Food for Thought…

I’m sure you have heard the saying, “There are two sides to every story”.  My mom used to say it to me all the time – usually when I was complaining about my brothers.  And I still use the saying today.  Just like my mom, I used it A LOT while raising our children.  And I continue to refer to it in my mind when I hear only one side of a story.  It helps me to not jump to conclusions.  If we are not careful, we could find ourselves in the middle of someone else’s argument – someplace we do not want to be!   Considering that there are two sides to every story helps prevent that from happening.

I think this expression can be very useful in resolving our own disagreements as well.  If we are angry with someone, we may need to listen to their side of the story in order to allay any misunderstanding.  And we may need to make sure they understand our side.  Considering both sides of the story helps us make honest assessments, work out our differences, and thereby settle our disputes. 

Hearing both sides of the story also helps us make unbiased judgments.  Our two sons are two years apart.  When they were young, there were many times when one would come crying to me that the other had hit him or something or the sort.  Now as a mom, I could have punished the accused brother and been done.  But in order to make a fair decision, I needed to hear both sides of the story.  Often, the accused was provoked by the accuser.  So, after hearing both sides, my usual “punishment” was to make them hug and tell each other that they were sorry.  I say “punishment” because they often perceived it as such, but to me it was justice. 

One reason that there are two sides to every story is that everyone has their own point of view.  I frequently laugh when we reminisce at family gatherings.  The way our children recount something from their youth is often totally different than my recollection of the event.  Even more amusing is when they recall something that I did, which is not at all the way I remember doing it.  These conversations used to puzzle me until I realized that they were simply illustrations of two sides to every story.  Actually, I have concluded that memories are not reliable for this very reason.    

Another cause for two sides to every story is that people have different opinions.  We develop our opinions from our individual experiences and by what we were taught.  We assimilate this information and make decisions about it, which become our opinions and beliefs.   Then we tend to filter new information through our opinions.  Consequently, two people can receive the same information, but since it is flavored by their differing opinions, it can result in two sides to the story. 

All in all, I think we can agree that “two sides to every story” is applicable in many situations.  However, there is one notable exception.  There is only one side to God’s story, which is revealed to us in the Bible.  You may be thinking, there are many different attitudes about the Bible.  And you are right.  There are many interpretations of the scriptures floating around out there, but there is still only one truth.  Truth is truth.  And if God’s story – His Word is the truth, there cannot be different versions of it, or else it would not be the truth.  God, in His infinite wisdom declared THE truth, and had it written in His Word, (the Bible) so we could read, learn and understand it.  People can argue against it, they can have different stories about it, they can even contradict it, but none of those things change the truth.  The truth of God’s Word is perfect and unalterable.  It is unwavering and undeniable.  It is a constant that never changes.  It is always right, and we can always count on it.  All the other sides to God’s story do not and cannot change it, for only it is the truth. 

Now, some might call me close-minded on this subject.  I would say, I’m committed.  As Christians, we need to be committed to the truth.  If we are not, then the Bible holds no more authority in our lives than any other book.  Everyone can make up their own minds; they are free to have their own opinions about the Bible.  Free will is one of the greatest things God gave us.  But …“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”.  (Joshua 24:15b).  Choosing to serve God is one of the best things we can ever do for ourselves. 

It is very interesting to note that in almost every situation, we are benefitted by listening to both sides of the story.  Gathering as much information as we can and weighing the variables can help us make informed decisions.  But we must remember that all this information we are gathering is of the world and is therefore temporal. Thus, it is either intangible knowledge and subject to perception or tangible knowledge and subject to change.  Hearing both sides of the story helps us make better judgement calls, but we can’t forget that those judgements are temporal.

God’s information is spiritual.  It is not limited by perceptions, and it does not change.  So, it can provide all the information we need.  Weighing spiritual knowledge against temporal knowledge is futile.  Yet, people still try to cram God’s information into the confines of worldly limitations.  Or worse, they allow worldly knowledge to take preeminence over Godly knowledge in their minds.  Godly knowledge is perfect and superior to worldly knowledge in every way! 

As for me, I accept God’s side of the story as not only the truth, but also as my only rule of faith and practice.  I might listen to the other side of the story in order to help someone, but not because I doubt God’s side.  I weigh the world’s information against the standard of God’s Word, never the other way around.  And I try to base all my judgments on God’s standard. 

To sum up, I’d say that the statement, “there are two sides to every story” is fairly accurate.  Considering both sides of the story is beneficial for making fair assessments.  But in order to make the best decisions, we need to base our judgments on a trusted standard.  And for me, that is God’s matchless Word. 

Note to my readers:  And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.  (John 8:32)   Sure do appreciate you!  Thanks for reading. 

This time of year is usually a happy time for people.  Spring signals an end to the harsh cold of winter and is a pleasant cushion before the uncomfortable heat of summer.  Spring flowers bring vibrant colors and beautiful fragrances to the austere landscape left by winter’s domain.  New life appears everywhere.  In addition to the flowers, trees bud, birds build nests, animals have babies, and fields begin to sprout.  Springtime seems to breathe life back into the world.  (I will add here, that even though Florida winters are not as cold as up north, they are grey and chilly and spring is a welcome change here too.)

This time of year also brings a celebration commonly called Easter.  This is when Christians everywhere rejoice because Jesus Christ was raised from the dead!  Many Christians call this holiday, “Resurrection Sunday” and that is actually my preference. 

The Bible devotes four books, known as the Gospels; Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, to chronicling Jesus’s life here on earth.  Each book describes many wonderful things that Jesus did while here on earth and the sad events surrounding his heinous capture and crucifixion.  But the Gospels culminate with the glorious description of his resurrection.  It is that resurrection that changed the world forever! 

So, it only makes sense that Resurrection Sunday would be a day of great celebration each year.  All the rights and privileges we have as sons of God hinge on Jesus Christ’s resurrection and ascension.  It says in the gospel of John that Jesus Christ came so that we could have a life that is more (or super) abundant.  (John 10:10)

It is because of the finished work of Jesus Christ that people can be born again.  Our redemption and salvation were accomplished by his resurrection.  And his resurrection took place because Jesus Christ fulfilled all the requirements of the Old Testament law and became the sacrificial Passover lamb once and for all.  He gave his life for us.  Therefore, our salvation is not only completely legal, but it is also a gift.  Jesus Christ paid the full price so that we could be born again and receive all the benefits of being sons of God.  It was something that we could not do for ourselves, no matter how hard we tried.  So, I don’t know about you, but I sure am thankful for what Jesus Christ did so that I could be saved!  😉

Just as springtime renews life after the doldrums of winter, salvation renews our lives after the bondage of the world.  It is interesting to note, that for most of us, we didn’t recognize the bondage that we were in until we got born again.  That is a clever scheme promoted by worldly powers.  The world disguises its bondage as “just the way things are.”  And it has lulled people’s minds into accepting that statement.  How many times have you thought, “That’s just the way things are.  There is nothing we can do about it.”  Well, with Christ in us, there is always something we can do about it!!  The book of Romans declares that we are “more than conquerors through him who loved us.”  (Romans 8:37)  And we could not be more than conquerors unless there was something that we needed to conquer.    

John 16:33 – (Jesus Christ talking):  These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

We may see hard times in life, but we are fully equipped with the power of God so we can rise above the circumstances.  Sometimes bad things happen.  Sometimes difficulties plague us.  But we can be victorious over whatever is troubling us when we believe what God’s Word says.  Jesus Christ overcame the world for us, so that we can experience victory in our lives.    

Just like spring releases us from the icy grasp of winter, salvation releases us from the clutches of sin.  We were freed from the bondage of our old sinful nature by the finished work of Jesus Christ.  We just need to believe that. 

2 Corinthians 5:17 – Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

So, on Resurrection Sunday, we can rejoice because we have been given a brand new life.  Our old way of thinking, our fears, worries and doubts were swept away by the power of God who raised Jesus Christ from the dead.  Our past sins were fully cleansed so not even a hint of them remains.  God remembers them no more!  And if we sin now, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ.  (1 John 2:1)  We truly do have newness of life! 

Remember this very familiar verse?

John 3:16 – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

God so loved that He gave!  Jesus Christ so loved that he gave!  And now because he was raised from the dead, we have eternal life!  We have so much to rejoice about!

We don’t have to let the pressures of this world weigh us down.  Spring always follows winter.  Light always dispels darkness.  God is always with us.  And with God all things are possible. 

Jesus Christ rose from the dead, which made salvation available to anyone who wants it.  It’s a gift of God that we just need to accept.  Once we do, we are going to live forever.  We’re going to heaven and all hell can’t stop us.  And in the meantime, we can live a new life that is more than abundant. 

Romans 6:4 – Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Note to my readers:  Happy Resurrection Sunday!!  I love you.  Thanks for reading. 

I grew up visiting my grandparents in Maine every summer.  And the highlight of our visits was going to the ocean.  My mom grew up in Maine and she instilled in me her love for its rock-bound coast.  As a kid, I loved to play in the waves, climb around on the rocks and find treasures in the sand.  I still love the sound of waves breaking on the shore and the feel of the salt spray on my skin (even though it’s sticky).  But there was one thing I really disliked.  And that was the smell at low tide.  It smelled like dead fish and rotting seaweed to me.  I found it repugnant even as a small child.  And I think that distaste affected my desire to eat seafood.  I’ve never been a big fan. 

So, you may ask, “what’s your point?”

My point is that low tides happen.  They are a vital part of the life of the ocean just as high tides are.  The tide comes in and the tide goes out.  It is a cycle caused by the moon’s gravitational pull, the sun and the rotation of the earth.  And both tides work together for the overall health of the ocean. 

My opinion of low tides has always been negative because I didn’t like the smell.  But low tides can have good qualities.  The lower water level can expose areas for more convenient study, not only by scientists but also by treasure seekers.  The low tide produces tide pools for fascinating exploration (especially for a little girl and her uncle).  And at low tide the waves are generally smaller and break further from the shore making a calmer environment for walks on the beach. 

My opinion of high tides was more favorable since I loved to play in the waves.  High tides produce higher water levels and generally bigger waves.  The energy of those waves moves sediment and debris around for a kind of cleansing effect.  The deeper water enables boats to navigate in areas they cannot when the tide is low.  And the movement of the current toward land brings fish closer to the shore for the fishermen. 

On the other hand, low tide smells and sometimes strands marine life on shore.  And high tides can flood coastal regions during storms.  So, we can see that both high tides and low tides have good qualities and bad.  One is not all good nor the other all bad. 

I think of life like the ocean.  Our lives are never static.  They are constantly ebbing and flowing just like the ocean.  And even when our lives are calm, there can be a lot going on under the surface.  Storms can happen that totally shake up the routine and in extreme circumstances, cause devastating results.  But somehow, in time the ocean recovers and so can we.  And like the ocean, our lives have tides.  High tides when the good times flow in, and low tides when the good times fade away.  Both are part of the cycle of living.

Generally, people want high tides in life.  They want good times flooding in and bringing them a wealth of happiness.   High tides are usually perceived as prosperous.  But remember that prosperity is not limited to material abundance.  We can be prosperous in many facets of our lives.  And in fact, God says that He wants us to prosper and be in health.  (3 John 1:2)  So, it’s easy to see why high tides may seem preferable. 

But as life goes on, low tides come.  The good times fade away and take our happiness with them. Life becomes challenging.  Suddenly, we may feel disheartened or downtrodden.  Our outlook may be at a low ebb.  We may feel that our prosperity is being washed away like the sand.  There is no doubt that these times can be hard, but how we handle them can make a difference

Just like the tides in the ocean, the high tides and the low tides of our lives both have good qualities and bad.  One is not all good nor the other all bad.

The high tides of life might bring us happiness, but can also lead to complacency or worse, arrogance.  When things are going well in our lives, we might take it for granted.  Or we may think that WE are hot-shots because our lives are so good.  We might forget to be thankful.  Or worse, we may forget Him, who is the source of true abundance, who is God.

Life’s low tides can present us with challenges.  We may feel defeated and discouraged.  We may wonder why this is happening to us.  But challenges can be conquered.  And what is more satisfying than beating the odds? 

Just like the ocean, tides are part of our lives.  However, in contrast to the ocean, the tides in life are not on a predictable timetable.  It seems that the low tides catch us off guard oftentimes.  For that reason, we may get knocked off our feet.  But, if that happens, we cannot stay down.  If we do, we will assure our defeat.  If we get up, we give ourselves at least a chance to succeed.  God will not and cannot overstep our free will.  So, if we choose to stay down, we bind God’s helping hands.

In addition, I have been knocked down on numerous occasions by the strong waves of the ocean’s high tide.  So, it isn’t just being startled by the arrival of a low tide in our life that throws us for a loop.  Life’s high tides can trick us and cause us to fall as well.

One way to overcome adversity is to not focus on the problem but focus on the deliverance.  When we do this regularly, we build a habit pattern of success in our lives.  This doesn’t mean that we will always have high tides.  It means that we can enjoy the high tides, and we will be able to confidently manage the low tides when they come.  And a way to keep our focus on the deliverance is to keep our thinking positive.  For instance, instead of always thinking that low tides are stinky, I could think about the fun I had with my uncle exploring the tide pools.  And doing that would help me embrace the low tide instead of dreading it.  My attitude doesn’t change the low tide, but it does change my opinion.  And that enables me to recognize and focus on the positive rather than being distracted by the negative. 

Of course, the best way to affect change in our minds is to have our thoughts in alignment and harmony with God’s Word.  When we do that, we are putting our reliance on the truth that the Bible declares.  When we believe God’s Word, we can receive God’s solutions.

Now as previously stated, neither low tides nor high tides are all good nor all bad.  There is good and bad in each.  So, no matter if we’re in the high tide cycle or the low tide cycle, we can always have God’s blessings.  And whatever cycle we’re in, we still need God’s guidance and support so that we can be or stay more than conquerors.  (Romans 8:37)   We never want to fall into the trap of the pleasures of this world, nor do we want to succumb to its pressures.  We can be blessed in low tides and high tides because God can give us quiet seas.  There is an old saying, “The greatest cargoes of life come in over quiet seas.”

So, why not embrace the high tides and the low tides.  Look for the good in each and allow God to provide all that He promised us. 

2 Peter 1:4 – Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 

Get or keep yourself in the habit of positive confession.  For, “confession of belief yields receipt of confession.”  Look for the good and bypass the bad.  Put your trust in God.  Forget about the smelly stuff and reach for the blessings! 

Note to my readers:  I pray for many happy tides in your life.  Thanks for reading. 

We are blessed to have a swimming pool. It’s not huge, but it is a wonderful thing to have when the weather gets hot.  It is in a screened enclosure attached to the house which makes it especially enjoyable. 

The morning dew collects on the roof of that enclosure and as the sun rises, those drops of dew fall into the pool.  And each drop makes an expanding circular ripple in the water.  I’m sure you have seen the effect I’m attempting to describe.  As kids, we would toss stones into the lake to make those circles.  I bet you did something similar. 

The other morning, I stood outside for a bit and watched those ripples in the pool.  If it’s not windy and the filter isn’t running, the pool water is as smooth as glass, which it was that morning. But every one of those dewdrops, as tiny as they were, moved the water into that beautiful pattern of circles.    

Those tiny drops had an impact on the pool’s water.  Now, according to the best mathematical calculations I can come up with, there could be around a trillion drops of water in our pool.  Isn’t it amazing that one drop can impact a trillion?  Of course, that one drop doesn’t impact all trillion drops at once, but consider how those circular ripples work. 

(This is quite a layman’s description.)  The water’s surface has a certain amount of molecular tension.  And the force of the drop of dew falling into the pool disturbs the surface tension and causes an empty space at the point of impact.  The surrounding water then rushes in to fill that void.  The force of that rushing water causes a wave which then moves the adjacent water outward in concentric circles.  And those circular waves keep moving out and getting bigger until their energy is expended.  When multiple drops fall in different areas, those circles can even run into each other and cause more ripples.  My point being that a few drops can move a lot of water around. 

And that started me thinking…

First of all, I find those circular ripples to be beautiful.  I like to watch them.  They are so peaceful.  I don’t think of them as a disturbance in the water, I just enjoy the results. 

What this says to me is that we can have a disturbance in our minds but still have peace.  I’m not saying that our peace would be a façade.  I’m saying that we can maintain a positive outlook in spite of what is bothering us.  When we put our trust in God, and allow Him to work in our lives, He can turn our disturbance into a beautiful ripple.  He can change our sadness into joy.  Our disturbance can become a pleasing result.  The ripples in the water can remind us of that. 

Next, as we watch these ripples grow bigger and bigger, we can be reminded of the long-lasting effects that a small action can have.  Something as small as a dewdrop can send ripples across the whole pool.  What about a small action that we might take?  A drop of kindness can have long-lasting results.  How about an ounce of love, or a speck of tenderness?  Any of these could change someone’s life, including our own!

And truly, don’t we all want our lives to be meaningful?  Aren’t we happy when we can make someone smile?  Aren’t we pleased when we can help someone?  And what better help can we give to anyone than God’s help?  Speaking His Word to someone gives them the surety of God’s answers to their problems and introduces them to God’s vast resources.  Showing them God’s love can heal their hearts.  Our actions do affect others, even if our connection is only for a moment.  Because sometimes, that moment can change someone’s life forever. 

In addition, those ripples gliding across the water can remind us that our actions can have far-reaching effects.  Maybe our ounce of love helped someone so much that they want to help someone else, who in turn helps someone, who helps someone, and so on.  We should never underestimate what even an ounce of love or a word of Scripture can accomplish.

Along these lines, I want to include the power of prayer.  Prayer reaches out far past our own understanding and ability. Our small action of praying invokes God’s power and there is no limit to what God can do.  Talk about far-reaching ripples!!

I don’t expect to ever be famous, nor do I want to be!  But if I can help and bless someone, I’m happy.  If I can show the goodness of God to someone, I have joy.  And if my tiny life can send some beautiful ripples that heal someone’s hurt, I am fulfilled. 

So, the next time you see those circular ripples in the water, why not think about the beautiful ripples your life can make?  Why not walk as a son of God and speak The Truth boldly?  Why not give out of the tremendous abundance that God has given you?  Why not love others with the love of God?  Any and all of these can not only set someone free but can also bless you back exponentially.  When we do these things, our actions will send a ripple of light that can spread far and wide over a dark and broken world.    

Matthew 5:16 – Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

The true light of God’s Word can begin as a tiny ripple but can grow into a tsunami if we are faithful to holding forth The Word with all the energy of our conviction. Go, stand and speak… (Acts 5:20)

Note to my readers:  I hope my humble blog has sent some pleasant ripples your way.  I love you. 

I imagine that everyone knows that it snowed in northern Florida last month.  We did not have snow in central Florida, but it was cold.  Now, I know that our cold doesn’t compare to the cold up north, but it still chills us to the bone. 

Isn’t it funny how much people talk about the weather?  When the cold snap spread across the southern part of the country, it was an almost constant topic of conversation for just about everyone!  Weather does play a big role in our lives, well, at least it seems that way.

Certainly, the weather impacts us.  We dress according to the weather.  We make plans according to the weather.  Our attitude is often affected by the weather.  Even scientists recognize the link between the weather and our emotions due to its effect on our hormones.  But maybe the weather controls us more than it should. 

I feel like I am particularly susceptible to the weather, both physically and mentally.  I have trouble breathing when it’s really hot and humid.  I have seasonal allergies.  And my joints hurt when it’s cold.  (That pretty much covers all four seasons!)  But I can handle the physical side.  My attitude, on the other hand, can be harder to deal with.  I don’t want my attitude to be controlled by an outside force, especially by something as changeable as the weather.  And I don’t want my attitude to control me.  So, how do I prevent this from happening?       

I must get my attitude under my control, which usually means that I must change it.  And really, isn’t that what life is all about?  Aren’t we always growing and changing in our minds?  Certainly, we recognize the physical changes we experience as we grow, but what about our attitude changes?  Those aren’t always so evident.  We are schooled to readily respond to changes in our physical bodies, but our attitudes often go unchecked. 

Our attitudes are shaped by things we are taught and by our experiences.  For example, when I was younger through an orchestrated series of events over a period of time, I became convinced that I was not good enough, that I didn’t measure up.  It seemed that I fell short in every category of my life.  And even though I was born again during this time, I felt inferior to other Christians.  I lived with this attitude for many years without ever realizing that I had been tricked. 

Then, through the growing process, I figured out a few things.  Everyone has strengths and everyone has weaknesses.  Everyone has ups and everyone has downs.  Everyone makes mistakes.  We all have successes and failures, good times and bad.  And we all have choices.  We don’t need to give in to negative circumstances.  We don’t need to accept defeat, nor cower in adversity, nor succumb to pressures or pleasures. We can be successful.  We can overcome adversity.  We can resist temptations.  It is up to us how we handle life’s slings and arrows.

I learned that we have an enemy, the devil, who works against us especially in our minds.  He knows how to push our buttons, and he is stealthy.  He works behind the scenes to undermine our thinking and thereby defeat our initiative.  I had a Bible teacher who said regarding the devil, “the secret of his success is the secrecy of his moves”.  We need to be on guard in order to recognize and rebuke his influence. 

I learned that we are all unique.  Obviously, we have physical differences but even more so, we have different attitudes.  What goes on in our minds is completely unique to each one of us.  And each of us can make our own decisions.  And those decisions determine our attitude.  And our attitude can make or break us. 

 We all face situations in our lives, and we all have the ability to make our own decisions in those situations.  But because we are unique, we make unique choices, and the outcomes of those choices set us apart.  We cannot always control our circumstances, but we can control our attitude.  And when we are in control of our attitude, our attitude isn’t in control of us.  Which means, if we don’t like our attitude, we can change it. 

The only way I know to genuinely make long lasting changes in our attitude is by learning and believing the Word of God.  The Bible is truth, and we can stake our lives on It.  Although some people have great willpower and can make attitude changes within themselves, the foundation they build on isn’t firm.  It can crumble under them without warning, or it can wear down over time.  But the Bible gives us a firm foundation that is impervious to those things.  Afterall, It has stood for thousands of years already!

In order to make positive changes in our attitude, we must start with our attitude toward God’s Word.  Do we believe that It is truth?  Do we believe that It is the will of God?  Is It our only rule of faith and practice?  Answering yes to these questions is a good indication that we have the right attitude toward God and His Word.  Step one complete! 

Secondly, we must be sharp to discern good and evil so that we can avoid being tricked by the devil. We must learn to recognize his methods and fortify our defenses against them.  And if we do get tricked, we must know how to get the help we need from God to fix the situation, which we learn from His Word.  I have a friend who says that God is the master-repairman.  He can fix what we cannot. 

Utilizing these keys, we can change our attitude toward our challenges in life so it can be the best it can be.  And we can face challenges successfully because we will have God’s Word as a strong unmovable foundation.  And we will have all the wonderful tools that God’s Word provides to assure our victory. 

Lastly, we must act.  Changing our attitude doesn’t matter if we don’t change our actions.  If I still mope around all day when it’s cloudy, then my attitude hasn’t really changed.  We must take the appropriate action to solidify our positive attitude and then we can achieve the success we desire. 

Here are some verses to consider on the topic:

John 17:17 – Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

1 Peter 5:8,9 – Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:  Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

Ephesians 2:10 – For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

1 Corinthians 15:57 – But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Note to my readers:  Sometimes we have to do a check-up from the neck up to see if we need to make some changes.  And if we do need to change, God is ready, willing and able to help us.  I love you!    

Society defines our calendars.  At first, I questioned that statement, but the more I thought about it, I think I agree. 

According to the Britannica online information, January was determined to be the first month of the year by the Roman king, Numa Pompilius as January was named after the Roman god, Janus, who was the god of all beginnings.  Julius Caesar confirmed this idea, and January 1 became the first day of the year on the Julian calendar, which we still use today.  After the fall of the Roman Empire, some Christian countries altered their calendars to be more reflective of their religion and used March 25 as the beginning of the year.  (Can you image our year starting on March 25?  It’s almost inconceivable!)  Other societies start their years on different dates, some being aligned with the cycles of sun and moon.  But for the USA and many other countries, the first day of the year is defined as January 1, just as Julius Caesar decreed. 

The calendar that came to us from this ancient society is the official framework that our society has used to define other special dates throughout the year.  In addition to New Years Day, several other holidays have been defined by our society, some of which are unique to our country.  Our society defined the work week, the school year, and the specific dates of some of these holidays.  Our society also determined how these holidays would affect the work and school schedules. 

Some holidays have assigned dates, like Christmas, Valentines Day and Independence Day, while others are more loosely defined as a certain day of the month.  For instance,  Thanksgiving Day is the fourth Thursday in November and Labor Day is the first Monday in September.  Therefore, the actual date varies from year to year.

It is interesting to note that other designated holidays originally had assigned dates. But by an Act of Congress in 1971, their dates were moved to the closest associated Monday so that workers could have three-day weekends. 

Probably the most popular holiday in our society is Christmas.  In the fourth century A.D., the Roman Catholic church designated December 25 as the date that Jesus Christ’s birthday would be celebrated.  So, Christians have utilized this date for around 1600 years.  Right or wrong, good or bad, our society adopted December 25 as Jesus’ birthday and the name, Christmas.

All of this seems to substantiate the opening statement.

However, many Christians take exception to Christmas.  Bible scholars and historians agree that December 25 was not actually the date of Jesus’ birth.  So, Christians who seek the accuracy of the Bible find celebrating Jesus’ birthday on December 25 to be hypocritical.  I respect their opinion, and I have wrestled with the same thoughts. 

And this brings me to my next point.  Our society defined the calendar, but our culture outlined how holidays should be celebrated.  Unlike our calendars, which are pretty much set in stone, our celebrations are personal choices.  Culture may promote certain protocols, but it does not and cannot mandate them.  People may choose for themselves how they celebrate holidays or if they want to celebrate at all. 

For me, I have determined that I can celebrate some of the culturally accepted Christmas traditions because they really have nothing to do with Jesus’ birth.  Therefore, my celebrating Christmas is not an acknowledgement that December 25 is Jesus’ birthday.  It is enjoying the cultural traditions of my choosing.  I can remember the Lord’s birthday during the Christmas season, but I do that frequently throughout the year anyway.    

I have many wonderful memories of Christmases when I was a kid, and many more while my children were growing up.  I enjoy the time that the holiday affords for our families to be together.  I enjoy Christmas decorations.  I collect Santa Clauses.  I enjoy our Christmas tree especially when it’s lit.  We hang stockings.  We watch Christmas movies.  We have a special Christmas breakfast and a big Christmas dinner.  And we enjoy some unique Christmas Eve family traditions. 

Now, here’s the rub.  Because society defined our calendars, Christmas comes seven days before New Years Day every year.  The two holidays, being a week apart, make for a wonderful vacation from school or work, but these holidays can also put pressure on us.  We may feel anxious to achieve a picture painted by our culture of the “perfect” family in the “perfect” home celebrating the “perfect” Christmas, with a brand-new car in the driveway topped by a giant red bow.  Then before we have recovered from that angst, we have to host the “perfect” New Years Eve party with all the “right” people in their designer outfits.  I’m exaggerating, of course.  But I think you know what I mean and may have felt that anxiety yourself at some point.  I have certainly put pressure on myself over the years to try to make these holidays “perfect”. 

To be clear, when we talk of the culture of today, we need to recognize that the worldly culture even in our country, is at best only partially based on Biblical principles.  Therefore, we can’t always adhere to it.  So, if we yearn to conform to all the cultural norms, we may be getting tricked.

I think most of us realize that Christmas has been overly commercialized.  We are inundated with massive amounts of Christmas merchandise as early as October.  All this ‘merch’ is designed to entice us to spend lots and lots of money.  And when it comes to Christmas, we might get sucked in sometimes.  Our enjoyment of “everything Christmas” might lead us to want more and more of it.  There is even a TV show where people compete for the best and biggest outdoor display of Christmas lights.  I must admit that I like seeing their elaborate displays, but considering the costs and extensive efforts involved, it begs the question, “how much is too much?”

As Christians, we strive for balance in our lives.  We strive to keep ourselves in alignment and harmony with God’s Word in every facet of our lives, which includes holidays.  And Christmas is no exception.  Whatever choices we make about how (or if) we celebrate the holiday; they need to be in balance with what we know from God’s Word.  Romans chapter 14 addresses these kinds of concerns.  Verse 22 of that chapter basically summarizes the issue.

Romans 14:22 – Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.

And here is my conclusion.  The calendar is the calendar.  January 1 will likely always be the first day of the year and Christmas will likely always be December 25.  No one is anxious to revamp the calendar that has been defined for over a thousand years.  But what we do with cultural directives is up to us.  If you want to celebrate Christmas or any other holiday to the max, go for it.  If you don’t want to celebrate at all, that’s okay.  We are all free to make those choices.  And there is no judgement.  We do not compare ourselves among ourselves.  The Bible directs our steps, but it doesn’t specifically address every cultural ordinance we face.  We are in this world, but we are not of this world.  Therefore, we must utilize the truth we know from the Bible as the standard for making our choices in worldly / cultural situations.  And when we make our decisions in this manner, we will have peace of mind.

So, I hope your recent Christmas and New Years holidays were wonderfully happy occasions for you and your family.  And as we begin 2025, we can join together in expecting a terrific year ahead.  Likeminded prayers abounding!

Note to my readers:  I continue to work hard to keep my posts coming.  I hope you’ll stick with me.  I love you!