Should I Celebrate Christmas?

Most sons and daughters realize the gloomy roots of Christmas. For those who don't, it originated from the celebration of Saturnalia. It included many unholy things such as gluttony, filty lucre, debauchery and even torture. Early Christians in the Roman Empire seeked to blend this holiday with a celebration of our Lord's birth in an effort to win followers. Today, we say that when we celebrate this holiday it is for the express reason of celebrating the birth of Jesus, Christ, Yeshua, Yahshua (or whatever name you know Him as). I think those of us who know better say this to justify participating in the fabulous ceremonies and “glee” of the season. I’m not saying that there is no good there, because I know that God can make anything good, but why (if we choose to celebrate) can’t we celebrate the holiday in the spirit we profess it represents? Why must we go bankrupt giving extravagant gifts and break our backs putting up trees, decorations and lights? Why must we succumb year after year to gluttony and drunkenness? There is nothing holy about that. I believe we can celebrate our Lord during Christmas, but we need to reevaluate how we do it.

Personally, Christmas is a very important holiday in my extended family and it will take lots of prayer, and determination to go against the grain, but each year I am forced to come face to face with the reality of what this holiday is and how we hold to customs that are far from pure. I will not try to offend or disrespect anyone, but God is forcing me to see truth. I think this is a part of living in the Nazarite Spirit! Much peace, love and respect to you all!