Q: I know Christmas is still weeks away, but I'm already dreading it. For us, it's just one hassle after another, plus spending money on relatives we almost never see. I know I shouldn't feel like this, but I can't help it. How can I change my attitude? -- Mrs. M. McK.
I'm also tired of the commercial monster that Christmas has become. This is one of the reasons my family has decided not to exchange gifts last year and this year. I would suggest buying gifts only for those closest for you, and to instead focus on the most important part of Christmas... Togetherness with family and loved ones.A: I suspect many readers could echo your complaint; Christmas has become so busy and commercial today that it's hard not to feel overwhelmed. And in the midst of all the activity, we easily lose sight of its true meaning.That's not surprising since only atheists and modern day Pagans seem to be knowledgeable of Christmas being a holiday of stolen Pagan holidays and traditions.
Of course, it shouldn't be this way. As I read your letter, I couldn't help but think of the words to one of our most beloved Christmas carols: "Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright...." How different Christmas is for us today! Instead of focusing on the miracle of Jesus' birth, we find ourselves totally absorbed in things that a year from now may be useless or forgotten.Speaking of the supposed miracle of Jesus' birth... Let's ignore that there's no proof that Jesus ever existed and instead focus on the fact that the Bible talks of Jesus being born during the shepherding season. So, much earlier in the year than December 25th. The date we celebrate Christmas now was purposely selected to co-opt the Pagan celebrations I already mentioned to try and make conversion easier. Also, what about the contention by some that the translation of Mary being a virgin may have been mistranslated and should mean 'young woman' or 'maiden'.
The original Hebrew does use 'Almah' which typically means 'young woman' rather than
'Bethulah' which only means 'virgin', so the possibility of Jesus actually being the non-miraculous product of yet another teen mom is a very real one.
What can you do? First, set aside time each day as a family to focus on Jesus. Read together the prophecies of His coming from the Old Testament...Like how the books of the Old Testament where rearranged from the way the Jewish holy book had them so that they appeared to point to Jesus more than they originally did?
...and the events surrounding His birth in the New Testament.Like that there's no proof that it ever happened, that the Bible never actually says there where three wise men, or that the Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the star of Bethlehem was put in the sky by Satan to lead people to the baby Jesus to have him killed?
At Christmas, God came into the world in the person of His Son --Unproven claim...
...and your life will never be the same once you understand this.
Unless you're one of the millions of Christians who didn't have their lives completely changed by this baseless assertion.In addition, ask God to help you schedule your time and your money wisely -- and to learn to say "no" to things that aren't necessary.Like deciding to stop wasting money giving it to the church?
Instead take time for things that will help you focus on the real meaning of Christmas, such as a special Christmas concert or church service.The real meaning? So the Winter Solstice, 'rebirth' of the Sun (and coming thaw), feasting and merriment then...
-Brain Hulk
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