Merry Christmas

Christmas is here!  It is Christ’s mass, the Catholic determined day of Jesus’ birth.  December 25 was chosen to stand in place of winter solstice, the yearly date when the length of daylight begins to increase until summer solstice.  It has a host of traditions from around the world that are a blend of Catholicism and paganism.  It mixes man-made traditions with Bible history.
 
From a Biblical and historical perspective, Christmas is not really a Christian holy day.  But from a personal point of view, Christmas can be seen as a day of family togetherness, of long pleasant memories, of giving and receiving gifts, and even a time of recalling the real story of Jesus’ birth.  When all things are considered, the celebration of Christmas, or not, is a personal decision based on a personal opinion.
 
Every society has its holidays.  Special days are not a matter of faith.  As Paul wrote, “One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike.  Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind” (Romans 14:5).  Paul’s directive to Christians about personal opinions was to leave it to each person to do what he thinks is best without binding that opinion on anyone else.  He went on to say, “So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God” (Romans 14:22).
 
So, what is your opinion?  Sorry I asked!  We’ll handle Christmas in our own personal way and respect those who might think differently.  Wishing you a happy holiday.

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Rick Cunningham