Good morning! My response yesterday to the question of whether or not to allow the pagan origins of Christmas to be openly discussed here resulted in me finding a Kindle book entitled "In Defense of Christmas" in which its author, Steve Lagoon, addresses each and every concern on the subject. Haven't started it yet but will do so over the weekend. To understand my reaction to that question though, you must understand this. My family was deeply wounded by a "cult" many years ago. Not me... but a family member who had become deeply entrenched (but is free of it now and serving Jesus with her and her family). It LOOKED like a normal, non-denominational, Jesus loving and serving Church, but it's Pastor was an evil man who is now serving time in Prison for his crimes against his Community and the good people taken in by His deceptive teachings which caused many to lose all their money and savings; the children in the Church's Day care and school to be abused by its staff. I could go on, but I won't. THIS Church was the one that convinced my family member that Christmas should not be observed by true people of faith due to its Pagan origins. I know of one pretty well-known Religion that spouts this same teaching; one that most consider to be a cult as well. For me, it's a "what the enemy meant for evil, God has turned into GOOD things". Do I think that sometimes people get off track and focus on the wrong things at Christmas? Sure, I've been guilty of that myself. Especially when your kids are small, it's so easy to get focused on the "fun" stuff like Christmas parties and presents and Santa, etc. But when you take a quiet moment to consider what you are truly celebrating when you celebrate Christmas... the birth of our Savior which was so important to the world it caused time to be reordered as "before Christ" and "after Christ", you come to the conclusion that this is something worth celebrating and speaking loudly to the world. "JOY to the World, the LORD HAS COME; Let EARTH RECEIVE HER KING!" JESUS IS the only reason why anyone should celebrate this SEASON. It's not about the presents. It's not about the parties. It's not about the tree. Though I see nothing wrong with those things. It is about JESUS our KING! So, I suppose I apologize if my reaction seemed a little bit closed minded and I certainly don't wish to censure anyone's viewpoint. But I won't apologize for loving this season and for celebrating the birth of MY JESUS. JESUS is worth celebrating every day of the year! Have a blessed day.
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AuthorCatlover04 Archives
July 2024
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