not those that would be the kind which force my faith off on others. Perhaps that is why they are comfortable in attending.
There are other friends of mine, both Gentile and Jew, who are greatly offended by the Christmas holiday. There are some whose offense I do not understand. Atheists, agnostics, and those with New Age beliefs are some of the most angry. Their main complaint is that they do not believe in an all seeing, all loving, all knowing G-d who is just. (Some of them confuse "all seeing, all loving, and all knowing" with "all controlling". But that's a subject for another time).
I do, however, understand why some of my Jewish friends are not so thrilled with Christmas. I look back over time and see it through their eyes. There is an obvious difference in our beliefs about who Jesus is. I know Him as my Savior. There are some people, regardless of religion, who believe Jesus was a great prophet. There are those who believe He was some kind of nut job. Other's still believe He was a Zionist extremist.
One of the first laws of Judaism is the Shema. The first part of this prayer comes from Deuteronomy 6:4 "Shema Yisrael Adonai Eloheinu Adonai Echad." Transliteration of it in the English is "Hear oh Israel! The Lord is Our G-d, the Lord is One."
The Lord is One.
That is right up there with not having any other gods before Him. As Christians, we do not have any other gods. We are, however, taught about a "trinity" of G-d, His Son, and His Spirit. That is three. We are taught that G-d IS One, that the three are just different aspects of Him. That is not One, though, to our Judaic friends. To them, how could the Messiah be put upon the same level as G-d? How could He allow others to worship Him?
Speaking just for myself, I have been taught that we worship only G-d, because Jesus worshipped G-d on earth and in heaven. Even in the Christian scriptures, Jesus deferred such worship from Himself and to Father G-d. Yet, I do believe in Jesus as the Son of G-d. For my Jewish friends, that appears to be in conflict with the Shema's directive of "the Lord is One".
Pagan Influences in Christmas Customs
Many of our customs at Christmastime have had pagan origins. I do not think, personally, that means we are being paganistic by any means. There are also some misunderstandings about such. For example, the Christmas tree is sometimes associated with the pagan custom of carving idol images on trees, then overlaying them in gold or silver. The prophet Jeremiah referred to this in Jeremiah 10.
Mistletoe, Ivy, Holly, and other "greenery" have connections with pagan rituals of the Druids, ancient Scandinavians, and others. Even the date of December 25 for Christmas is a compromise used by Constantine and others in the early church in order to be more palatable to the Roman worship of their pagan gods. This, for many in Christianity as well as those in Judaism, is a problem.
Personally, I do not have any problem with Christmas trees and lights, or other activities. We do not hang holly or ivy or mistletoe just because it has never been a part of our families traditions. As far as the date goes – everyday is a day to thank G-d for that which He has done for us.
History of Cruelty to Jews by Christians
I am very much ashamed of the way the church has treated Jews throughout history. From the church-endorsed torture and murder of Jews in the early days up into the crusades and even into the days of Hitler’s Third Reich – to those today who blame the Jews for more recent tragic events – I must admit to feeling a combination of shame, and anger. Jews have been labeled "Christ Killers", "cheap and stingy", accused of drinking the blood of babies or using it in matzah ("blood libel"), and have just been on the receiving end of some of the most hateful and vile treatment from one man to another. All this has been done in the name of the one whom Christians say is the Jewish Messiah? I suggest that the behavior of many Christians toward Jews throughout the years has been a great disservice. To understand this more fully, I highly recommend the book "Our Hands Are Stained With Blood" by Michael Brown.
The Offense is Warranted
For my Jewish friends and/or family to be offended by the Christian celebration of Christmas is warranted. The religious concerns are reason enough given their perception. However, there is fear and suspicion as well. Lately there have been Hanukkah like services presented as Judaic celebrations when in fact it is an ambush of Christian evangelism. If one wants to share their faith with another who wishes to listen, that is one thing. To abuse the trust of any person of another religion – and using their religious observations as a tool for such – is just wrong. Deceit is never a valid way to share one’s beliefs.
How to Relate
Whether it’s with friends, or family, regardless of religion – just be real. This is especially true at Christmas. If your live your everyday life as if you have no belief in G-d at all, then verbally "share the good news" with your family, what kind of message is that? Not a good one. Going through the rituals of Sunday and midweek services alone is not enough. How you live is the greatest indicator of what your faith means to you.
Don’t be pushy toward your Jewish family members or friends. For over 2000 years they have been pushed around, literally, by one group or another. Christians have been a big part of that. Again, how you live your life is the best "evangelistic tool" one can have. I like the old saying "Preach the Gospel at all times - speak if only necessary". Your loved ones want to know they are valuable to you because they are who they are – not because you see them as a target at which to preach. Just be you.
Respecting Their Faith is most important
Realize that Christmas is not the only religious holiday being celebrated this time of year. Keep an open ear regarding how your friends and/or family (Jewish or otherwise) feel this time of year. Take time to stop talking and start listening. If you don’t know much about Judaism, ask and listen. You may learn something that enriches your own faith. It comes back to that thing about being real, doesn't it?
Christmas Cards can sometimes lead to a dilemma. Most of my friends, regardless of religion, do not mind receiving a card. Some do. If you know someone is offended or hurt by a card – don’t send it. I really enjoy sending and receiving Hanukkah cards with my Jewish friends and family. Is G-d not worthy of our praise in all things?
What about Other Religions?
I’ve had the question posed to me several times about purchasing Ramadan and Kwanzaa cards. I do not send them. I do not observe those holidays. In sharing a bit about each one:
Kwanzaa is a holiday primarily for those of African-American decent of which I am not. There are some items which the creator of Kwanzaa, a college professor, uses that are a bit uncomfortable for me. Among them are symbols which are almost identical of Judaism…although Kwanzaa is a cultural and not a religious holiday. You can learn more about it by going here.
Ramadan is another observance which is uncomfortable for me. While I respect the fact Muslims have the right to observe that which is important to them; I find no common ground on what their faith teaches and what my faith teaches. Among such things are that Ishmael was the son Abraham almost sacrificed , not Isaac; and that Jesus did not die on the cross but was taken up to heaven by Allah because he could not endure the sinfulness of mankind. It is written in the Dome of the Rock "G-d hath no son, neither has he any need of one". That goes against what my faith believes. An interesting website regarding Islamic roots can be found here.
Common Ground
Judaism and Christianity have much in common. We believe in the One True G-d. We believe G-d counted Abraham as righteous. G-d made a covenant with Abraham and with Himself that the Children of Abraham and Sarah would be the chosen people of G-d. That covenant was renewed with Isaac, and with Jacob/Israel. Judaism and Christianity also believe in the coming of Moschiach to the People of Israel. I have to smile when I say we just don't agree on when he will come/came!
It's up to you how you handle the Christmas-Hanukkah Challenge. Hopefully what I've shared here will be of help as you navigate through this time of year.
Happy Hanukkah!
and
Merry Christmas
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4 comments:
Beautifully said!
I once worked with an atheist of Jewish heredity. He joined the Unitarian/Universalist church for the social aspect, but as Christmas approached, his church sang Christmas carols. He was offended by the ones that referenced Jesus (he didn't mind Rudolph or Jingle Bells). Even as an atheist (which his parents were too), his upbringing taught him deep into his core that the name of Jesus was one of the worst words a person could say.
For people like him, I can only live my life in a way that lets him know both that I am a Christian and that I truly enjoy him and his company. I don't want to be an additional stumbling stone between him and faith in the Messiah.
Skye,
Your comment brought a thought to mind: Stumbling stones bring stubbed toes. That is NOT a good feeling - eh? I do not think there is another group of people on earth who have been as persecuted as have the Jews.
For myself, my friends are my friends, no ulterior motive in that. I leave the rest up to G-d. :-)
That's an outstanding post Tsofah! And I totally agree.
I find it odd, during this time of year, when news/educational shows try to tie islam to Judaism and Christianity. I find myself correcting them on many aspects.
Very true Janice. Islam has absolutely NOTHING in common with Judaism, Hanukkah, Christianity, and/or Christmas. (Other than Arabs control Bethlehem and rake in LOTS of money at Christmas time).
Other times of the year it's very dangerous for anyone other than Muslims to even try to enter Bethlehem. That's what happens when Arab/Palestinians are given contol of the holy sites of other religions. Intolerant unless money is made, then destroy and lie and claim it as a part of the Islamic religion.
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