The Greatest Thought

Posted on January 17, 2013 by glenn

Daniel Webster was once asked what is the greatest thought that can occupy one’s mind.

What a powerful thing to contemplate. Just trying to think of the greatest thought might be the greatest challenge in and of itself.

One of my first suggestions of the greatest thought would be the concept of eternity or infinity. Our mortal minds cannot adequately grasp the concept of something with no beginning or no end. That indeed would be a great thought on which to think.

Perhaps the greatest thought to contemplate is the meaning of life. What is the meaning of life? Philosophers have dealt with the question for ages. The wise man Solomon explored the topic in the book of Ecclesiastes. He tried everything under the sun and came to the conclusion that man’s purpose is simply to fear GOD and keep His commandments.

Pharaoh asked one of the greatest questions in Exodus 5:2 when he posed, “Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice?” That is certainly a great thought to ponder.

Or consider Job’s question in Job 2:9. Shall we accept good from GOD and not accept adversity? Some struggle with the idea of a good GOD allowing pain and suffering.

Perhaps the greatest thought is to consider GOD’S love for mankind. His love is so strong that Jesus Christ was willing to momentarily separate Himself from GOD the Father and take on the sins of the whole world just to give us an opportunity for salvation. Powerful thought.

Consider GOD’S forgiveness. With the salvation offered through Christ comes forgiveness. And through Him we are justified. I think of the simple definition of the term justified. It is just as if I’d never sinned. Thus I am able to come before GOD’S presence as if I’d never sinned.

These are all powerful ideas to occupy one’s mind. There are many others. What is the greatest evil? What is the greatest truth? This list could go on and on.

But remember I began by observing this question was presented to Daniel Webster. While each of us might debate what our response would be, let us note Daniel Webster’s reply. It is very interesting. His answer was that the greatest thought that can occupy one’s mind is to think about his accountability before GOD.

Wow…

Hebrews 9:27 makes the following statement, “For it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.”

Every person who has ever lived will stand before GOD the Father in this judgment and give account for his life (Matthew 12:36, Romans 14:12, 1 Peter 4:5). With all eternity hanging in the balance I will give account for my life.

It is hard to disagree with Mr. Webster.

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The Billboard

Posted on January 13, 2013 by glenn

As I am driving through our town I pass by several billboards with the same message. In fact I have seen the message on television and heard in on radio also. It is in fact timely today even though it was written about 3,000 years ago. It expresses our concern for our nation.

If My people who are called by My Name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and forgive their sin and heal their land.

This scripture is found in 2 Chronicles 7:14 and was given to King Solomon. It is the classic if/then statement, a conditional statement that presents the people with some things they must do first in order to receive GOD’S blessings. It is as true today as it was then.

Note there were 4 things the people were required to do after which GOD promised He would do 3 things. They were to humble themselves, pray, seek Him, and turn from their wicked ways. In turn GOD would hear, forgive, and heal.

I find it extremely important to note the order of the 4 things the people were asked to do. Note what was listed first. Humility. There is no need to pray and seek GOD until one first has the proper attitude. One is to be humble, to have a broken spirit. A humble spirit is one that recognizes his helplessness in spiritual matters. It is the very opposite of pride and arrogance. What do we find to be the first Beatitude? Blessed is the poor in spirit. Again I don’t think the order is meaningless. One must have the proper attitude toward GOD before any other action is acceptable. This inner response is a broken spirit, a realization of one’s total need for GOD.

We are next encouraged to pray. How is your prayer life? The Hebrew term for pray is palal. It is interesting to note the meaning also can involve interceding on behalf of others. When was the last time you prayed for others? What percentage of your prayers would you say is for others versus self? Study the prayers found in the bible and note the selfless attitude found in many of them.

We are to seek Him. The Bible says “Ask and it shall be given, seek and you shall find” Matthew 7:7. It also directs us to “Seek first the kingdom of GOD…” in Matthew 6:33.

And we are to turn from our wicked ways, i.e. repent. Before one can be acceptable to GOD, repentance is necessary. Luke 13:3, “Unless you repent you shall all likewise perish.”

Then GOD will hear our prayers (what a thrilling thought), forgive our sins (the greatest blessing that comes through Christ) and heal our land (only GOD can save our great nation).

But I have said all this to come to this the most important point. This promise is not made to America. As much as I love this great country, it is not addressed to the nation. If you read carefully you will see that there are actually 5 conditions placed on man. If MY PEOPLE who are called by MY NAME. It is addressed only to the true children of GOD. In our time, this would be faithful followers of Christ.

GOD’ S people have never been in the majority. He would have saved Sodom for the sake of 10 souls. I am convinced that America has been spared and continues to be blessed by Him for the sake of the righteous few that are her citizens.

My hope is that you are one of His people who are called by His Name. And that you will with all humility continue in prayer for our great nation. I sincerely pray that this country will continue to be the wonderful place to live and serve GOD for my children, grandchildren and their children.

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Offense and Defense

Posted on January 10, 2013 by glenn

The college football bowl season recently came to a close. College football has evolved into a wide open attack offensively. Most teams are throwing the football all over the field and going without a huddle in an effort to keep the defenses off balance. But when all was said and done, the two teams who played for the National Championship were both known for their defense. So even though offense may entertain and sell tickets, it is still defense that wins championships.

I have always known that the best offense is a good defense. Defending in a game is one thing but consider defending property or life. This sort of defense takes on a whole new meaning. Guns as part of a defense package are a hot topic in politics right now. But that will be a discussion for a later day.

Today I wish to look to the animal kingdom and observe the various defensive strategies. These range from the opossum pretending to be dead to the newborn fawn whose spots make them very well camouflaged. Or consider the turtle’s shell or the cheetah’s speed. For our consideration today I would like to think about one from the insect world. The Bombardier Beetle has a very interesting defensive mechanism.

This beetle is covered with a hard shell but that is really not the defensive strategy. This insect has within its body various chambers containing some interesting chemicals. These chemicals have to be kept separate because they are highly reactive to one another. These chambers contain hydrogen peroxide and hydroquinone. Other chambers contain two enzymes called catalase and peroxidase. When all of these are combined together, a chemical reaction takes place releasing heat, which raises the temperature of the fluid and gas inside the chamber to the boiling point. This foul tasting chemical heated to the boiling point is sprayed strategically into the face of the threat. And interestingly enough, the beetle carries a supply for at least 20 discharges!

Consider the complexity of design in this defensive mechanism. Now how much faith does it take to believe that this is the result of evolution? How could these chemicals so highly reactive to one another appear in the same body by accident? I have stated before that it takes much more faith to believe in evolution than to believe that a Creator designed all of these marvelous works.

Speaking of defensive and offensive weapons, consider the language we find in Ephesians 6. Here GOD describing to man the armor to be used to stand against the devil. He says to gird your waist with truth, put on the breastplate of righteousness, shoe your feet with the gospel of peace, and utilize the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation. Please note that with only one remaining, all those mentioned so far have been defensive in nature. Yes, defense wins…

The single remaining weapon is the only offensive one listed, the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of GOD. As important as defense is, we certainly do need some kind of offense in order to win. In the only game that really counts, GOD’S word is all we need.

And oh yeah, did I mention that my team won the championship? For the second time in a row and three out of the last four years? And in addition to the great defensive effort shown, there was a tremendous offensive effort put forth. Offense and defense – let’s be good at both.

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Evaluations

Posted on December 26, 2012 by glenn

Throughout my working career I have been and continue to be on both sides of annual evaluations. As a school principal, one of my responsibilities was to evaluate teachers and staff. The seasoned teachers received evaluations twice each year while newer teachers were evaluated more often. The evaluation always included a time to sit down and discuss the process.

At the time I evaluated others, I myself was being evaluated. The purpose of any evaluation is for feedback and improvement. We should always welcome sincere thoughts about our performance when it is coming from someone who cares about us. Concerning evaluations I would like to consider 2 ideas.

One of the requirements of an evaluation is for the one being evaluated to know how they are being judged, specifically to know by what standard they are being evaluated. Ideally the person would have a copy of the evaluation instrument at the beginning of the process. It would be known to all exactly what was expected. It would be extremely unfair to evaluate a person using standards and objectives that were unknown. How could that help anyone improve?

And secondly, there is the subjectivity of the evaluator. We are all human and subject to our own prejudices and emotions. I am sure we have all been evaluated in a way we felt was unfair. But if we know the evaluator cares for us and wants what is best for us then we are more willing to accept the criticism and even give them room for doubt.

On the other hand, it may have been that we received glowing praise in every category and knew the evaluation was not worth much. We generally know. I remember once receiving an evaluation in which I received all 5’s with one exception. On one item I was given a 4 and the evaluator apologized and said they couldn’t give all 5’s. Needless to say I knew I did not deserve all 5’s and the whole process was a waste of time.

I also remember evaluating a teacher on one occasion. I was not at all hypercritical, in fact I was very lenient. But I was trying to help her grow in some needed areas and thus I gave her scores that would allow for improvement in those areas. I did not expect the reaction in the evaluation review. This was a seasoned teacher who broke down and cried and cried in my office. She exclaimed she had never received anything other than 5’s. We generally know what we deserve and she surely knew she didn’t deserve all 5’s. No, I didn’t change the scores. And I don’t know that it made a difference in her teaching. Maybe she did think she deserved all 5’s but I can assure you she did not.

Evaluations. We all answer to someone and we all face evaluations.

There is a scene found in Revelation 20 in which the Great Evaluation is described. All of mankind will stand before GOD for this evaluation. It is said that we will be judged by the things written in the books. These books are referring to the Holy Scriptures. So first note, we have the evaluation instrument that will be used. There will be no surprise items on which we are evaluated. We know now by what we will be judged, GOD’S word.

And secondly note, there will be no subjectivity of the Evaluator involved this time. GOD is completely fair. We will receive our reward according to our works while here on earth.

As we stand before this final evaluation, let us remember there is an Advocate available to plead our case before the Father. Who would want to stand before a judge in America’s courtroom facing a possible life or death sentence without legal representation? And yet we are provided an opportunity for Christ to represent us before the Father according to 1 John 2:1. Advocate, parakletos, someone to stand beside me during my life and prepare me for my last evaluation.

I urge you to accept the LORD on His terms while you are on this side of that evaluation. Accept His representation by becoming a child of His through belief and obedience. Proclaim Him as your Advocate and put Him on in baptism (Galatians 3:27). It will make all the difference when we face our last evaluation review.

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Friday, December 21, 2012

Posted on December 20, 2012 by glenn

According to internet searches there have been well over 200 documented cases of those making predictions about the end of the world. As of now the success rate is 0 for 200+.

One of the more recent predictions was by a false prophet by the name of Harold Camping. He had previously predicted the end of the world in 1994. Camping then reviewed his failed attempt and said his prediction was off because of an error and he revised it to May 21, 2011 at exactly 6 pm (sunset in Jerusalem). Many billboards were purchased throughout the U.S. to proclaim this. I wonder where Harold Camping is today, you don’t hear too much about him anymore.

Most of us remember the hysteria surrounding the new millennium and the Y2K preparation that went along with that. That has been thirteen years ago now.

A Google search of the Top 10 predictions for the end of time presents an interesting listing. Who can ever forget Marshall Applewhite and the Heaven’s Gate cult in 1997? When you see his picture you will remember him and the scene of all those 39 bodies wearing tennis shoes lying in bunks apparently the victims of a mass suicide.

Hal Lindsay, Jack Van Impe, Herbert W. Armstrong, and a host of Jehovah’s Witness predictions are on the list as well. Some of the dates go back a few hundred years but most are fairly recent.

A few years ago my Teresa and I took a trip to Mexico and though we did not visit the ancient Mayan ruins, some in our party did. That may have been the first time I learned about the Mayan Indian calendar and the date December 21, 2012. Some have said a careful study reveals the Mayans did not actually predict the apocalypse on this date; that was just when they just stopped their calendars. Others contend that they did in fact see the end of time on the 21st.

Here is the point of my whole discussion, I don’t know what day the LORD will return to the earth and time will end. And neither did any of the ones listed above, including the Mayan Indians. One may know many things but there are some things man cannot know. I know one thing for sure, no one knows the date.

A reading of Mark 13 and Matthew 24 produces this truth, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” Is it not the height of arrogance or should I say rebellion, to make a prediction after reading this scripture?

Following Matthew 24:36 and continuing through the end of chapter 25, there are five accounts used by Jesus to teach a single lesson. Noah, the faithful and evil servant, the wise and foolish virgins, the parable of the talents and the great judgment scene all teach a single truth. The lesson is that of preparation. One does not know the time but is encouraged to be prepared when the time comes.

Preparation begins by belief in the Savior and being washed in His blood. We are then instructed to live faithfully unto death (Revelation 2:10). If we have done thus, why do we care about the date? There will be an end someday but for all practical purposes for me that may best be represented by the end of my life. And my life’s end is just a heartbeat away. So why should I be so concerned about the end of time? The best is yet to come. And we like the apostle John in Revelation 22:20 can say, “Even so, come LORD Jesus!”

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The School Bus Driver

Posted on December 14, 2012 by glenn

My bus number was 7 and it came at 7:20 each morning. Growing up in a rural area I lived a few miles from school. From the time I started school until I began driving my own car, I rode the same bus every day. I remember one year we got a new bus to replace a very old one. But the number was the same. In fact, the driver was the same all those years. His name was Hezekiah Densmore. He was a man of short stature and I remember he had to have a block glued on the top of the gas pedal so he could reach it. He was a good man as I recall. I remember the one thing he couldn’t tolerate was whistling. If you whistled on the bus he would make you stand up and whistle for everyone. Or at least that was the threat, I never remember that happening. No one ever whistled.

I have fond memories of growing up. School was such a big part of my life. That probably led to my choice of a first career. I grew up and became a school teacher and in fact spent the last half of my career as a school principal, the head of the school.

Now what on earth does the head of the school and a bus driver have to do with the scriptures? Let’s visit a verse that will make use of both ideas. The KJV of Galatians 3:24 reads “… the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ.”

If we look up the definition of schoolmaster we find one who teaches school or the head of the school. We may thus conclude that Paul was saying the function of the Law of Moses was to serve as a teacher of the children of Israel to lead them to Christ.

Such is NOT the case. This is a great example of the limitation we sometimes have in translating the Greek to English. The word schoolmaster is translated from the Greek word paidagōgos and means a servant in control of children given the responsibility of escorting them to the school house door where they are placed in the care of the teacher. Note that paidagōgos is not the teacher but just the one charged with the responsibility of bringing the student to the teacher. Aw yes, the school bus driver!

In our modern vernacular, we might render verse 24 as, “The law was a school bus driver to escort the Jews to Christ.”

Now knowing this let us consider some other translations of the word paidagōgos:
NIV tutor
ESV guardian
RSV custodian

I like Conybeare’s translation of the verse best of all:
Thus, even as the slave who leads a child to the house of the schoolmaster, so the Law has led us to Christ, that by faith we might be justified.

Now here is the lesson we should learn from Galatians 3:24. The old law was responsible only for bringing the children of GOD to Christ. The old law was not the teacher. It did not teach one how to become a Christian. That was not the purpose of the old law. When the Jews were brought to Christ there was no more need for the school bus driver (the Law of Moses). They were then ready to learn about the new covenant. To learn from the Master how to become a follower of the Christ. To become a New Testament Christian.

And note further, when the Christ came, He took away the old law. He did away with the old law. Not in the sense that He destroyed it. He said in Matthew 5:17 that He came not to destroy the old law but to fulfill it. When it was fulfilled it was replaced by the new covenant.

We are no longer under the old law. The Old Testament served its function but we are no longer under the Law of Moses. Col 2: 13-14 and Eph 2: 14-15 are very clear that this Law has been replaced by the Law of Christ. Rom 10:4 makes it very clear; Christ is the end of the law.

I am thankful for the old law. I love to study the Old Testament and it gives me a greater understanding of the New Testament. But I am thankful that I am able to serve GOD under the Law of Christ. I am thankful for the grace and mercy that is available to me. Forgiveness of sin was not possible under the Old Law (Heb 10:4); it is available under the Law of Christ (Acts 22:16).

Very fond memories of bus number 7. Thankful for the fact it brought me to school to get an education. Even more thankful for the salvation I have in Christ Jesus under the new covenant!

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Today is December 12

Posted on December 12, 2012 by glenn

Today is December 12, 2012. There is something very unique about today. It is special in that December 12, 2012 is a day whose numbered dating will not occur again for 100 years. Of course when you think about it, that is true for any date. But look at today’s date, 12/12/12. Don’t you think that is pretty cool? For today’s blog let’s consider the significance of the number 12.

According to Chinese numerology, the number 1 is considered a yang number. It is ruled by the sun and represents independence. Two is considered a yin number ruled by the moon and represents symmetry and balance. The number 12 then combines the yin and the yang, balancing the masculine energy of the sun and the feminine energy of the moon and thus is a complete number.

But let’s think about the number 12 in our culture. One of the first things I think about when I look at 12 is all the great quarterbacks who have worn that number. But on a more serious note consider the following:

• 12 constitute a dozen, as in a dozen eggs.
• There are 12 hours on the face of the clock.
• 12 inches equal 1 foot. Did you ever stop to think how much simpler it would be if it were 10 inches equals one foot? Of course this is the metric system’s foundation and that didn’t go over very well several years ago when that change was introduced in our culture.
• There are 12 signs of the zodiac.
• And then there is a year made up of 12 months.

12/12/12

Consider the spiritual significance of the number 12. 12 is said to be a perfect number. It is the product of 3 and 4. The sum of 3 and 4 yields 7 and 7 is also known as a perfect number. But for today’s thoughts, 3 times 4 equals 12.

What makes 3 and 4 special and in turn makes 7 and 12 special? 3 is the perfect Divine number that could represent the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 4 on the other hand is an earthly or material number; think about the four directions (north, south, east, and west) or the 4 elements (earth, air, fire, and water). Some have even observed 12 being the product of 3 and 4 could represent the Trinity omnipresent in the four corners of the earth.

Whatever your thoughts, there is no denying that 12 is a significant spiritual number. The fact is it occurs 187 times in the Bible. 22 of those are found in the book of Revelation and thus are highly symbolic. For example, the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem, is said to have 12 gates guarded by 12 angels.

Consider the following collection of 12’s in the Bible:

• Number of patriarchs from Shem (post flood and Noah’s son) to Jacob
• Number of Jacob’s sons that became the…
• Number of tribes of Israel
• Number of spies sent out by Moses
• Elijah built an altar of 12 stones when he called fire down from heaven.
• Number of judges to rule Israel

And in the New Testament:

• Age of Jesus when He first appeared in public
• After feeding the 5,000 with five loaves and two fish, the leftovers filled 12 baskets.
• 12 Legions of angels were available at Jesus’ arrest.
• Number of apostles originally chosen (Matthias and Paul were added later)

So indeed 12 is a special number. The date 12/12/12 is an interesting play on numbers. We have observed this scenario 11 other times over the last 11 years. I recall one in particular, May 5, 2005 (05/05/05). My Teresa and I accidentally got caught in a Cinco de Mayo celebration, but that will be the subject of another discussion on another day.

After today, the next time this will happen is on January 1, 2101, if the LORD is willing to delay His coming. Most of us will not be around for that so enjoy today!

Hope you have a great 12/12/12!

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What Have They Seen in Thine House?

Posted on December 10, 2012 by glenn

I would like to consider a story related in 2 Kings 20 and Isaiah 39. It is the story of the foolishness of King Hezekiah. Hezekiah was on the throne during the deliverance of GOD’S people from the hand of the Assyrian leader Sennacherib. He was aided by the prophet Isaiah and perhaps is best known for praying and being granted an additional 15 years when he was near death.

Hezekiah made a very foolish judgment when he entertained the King of Babylon and his associates. The Babylonians came to visit King Hezekiah while he was sick. These of course were foreign visitors. Hezekiah’s error in judgment came when he showed the foreign visitors all of his possessions. Scripture says there was nothing in his house or in his dominion that he did not show them.

Now I don’t know if Hezekiah was boasting by showing them all he had or if he was entreating the Babylonians to help him against the Assyrians, but I do know this was not a good decision. Eventually all that was in his house was carried away unto Babylon.

Isaiah came to Hezekiah after the visit and began to question him about the reason for their visit. It is one of his questions that I wish to examine. Isaiah asked him, “What have they seen in thine house?” And of course, Hezekiah then told him he had showed them everything he owned. Not a good move on his part.

I would like to consider the question in light of an application to us. Think for a moment about the question “What have they seen in thine house?” and consider this in today’s terms. Suppose you were asked this question. And think about your answer with respect to the influence within the home. Further, consider this influence especially on the children.

Our children are subject to influence from a multitude of places. They are influenced by friends, school, entertainment, television, etc. But consider the influence from within the home. And so the question mom and dad … what have they seen in the home?

Have they seen a mother and father who are loving, kind, and faithful to each other? If so, aside from spiritual matters, that is the greatest gift they could receive from the parents.

Have they seen a home that is filled with Bibles that are not collecting dust on the coffee tables but are worn from daily use?

Have they seen a home whose father leads the family in devotionals and takes advantage of everyday events to discuss GOD’S love and blessings?

Have they seen a home where meals are not eaten until they have been blessed and kids are not tucked in until Bible stories are told and prayers offered?

Have they seen a home that truly seeks first the kingdom of GOD and His righteousness?

Have they seen a home that values honesty, hard work, integrity, respect for authority, etc.?

Have they seen a home where lives Monday through Saturday are consistent with the Sunday lives?

Well this list could go on and on but you get the picture. The greatest influence on the child is the home. And the things they see in the home. I imagine that you as an adult have positive memories of the home as a child. And I suspect the older we get the more precious those memories will be.

What have they seen in thine home?

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Encouragement to Fathers

Posted on December 9, 2012 by glenn

The Bible has so much to say about every area of our lives and you don’t have to go very far in the scriptures till you find parental issues being addressed.

Gen 18:19 “For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, …”

GOD knew Abraham. Now that is a powerful thought. GOD knew him. GOD knew his every thought. He knew what really mattered to Abraham. He knew what made him tick. He knew who Abraham really was down deep inside. He knew what was really important to him. And because of this He knew Abraham was the leader in his house.

GOD knew Abraham. GOD knows me. GOD knows each of us better than we know ourselves. What a statement is made about Abraham. GOD knew that he would command his household. What about me? Does GOD know this about me?

GOD expects men to be men.

NKJ 1 Sam 4:9 Be strong and conduct yourselves like men…

KJV 1 Cor 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. The phrase “quit you like men” simply means to behave like men.

Fathers, don’t let your family down. Don’t let GOD down. Conduct yourselves like men by leading your family. And the most important area is by commanding your household spiritually. Is it very sad to observe that in most families the spiritual leader is the mother. If you don’t think this is true, sit at the door and watch the number of unaccompanied spouses who come to church services. There will be many more females than males. Maybe I am wrong, because I am not in all these homes, but I am afraid too many fathers leave this crucial area of development to the mothers.

Let us make a second observation about our text in Genesis 17:18. Note that this is the 1st recorded prayer in scripture, and it is a father praying for his children! Now to emphasize the previous point, fathers, when was the last time you prayed for and with your children? The point is this, parents, mothers and fathers, must pray for their children.

The Bible has much to say about parenting, through all the stages of development!

Note the following passage dealing with the prenatal stage. In Judges 13: 8, Manoah (the father! of Samson) is praying to GOD about his unborn child. He prays “…and teach us what we shall do unto the child that shall be born.”

Later in v. 12 he prays “How shall we order the child (or what shall be his work) and how shall we do unto him?”

In this passage there is even advice to expectant mothers. Verse 4, “…please be careful not to drink wine or similar drink.” This is another verse that modern medical science has only recently caught up to¸ noting that alcohol consumption during pregnancy is ill advised.

The Bible’s parenting instruction continues through to the adult child. For an excellent example see the Prodigal Son story in Luke 15.

2 Timothy 3:15,16 says “All Scripture is given by inspiration of GOD…that the man of GOD may be complete thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Parenting is certainly a good work and the Scripture gives us guidance and instructions. It is a manual from the Creator. It is a blueprint to follow.

Fathers, please take your responsibility seriously! Be a man! Be the spiritual leader in your home! Command your household!The souls of your children, your wife and your own, are at stake!

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Merry Christmas

Posted on December 6, 2012 by glenn

This month we celebrate the holiday many hold to be the most holy of all holidays. The nation pretty much goes all out with decorations and choir concerts not to mention the commercial aspect of the season. The shopping season now begins long before Thanksgiving!

But what about Christmas? We are not told when Christ was born. Even if we knew, the scriptures do not authorize a religious holy day for this celebration. To be sure the Old Testament had many such holy days such as Passover and Pentecost. There are no such days in the New Testament to be celebrated on a yearly basis. We gather weekly to celebrate His death, burial and resurrection. But what about His birth?

The fact is it is very unlikely Jesus was born on December 25th.
Luke 2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
Winter is wet and cold in Judea. It is unlikely shepherds spent a December night in the open fields. It is more reasonable to think this was probably during the lambing season. During this time, the nights are balmy and shepherds are awake tending the ewes. The fact is early historical writings show the early Christians thought Christ was born in March or April.

So what is the origin of Christmas? The word was coined in the 11th century but the celebrations began much earlier. Records show there was an observance of Jesus’ birth as early as 180 AD. However, it was not until 386 AD that it was moved to December 25th.

Why December? The Roman Empire dissolved around 400 AD. Prior to this it was deeply involved in paganism. There was a pagan festival celebrated in December called Natalis Invicti or Saturnalia. This festival actually began on December 17th and ran for several days. It was called the festival of Saturn and celebrated the “Return of the Sun”. Remember Rome being in the same hemisphere as we, experiences the Winter Solstice on December 21st, (this of course being the shortest day of the year). This festival, Natalis Invicti, was a boisterous affair. Over time the Romans had pulled their Christian friends into the partying. By 386 AD the official celebration was called Christ’s Mass which means “Christ is coming”. Several centuries later we find the word Christmas.

Incidentally, many of our traditional celebrations can be traced back to this very festival. The decorated Christmas tree is said to have its roots when the ancient Romans decorated trees with small pieces of metal during Saturnalia, the winter festival in honor of Saturnus, the god of agriculture.

The question remains “Should the Christian celebrate Christmas?” Using Galatians 4: 10,11 and Colossians 2:16 some will say no.

Galatians 4: 10,11: Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.

Colossians 2: 16: Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:

Others pointing to the freedom of Romans 14: 5,6 say it is a matter of opinion.

Romans 14: 5,6: 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.

We have no precept or example for its observance therefore faithful Christians do not keep it as a religious festival. I quote Guy N. Woods, “Many people consider it as no more than a holiday around which many family, social and national traditions have gathered, and there is in it for them no religious implications. I grew up in a home where these views prevailed and though the season contributed much to my happiness and enjoyment, I was never under the impression that we were observing Christ’s birthday. Christmas, when thus regarded, is simply an occasion when gifts are exchanged, families get together, and hearts are warmed by the happy festivities.”

He goes on to address the argument that some will not use the word Christmas (Christ’s Mass) because it is of Catholic origin. Again to quote brother Woods: “It is inconsistent to offer this objection and to refuse the use of the word Christmas, because of its origin, while using, without question, many others of similar objectionable origin. These words through the years have undergone modification to the point they no longer convey an improper sense. Sunday derives from sacred day of the sun; Monday, sacred day of the moon; Wednesday “Woden’s Day”, (Woden was one of the chief idols of mythology.); Thursday designates the day of the war god Thor; and Saturday comes from the very same god, Saturn, that was mentioned earlier. To us, the days of the week bear no connection to earlier usage and we use them in harmony with their meaning to us and not to others. Similarly, Christmas is not a “mass for Christ” but a day of joy, gladness and warmth when friends and loved ones take occasion to meet and mingle, exchange gifts and good wishes, and relax in a season of happiness and good will.”

The season is one of my favorite times of the year. I do not attach religious meanings to the season but I do relish and enjoy what this season stands for otherwise. I hope each of you enjoy the season and have time to visit family and friends. May we each count our blessings, one of which is that we have been allowed to live and see another year come and go. Merry Christmas to each of you.

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