Why I Celebrate

     This blog may be controversial for some people. I'm sorry if this offends anyone in any way. But I have to be honest. It is my duty as a Christian and my privilege as an American to tell the truth. Christmas is fast upon us. And I must address the issue.
     Like it or not I do celebrate Christmas. I celebrate it with respect for my Lord and Savior The King of Kings. It is a day set aside to celebrate the birth of Christ and the amazing gift that God has given to the people of this world. I am fully aware that December 25th is not likely the actual date of His Birthday. The actual date is more likely in the spring according to what the scriptures indicate. I do realize that He existed from the beginning of eternity and what we are celebrating is His birth into the flesh as Emmanuel. And I do realize that Christmas did come from some pagan origins that predated the birth of Christ thanks to the Roman Babylon. And that Christianity has just adapted the Holiday into a Christian religious Holiday. But I will celebrate Christmas. I am honoring my God and His Only Begotten Son when I do.
     It is not about the presents we give each other. Although we do give gifts in memory of the gift God has given us. It is absolutely not about Santa. Just pull the n out of the middle and slide it back and you have Satan. Although Saint Nicolas was a real person who took the commandments of God to give, give to the poor, give to the widows, give to the fatherless, and give cheerfully, and he took them very much to heart. But it's not about him. It's about the One who inspired him. It is not about reindeer. Although reindeer are real. They just can't fly. It is not about a snowman coming to life. It is about a murdered Savior King who came back to life.
     It's not "X-MAS". That is just an atheistic way of trying to offend Christians. The "X" is an ancient symbol. But it is not a symbol for "Christ". It properly stands for "That thing which is missing." So actually "X-MAS" is linguistically correct because when you spell it like that Christ is missing from Christmas. And I believe that will preach. And the word Mass does not mean "to send away". Although it is derived from a Latin word "missa" which is derived from another Latin word "mittere" which does mean "send away". The "mas" in Christmas comes from "mass" which is of pagan catholic origin. Still not necessarily good but it does not mean to "send Christ away". So if Christ offends you then all I can say is take down your lights and tree and return all the gifts and go back to work.
     And for those who call themselves Christians who believe I am going to Hell for celebrating Christmas I feel sorry for you. For one thing you don't know what a Christian is. You think you are Christian because of all your legalism. But that is not Christian that is Pharisee. "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth." (Romans 10:4) And besides that you are allowing the devil to talk you into giving up a beautiful Holiday where we can celebrate the birth of our Savior King and have a day or two of peace and good will. That is something this world needs all year and needs badly. The devil is stealing God from you. It is so sad to me. Two years ago I had a number of internet friends who drifted away over this and other similar issues. Like when is the real Sabbath day, what is the Hebrew name for Jesus, the Cross is a satanic symbol, if we don't live under the law of Moses we are not Christian, Paul was a false apostle, and all sorts of ridiculous little heresies like that. The devil blinded them and took the joy and freedom of their faith in God. And he led them into a life of labor in vain trying to save themselves. And all these issues would come up again in the spring when talk of Easter started. That is another pagan Holiday adapted by Christians. And I'll post another blog similar to this when that time comes. When you separate yourself from the children of God you are going to be led astray. "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Hebrews 10:25)
     Don't take away the praise and honor that Christ deserves.
     Have a very Merry CHRISTMAS!
     Peace and blessings to you all.
     Shannon.

LUKE 2:8-15"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us."