ChristmasThoughts

This was a really tough Christmas for me. And it all started last year when I first listened to this sermon from Jim McClarty. This year I endeavored to read and/or listen to all manner of material pertaining to the origins of Christmas. This article pretty much sums up everything I've studied. (Although the writer seems to go a bit overboard where the 10 Commandments are concerned, IMO)

Well, I'm more conflicted than ever...but I find that to be a good thing. It seems to me that God is moving and doing a work in my heart about something that I've dearly loved. Maybe I'm supposed to let loose of it....

Admittedly, I love all the trappings of the Christmas season. I gravitate to shiny red things. I've always been a BIG decorator, too. Last year I decorated a little less than in previous years, and this year it was even less. Truthfully, I looked at every decoration in a different light this year (no pun intended). The Christian church incorporated (then "christianized") every single pagan ritual into their celebration of Christ's birth, and this thought ran through my mind at every turn. The decorations lost their luster.

I didn't send out one Christmas card this year either, and I gave much thought to this tradition, too. Now, I have NEVER been a fan of the Christmas letter, consequently I've never done one. It's always bewildered me how composing a letter to people you never see and/or hardly know had one thing to do with the birth of Christ. Seems rather self-promoting in my opinion. Even the cards people send out these days - family pictures with pre-printed greetings sent in envelopes with pre-printed address and return labels! No handwriting or ink necessary! That is stunning to me. This year, I received precisely ONE card with a hand-written sentiment and signature. At least when I used to send cards, I'd take some time and care to send a greeting using an actual writing instrument. But I digress.

Here's the main point: Christmas has never been about Christ. The winter solstice celebration was originally pagan in origin and the church imposed onto it the celebration of Christ's birth. More importantly, Scripture doesn't command believers to commemorate the birth of Christ, nor is it sanctioned. Plus, God didn't see fit to reveal to us His actual date of birth, which he easily could have done. And here's my conflict: God tells us how we are to worship Him; we don't take it upon ourselves to offer Him unauthorized worship. (See the story of Nadab and Abihu in Lev 9 and 10 - read all of it, in context.) In reality, there is no Scriptural support that allows us to set aside a day, much less an entire month, to commemorate the birth of Christ. The account of His birth is recorded in God's word and, as with all Scripture, is profitable for teaching and training in righteousness. But do I want to 'make more of it' than does God Himself?

These are the thoughts rolling around in my head, and it's not settled yet. We'll see what more prayer and study leads to. In the meantime, and in the new year, I pray that I would be bold in proclaiming the centrality of Christianity - the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The Difference Between Hope and Desire

By far the truest words I've read from anyone regarding the circumstances surrounding Matt Chandler are contained in this blogpost.

Not only is this Truth for Matt and his family, but for all believers at all times. I was very encouraged by this.

Pathology Results on Matt Chandler

My heart is heavy.

Update on Matt

This devastating news makes me weep for my (former) pastor and his family. I honestly don't know how people cope with the trials of this life if they don't view them in light of God's sovereignty. God IS sovereign; that people don't embrace that fact doesn't change the truth. It is comforting to know that whatever 'it' is, it doesn't come to us apart from the good and sovereign will of God.

Matt Chandler

The news has spread over the four corners of the earth, but in case anyone hasn't heard, I thought I'd alert you to it and ask for your prayers.

As you may know I was a member of The Village Church for five years. It was just this past October that Roger and I moved to a new church. Matt Chandler is the lead pastor at The Village, and on Thanksgiving day he suffered a seizure and was taken to the hospital. Scans revealed a brain tumor on his right frontal lobe. This past Friday, Matt underwent surgery to remove the tumor. Biopsy results are expected any time now.

Please keep Matt in your prayers, along with his wife, Lauren, and their three children. If you go to the church website, you can view a moving video that Matt made a few days before his surgery. He offers hope and encouragment for any of us who are facing trials. He is a man who is trusting God.

Breath of Heaven