| Re: Are the observance of Holidays wrong for Christians per the Bible's teachings?
Marian,
While I am no fan of the whole "Happy Birthday Jesus" approach to the holiday in question, I'll tell what I am a fan of....
I love that there is a time of year that my whole extended family has off work or school at the same time so that we can plan get-togethers. If I did not observe this time, I would never see many of them again.
I love that there is a time of year that there is lots of neat food and treats set out at every house I visit ... and all the wonderful smells ...
It's thrilling to be able to buy my wife and kids something they "just want" but have done without due to other priorities. I'm glad there is a time of year the stores compete fiercely for my business so I can make that happen.
It's wonderful and comforting that there is a time the teenagers can take a pause from trying to become adults and enjoy being a kid for a few days.
I love the special lighting and decorations to signal this time - that signal all of the great things we are about to celebrate ... and that is a loving tight knit family. That's all these things are, a signal to slow down and enjoy life for a few days.
The original meanings behind these traditions are lost to the masses - It's just not what they are about anymore. In fact, as already mentioned in some fashion before, all of these things that are enjoyable about the holiday season are built and perpetuated by folks that care nothing about religion. The biggest proof of this in my mind is the elaborate decorations in some yards that include a Santa and a nativity scene in the same setting. I really get a kick out of that.
I have been in conservative congregations since the 70's and I have never been shown a Biblical reason not to celebrate in the way I describe above. While I can't say it's lead to a new conversion for me, it has given me an opening to discuss Jesus at least once every year in a context where the listener is not trying to get me to shut up so they can get away.
my $.02
...b
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