Remember Christmas Past
During this busy time we reflect on our Christmas past by remembering our family traditions. At the same time we see all the new things that are offered to add to our traditions. But, with all that is going on during this busy season we must not allow the true reason for the season to be buried in what glitters and shines.
In the past, about two thousand years ago, life was very different. There were the Israelites oppressed by the Roman empire and life was all about survival in a turbulent time. Two religions clashed and being devoted to God was a challenge. It was important to maintain the identity of Israel, the children of God. Rome was tolerant toward temple worship. Israel lived in anticipation for a Savior to come, and He did as a baby born to die for our sins so that we would be free of Satan’s power.
Today Jesus is calling us to follow Him. But in this day and age we do not follow; instead we have replaced Jesus with Santa, Frosty, and Rudolph. Gift giving is now being pushed by our capitalist society which replaced the free gift of Christ. Therefore we are unconsciously oppressed by the worldly life we lead and feel that we do not need to be free. So worship fades away. Our forefathers fought for religious freedom and today we are losing churches. Keep the tradition of going to church and worshiping the true gift of Christ.