Daily Meditation A high-tech way to deliver Gods Word Christmas Mat 1:18-21 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins. I’m going to write about the holiday we call Christmas, far enough ahead of it, that you can make a determination on how you choose to celebrate it. However, before I write anything else, I want to remind you that Jesus did not become the Son of God because He was born of a virgin. He was born of a virgin because He was the Son of God! Each year after Thanksgiving, most people’s thoughts turn to Christmas. It’s the time of year when professing Christians are supposed to focus on Jesus Christ. After all, it is the Christ-mass season! And of course there is Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, holly wreaths, decorated trees, mistletoe, season’s greetings, seasonal music, chestnuts roasting on an open fire and Santa Claus are all associated with this holiday. These all bring warm feelings to those who celebrate it. I grew up in a family that celebrated Christmas, and it was a big event in our household every year. I remember how Mom and Dad made us kids go to our bedrooms after it got dark outside. Then, we would hear bells jingling, and mom or dad would come bursting into our rooms, and exclaim, Santa Clause has come! You see, we celebrated Christmas, on Christmas eve. Christmas is thought by most to be a wonderful time, with the participants focusing on giving, family togetherness, beautiful music and decorations, feasting on special foods and singing Christmas carols throughout the neighborhood. I don’t really remember the gifts which I received way back then, however, the candy Mom made is still fresh in my mind. She made Divinity which tasted like it had come down from Heaven. And all of this is supposedly centered around the worship of the baby Jesus. Surely God’s Word instructs us to do all this, right? Well my friend, the truth may surprise you. Does the Bible teach that we should celebrate Christmas, and if so, where can we find that instruction? If you can find it, please write and let me know where it is! So my friend, why do people think that Christmas is wonderful? It certainly felt wonderful to me as a young boy on the farm. Moreover, I trusted what my parents told me, as I had no reason to doubt them. They were merely teaching me what their parents had taught them, and I never questioned the true origin of Christmas! The fact is that most Christians never reflect on why they believe, what they believe, or do what they do. You see, we live in a world filled with customs, but few ever seek to understand their origin, and we generally accept them without question. Most people basically do what everyone else does. Why? Because it is easy, and natural! Now I believe that a holiday which we claim to celebrate in remembrance of our Savior’s birth, should be closely examined, especially it’s roots. So lets take a close look at why people follow the customs associated with it, and why it’s celebrated on December 25th? Did the early New Testament Church keep it? My friend, this series of Meditations is filled with facts from history, that when placed together, paint a complete picture. Let’s avoid all assumptions, and only accept what can be proven! And by the way, that is exactly what you should do concerning all of God’s Word. If it can’t be found in God’s Word, don’t believe it, and if it is, you had better believe it! My daddy used to say, You either know, or you don’t know, but never assume! My friend, the truth is that Christmas has it roots in Paganism, not Christianity! In 1990, the school board of Solon, Ohio (a Cleveland suburb) banned all nativity and other Christmas scenes on any school property because they felt it violated the separation of church and state. They were challenged in court when outraged parents opposed them, feeling that Christmas was being stolen from their children and the community. The fact is that the board lost the case! Why? Because the citizenry proved that Christmas was a worldwide tradition, which was not part of, and transcended, religion. It was deemed to be secular, and a part of virtually all cultures worldwide. And they were correct! Yes my friend, the court decision affirmed that Christmas has no Christian roots! However, the court’s opinion also noted that Bible reading and prayer obviously are associated with Christianity, which was a remarkable admission! The court concluded that Christmas-keeping, and manger scenes could remain, because they are not really part of either Christianity or religion. However, prayer and Bible reading, which are, must remain excluded from schools! I’m just getting warmed up on this subject, so be sure to come back tomorrow. Surely you want to be fed the truth, even if it goes against your traditions. As I’ve previously stated, I believe everything in God’s Word, and no tradition or belief which isn’t based on His Word! And I urge you to read it for yourself, and not blindly accept what I, or anyone else writes! Believe God’s Word; it works! This Daily Meditation Ministry receives no support from any church, or ministry. It’s supported solely by the readers. If you are benefiting from the Daily Meditations, and wish to help this Ministry continue, just click here on on DONATE. If you have a friend or loved one, who you believe would enjoy these Daily Meditations, please instruct them to click on: SUBSCRIBE. Statement of Faith Web Page If you do not wish to receive the Daily Meditations, click unsubscribe; enter your E-Mail address, whereupon it will be deleted within 3 working days; and you have my sincere apology for this mail. Amazed in His presence... ..humbled by His love.
Posted on: Mon, 02 Dec 2013 16:38:19 +0000
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