Mind Retrofit

This is the second half of my Christmas issue. I did have a long elaborated version but as I read it, I realized that it seemed very negative and kind of attacking of Christians and I really don’t mean to do that.

I do have issues with the rant that people go on claiming that Christmas is all about Jesus, however it seems that their life is not truly reflecting the spirit of Christ. I really have a problem with people demanding that everyone say “Merry Christmas” when they do not celebrate Christmas. There are other beliefs in the world and in the U.S. we are supposed be the melting pot of all cultures and beliefs. We are supposed to be a country that defends the freedom of others, so my question is, why would I demand anyone to celebrate the way I celebrate a holiday?

When one does their research they would see that this time of year is not actually when Jesus was born.

I have a real problem with people stating that Jesus was born at Christmastime and then demanding that this whole holiday season stems from an accurate Biblical account. I have a problem with people making it a religious issue when back in the day the Christians were just trying to make a new holiday to counteract the pagan celebration.

If you are a Christian then why aren’t you celebrating all year-round? I share the story of Jesus birth all year-round and emphasize  the importance of what we believe about God coming to dwell among us. The importance of that story to our family is that God cared so much to give us Jesus as a person to show us that He was not a cruel unloving God, but that He actually cared.

The Laws were too demanding and caused those who fulfilled them, at least outwardly, to be self-righteous.

The heart of the story of Jesus birth, is God is not far away but close, here, moving in us and through us. It isn’t about a name – Jesus wasn’t even his Jewish name – it’s about understanding that God does not forget about those in poverty, those who are orphaned, or widowed. The story of God sending an angel to a virgin makes me think that God sees the significance in everyone. There is no person not worthy enough to be used in a powerful way by God. She was good in that she did what was right in the eyes of Him.

What does that mean? I don’t know but what I do know is that this time of year is not about bashing other people for saying “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas”. What is the significance in that? What about loving our fellow-man unto death, as Jesus did? Yes, I believe He was God but I also believe that He is not into the traditions of man and is more into helping those in need.

This time of year can help us reflect on the One who has revealed His love and compassion on ALL  of His people. Not to stop there but to let His spirit be stirred in our hearts so we will continue in that love all year-round.