Worth Repeating - Those Poor Souls Who Don't Celebrate...

This was first posted here in December 2015 and is worth revisiting.

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Recently I was reading a blog where the writer was feeling sorry for "those poor souls" who don't celebrate Christmas, but he wished us happiness in spite of ourselves.  I have to admit that I was a little peeved and wanted to leave a comment, but I decided against it.  I was left wondering, though, why people tend to assume that we are "poor souls."

Probably most of my readers know by now that we don’t celebrate Christmas. Some may wonder what it is exactly that we do while we’re “not celebrating.”

So, I thought I’d just write a post about these topics. :-)

It's Not What You Think

In the first place, we don't sit around feeling sorry for ourselves and being gloomy and sad because we “can’t celebrate like other people do.”  Some folks tend to get funny ideas of what people with different convictions than theirs actually think or feel about a thing like this. Unfortunately, there are people who think that when you have a conviction about something that makes you different from "the norm" (Christmas, ladies wearing pants, homeschooling, simple living, television etc.), that secretly in your heart you are constantly lamenting the fact and feeling terribly deprived. Sorry to disillusion some of you, but we’re not all like that – though I don’t deny that there are some non-celebrators among us who do feel that way, and also that many of us are sometimes a bit forlorn because no one has time for us during this time of the year.  (And because our churches are full of Christmassy stuff.)

For some women and kids it is common to have people assume that their husband or father forces them not to celebrate against their will.  While I know there are some families that have that uncomfortable problem, I also know that there are people with the opposite problem.  They are forced to celebrate against their will.  So, here's the thing: if you judge our conviction as "wrong" because someone among us is unhappy about it, that will condemn your own celebrations because there are unhappy people in your crowd too (and maybe more of them).  So, be careful how you judge.  John 7:24  Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

I also know for a fact that there are plenty of wives and children who are not at all bothered about their family's conviction not to celebrate and even agree 100%.  It's a huge frustration to some of us that we have extended family and friends who simply refuse to believe we are "on board" with not celebrating.

My mom had a lady she knew greet her in the grocery store one year in December and say in a condescending, exaggerated ways, "It must be the Lord who puts that smile on your face!"  My mom, who had no idea what was going on, said, "Of course, it is!"  She was so puzzled that she mentioned it later to the woman's sister.  The sister told my mom the lady said that because she was feeling sorry for her because she'd found out we didn't celebrate Christmas.  My mom was really burned up about that as she would have answered differently if she'd know the reason for the comment.  However, it's just as well, because Mom's answer may have challenged the lady's presuppositions since Mom replied as if she thought the lady was somewhat daft for even saying such a thing. :-)

To the Lord

My own mom and others I know have had much more annoying things than this happen, however. There are those who simply can't let the thing alone - usually some close family member or friend. Ladies, you should be more consumed with "Christian grace" than with "Christmas spirit." Just because you "couldn't stand" not to celebrate, or because it cramps your personal style that we don't, it doesn't follow that you need to pester folks into "joining the fun."  Nor do you need to shame them into participating to prove that they "really love the Lord."  "Christian grace" with its shoes on in this case is "Keep Your Mouth Shut."  I know it's hard sometimes, but here's the truth:

1. If the lady has one mind with her husband or church about not celebrating Christmas, you are only annoying her and causing offence.

2. If the lady does not agree with her husband or church about not celebrating, you are hurting her and making a wound worse!

These go double for children!  It is not your job to turn kids against their parents on matters that are purely preference and personal conviction, rather than clear commands to the New Testament church.

1 Thessalonians 4:9-11  But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

Speaking of personal preferences and convictions, I should point out something really important here that people on both sides of this issue need to deal with.

Romans 14:4-10  Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.  He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.  For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

Did you catch all that?  We each answer to our own Master - God; not to each other.  Some of us esteem one day - Christmas, in this case - above another and some of us treat the day the same as any other day.  We each need to be fully persuaded in the position we take in our own minds - not some one else's!!  Hello!  You - yes, YOU - stop following the dictates of some one else's conscience and stop trying to force your conscience on someone else.  This is about YOUR relationship with the Lord, this is about why Christ died for YOU, so that YOU could be HIS servant in this life and the one to come.  We live unto HIM, not unto men.  Whether we regard the day, or whether we don't regard it we are HIS and we will give account to HIM.  And, we jolly well better be doing it for HIM and not to please man.  Would to God that we could grasp the depth and liberty in that!

My brother grilling one winter day (not Dec. 25th).

So What Do "Those Poor Souls" Do Anyway?

I couldn't even begin to tell all the things non-celebrators do.  I don't know myself.  But, here are some things that I know or would expect:  Reading, catching up on sleep, family games, sledding, cook outs, barbecues, working, studying, talking with friends who also don't celebrate, camping, fishing, cleaning house, sewing, writing (that's me right now), watching a movie, washing clothes, having a family meal...

You get the idea. :-)

I expect that there are even a few who forget that it's a postal holiday and check the mail! :-)

My Own Family's Practice

When my family really finally gave Christmas up completely, we usually treated the day like any other. We did school work (we were homeschooling), chores, etc. and ate a much-less-than-festive meal. Otherwise we treated it like a Saturday – chores, a little recreation (maybe reading or playing outside), and normal meals.

Later, when we had friends who lived in our area who were not celebrating we sometimes got together for a meal and to visit and play a few games. This was usually because they were folks we didn’t see often, and as the men all had the day off we were able to enjoy spending a day together.

Where we live now our local family doesn’t have any friends close enough to really get together with conveniently, so we usually spend it as a regular Saturday around here with some chores and some family time – perhaps a meal or a movie together.

One year my brother managed to shoot a deer here on our property on the morning of December 25th, so that year we spent in various stages of processing the carcass.  That was a very important addition to my brother and sister-in-law's income, so it was a real blessing for them and it was pleasant working together as a family on such a project.  It was also rather convenient that it happened on a "spare" day. :-)

Today my dad has been rototilling his garden because it is Texas and it is warm! :-)  My husband did some maintenance on my computer, and I have done a few chores and took a long nap because I'm tired today.  I think my brother and sister-in-law went fishing.  Last night we had one of our winter "fire pit meals" where we roast hot dogs and sausage over a portable fire pit in my parents' car port.  (Photo taken several years ago.)

I know other people do different things than we do.  If you wonder what it is they actually do, ask them.  But, don't do so in order to feel sorry for them or make prickly remarks, OK?

Just Ask

Speaking of asking, there is one more issue I'd like to touch on.  I have realized that part of the problem with misunderstanding comes from people not wanting to talk to US about why we do what we do.  Maybe they are embarrassed, maybe they don't want to deal with it, maybe they just don't take the time.  What can happen, though, is that they will take someone else's explanation for why we don't celebrate as the truth, when it may not be at all.

I ran across one explanation recently that was bothersome because the person doing the explaining (a Christmas celebrator) showed that "they" didn't have a grasp on what "we" really believe or why. The story given was something I had never heard before and I've been hearing and reading on this subject for around 30 years!  You might say I was a little surprised and annoyed.  In thinking about that though, I just want to encourage you to ask your friends why they don't celebrate. Don't assume you know, and don't just take someone else's explanation for what they do.  There's a good chance that second hand information may be inaccurate on this issue, as often is the case.

One of the most ridiculous situations I've heard of happened to my husband and a few other people who were all attending a Baptist church in the southwest.  The pastor was highly offended when he discovered that there were various people in his congregation who didn't celebrate Christmas and he was apparently determined to force them to submit to his opinion - that all "good Christians" celebrate Christmas.  The comments he made from the pulpit were meant to make others think that anyone who didn't celebrate Christmas had been influenced by the Jehovah's Witnesses.  This was far from the truth, but it connected the people he was shaming to a cult, even if it was in a very nebulous way.  Don't fool yourself.  That was intentional, and it was a very powerful mind game he was playing, both with the ones who didn't celebrate and with those whom he wished to "keep" in his camp.  This is tragic, friends. Tragic.  Such things ought not to be in the Lord's church over issues such as this.  Romans 14 makes that abundantly clear!

We ourselves have a number of reasons why we don't celebrate - not just one.  Consequently, I'm sure it's safe to say there are a lot of reasons why people don't celebrate.  I have one friend who was already really frustrated with the whole drama of American Christmas before she met her husband who didn't celebrate.  For her, it was an easy transition because she'd already cut back.  There are people who had tragic Christmases in their childhood, such as one man my dad knew who had actually received a lump of coal some years.  There are people who have had some terrible personal tragedy that has spoiled the season for them.  There are people who just don't care any more because they are always alone anyway.  I am sure there are people who can't deal with the pain of not having children.  I'm just saying...don't assume you know.

Conclusion

Micah 6:8  He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Ephesians 4:29-32  Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.  And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Never Alone - Encouragement for the Hurting

Hebrews 13:5-6 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. 

John 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. 

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Ephesians 2:12-13 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 

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"I AM WITH YOU"

It is not always comfort to remember
That "God is in His Heaven",
When heavy clouds have hidden all the sunshine
And we are tempest-driven;
When all the world is desolate and lonely,
Or filled with hate and strife;
When hearts grow weary with their cares and troubles,
And grief and sin are rife.

It does not help that God is in His Heaven,
For that seems far away;
No voice comes down to us from that high silence,
No answer when we pray;
Up there, we think, the ceaseless hallelujahs
That rise around the throne
Must dull the echoes of earth’s lamentations,
And drown the sad heart’s moan.

But here is comfort - "I am with you alway
The Faithful and the True
And I will never leave thee nor forsake thee,
The long, hard journey through,"
For Jesus Christ is present help and refuge,
Not far, but very near;
Our Light, our Guide, our Shepherd, our Consoler,
A Saviour Who is here.

by Annie Johnson Flint
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Matthew 28:20 ...lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

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Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. 

The Star of Bethlehem - A Poem by Annie Johnson Flint

 

The Star of Bethlehem

Not to the king the Star,

Flaming in light afar;

Not to the king on his throne apart,

With fear and hate in his evil heart,

Speaking smoothly with lying ruse

To find the new-born King of the Jews;

Not to the king the flame,

The light and the glory came.

Not to the seers the Star,

Shedding its beams afar;

Not to the seers with their downbent looks,

Poring over their ancient books,

Searching where and pondering when,

He should be born who is Saviour of men;

Not to the seers the flame,

The light and glory came.

Not to the sword the Star,

Glowing and bright afar;

Not to the sword that sought where He lay,

Callous and cruel and eager to slay;

Never were bearers of swords so led

Where helpless and innocent blood was shed;

Not to the sword the flame,

The light and the glory came.

But to the wise the Star,

Lighting their path afar;

Unto the wise who truly sought

With reverent worship and loving thought

These to the Child the Star could bring,

To lay their gifts at the feet of the King;

Unto the wise the flame,

The light and the glory came.

- Annie Johnson Flint -

Matthew 2:9-10  When they had heard the king, they

departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east,

went before them, till it came and stood over where the

young child was. When they saw the star,

they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

Research that was done at the Monterey Institute for Research in Astronomy showed some interesting things about the activity of the stars and planets in 3 B.C. when Jesus Christ would have been born. The indications from that project were that He was most likely born in September, possibly on the 11th. Here is a link to a post on this subject for further reading: The Christmas Star Research Project.

Is Today A Sad or Lonely Day?

If today is a sad day, a lonely day, a hard day for you, know this - there is One who sees your struggle and His love for you is greater than any human love ever could be. Faint not, weary one; you are of much value to Him. He sees, He cares, and He will be with you in your time of difficulty.

Lamentations 3:21-26  This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

Matthew 14:27  But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

This may not be a cheerful day for you by the world's standards, but knowing that Jesus Christ is with you is a good reason to be of good cheer.

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It Is Jesus

There is a Voice through Earth's wild clamor calling,
To all the heavy laden and oppressed,
Sweet as the cooling dew at even falling;
"Come unto Me and rest."

It is the voice of Jesus still entreating,
To all the comfortless and all the sad;
Day after day His tender call repeating,
"Come unto Me and I will make you glad."

There is a Hand outstretched in tenderest pity,
Where all the weary and the wandering roam,
Waiting to lead them to the heavenly city,
To bring the homeless Home.

It is the hand of Jesus, still upholding,
Strong to deliver, mighty still to keep;
And none shall pluck from out that safe enfolding,
The weakest one of all His blood-bought sheep.

There is a Form that walks life's stormy ocean,
Bidding the noise of wind and tempest cease;
Crying along through all the wild commotion,
"In Me ye shall have peace."

Oh, it is Jesus coming o'er the waters,
As once He walked the waves of Galilee,
Speaking to all earth's shipwrecked sons and daughters,
"Be not afraid; have faith, have faith in Me."

There is a Love that longs with deep affection
To gather all the sin-sick sons of men,
Beneath its wings of shelter and protection,
And give them health again.

It is the love of Jesus, sweet with longing,
His full salvation to the world to give;
Crying to all the dead, earth's highways thronging,
"Come unto Me, come unto Me and live."

by Annie Johnson Flint

Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

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Evening Song - The Snare of Prosperity

This song is a good reminder as we enter the most intense period of Christmas shopping. This weekend kicks off some serious buying and selling in the U.S. I don't know how or if this happens to such a degree in other cultures that celebrate the Christmas season. But, for Christians it is a very good time to consider carefully what is really important. The deceitfulness of riches and the excesses of covetousness are in full play in the world. Don't let that snare catch you, my Christian friend. Psalm 119:110 The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.

Hosea 13:6 According to their pasture, so were they filled; they were filled, and their heart was exalted; therefore have they forgotten me. 

Jeremiah 9:23-24 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. 

Mark 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 

Luke 16:13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. 

Verses in this video are in another translation of the Bible, so I have given them above in the KJV.

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Fewer Gifts Could Actually Be Good - A Different Perspective on the Threatened "Gift Shortages"

Well, the talking heads have been threatening Americans with less availability of gifts this year for the holiday season. I'm not sure if this is a legitimate thing or just another way to fan the flames of fear, capitalism, and compulsive buying. I guess some areas are being affected more than others.

Those who have been reading my blog for awhile may remember that a few years back I did a "Holiday Challenge" to Christians that observe Christmas encouraging them to make the holiday more about the birth of Jesus Christ and glorifying Him since that is the claimed reason for it. In short, to act upon the claims and celebrate in a way that makes Him the center and object entirely instead of bowing to the idol of consumption and worldly pleasure.

Colossians 3:5-7 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

This seemed like a good opportunity to repost a couple of the challenges specifically and the series in general.

The 6 part series can be found here: Running In Vain? A Holiday Challenge

The two parts that I want to especially emphasize, though are these:

Spend Less, Don't Buy Stuff, Plan Ahead 

This one is to help you think about simplifying your gift giving - ideas for homemade gifts, ways to cut back, etc. Spending and giving less in order to take the focus off of getting and stuff. This would be a great year to begin this if you haven't already. 

Simplify Your Holiday Activities

This could help reduce spending and also, as you reduce the spending and giving, this could give you the time to focus on some more intentional together times and ministry.

As I was writing this I also thought about all the people who have lost loved ones in 2020 and 2021 and it seemed like I should encourage you to think about them as well, so here is the challenge that deals with that. 

Seeing With Compassion

Quote: "Making your celebration quieter and less intense, less cluttered with the myriad of holiday junk that China has put at our disposal, will give more opportunity to notice people and to focus on their real needs. If this is done with the mind of Christ it will result in compassion and conscious acts of kindness and love. In short, Christ-like behavior will follow."

John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. 

How about if you stop hoping the ships get unloaded and that the stuff gets delivered in time and think about ways that you can do more with less - more that will glorify the Lord Jesus and show people what His love looks like with shoes on. :-)

Planning NOT to Buy Too Much

1 Timothy 6:6-8 But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 

This is an interesting video that explains what is called "the Diderot Effect." This is the odd tendency that people have that leads to chain purchase. By that I mean, you buy something and then need something else to go with it, and something else to go with that, and so forth till you've made a whole string of purchases based on that first purchase. The first purchase may actually be needed, but often the following purchases are not. At the end, Becker suggests that instead of trying to impress people with things, you should try to impress them with how you live. I understand why he says that, but in the biblical worldview that isn't what Christians should be trying to do either. We should be living to glorify God. Keeping the excessive and unnecessary consumption and purchase of things under control is one way that we can glorify God. Learning to be content with what God has given us is one way to achieve that.

It seemed especially appropriate to post this now as so many people are focusing on buying at this time of year. Please consider your purchases prayerfully. Truthfully, folks, using Jesus' birth as an excuse to fill your homes (or "stockings") with junk is at the very least tacky. At worst it is dishonoring to the name that you claim to honor. Don't let yourself be caught up in the covetousness and hyper-consumerism of the season.  [For further reading: Spend Less, Don't Buy Stuff, Plan Ahead]

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A Day to Remember

 

It might come as a surprise to some of my readers when I say that today is quite probably the birthday of the Lord Jesus Christ. I base this statement on an extensive research that was done some years back at the Monterey Institute for Research in Astronomy in California. You may read the full article on this research by Dr. Craig Chester to learn more about it. 

With modern science it is now possible to use a computer to display the night sky from any location at any time in past known history. Out of curiosity a group of astronomers decided to set their machine to demonstrate what the night sky would have looked like to the wise men from the East and on their journey to Israel during the time frame of Christ’s birth (approximately 3 B.C., due to corrupting of the calendar). What Dr. Chester and his fellow astronomers learned by viewing the movement of the stars, sun, moon, and planets during that period of time was that there was in fact an amazing series of events in the night sky that the wise men, being proficient in reading the heavens, would have been able read. From this they were able to learn that there was indeed a great King born in Bethlehem. Interestingly enough, the date that He was most likely born was September 11th.

“September 11, 3 B.C., is perhaps the most interesting date of all. Not only was Jupiter very close to Regulus in the first of their conjunctions, but the sun was in the constellation of Virgo (of obvious symbolism- the Virgin), together with the new moon (a Jewish symbolic event), in a configuration that fits a plausible interpretation of a passage in the Book of Revelation describing the birth of a male child who is to be the ruler of the universe. Significantly, September 11, 3 B.C., also marked the beginning of the Jewish New Year, traditionally regarded as the anniversary of Noah's landing after the Great Flood.”

By studying the course of Abia (Luke 1:5-8), some have concluded that it is pretty certain that Christ was born in the spring or fall – not on December 25th. However, with the star research now available, it seems safe to say that it was most likely in September, and probably the 11th.

A Different Perspective

Isaiah 5:20-23  Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!  Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!  Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!

There has been a lot of speculation about the World Trade debacle and a lot of accusations regarding conspiracies. It certainly was a conspiracy, but whether it was solely the work of Muslim zealots, whether other entities were involved, and whether the U.S. government was apprised of the impending disaster is up for some debate – or maybe I should say a lot of debate. 

My perspective personally is that it doesn’t matter a whole lot what was going on “behind the scenes," there is nothing I can do about it now no matter what the scenario. I know that there have been situations in past history where the leaders of a country decided not to heed a warning or allowed a dangerous situation to occur because they needed an “event” to justify going to war. On the other hand, there have also been significant sabotage events that were a complete surprise to the powers that be. It really doesn’t matter that much how it all came about since the event is over and there is nothing truly constructive we can do about the conspiracy involved. (Note: Please see my previous post on how we can remember 9-11 and turn the evil intentions to good: Overcoming Evil with Good.) God is the righteous judge and only He can mete justice where it is truly deserved.  Romans 12:19  …Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Regardless of what the conspiracies of men may be, you can count on there having been one conspirator who was orchestrating the whole thing from start to finish, and that is Satan, the roaring lion who seeks to devour. 1 Peter 5:8  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

The fact that the date he chose was September 11 makes me wonder. I’m inclined to think that he knew full well what he was doing. The father of lies (John 8:44), who has convinced the world to celebrate “Christ’s birth” on December 25th, one of his own particular unholy days, certainly is aware of the actual day that Jesus Christ was born. And, look at the evil that has been caused by the September 11th event: thousands of people died (including Jews); Israel has been blamed for the attack and singled out to suffer for it; Islam has been both blamed and “nice-ified” and re-characterized as “peaceful” and “good” (an up-side-down response from our politically correct society); more war and violence has been justified; and, significantly to the accuser of the brethren (Rev. 12:10), Christians have been encouraged and inspired to bow more zealously to the golden calf of patriotism and militarism. [Disclaimer – some content and I do not agree with all of this author’s viewpoint.]

Could all this be a mere accident? I think not. In the big scheme of things, there is altogether too much “coincidence” to make this an accident.

What Are We Doing?

I have lamented before, and probably will again, that more Christians don’t see the point in observing the birth of Jesus Christ at the time it was most likely to have happened. We’re told repeatedly by our fellow believers that they are observing “Christmas” in December to honor Christ’s birth. How much more would it honor Him if the church separated from the carnal activities of December and had its celebrations at a totally different time of the year – a more appropriate time? (Read more.)

I would not object to observing Jesus’ birth in September, but it is not something that the church is commanded to do and we have not felt compelled to do so privately. But, I have to say that in April this year when we, the church of the Lord, were observing the resurrection of Christ it grieved my heart when I stopped to think about how a whole month of the year is preoccupied with allegedly celebrating His birth, while we generally give less than a week to the remembrance of His death, burial and resurrection. Can this please God?

Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

1 Corinthians 15:13-20 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

While the birth of Jesus Christ is important and a very precious and wonderful thing, it is His death and resurrection that are the central point of all history. How is it that the Lord’s church celebrates the first to such extremes and the second so little? But, I digress.

In Conclusion

I think there was a lot more at stake the day the World Trade Center was destroyed. This should not be a surprise to Christians. The book of Daniel tells us a little about the tremendous spiritual battle that is going on unknown by us. We catch small glimpses of it at times in different ways. When anything as significant as that event happens, it is a given that great spiritual forces of evil were at work one way or another. If this day truly was the day the Prince of Peace was born in Bethlehem we can hardly wonder that it would be chosen for such an event. But, as the servants of the Prince of Peace - the ultimate Victor in the end - how should we be remembering that day? We should be living in His peace and striving to pass it on to others. This is the way to honor the Lord not only on the probable day of His birth, but every day that He gives us upon this earth.

Colossians 3:15  And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.


Romans 10:15  And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

Disappointed with Your Christmas?

 

There are so many ways that Christmas can be a disappointing holiday.  I have friends who had a horrible stomach bug one year on Christmas Day.  They tried to celebrate anyway, but it was pretty pathetic. 

Then there are the annoyances of family contention that sometimes mar the day.  Let’s face it, not everyone always gets along and “plays well together” at family gatherings.  If someone who has a strong personality happens to be in a bad mood they can ruin the day for everyone else.

There are also the disappointments when plans go awry for one reason or another.  Maybe someone can’t make it.  Maybe the weather was too bad for travel.  Maybe you ruined the dinner.  Maybe the family you were counting on to come be with you decided to go somewhere else or are sick.

Then, if we’re going to be honest, some years your gifts just stink.  You don’t get a thing you wanted or the budget is so tight that you have to forego your own wishes in sacrifice for others.  Sacrificing for others is a good thing to do, but there was quite likely a small part of your own heart that was just a little disappointed.

Of course, a lot of people are disappointed in the holiday because they don’t have other people to be with who really care about them.  Maybe you are alone.  Maybe no one invited you to join them because you don’t have any family near by or just because they were thoughtless and selfish.  Maybe you are depressed or suffering from SAD and can’t enjoy the day.

Whatever the case may be, if you are child of God through faith in Jesus Christ, I’d just like to encourage you to remember that the Lord loves and cares for you and that He is touched by your feelings in this disappointment.  Hebrews 4:15-16  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

If you are not a child of God yet, you can start having a better day now by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ and putting your faith in Him for the eternal salvation of your soul.  Romans 10:9-13  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

The scripture says this of Jesus Christ:

Isaiah 53:3-6  He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.  Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.  All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Here are more words of comfort:

No Greater Love

Our Sanctuary

Jesus Knows Thy Sorrow

What Do We Tell Them? – Answering Questions About Christmas when You Don’t Celebrate

 

For those of us who do not observe the Christmas holiday or who don’t do so in all the traditional manner, the questions from others regarding why can sometimes be difficult to deal with, especially for children.  In this article I attempt to give some positive ways that this can be addressed, and with your children in particular.  This was prompted by a reader’s question/comment that I received earlier this year.

Proverbs 22:20-21 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?

A reader whose family had quit celebrating Christmas asked me what we say when someone wishes us "Merry Christmas" or asks about Christmas.  She wondered how to help her children specifically to deal with such questions and comments.  Kids have a tendency sometimes to state the facts in a less than gracious manner, or they can be confused about what to say or to whom.

This has been one of the tough issues for so many Christians who have chosen to abstain from certain celebrations.  Whether it's Christmas, Halloween, cultural or tribal customs, or whatever, there can be uncertainty about how to answer questions.   An added challenge, at least to the Christmas equation, is that too often it's the other believers who are most offended when we choose not to participate.  Weirdly enough, unsaved people often "get it" because they are more focused on the carnal and lustful aspects themselves.  This complicates things considerably at times…

Continue reading here.

Christmas Challenge No. Six: Seeing with Compassion

 

But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Matthew 9:36

Last year I put up a blog post on December 25th entitled "Because Christmas Isn't Always Merry..."  A reader  made some comments on it in which she talked about what a painful time of year Christmas is for some people.  She pointed out that some simply can't be "merry" or keep the tradition of celebrating with family as it's presented by the world.  This can cause real distress and depression for those people.

I hadn't really expected to post a holiday challenge this year, but recently it popped into my head that one problem with the heavy celebration schedule that many people keep is that they fail to really see those who need to be seen the most - the hurting, the lonely, the ill, the downtrodden. I've written at length about remembering the poor and touched on the hurting and lonely people in that challenge as well as in the one to simplify your holidays.  Perhaps this might seem like repeating myself, but sometimes we need to hear something from more than one angle before we really see it.

Continue reading here.

Reader’s Comments – Why Do Americans Decorate for the Seasons?

 

I thought it might be interesting to address some reader’s comments in posts, so I’m going to start a new series.  Some of these may come from email from the Home Maker’s Corner, but I think most will be comments made here at the blog.

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A year ago Joluise made a comment on my post “A Reminder for this Time of Year”.  In response to my answer she said this:

“I read a number of Christian blogs and I am fascinated by the number who "decorate" their homes for Fall. We just don't do that and find it all very strange. A number of blogs have had photos of pumpkins in all the house and decorations on their mantelpieces. I wouldn't even think of decorating for spring right now!!”

I don’t know if this custom came from other European countries or not.  I know Australia has had primarily a British influence.  I haven’t researched this subject, so take this as my opinion and observations.

First off, both the U.S. and Canada have a historical Thanksgiving Day to celebrate the harvest.  This particular holiday happening in the autumn, which is unusually beautiful in parts of North America, lends itself to decorating with the gorgeous foliage and produce of the season as well as things associated with the first Thanksgiving in the U.S. – leaves, pumpkins, Indian corn, squash, apples, grapes, acorns, etc.  Summers in North America can be long and hot in some parts, so autumn is also a welcomed relief from the heat – something worth celebrating.  Also, since school starts at the end of the summer, autumn offers the first big seasonal “craft project” opportunity for the kids.  Often these projects are items to be used for décor.

Sadly, Halloween has been built into one of the biggest holidays in the U.S.  I can’t exactly say how this happened, but due to its overtly devilish connections I’m sure that Satan has made much of the opportunity to encourage it in many ways.  The longish time period between July 4th (Independence Day) and October 31st without any significant decorating holidays, has probably contributed to people’s “need” to make it big in the U.S.

In addition, much of the U.S. and Canada have very distinct seasons.  Winter is long and dark and cold in many areas so spring is anticipated eagerly, and in some parts of the continent spring is spectacular.  When the flowers appear it’s a natural tendency to bring some inside – daffodils, tulips, pussywillows, apple blossoms, dogwood, redbud, etc.  In fact, some of the tree blossoms can be cut and brought inside to bloom early.

The spring observance of the Lord’s resurrection, which has very sadly been combined with ancient European and Middle Eastern fertility cults and so named Easter, naturally lends itself to certain springtime decorations being used since it occurs at that time of year.  May baskets, a former custom brought from the Old World, I believe, were given in some parts of the American continent at one time.

Of course, the usual decorations for the Christmas season have been around for ages and came from the Old World, again much of it dating from ancient times and other religions.  In the very early years it was not observed much or at all in parts of the U.S., and only became a huge holiday later on.  The usual firs, pine, spruce and holly were available here, but there were also other things such as bittersweet vine and cranberries which were late autumn items that could be stretched into December.

Now, I believe that one reason decorating for the seasons has become such a big deal is that the commercial world has capitalized on the already existing tendencies or interest.  The manufacturers of goods have come up with a massive array of artificial decorations and many different products.  Gardening stores, food markets and florists have offered a variety of real plants, foods, vegetables, fruits and flowers.  Seasonal sales have become a big, big deal for them all.  It is very profitable, and every year there are a number of holidays and seasons that can be used to promote sales.  In short, it’s a huge money making opportunity for them.  In somewhat more recent times Halloween, Independence Day (July 4th), Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and perhaps other days have been built into more than they originally were as well.  Pushing the “seasonal décor” relating to these holidays, in addition to the others, has increased the profits of sellers and increased the amount of purchasing and decorating being done.

It has not been that difficult to convince a willing market to increase their spending and decorating habits in relation to the seasons.  In addition to the increased advertising, DIY and crafting sources (shows, web pages, catalogs, etc.) and decorating experts have added to the “need” for seasonal décor.  They have introduced a vast array of “possibilities” and often offered products from “sponsors” to make the projects easier.  If you want to you can now redecorate your entire house for some holidays or seasons such as Christmas and autumn.  Basically it’s very clever marketing, and it works or they wouldn’t do it.

So, I guess the short answer would be that our distinct and beautiful seasons combined with the holidays being pushed and promoted by sellers of goods has resulted in a tendency of many to over-do things as far as decorating for the seasons is concerned.

For my own part, I don’t object to some modest changes of décor for the seasons.  I enjoy it and would probably bring in natural things more if I could or needed to.  As it is, I do some seasonal decorating, but mostly in one place – the dining room, and mostly on the buffet and table there. 

Fall and spring tend to be my favorites for changing up the décor, but I also have a collection of snow themed items that I use most years in the winter.  Summer is a long season here in Texas, so what I put out then stays the longest I think; and perhaps our fewer real seasons here is one reason I like to decorate a little inside.  I have pretty much limited myself to one large storage tub for my seasonal items.  Except for the natural things I sometimes use (pumpkins, squash, flowers, etc.), I store most of the items I use in that tub and try not to accumulate more than that.  I probably need to “delete” a few items.

I don’t mind changing the few items on the buffet and table, and the table sometimes gets changed randomly (a different table cloth or placemats for whatever reason).  Some few of the items are year round items that stay in the mix anyway, or can if I want them to. :-)  Some things just get moved from their normal spot to the buffet for the season so it is more rearranging those items.

My spring décor on the buffet a few years back.
The rabbit pitcher and strawberries are “regulars” in my décor elsewhere, I just moved them for the season.  Also, I’d been thinking I wanted some artificial daffodils for spring, but I didn’t buy them right away and I was so glad I didn’t because I found these with the hyacinths(?) later in a box in the garage.  I’d forgotten I had them they’d been packed up so long.  So, I got to “shop my own stuff”. :-)

My Fall décor a year or two ago.
Yes that is a rug on the right.  We got it for fifty cents at a yard sale. :-)  The beautiful doily was made by my Gramma Hoover and is a “regular” there.  I’m thinking the cat tails need to be “deleted”.

And some winter décor.
As you can see, the blue basket gets used a lot.  It isn’t always out, but I find it very versatile.  Also, the verse with the kookaburra stays all the time.  It was made for me by my Aussie sister-in-law and it goes with anything really.  The snowmen are sitting on quilt batting, in case you wondered and the poinsettia is artificial too.  I think I got it marked way down at the end of the season one year. :-)

My dining room table one year at Thanksgiving.
The “runner” is just two placemats. :-)
The leaves are artificial and were snipped from a “bush”.
I saved seeds from the little squash and my dad grew some the next couple years.

The Birth of Jesus Christ – Part 2, Luke 1:26-28

 

If you missed the first part of this study on the birth of Jesus, you may wish to go back and start at the beginning.

This section turned out shorter than I thought, or rather longer.  I intended to cover more verses than this today, but I got slightly sidetracked when the Roman Catholic prayer called the “Hail Mary” came to mind.  This passage seemed like a good place to cover the issue of praying the Mary as the Catholic church teaches it.

Read here: Luke 1:26-28

The Birth of Jesus Christ, Part 1 – Luke 1:1-25

 

Since we don't observe Jesus Christ's birth in December as most Christians do, we occasionally hear comments regarding the observance of His birth that seem to imply that we don't appreciate it as much as we "should".  Consequently, this year I decided to do a Bible study dealing with the birth of Christ.  It seems quite possible that He was born in September (see The Star Research), which is why I picked this month to start this study.  Hopefully we’ll get through the whole of it over the course of this month, but no promises. :-) 

Even though it has been many years since my own family stopped celebrating Christmas, it has still been interesting to me to dig into this wonderful event without all the trappings of the "holiday season" to distract me and reinterpret things for me, and yet curiously I still feel the residual effect of all that.  It's really amazing to me how much the traditions of "Christmas" have influenced the celebration of Jesus' birth among Christians.  If you study it without any reference to all the "holiday spirit", it seems so different from the glitzy event that goes on in so many churches and homes in December.  This alone is reason enough to rethink how we deal with it, in my humble opinion.

This will be a basic verse by verse study, but not one where every word is detailed out. Because this is a long study, I am going to divide it up into sections to make it easier to read.

Read here: Luke 1:1-25

Because Christmas Isn’t Always Merry…

 

This is always a tough time of year for people who are suffering, grieving, alone, troubled, in crisis, etc.  The emphasis on happiness, “merriness” and festivities can make those who are struggling feel extremely lonely.  In consideration for that, I wanted to post some comforting things here today.

Isaiah 41:10  Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Poems:

His Billows – by Annie Johnson Flint

“I Am with You” – by Annie Johnson Flint

I See Jesus – by Annie Johnson Flint

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Words of Comfort:

No Greater Love

“Fear Not” and Comfort Verses

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Hallelujah, What A Savior – Philip P. Bliss

It Is Well with My Soul – Horatio G. Spafford

 

Re-run of Holiday Challenge Number 5 – Remember the Poor

 

I haven’t written a new Holiday Challenge for a couple years now.  I did have an idea this year, but I didn’t get onto it soon enough and it seemed unfair to post it so late, so it will have to wait, if I use it at all.  As some of my readers may remember, I started this Challenge a few years ago to encourage those who do celebrate Christ’s birth at this time of year to think more scripturally about what they are doing.

I found a video this week that touched my heart and gave me a desire to repost the Holiday Challenge Number Five – Remember the Poor.  (A link to the video is at the bottom of the page.)

This happens to be my favorite challenge of the lot.  It is not too late to take these thoughts to heart and DO something about it.  Please, if you claim Christ and claim to be honoring Him in your celebrations this time of year, consider these things prayerfully.  There is so much that could be done.

A New Holiday Challenge

 

Some of my readers may remember that we do not celebrate Christmas.  A couple years ago I put up a post on this blog with a link to a page on the Home Maker’s Corner where I explained why we don’t celebrate Christmas.  Partly this was to help readers understand why there wasn’t any “Christmas cheer” on this blog. :-)

Last December I felt compelled to start something a little different, namely a challenge to those who do celebrate Christmas to start putting their actions where their claims are and really transform their celebrations into something that glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ.  The challenges include a variety of difficulty levels to help people at least make a start.

This year I wanted to address the Christmas tree – that sacred cow of all Christmas traditions.  It seems like it’s one of the hardest things to get rid of for many people.  It was for my own family, in fact.  I’m posting this before Thanksgiving for obvious reasons.  :-)

So, here is the new Holiday Challenge – Challenge Number Four: Get Rid of the Tree.

I realize that some people will refuse to read this simply because of the title.  The very idea of not having a Christmas tree is so stressful or appalling to them that they can’t even deal with the thought, let alone the information.  Sadly, this attitude sound more like idolatry than true love for the Lord Jesus Christ.  I hope there will be those who are strong enough to at least read it and consider what I have to say, even if they don’t at first agree with the idea.

Another Holiday Challenge – Number Five: Remember the Poor

This challenge is rather late, and I apologize for that.  Some of you may still have opportunity to put some of these thoughts to use, but perhaps it will challenge you to make changes for next year.  At any rate, I’m inclined to say that this challenge is not for the faint of heart.

Challenge Number Five - Remember the Poor

“Have you ever considered how the Lord Jesus Christ would have you "celebrate His birthday"?  Be honest.  Have you considered what He would do, what He did do when He was on this earth, and the sort of people to whom He delights to minister?”

Another Holiday Challenge Posted

Challenge Number Three of the Holiday Challenge is no up.

While I realize that some of these challenges are going to be too late for you to incorporate this year, I still plan to continue posting them till they are done, Lord willing.  The one I just put up is about reducing the level of activities that you participate in.  After all, if you are supposed to be celebrating Christ’s birth, why not focus more on Him and less on the “festivities of the season”?  This is one thing that you may still have time to adjust in some areas.

Challenge Number Three – Simplify Your Holiday Activities

Excerpts:

1 Peter 4:3-4 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:

“What is this madness that people get into for a month or more prior to Christmas?  They are running to parties, shopping, attending events (recitals, plays, programs, cantatas, practices), shopping, cooking and baking in excess, shopping, etc.?  What does all that have to do with the Lord Jesus Christ?…”

“…Maybe it's time to choose a simpler plan for your "celebration".  Not only will it save you money; you will also have time to focus more on your family (especially your children whom you claim you must have Christmas for); you will be less emotionally exhausted; and most of all you will have more time, energy and resources to focus on the Lord Jesus Christ.  (Wouldn't that be a novel idea.)…”

Running In Vain? - A Holiday Challenge

If you know what our position is on the Christmas holiday you are likely to think that you know what this is about.  Try again.  It is not what you think! :-)  Please take the time to look it over before you write it off.

Do you claim to celebrate Christmas in honor of the birth of Jesus Christ?  Silly question, right? The commercialism and the lack of focus on Jesus Christ is something that has been a particular burden on my heart this year.  Consequently, it seemed like a good idea to lay out some challenges to my fellow believers to attempt to get those of you who do celebrate to consider what you are doing, and why. Furthermore, it would be good to give up some of the things that are either contrary to sound reasoning (to say nothing of scripture) or excessive either in cost or behavior.  Under the present circumstances worldwide, there is great virtue in simplifying your celebrations and making a point of spending less; or spending in a manner that takes Jesus Christ as the example.

A few excerpts from the introduction:

In Galatians 2:2 the Apostle Paul writes regarding his visit to Jerusalem, And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.  This verse was brought to my attention in another context the very same day that I started writing this article.  (God is like that, and I love Him for it!)  It seems to me that there are so many Christians who, in the area of celebrating "Christmas", are running in vain…

…I urgently desire to see my fellow believers be more purposeful in what they do, especially when claiming that it is to the glory of God.  Because of this, I am introducing a variety of challenges so that you may choose one or more that you feel you can truly accomplish.  There will be some that are more challenging than others.  Please prayerfully consider what the Lord would have you to do…

…You don't want to be like the people Jesus describes in Matthew 15:8, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

Continue reading this challenge.