Who does not love Christmas? It has all the joys of gift giving, visitation of Santa Claus, music, fun, and family coming together to enjoy fellowship and conversations over expensive dinners and overeating. It's an exciting time, right?
After viewing a video of Santa training all over the world, I had a memory that had me laughing at myself for quite a while and upon reflection, I had to repent before YeHovaH! Picture a 6 or 7-year-old girl, running to school, with the expectation of meeting Santa Claus and receiving the gift she wished for all year! The anticipation of opening and seeing that gift was so great, I was as nervous as ever.
As I hurriedly walked and sometimes ran to the destination, I noticed that the Santa Mobile was coming toward me, going in the opposite direction! Santa's mobile was a pick-up truck in those days, decorated with wreaths and flowers with a plump Santa sitting in its bed. I panicked! Did I miss Santa at the location? Surely he would remember me and have the gift I asked for? when the Santa Mobile sped passed me, I became frantic and started to run behind it calling out to Santa, without any response from him. I was devastated. Each year, at Christmas, I had anticipation of getting the gift I wanted. I never received it. I lost faith in Santa Claus. I was disappointed too many times.
Years later, I realized that Santa does not live at the North Pole. He does not get our letters. He does not know whether we have been good or bad, that is, he is not omnipresent. Santa is a lie we have been told as children and this lie continues to be perpetuated to children. I repented for perpetuating that lie when I participated in presenting a member of staff as Santa to kindergarten children. YeHoVaH commanded us not to lie to or about each other or bear false witness.
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This memory triggered some serious reflections and research. Why is it that Christianity is marginalized throughout the year BUT at Christmas time almost everyone is busy preparing for Christmas and celebrating the "birth of Christ"? We all know that Yeshua was born in September, not December. What does Christ-Mass (Christmas) mean anyway? Why do we have reindeer and Santa Claus and elves celebrating Christmas? Were these mentioned in scripture at the birth of Yeshua? I thought we had angels and donkeys and sheep. Why do we have 3 wise men when the bible speaks of wise men with 3 types of gifts? Why do we decorate an evergreen tree? Now we have Drag Queen Christmas Shows sold out in many states. Christmas is quite inclusive.
What does Christ-Mass mean? What is a mass? A Catholic Mass? A Catholic Mass can be held for several purposes including one for the dead. Are we celebrating the death of Yeshua instead of his birth? If so, should those who follow Yeshua be celebrating Christ-Mass?
I remember as a young wife, at Christmas, I decorated a Christmas tree with all the accouterments, lights, gifts, and colors and had it on my front porch. The next morning it was toppled over! I restored it to near original beauty. The next morning it was toppled over again! My mind went to 1st Samuel 5 verses 2-7.
I accept that this holiday is one that is celebrated by most, however, I will not impoverish myself with gift giving and buying the things that I would not normally buy. I will not engage in the bacchanalia that is inherent in the celebrations at this time of year. Instead, I get together with family, be grateful to YeHovaH and give thanks for life, family, and friends. Most of all, it is a time of reflection and drawing closer to our creator.
I could say more, but I leave the readers to do their own research, reflections, and introspections. Thanks for reading, liking, and sharing
