Christmas Celebrations

 The Origins and Transformation of Christmas

A Reflection on Faith and Practice

 The Early Christian Perspective

Christmas, as we know it today, was not celebrated by the Apostles or the early Christians in the first 300 years of Christianity. This absence of celebration reflects the early Christian focus on the resurrection of Christ rather than His birth. During this period, a pagan festival known as Saturnalia was celebrated in December, which over time influenced the establishment of Christmas. As Christianity spread, the church sought to Christianize popular pagan festivities, leading to the eventual celebration of Christ's birth during this time.

The term "Christmas" itself originates from "Christ Mass," a phrase coined by the Catholic Church to denote the celebration of Christ’s birth. Initially, many early Christians viewed this celebration with skepticism and even disdain, considering it a blasphemous appropriation of pagan traditions. However, as centuries passed, Christmas evolved into a day of great significance for Christians, dedicated to celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

Ethical Concerns in Modern Celebrations

In today's world, the way Christmas is celebrated raises various ethical concerns among Christians. In some regions, the holiday has transformed into a time for extravagant parties and lavish gift-giving, often influenced by myths like Santa Claus. This commercialization and excess starkly contrast with the reality that over a billion people live in extreme poverty. 

As Christians, it is crucial to remember the humble circumstances of Jesus' birth. Jesus was born into a very poor Jewish family, highlighting the profound humility and simplicity of the incarnation. Dominique LaPierre, in "The City of Joy," poignantly writes, "But only a poor man can know the riches of poverty... If Christ chose to be born among the poor, it is because he wanted the poor to teach the world the good news of his message, the good news of his love for mankind."

The Orthodox Perspective

In the East, the Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas with a 40-day period of Lent. This time is dedicated to reflection, self-discipline, and meditation on the sacraments. On Christmas Eve, Orthodox Christians gather after seeing the first star for a Christmas meal. This period of fasting and reflection might have been a way to distance themselves from the revelry of pagan festivals and protect their faith from the undue influences of pagan practices.

Celebrating with Purpose

As Christians today, Christmas is a time to celebrate, worship, and remember the birth of the Messiah. It is a time of thanksgiving and a profound reminder of God's immense love for humanity. The Bible tells us, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). This divine gift of love is the essence of Christmas, and we honor it by giving gifts to our friends and family.

Christmas is also a time to remember the joy and reverence felt by Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the angels, and the Wise Men from the East. These figures, who came to worship and honor the birth of Jesus, exemplify the true spirit of Christmas.

As Isaiah 9:6 proclaims, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

This Christmas, let us reflect on the humble beginnings of Jesus, the true meaning of the holiday, and strive to embody the love, generosity, and humility that Christ taught us.

Saul, the Witch, and God’s Commandments

The Witch of Endor

Seeking Guidance from God Alone

The Old Testament has specific laws against prophecies given from other gods or powers in the spiritual realm. If the prophecy is true, we should further question ourselves on the source: “How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the LORD?” (Deuteronomy 18:21-22). We are expressly asked to see whether the prophecies draw us closer to God or away from Him. If they direct us to God, then they are true prophets; if they draw us away from God, they are false prophets (Deuteronomy 13:1-5).

The Tragic Tale of King Saul

King Saul was specifically condemned by the Prophet Samuel when, out of desperation, he tried to consult him through a witch (medium) at Endor after his death (1 Samuel 28:1-25). This act was a clear violation of God's commandments against seeking mediums and spiritists (Leviticus 19:31). But did Saul really speak to Samuel who had died? 

Saul's Desperation and Denial

Saul's concern was more about his own future plans as opposed to the future plans he had in God. Had not Samuel clearly told him that God had rejected him from being king? (1 Samuel 15:1-23). Why was Saul living in denial of what he had already been told? King Saul was so overwhelmed with jealousy and anger toward David, the anointed king of Israel, that he kept hoping against hope that one of his own sons would follow as king after his time. This desperation led him to seek guidance from forbidden sources.

The Consequences of Seeking Forbidden Guidance

The account of Saul and the Witch of Endor is a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God’s clear instructions. Saul’s actions not only demonstrated his lack of faith but also his willingness to defy God’s commands in his pursuit of reassurance and guidance. This ultimately led to his downfall and demise. 

When Saul sought out the medium, he was in a state of fear and confusion, unable to trust in the Lord's plan. This act of consulting a medium was a direct rejection of God’s authority and a turn towards darkness. It highlighted Saul’s lack of repentance and his persistent desire to control his destiny rather than submit to God’s will.

Lessons for Us Today

Saul's tragic story teaches us the importance of seeking guidance from God alone. Let us not, out of our own desperation or anguish, try and seek refuge and solace in mediums that will draw us away from our Heavenly Father. When we move away from God and shift our focus to other sources, we lose our hold on God and find ourselves in distress and despair. 

Staying Focused on God

Our focus must always be on God, who loves and cares for us. Here are a few ways to ensure we stay connected to God and seek His guidance:

1. Prayer: Communicate with God regularly. Prayer keeps us in close relationship with Him and allows us to seek His wisdom and guidance in all aspects of our lives.

2. Scripture: Regularly read and meditate on the Bible. God's Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105).

3. Community: Surround yourself with fellow believers who can provide godly counsel and support. The community can help keep you accountable and focused on God's truth.

4. Discernment: Be discerning about the sources of advice and prophecy you listen to. Measure everything against the truth of Scripture and the character of God.

 Conclusion

The story of Saul and the Witch of Endor is a stark reminder of the dangers of turning away from God and seeking guidance from forbidden sources. It underscores the importance of maintaining our focus on God, trusting in His plans, and seeking His guidance through prayer, scripture, and godly counsel. 

In our times of desperation and anguish, let us remember that our Heavenly Father is always near, ready to guide and support us. We do not need to turn to mediums or false prophets for answers; instead, we can find all we need in our relationship with God. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Him and trust in His unfailing love and wisdom.