Dust off the telescopes and pass the escargot because it’s once again time for Saturnsnailia, more commonly known as Christmas! I thought about doing a piece on how it’s really Mithras in nature, but that would be too predictable. Besides, there are many great sites with info on that (see first entry) and I want to be original and parrot them as little as possible. What I don’t want is to waste time with anyone who says that “Christmas isn’t sketchy” without having done any seriously objective study into the matter. Not trying to offend, but historical facts are true and if I’m taught otherwise then I’ve sadly been misled. In other words, if a better way of doing things is shown to us then we should be open. His truth is a sword, cutting down our hearts to bleed out lies.
For this, some would to seek to label me as a “nit picking Judaizing legalist”. If by hair splitting they mean embracing light and not grieving my Yahuah by clinging to heathen practices, then yes. I could point out how certain brothers in Scripture were called Judaizers by Shaul because they were saying one needed to be circumcised in order to be saved, not for promoting Yah’s holidays. I could point out how legalism isn’t even mentioned in Scripture because it wasn’t an issue, or that the opposite is illegalism and being against the law isn’t a good thing. And I could point out how Yahushua was most likely born during the Scriptural/real holiday of Sukkot, but I get the feeling they’d still just want to argue and not listen. I’m in no way saying this to condemn, but to exhort.
And so, I am lead to touch on Hanukkah. Recently a friend and fellow believer asked me about it, so it’s on my mind anyway. Much like Purim, it’s a cultural/traditional holiday not commanded in any portion of Torah. Albeit one referenced in Scripture and one that our Savior seems to have celebrated. Personally, I think it’s a neutral option because one doesn’t sin if they choose to observe it or if they don’t. Old habits do die hard, so if one absolutely must celebrate something in December to fellowship then it’s a decent alternative to encourage. Satan Claws hates us though, so don’t be surprised at any opposition that arises. Anyway, whatever your current holiday of choice is I sincerely wish you and yours a safe and happy season. Life does go better with love, not hate.