Christ Mass?

If you care to seek out the origins of American holidays, beware...you'll never view them the same way. But i can't help myself. I must research. Researching is somehow in my blood. I cannot do things blindly "just because it's what we do." I need to have a valid reason. So i know Jesus was not born on December 25, nowhere even close to that date. I know that Christmas has pagan origins and that the Catholics just wanted to turn something pagan into something "christian." And i know that God never commanded us to celebrate the birth of Jesus anyway. So why celebrate Christmas?

To be honest, i could leave this holiday in the dust and not feel guilty. I don't think Jesus really cares one way or the other. But if we are going to celebrate His birth, then let it be really about Him, to bring glory to His Name. The fact is, i am not alone and my decisions affect other people. So for the sake of our family and children, we decided to go ahead and celebrate Jesus on December 25. Why not? We celebrate Him every day! So why not go ahead and put up lights on His behalf? Why not spend extra money in His Name? Remember that woman who poured out the expensive perfume on His feet? May the gifts we give (whether to each other or to the poor) be done for His glory somehow and not for selfish motives. And i have to admit, i do love the songs we sing at this time of year that focus on His majesty. Yes, i can find plenty of reasons to celebrate. It's been a hard decision for us, but "whatever you do, do it as unto the Lord."

All i want is for you to think about WHY you are doing what you're doing. Don't do it because "it's just what we've always done." Have a better reason than that. And let your focus really be on Him and not on yourself. Let's turn this American thing, this tradition, this celebration with pagan origins, into something truly good and pure, something that will cause others to see Him in us:)

Happy "Birthday" Jesus:) Forgive me if my american ways are offensive to You...