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[Poll]
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Is Celebrating Christmas important?
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Total Votes : 82
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(last vote on : 1/8/2009 2:18:31 AM)
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Is Celebrating Christmas important? - 11/23/2008 10:49:49 PM
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prophet
Posts: 691
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For christians?
i used to be a traditional celebrant of christmas without asking questions as to why we do it.
The birth date is not found in scriptures. Neither is there a command to celebrate the occasion.
This is neither found in the feasts of the Lord or in the new testament.
Instead, God has commanded believers to celebrate His death instead! This is found both
in the old T
Lev 23
1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts. 3 Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings.
4 These are the feasts of the LORD, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons. 5 In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD'S passover.
AND again in the New T
26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. 27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 29 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.
i have found it unnecessary to celebrate it due to the following reasons:
a)Appears to be very worldly- the world loves it as much as the believers! Makes me wonder it its of the Lord. My non believing friends have no problem celebrating Christmas with me but if you invited them for the Passover.....
b) Its not found in scriptures
c) This is the most important one: As i read more of the scriptures, i found that all the more The Lords purpose is fulfilled in His death and Resurrection. It has nothing to do with His birth. Humans celebrate births and mourn deaths.
However, God is paradoxical in regards to our human paradigm, celebrates His death! What a wonder!
Its through His death on the cross that His purpose is fulfiled.
quote:
IT IS FINISHED
The great focus and emphasis on Christmas has hidden the real purpose and meaning of Gods of deliverance to mankind through His death and not His birth!
Shalom
_____________________________
Create in me a Clean Heart, O Lord.
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RE: Is Celebrating Christmas important? - 11/23/2008 11:04:49 PM
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MrFribbles
Posts: 1884
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A lot of things aren't expressly commanded in Scripture, but that doesn't mean we can't turn them into a way that brings a greater focus to God. I'm not sure if I'd say it's important, but I certainly see nothing wrong with it.
_____________________________
You're a door without a key,
A field without a fence.
You've made a holy fool of me,
And I've thanked you ever since.
- Aaron Weiss
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RE: Is Celebrating Christmas important? - 11/24/2008 10:30:34 AM
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rcjames
Posts: 5781
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From: Oklahoma
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Is Christmas to be considered a Sacrament of the Church? I would think not.
Is it important? I would say yes.
Christmas is a great time for folks to focus on Christ, family, and all the blessings that God has given us. It is also a great time to let the fruits of the Spirit flow from us to others who may or may not be believers.
I love the Spiritual aspects of the Christmas season, I love all aspects of Christman. I just love Christmans
It is a time to consider the greates gift of all time; Jesus.
And a time to enjoy the grandchildren and great grandchildren as they marvel at the Christmas tree.
It is a great time of family gatherings, joy, and gratefulness towards God.
Thanks
RC
_____________________________
Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
Read the first chapter of my latest book here;
http://www.deliveranceofsara.com
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RE: Is Celebrating Christmas important? - 11/24/2008 10:42:14 AM
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moon_mouse
Posts: 366
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I don't think it's as important as celebrating the resurrection, but Christmas is the beginning of the Incarnation, which was necessary for Christ to walk the earth, die, and be resurrected. The events we celebrate at Christmas are an integral part of the story of Christ. It reminds us of how God can use seemingly weak things, like a helpless infant from a family of modest means in an ethnic group under the heel of an empire. It reminds us of how God brings His message to both the wealthy and educated (the magi) and the poor and illiterate (shepherds). It also allows us to spend time with family and friends and enjoy traditions and memories. And, it is a time of year when many people are more open to the Gospel than they otherwise might be.
Sure, we need to guard against getting caught up in the wrong things for the wrong reasons. And, we need to keep our focus on the central element of the Gospel, the resurrection, year round. But I see no reason not to enjoy the opportunities Christmas brings.
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RE: Is Celebrating Christmas important? - 11/24/2008 10:46:38 AM
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doinkdom
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If our hearts are being transformed closer to the heart of God...and God's heart is for His people (saved or unsaved at this point in time and how are we to know which are which) then why would I pssshhh a time of year primed for evangelism???
I think if those who are convicted of not celebrating Christmas would perhaps consider it an evanglistic opportunity to serve the lost, to care for those in need, to reach a warm hand to the lonely...
we would bring much glory to God as his hands and feet.
Our family celebrates Christmas and our home is a safe place for those needing shelter from the emotional storm of life. We have made friends during this time of year that have remained friends and have been open to spiritual discussions and ultimately have received their salvation.
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RE: Is Celebrating Christmas important? - 11/24/2008 2:05:38 PM
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car2ner
Posts: 3031
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The important thing is the attitude. Christmas is not mandatory nor is it forbidden. Does someone not celebrate the season and then carry a chip on their shoulder because they are so holy? On the other side of the coin, are people going through the motions of Christmas because it is what is expected of them?
It is pleasant to make the home pretty and festive. It is pleasant to wish your neighbors and those whom you meet good cheer. It is important that if you feel led to not celebrate the season, to not Bah Humbug those who do celebrate.
I used to celebrate Christmas by performing in Dicken's A Christmas Carole. I've playing it for years. Do I think anyone will be visited by 4 ghosts? Indeed not. But the message remains the same. This is a season to consider others, spread cheer and good fortune. Think about Christ.
_____________________________
http://www.car2ner.2ya.com
"May your days be long and your hardships few".
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RE: Is Celebrating Christmas important? - 11/24/2008 2:19:34 PM
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Covaan_Meshuga
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Being one who does not celebrate Christmas, I recognize that I see it from a different perspective, but when it comes to reaching out to others, I do get concerned with the huge drive to do this at Thanksgiving and Christmas -- the drive that does not exist at other times. I wonder about this because people are not just hungry and cold twice a year.
Certainly these are times when it is coldest, but there are two - five months when it is very cold in most of the States. Wouldn't it be better to spread this drive for giving even over the whole winter? And wouldn't it be better to give food evenly through the whole year, rather than from approximately Nov 16 - Dec 25?
When it comes to reaching out to others with the Gospel, people are starving for that all year. Why the huge drive at Christmas and easter? Sure, I understand the world sees these as religious times, times when they may decide to go to services, but many who are not believers know, just as well as do believers, what the origins of these holidays are; they know about the gods, the debauchery, the magic, etc, that surrounds these traditions. I wonder how many of these people are turned off by the church for celebrating these because they know these thngs. I know that I, with what I knew of satan's things, would be completely turned off the churches for these celebrations, if I had not known our Messiah.
_____________________________
Abiyah
"Ladies and gentlemen, there are things that you will only be able to learn by the weakest among us, and when you snuff them out, you are the one that loses." ~~Gianna Jesson, 1977 LA, CA, saline abortion survivor
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RE: Is Celebrating Christmas important? - 11/24/2008 3:03:24 PM
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Lapidoth
Posts: 3471
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From: OKLAHOMA
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Covaan_Meshuga
Being one who does not celebrate Christmas, I recognize that I see it from a different perspective, but when it comes to reaching out to others, I do get concerned with the huge drive to do this at Thanksgiving and Christmas -- the drive that does not exist at other times. I wonder about this because people are not just hungry and cold twice a year.
Certainly these are times when it is coldest, but there are two - five months when it is very cold in most of the States. Wouldn't it be better to spread this drive for giving even over the whole winter? And wouldn't it be better to give food evenly through the whole year, rather than from approximately Nov 16 - Dec 25?
When it comes to reaching out to others with the Gospel, people are starving for that all year. Why the huge drive at Christmas and easter? Sure, I understand the world sees these as religious times, times when they may decide to go to services, but many who are not believers know, just as well as do believers, what the origins of these holidays are; they know about the gods, the debauchery, the magic, etc, that surrounds these traditions. I wonder how many of these people are turned off by the church for celebrating these because they know these thngs. I know that I, with what I knew of satan's things, would be completely turned off the churches for these celebrations, if I had not known our Messiah.
I'm one who agrees with you.
But, to answer your question: Because.................it's "tradition."
Touch a tradition and receive the wrath of "religion."
_____________________________
Why does He keep quoting Torah? Doesn't He know He's about to abolish it?
http://www.tedpearce.com/Videos/TheForgottenpeople.html
BARUCH HABA BASHEM YAHUAH
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RE: Is Celebrating Christmas important? - 11/24/2008 3:09:35 PM
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doinkdom
Posts: 4319
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From: The higher lowcountry
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Covaan_Meshuga
Being one who does not celebrate Christmas, I recognize that I see it from a different perspective, but when it comes to reaching out to others, I do get concerned with the huge drive to do this at Thanksgiving and Christmas -- the drive that does not exist at other times. I wonder about this because people are not just hungry and cold twice a year.
Completely aware of that...however for non-believers, this is when they are most open to generosity, etc. It is also the time of year that creates memories from which people blame for suicide or a bad childhood and in opening our home to people, we eliminate the excuse of being sinned against for some people.
quote:
When it comes to reaching out to others with the Gospel, people are starving for that all year. Why the huge drive at Christmas and easter?
again...because people are most open to it now...and celebrating Christmas is not an indigenous Christian event (just check out the Christmas is from Satan threads around)  . So inviting someone over to your home does not equate to a 4 spiritual law presentation. They can relax and build a relationship.
And, we do this all year long...not just at holidays - in fact, every Friday is like this at our house. My point is that those on the receiving end are a little more receptive to it right now than most other times when they are back to being suspicious of everyone who speaks to them.
Also for Christians who have difficulty with evangelism...what better time to start?
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RE: Is Celebrating Christmas important? - 11/24/2008 5:39:12 PM
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Covaan_Meshuga
Posts: 3417
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Yes, Lap, I understand. Our country (USA) has had this tradition almost back to the beginning of our country but decried and condemned by many of the leading colonists. What do ya' do?
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Doinkdom, I still can't help but wonder: what if we had abstained from the traditions we have embraced and insisted on following the traditions that were given in the Bible -- the ones Messiah, the apostles, and the early believers followed: would those who understand the negative ideas of these newer traditions be more impressed with our practices and responses to G-d, joining in with them more readily because they are actually biblical practices?
It is hard for me to wrap my head around doing these traditions that have no biblical backing and trying to do them in His Name. He has clearly told us we should not mix the mundane with the holy.
Some of the churches, in order to make the churches more attractive, to bring more people in, are trying to get back to the old practices like lighting candles, meditation at specific places in specific ways, praying certain prayers, taking certain positions while in prayer, etc., but they seem to only be going back to when the church was Roman Catholic. I wish they could see their way to reach back further -- back to biblical days, to do what our Master did. I think this would turn the whole thing on its head. I think it would draw people in. Who doesn't love a party, a feast, a celebration -- and these would be biblical, totally without blame! What a way to evangelize!
Those of us who love Him and understand that He is Messiah have added our celebration of His birth to our Sukkot -- Feast of Booths -- the eight-day observance that welcomes people in. What a way to evangelize -- one that He, the Creator, has already given, sanctioned, blessed, and encouraged. While some decry that those of us who love Him celebrate His birth at this time, if one is going to celebrate His birth, what could be more appropriate. And if someone doesn't do birthdays, no problem: just do Sukkot! He never said that we must celebrate His birth! Yet Ghitch is right: His birth was prophesied, those who believed knew Him before His birth, the angels shouted their praises, the shepherds came and worshiped, the astrologers came and gave gifts then went home bay another way -- and to this day, we all wonder at His birth, admiring Him, worshiping and praising Him.
_____________________________
Abiyah
"Ladies and gentlemen, there are things that you will only be able to learn by the weakest among us, and when you snuff them out, you are the one that loses." ~~Gianna Jesson, 1977 LA, CA, saline abortion survivor
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RE: Is Celebrating Christmas important? - 11/24/2008 6:04:16 PM
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rcjames
Posts: 5781
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It is hard for me to comprehend that 40% of the voters are "Bah Humbug" about Christmas.
Thanks
RC
_____________________________
Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
Read the first chapter of my latest book here;
http://www.deliveranceofsara.com
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RE: Is Celebrating Christmas important? - 11/24/2008 6:14:48 PM
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Kerrlaw
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It's only six people, the election is a long way from over.
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That which does not kill us makes us fatter. ~ crankius
Coffee sinners lovers click here.
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RE: Is Celebrating Christmas important? - 11/24/2008 6:49:25 PM
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Kath
Posts: 16924
Joined: 2/28/2005
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If it wasn't for my family I doubt if I would "celebrate" it. I would remember his birth but baking, presents, the whole thing? No, I don't think I would. After I became a Christian I was dismayed to find that churches didn't even have a service on that day. That was one of the things I missed not being a Catholic anymore. As I've gotten older, it's gotten less important to me to "do Christmas".
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RE: Is Celebrating Christmas important? - 11/24/2008 7:38:35 PM
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prophet
Posts: 691
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First of all, thanks to the mods for reopening this thread.
i hope we will all be blessed by it......
Apologies to Lap for hijacking his thread but wanted it to be more focussed than just a general discussion.
Theres much been said already about why they wanna celebrate.....
quote:
Christmas is a great time for folks to focus on Christ, family, and all the blessings that God has given us.
Arent we supposed to do this everyday....indeed every minute? Well, i celebrate this with my family at every meal.
quote:
I think if those who are convicted of not celebrating Christmas would perhaps consider it an evanglistic opportunity to serve the lost, to care for those in need, to reach a warm hand to the lonely...
Indeed, this is the one of the most used reasons for celebrating Christmas. Again, we do this the throughout the year. Do we need an occasion to orchestrate the event?
Why cant we do it during the passover(some call it Easter....  )?
Again .....some have missed this point:
The Lords purpose is fulfilled in His death and Resurrection. It has nothing to do with His birth. Humans celebrate births and mourn deaths.
However, God is paradoxical in regards to our human paradigm, celebrates His death!
i live in a muslim country. The town council gleefuily welcomes the celebration of Christmas in the town. They even extend resources including funds to celebrate the occasion. Of course we understand that they do it out of the prespective of encouraging commercial activity. AND the church here gleefuly accepts their invitation!  i wonder what Jeremiah would have said!
However, try celebrating the death/ressurection in the town square!
This what i am trying to point out. The world seems to be able to come to accepting Christmas but not the passover. Why?
quote:
Christmas is not mandatory nor is it forbidden.
Neither is it encouraged. But passover and Feast of tabernacles is. For the sake of discussion: what if the roots are pagan? Will you still celebrate it?
Is celebrating Christmas
quote:
8 `These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with [their] lips, But their heart is far from Me. 9 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching [as] doctrines the commandments of men.' "
quote:
Those of us who love Him and understand that He is Messiah have added our celebration of His birth to our Sukkot -- Feast of Booths -- the eight-day observance that welcomes people in. What a way to evangelize -- one that He, the Creator, has already given, sanctioned, blessed, and encouraged. While some decry that those of us who love Him celebrate His birth at this time, if one is going to celebrate His birth, what could be more appropriate. And if someone doesn't do birthdays, no problem: just do Sukkot! He never said that we must celebrate His birth! Yet Ghitch is right: His birth was prophesied, those who believed knew Him before His birth, the angels shouted their praises, the shepherds came and worshiped, the astrologers came and gave gifts then went home bay another way -- and to this day, we all wonder at His birth, admiring Him, worshiping and praising Him.
i like this!
Shalom Y'all
< Message edited by prophet -- 11/24/2008 7:46:54 PM >
_____________________________
Create in me a Clean Heart, O Lord.
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RE: Is Celebrating Christmas important? - 11/24/2008 7:53:36 PM
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Covaan_Meshuga
Posts: 3417
Joined: 6/8/2005
From: a mother who let me live
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Oh, me, too!
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Abiyah
"Ladies and gentlemen, there are things that you will only be able to learn by the weakest among us, and when you snuff them out, you are the one that loses." ~~Gianna Jesson, 1977 LA, CA, saline abortion survivor
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RE: Is Celebrating Christmas important? - 11/24/2008 11:15:54 PM
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Liveloved
Posts: 2073
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I voted neutral.
Celebrating Christ is what is important and we can and should do that every day of the year.
We celebrate Christmas but when I was in graduate school and my muslim girlfriend from Cairo bought a Christmas tree (fully decorated) and had it shipped home (to Cairo), that changed things for me. I began to see 'Christmas' as observed by those outside the faith.
I want Christmas to be about Jesus. So the nativity and Christ honoring things are what is important to me. And it is a wonderful opportunity to talk about Jesus and our need for a Savior.
What others do or don't do is OK with me. I just think we should take the opportunities the season offers us for more evangelism.
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RE: Is Celebrating Christmas important? - 11/24/2008 11:52:13 PM
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Roberta_
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I'm neutral about it. I don't think the celebration makes for a good or bad Christian. I do the Christmassy things for my family. If it weren't for my family, I doubt I'd do them.
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RE: Is Celebrating Christmas important? - 11/25/2008 3:38:28 AM
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Bluethread
Posts: 1668
Joined: 11/8/2007
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quote:
ORIGINAL: doinkdom
And, we do this all year long...not just at holidays - in fact, every Friday is like this at our house.
This is a little off topic, but if you were to light a couple candles, your house might be mistaken for mine.
_____________________________
"Show me wherein I have errored and I will hold my tongue." Iyov(Job)
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RE: Is Celebrating Christmas important? - 11/25/2008 10:55:37 AM
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doinkdom
Posts: 4319
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: The higher lowcountry
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How do the lost view Christmas?
Do the lost congregate to churches during this time?
Are they looking for hope?
Perhaps even the hope of the Cross of Christ?
If I celebrate Christ throughout the year and then don't during this season or at least outwardly give that appearance, what does that tell the unloved, the unsaved? And how will they know if we don't invite them into our homes during a secular/traditional time of year?
Sometimes I think that we wear our personal convictions as a badge of holy honor b/c we take pride in being one of those doing it right.
This is not about one poster here, but a more generalized statement of what is happening in Christiandom nationwide.
quote:
ORIGINAL: Bluethread
quote:
ORIGINAL: doinkdom
And, we do this all year long...not just at holidays - in fact, every Friday is like this at our house.
This is a little off topic, but if you were to light a couple candles, your house might be mistaken for mine.
I have candles lit all the time, but not for any particular spiritual reason.
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