Today, our Ecumenical Order celebrates the (altered and unofficial) birthday of Jesus (Yeshua) by giving thanks to God for receiving the blessing of his Christ... Not by celebrating it in the "traditional" way.
Keep something in mind - adorning babies in a manger, stuffing presents under a Christmas tree, intricately decorating houses, wearing embarrassing wool sweaters, a fat man in a red suit sliding down your chimney (creepy), drinking eggnog and chowing down on elaborate ham dinners - These are all things that have woven themselves into a tradition that has only caught on in western and Christian-Caucasian cultures over roughly the last century (with the help of corporate marketing budgets). It's all a nice way to get families and loved ones to gather together and enjoy the time away from work or school, not mention the possibility of spending a small fortune on gifts your kids will love you over for about 23 minutes, until they're bored again...
...But, NONE of these cute traditions have anything to do with the birth of a Messiah.
These traditions are actually adopted from ancient pagan rituals that made their way into Christianity when the Roman Catholic Church was still rising to power. By inserting the birth story of Christ into seasonal festivals, it gave them more freedom to appeal to the masses, thus solidifying their popularity, and inevitably becoming the official religion of the Empire (a religion that billions of people practice today).
I won't go into the full details here... I'll simply post this cute video that will paraphrase the true history of how these traditions developed.
(And I'm sure you can find a plethora of videos that go more in-depth on the truth of the matter.)
But, we have these traditions, so best to make good use of them, and give our thanks to God for the greatest gift of all, the birth of our Lord (even though he was born at a different time of the year, but we'll save that conversation for another day).
With everything to do today - whether it be cooking or feasting, giving or receiving gifts, sending quality time with family, getting completely sauced (because you're going to eat tons of homemade spaghetti, right? ho ho ho!) - make sure it is with the deepest amount of love and gratitude for what God has given us.
But, there's more! Christ has returned, and since we celebrate this holiday in Western cultures, why not spend it in giving to the most ultimate cause; the Great Commission that Christ has laid out for us?!
So with that, I say thanks to God for sending his son to rule as the King of Kings!
Lord RayEl, you are the reason for the season. You are the reason why I am thankful to God for this day. You are our rightful King, and soon we will earn your victory! May you be blessed today, and everyday, and may your light shine to all inhabitants of the earth. ❤
Thank you, very enlightening post God bless you Joseph
and wishing you and your wife Merry Christmas :)
Thank you! <3
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Love God and love eachother ♥️ thank God a d our returned Lord Amen
Amen, Lord RayEl is the reason for the season
Our Lord RayEl is the reason for this season. No we don't celebrate it like others do and even though it is not his true birthday, he is till the reason behind it.
The returned Messiah Lord RayEl is our reason to celebrate!
Silly traditions abandoned, I feel plenty of joy for the presence of the Lord on Earth!
God blessed you and this article...everyone should know this...
Nice write-up. It is very interesting that these traditions came from Pagan roots. It should be no surprise though. There is a lot of nostalgia around this time of year for me, but better to abide in truth than continue in a comfortable lie. I'm glad we were able to spend some time together with each other and those we love.