It's the first day of December. We are again bombarded by reminders from merchants peddling their wares, each one trying to get a slice of our holiday budgets. From TV ads, to holiday music in malls, we are constantly reminded that to be happy this season we must spend, give, and receive. Although there's nothing blatantly wrong with this, businesses must make a profit after all, but I am worried that some people forget the true reason for the season - The Lord Jesus Christ's birth.

I am a religious man and read my KJV Bible systematically. Most of you probably know that the true date of the Lord's birth is unknown (EDIT 9/24/10 we now know it with reasonable certainty) and the current date of December 25 is linked to former pagan holidays. But I think we must keep in mind what is being celebrated in the here and now. If all Christians moved the date to the most probable time of year, I would be a very happy man, but let us accept that this probably won't happen unless the majority of Christians actually begin to read their Bibles.

From my readings I believe the Lord was born sometime during the Feast of Trumpets. I also believe that He will return during one of these Feasts (which heralds the coming of the King - the last trump) and will coincide with a Jubilee year (acceptable year of the Lord). God is, after all, the foremost mathematician I know. The Feast of Trumpets is celebrated on September or October - where ever it falls in the Jewish Calendar.

Am I saying that we boycott the current Christmas holiday date? Not at all. My personal belief about this is that Christians are celebrating this as the Lord's birth - not some long forgotten pagan holiday. (EDIT 9/24/10 But now that we can determine His true birth date, there is no reason to continue the false one except maybe to use as a witnessing opportunity). What I am saying is let us remember the true Christmas and get rid of all the pagan trimmings (I'll leave that bit for you to research). Let us learn about the Lord and his reason for coming as a man (to save man from the wages of his sin). Let us love the Lord with all our hearts (which will inevitably mean to follow his commandments and will). Let us spend quality time with our families and friends this Christmas. Let us love our neighbors and enemies. It's OK to give gifts to our loved ones specially kids - but do we remember to give to our Lord who is the original recipient of Christmas gifts? What can we possibly give the Almighty? I say let us give our allegiance to Him, surrender our lives and will DAILY, that is, accept Him as Lord and Savior - otherwise it would be pointless commercialism (paganism?) to celebrate Christmas.




Note: I am currently not a member of any denomination. Past experience with oppressive cult-like behavior from our former congregations prevents me from joining any group at this time - until I have read the Word completely with God's help (so I will not be fooled again by false teachers).  I am simply a Christian who reads his Bible now.