The "Company Christmas Party"
Every year around December 25th, usually just before the "big day," most business organizations have a "Company Christmas party." Most of these (a few rare exceptions) are pretty much all alike. In fact, I have been to a couple of these little dandies and made up my mind I would never be pressured into going to one again.... regardless. A Christian is as out of place at one of these orgies as a cow at a concert! Christian brother or sister, don't allow anyone to "push," "pressure," or "shame" you into associating with the devil's crowd! It is true that we must associate with the worldly minded on the job — it is inescapable — as Paul wrote in 1 Cor. 5:9,10:
"I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world."
So then, while we must associate with the worldly to some extent, we do not have to voluntarily associate ourselves with them in their evil doings. The same writer also said in the second Corinthian letter, 11 Cor. 8:14-18:
"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."
I believe it is significant to read what some of those in the world have to say about these "gay" occasions. The following is from Ann Landers column, Napa Register, Monday, Nov. 26, 1962:
"Dear Ann Landers: Well, it's that time of year again. The annual tooth and toenail fight about the office Christmas party is on.
My husband is sort of middling brass in a large organization. Every Christmas they have an office party for all employees.... no husbands or wives allowed. The drinking starts at lunch. By the time the party really begins the experienced drinkers are feeling no pain. The inexperienced drinkers are right out of their minds.
Last year my husband played nurse maid to three colleagues who had to be carried out feet first. One divorce and two separations can be traced directly to that party. The big boss made such a jackass out of himself with a 20-year-old stenographer that he left town on a sudden vacation and stayed away for three weeks.
My husband is determined to duck the party this year but he doesn't want to look like a poor sport. We both would like your advice on how to handle it.
Mr.And Mrs.
Dear Mr. and Mrs.: Your husband should make a previous engagement at once. He can hear about the party from those who attend. Usually office parties are good for at least three weeks of conversation." (Ann Landers)
When you stop to think about it, what a complete mockery these affairs really are! From the world's point of view these "Christmas" parties are held annually in direct connection with a season of the year which is supposed to honor Christ! (Of course, the well-informed Christian knows the truth about Christmas) But from the world's point of view, these parties are held at the time of year men (not God) have set up to honor the birth of the Son of God. So how do they do it? Does drinking, promiscuity, fornication, marital infidelity, jealousy, separation, divorce, honor Christ? To ask is to answer! Indeed, rather than giving honor to Christ, it is dishonorable every way. It is rather reminiscent of the vulgar profane, profligate practices of idolatrous worshippers of ages past. What a shame and disgrace that men should think that such has any connection with the veneration of the Son of almighty God! It has a connection all right, but with this world, the things of this world and the god of this world.... Satan himself!
The best thing that could happen to the "Company Christmas party" or the 'office' Christmas party, for the benefit of all concerned.... is to junk it....forever! _2272 Kathleen Dr., Napa, California