Many of the subjects that The Parson wants to share with you have not been preached in generations. Others may be a new way of looking at old issues. Many months of our study are already outlined and are part of a series. However, if you the reader have a question you only need to ask. Just send your question to: asktheparson@parsonpreaching.com and I do my best to give you a simple Bible answer. The Parson CHRISTIAN'S AND CHRISTMAS     "Is it a sin for a Christian to have a Christmas tree?" This is a very good question but I must admit that there is not an answer that will satisfy everyone. The reason for this is very simple: A Christian's response to the Christmas holiday is a matter of applying different Biblical passages. In applying these scriptures brethren have arrived at different conclusions and will continue to do so. Some believe that it is pagan holiday (adopted by the Catholic Church) and thus must be condemned and avoided in all its practices. This includes the tree, gifts and Santa Claus. Other Christians see nothing wrong with using this time of year to remember the birth of Jesus. On Christmas morning they will read the Bible story, sing Christmas carols and even have a manger scene. Then there is the middle ground where brethren do not give any religious significance to the day but enjoy the time with their families as a national holiday. They have a tree, exchange gifts and enjoy a turkey dinner. Which position is absolutely right? There is no definitive Biblical answer.     However, the Scriptures leave no doubt when it comes to allowing our differences to cause division among brethren. Even a simple reading of Romans 14 will show how God feels about those who attempt to bind their conclusions on others. I beg you to read, meditate and apply this important passage to your relationship with your brethren not only concerning this issue but others as well. For the sake of space let me pull out the verses that apply directly to the conflict between brethren over the observance of Christmas.     "Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand....One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord....You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat....Therefore, let us stop passing judgment on one another....So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God." (NIV)     As the Apostle Paul reminded us, we will all stand before God in judgment. Some will have to answer for ignoring God's plain and simple command in Romans 14, binding their beliefs on their brethren. Some even do it by saying it is a matter of being a stumbling block or the effect the subject has on a weak brother. But God made it clear: It's none of your business!!! Each Christian must decide for themselves what the Bible teaches and if their actions will be an obstacle to a weak brother. Brethren who bind their opinions on others never apply Romans 14 to themselves and peace in the family of God is destroyed. The Parson