LOOKING FOR ANSWER

Does the Bible say that it is wrong to have a Christmas tree?
We understand your concerns about the use of the Christmas tree, specifically in relationship to Jeremiah 10:1-5. These verses do not apply to Christmas trees ...

LOOKING FOR ANSWER

Why do we celebrate Christmas on December 25 when the Bible doesn't mention the date of Christ's birth?
We understand your concern about our traditional celebration of Christmas. The exact date of Jesus' birth is not recorded in the Scriptures.

MY ANSWER

What's wrong with being a "Christmas and Easter" Christian?
Billy Graham writes, "Do you go to church on these occasions just because it's the customary thing to do? You see, Christmas and Easter both point us to great and profound truths ..."

MY ANSWER

I know you'll say we ought to keep Christ in Christmas, but how can we?
Billy Graham writes, "Yes, now is a good time to remind ourselves to keep Christ in Christmas—and not only keep Him there but make Him its center."

MY ANSWER

How can we help our children see the real meaning of Christmas, without sounding like we're against all the things that excite them about the holidays?
Billy Graham writes, "The most important thing you can do is to point your children beyond the excitement and the gifts they will receive to something even more exciting: God's gift of His Son for our salvation."

MY ANSWER

Our neighbors think Christmas is just a time to have family fun, with no religious meaning. How can we get them thinking about the real meaning of Christmas?
Billy Graham writes, "Pray for an opportunity to share what Christmas means to you—that God sent His Son into the world on that first Christmas to show us His love."

MY ANSWER

I know Christmas is supposed to celebrate the birthday of Jesus, but is there more to it than that?
Billy Graham writes, "At Christmas, we celebrate nothing less than the most important event in human history: the moment when God came down from heaven and became a man."

MY ANSWER

We spent far more than we could afford this Christmas, and I don't see how we'll ever get out of debt.
Billy Graham writes, "The Bible warns us that money and things can actually take God's place in our lives—and when that happens, it is wrong."

MY ANSWER

Our grandchildren are getting into their teens and we're wondering what we can give them for Christmas.
Billy Graham writes, "You might consider giving them a Bible—one that will encourage them to read it for themselves, and will last a long time."

MY ANSWER

Now that fall is here, I'm already dreading Christmas, although it's still months away.
Billy Graham writes, "How can this Christmas be different for you? First, ask God to help you make Jesus Christ the center of your family's Christmas this year."

MY ANSWER

Our new church is preparing for what they call the "advent" season, and I'm too embarrassed to ask someone what it is.
Billy Graham writes, "The word "advent" comes from an old word that means the coming or arrival of something—in this case, the coming of Jesus into the world."

MY ANSWER

Which is more important in your thinking, Christmas or Easter?
Billy Graham writes, "Both are equally important, because both were an essential part of God's plan. Without Christmas, there would be no Easter—and without Easter, Christmas wouldn't matter."

MY ANSWER

How should we celebrate Christmas?
Billy Graham writes, "The key to Christmas is to remember what it is supposed to celebrate: the birth of Jesus Christ. If it weren't for Christ, there would be no Christmas."

MY ANSWER

When our son and his girlfriend visited us, were we wrong to insist they sleep in separate bedrooms?
Billy Graham writes, "I'm sure this was awkward for you; you wanted to do what was right—but you also didn't want to alienate your son. But it is your house, and you have the right to insist that guests abide by your standards ..."

MY ANSWER

I've always wondered about the virgin birth of Jesus. People back then surely knew this was impossible, so why did they claim it happened?
Billy Graham writes, "It's significant that the most thorough Gospel account of the virgin birth was written by Luke, who was a medical doctor. If anyone knew the impossibility of a virgin birth it was Luke—and yet, after careful research, he knew it was a fact."

MY ANSWER

I'm not sure I still believe in God. How can I avoid hurting my parents' feelings?
Billy Graham writes, "I hope you will be honest with your parents instead of trying to deceive them. After all, they love you and are concerned about you, and if they truly care about your spiritual welfare they need to know how to pray for you."

MY ANSWER

How can we help our children understand that the real meaning of Christmas is not receiving presents?
Billy Graham writes, "Children naturally get excited about Christmas, and sometimes it's hard to get them to see beyond the gifts and the glitter. But I believe we should be thankful for their excitement ..."

MY ANSWER

We always spend too much this time of year. Does the Bible say anything about having too much debt?
Billy Graham writes, "Yes, the Bible does caution us against taking on too much debt (particularly when we don't have the resources to repay it). One reason is because indebtedness easily overwhelms us and becomes our master ..."

MY ANSWER

Isn't Christmas supposed to be a time for family and happiness and giving, and things like that?
Billy Graham writes, "Yes, Christmas is a time for all these things, and we should thank God for them. ... But the true meaning of Christmas is far deeper than any of these things—and this is what we often forget."

MY ANSWER

We never get to have our own Christmas as a family, because our relatives insist we spend the entire time with them.
Billy Graham writes, "Every year about this time, I get several letters just like yours ... Pause right now—before the Christmas rush overwhelms us—and resolve to make this Christmas different."