Well I have to agree with you on the photos with Santa, but mainly because 1) I hate crowds, and 2) I don't know those men and frankly there are a bunch of immoral perverts out there. I never was too keen on my kids sitting on a stranger's lap.

I believe the OT scriptures you raise are speaking of following the heathen to engage in immoral acts and worship idols which 1) is called adulterous because we are to only worship God and 2) requires immoral behavior in most cases. We've been studying a bit about idol worship on Sunday mornings. I'll spare the details. IMHO, this has nothing to do with observing a day that many in the world observe in a non-religious manner. Another example would be New Year's day. On this day, a large percentage of the population celebrates by going out "partying" to get drunk, which is sinful. One might say to observe a day that others use as an excuse to sin is in itself sinful. I do not agree. My celebration of that day does not mean that I agree with their behavior in any way, and my staying sober while celebrating allows me to teach by example.

One thing you raised previously... the issue about "Santa" being God. I've never heard that, so obviously I never associated the two. I can say this: my husband has been known to say that many have morphed their view of God to be nothing more than a big "Santa" in the sky. The concept of Santa is no where near God in nature. Santa is more like grandpa in my view. [ You may not believe this, but I recently saw where someone was discussing God and referred to Him as "Papa"!!! That is SO wrong. I don't know where to start... ]

( I hope this makes sense. I'm in the car typing and really exhausted. I fear I ramble on. ) BTW, your Thanksgiving tradition sounds wonderful.

__________________
--Laura

O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.
Jeremiah 10:23 (NKJV)