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Christmas : Spread the Word

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Luke 2: 8-12

The shepherds only had half of the story. However, the news was so good that only half of it was needed to be that refreshing! Out in their fields, watching their sheep by night they were given a huge surprise. An angel of the Lord appeared to them and announced that the Messiah had been born. Not only was he born....but it was not how any of them would have expected. Born to a young woman, who was poor, in a small town that was crowded for the census. The shepherds may have probably looked for something more "royal" if they had not been told differently.

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2: 16-20


The shepherds wasted no time in going to Bethlehem. They heard. They went. They saw. They went and told everybody of the Good News that had been given to the world. The shepherds was telling everyone the good news. The baby would prove to be the Savior of the world.

The Shepherds made an impact not even knowing the whole story of this baby! How much more do we need to spread the story?! We have the whole story! We know who this baby was. We knew who this baby became.....and we know what this baby did for the world. The Gospel is how God is putting the world back together again. Who are you telling? What are you waiting for?

Sorry, but "Happy Holidays" does not bother me!

This time of year....the same thing always happens.  Many Christians are offended if somebody says to them "Happy Holidays".   I totally understand why they are upset.   They believe that there is some totally secret agenda to completely hide or take "Christ" out of Christmas.  Some people even go to extremes by boycotting certain stores that won't allow their employees to wish customers a "Merry Christmas".   Instead, these employees are forced to use a more inclusive "Happy Holidays".  A ridiculous endeavor in my honest opinion.  Sorry, but I'm not offended if somebody tells me "Happy Holidays".  And, here are the reasons why.  

1.  I don't expect those who are not followers of Jesus to celebrate with me.   This is the most common mistake of Christians.  They expect everyone else to follow, celebrate and join in on their beliefs.   As wonderful as that would be.......that is not going to happen.  We can't expect those who are not Christians, to act like Christians....until they are Christians.  

2.  Christmas is not the only "Holiday" this time of year.  You are very ignorant, if you believe that everyone is going to open gifts on December 25th.  This time of year there are many celebrations.  Jewish people celebrate Channukah/Hannukah, and there is even a day called Kwanzaa.  Candadians even celebrate Boxing Day.  Pretty funny, eh?   From a practical standpoint....why should non-believing store owners single out Christmas?  What if we lived in a dominant Jewish country?   How would you feel if someone forced you to say "Happy Hannukah"?  Have you ever thought about that?  

3.  Christmas is not even Jesus' real birthday.  I know that may come as a huge shock to you.   Just sit down and relax.  It's ok.  Breathe.  No one actually knows the day Jesus was actually born.  

Christmas has it's origins in pagan worship.  Early Christians, tried to stamp out the pagan festivals and incorporate Christ.   The birth of Christ was originally celebrated on January 6th.   However, in the year 354 it was moved to December 25th.  This was done to give a "Christian" meaning to largely pagan festival at the time.  

The birth of the ancient sun-god Attis in Phygia was celebrated on December 25th.   Also, the birth of the Persian sun-god Mithras was also celebrated the same day!  The Romans also celebrated a festival called Saturnalia.  It was dedicated to their god of peace and plenty, Saturn.  This Roman festival was celebrated from December 17th - 24th.   Public places were decorated with flowers, gifts and candles.   Oh and get this!   People exchanged gifts to celebrate the "Virgin Birth" of their god.   Hmmmm...sound familiar?  The earliest English reference to "Christmas" did not come until the year 1043.   

In summary

For me, Christmas will always be about Jesus.  That is what it means to me.  But also, Christmas is a time to celebrate family.  To be thankful for what God has done!   Celebrate the fact that God provided a way to redeem the world from it's sin.  The world would never be restored without the birth of Jesus.  

So the birth of Christ is a holy day.  Which by the way is where we get the word "holiday" from.  Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy New Years!!!!! Happy Holidays!:)