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!

Thankful?

Even though I am aware that Thanksgiving Day is considered a secular holiday to many, I ask, "Are we thankful? And why must we wait until this time of year to figure out that we're blessed?" I know this question doesn't apply to fellow sons and daughters because we are always sending up praises for the blessings He gives us each day, each hour, each second! So, I know we don't have to be reminded with a special day. As I think on thanks, one person in particular comes to mind. That person is my husband. He is always so thankful - for the smallest most insignificant things. Sometimes he gets impatient with me when I get in a complaining mood. I'm not saying he's perfect, but he's a great example of a person who knows how to be appreciative. He didn't need the calendar to tell him it's Thanksgiving Day. He already realizes it's everyday! As I said, I know the wonderful sons and daughters who are reading this don't need to be told this. I know that we know the very fact that we are breathing is something to be thankful for. To be even more extreme - just to feel ANYTHING whether it be pain or pleasure is a reason to be thankful - because it means we exist and if we exist to do The Father's Will, then that's something to be thankful for! Unlike most of you, sometimes I forget to be thankful, but unlike many people, I can look around and see that special someone in my life and get a glimpse of his big ole' smile, hear his positive thoughts and remember - however grumpily, that I should be thankful! So I say to all of you: "Happy Thanksgiving Day each and every day! Be blessed!