Is it Wrong to celebrate Christmas?

A couple of hours and its Christmas! I didn't intend to do another blog for the remainder of the year however; I received a very interesting/disturbing mail about Christmas from a friend so I felt I needed to say a few things.

In summary her mail reads “our pastor told the Church that Christmas is idolatry and it’s a sin to celebrate it so now I’m confused as to whether to go with my pastor’s view or with what I know in my heart is true.”

Well, there are a lot of different religious views on Christmas which didn't start today and obviously won’t stop this year. That been said, I want to expressly say I’m not a theologian so whatever I say here is what I know in my heart is truth. Truth for me may not necessarily be truth for another.

Is it sin to celebrate Christmas from a Christian's point of view? My straight answer for this question is NO… Christmas is not mentioned in the Bible.  There is NO single verse or book commanding Christians to celebrate Jesus' birthday, or to observe ANY holiday for a fact however, celebration of Christmas or any other religious holiday is a matter of an individual’s personal choice.

It breaks my heart when I see the church divided over petty issues such as celebration of Christmas. That to a great degree misleads new believers. The central theme of the Bible is Jesus so if I decide to celebrate Jesus’ birth, what’s the fuss in that?

It is said that Christmas was once a pagan holiday from the Roman Empire which was celebrated in December 25^th in honor of Mithras-the god of light. Around AD 200 Christians started to talk about Jesus’ birthday. December 25th had become the accepted date but how the church arrived at December 25th is not clear.

Emperor Constantine, after having the vision of a cross in the sky around 312AD, decided to officially recognize 25^th as the celebration of Jesus’ birth and that helped Christmas gain prominence as an official holiday. I urge you to do a further study on December 25^th.

That said, Jesus was not born on December 25^th so for those who don’t know please note that no one honestly knows when Jesus was born. But this lack of knowledge does not diminish the value of celebrating His birth. We may not be sure about the date of Jesus’ birth but we are sure about his love for us.

There are many things that originated from pagans and pagan worships. A simple example is the days of the week.

The First Day: Sunday was named after the Sun god.
The second Day: Monday was named after the moon goddess.
The Third Day: Tuesday was named after the god Tyr.
The Fourth Day: Wednesday was named after the god Odin.
The Fifth Day: Thursday was named after the god Thor.
The Sixth Day: Friday was named after the goddess Frigga.
The Seventh Day: Saturday was named after the god Saturn.

Unless we are to conclude that celebrating Christ's arrival as God in the flesh is a bad thing, its celebration on what was once a pagan holiday is irrelevant. Christians who celebrate Christmas are not pagans. They honor Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

According to Hebrews 4:12-13, God judges us by the motives of our heart because that is where sin begins. He knows whether we’re focused on expressing our gratitude for the gift of His Son or indulging in pagan festivities. So as long as our hearts are right we’re not sinning if we celebrate Christmas.

Christmas like every other holiday can be celebrated in two ways… in honor to God or in the way of the world.  A true Christian observance of Christmas does not include drunkenness, fornication, carousing or any other conduct unworthy of saints.

Christ entrance into the world was a cause of great rejoicing and celebration, because it made possible human reconciliation to God. At his birth people who loved God rejoiced in praise, and even the angels sang for joy (Luke 1:46-2:38).

It is appropriate to celebrate the Lord's birthday for those who choose to do so. I personally celebrate Christmas because it is a very significant event in my salvation. If Christ wasn't born, lived and died, He wouldn't have reconciled us back to God.

Whether you choose to celebrate or choose not to celebrate Christmas, that’s fine. Just make sure in all you do, you’re seeking to honor Jesus Christ (Romans 14:5-6).

In conclusion,

"Who can add to Christmas?

The perfect motive is that God so loved the world. 
The perfect gift is that He gave His only Son.

The only requirement is to believe in Him. 
The reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life."- Corrie Ten Boom

It is a wonderful thing to celebrate the birth of the Savior, God's gift to mankind. 

Just Sharing My Thought

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Also see:

http://sureboy.blogspot.com/2012/12/if-christmas-means-anything-then-it.html

http://sureboy.blogspot.com/2013/12/its-just-around-corner.html

Grace and Peace ♥

It's Just Around the Corner

And it's just around the corner. I know what you’re probably thinking is “what is just around the corner.” Well, I'm referring to Christmas. A couple of days and ……..it’s Christmas!

Last year I wrote a piece “if Christmas means anything, then it must mean everything” that note was perhaps one of my best writing ever. See it here: http://sureboy.blogspot.com/2012/12/if-christmas-means-anything-then-it.html

For most people, Christmas is about fun, gifts, family time, new clothes, decorations etc. You may wonder what harm is in that? Well, nothing but if gifts, cloths and decorations are your only reason for Christmas then you've missed it big time.

Am I being too harsh? Maybe Yes, maybe No! Gifts are great (I love gifts). Decorations, trees, light, all those stuff are great too but do they form the core of Christmas? Its stomach turning not to know the truth about Christmas, it meaning and essence yet go about celebrating.

Our secular culture has influenced us so much so that many of us (believers) have lost the real essence of Christmas. Most people are deceived to think Christmas as just an ordinary celebration but NO! Christmas is like no other celebration. It is a spiritual celebration.

It’s not a Fall-festival, Halloween, Valentine, Yam festival or whatever celebrations there are. I believe if there is something Christians should celebrate; it’s Christmas (Christ’s birth) and Easter (Christ’s death and resurrection).  These two events form the core of our Christian faith.

When the day, songs, and activities are no longer about Christ, then the holiday cease from being worth celebrating. Jesus hasn't been welcomed into many of the houses people are decorating this season and that’s an anomaly.

Whose birthday is it again? Don't be more concerned about mistletoe than you are about the reason for the season. Jesus is the reason for the season so if you don’t know Jesus and have a personal relationship with Him then, who or what are you celebrating?

Dressing up, decorating your house, giving/receiving gifts and all the other ritual traditions of Christmas have no meaning if you don’t have Christ living in your heart.

In Christ Jesus there is restoration of life, healing from disease and pain, total forgiveness for our past and whatever hold of pain and suffering that might have us. In Christ Jesus there is healing for our hearts, hope in every situation, help in every situation, as the Holy Spirit is our helper.

What a blessing Christ Jesus is to us… If God did nothing else for us aside giving us Christ Jesus, trust me HE’s done enough.

I can't help but wonder how anyone could refuse the offer, the gift, and inheritance that they could have in Christ Jesus!

Well in conclusion, I want to say if you don’t know Jesus, please don’t allow this season roll by. I have tasted and I say without controversy that the LORD is good. This is the singular reason why I am very loud about my faith.

Christians, we are called to be righteous and set apart. To be in the world but not of it-- meaning don't do as the world does.  There is absolutely no reason why you should get into debt buying things you don't need in the name of Christmas.

Furthermore, you should have nothing to do with anything that doesn't honor God in this season and beyond. Abstain from all appearance of evil. -1 Thessalonians 5:22

We have a responsibility to make sure that our choices and actions don't become stumbling block and hinder people from getting to know Christ. I've been celebrating Christmas all my life and I can tell you we can have loads of fun without sinning.

Whatever you do, make sure you are honoring God. At the end of the day, the Christmas season is all about Him.

Season’s greetings everyone! Love you all, praying for you always…

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I’m thankful for Two Thousand and Thirteen

The year is almost out… wow!  It’s unbelievable how the months rolled by. 2013 for me have been a magnificent year.  I’m grateful for the privilege to be alive and thankful for the countless blessings I have received throughout the year. God is good and He is all the time…

There are so many random things and people I need to be thankful for so in no particular order;

I am thankful for a rich, deep, meaningful relationship with God. I have never experienced God like I did this year and I am so thankful He loved me enough to sacrifice His son, purchasing my redemption, satisfying His wrath, and displaying His glory.

I’m thankful for having a family that loves and fears the LORD; a mother who lovingly brought me (Katherine, Mercy and Samuel) into this world and lovingly led us to the One who created this world. “As for me and my household, we will FOREVER serve the Lord.”

I’m thankful for the Bible. I read the Bible more this year than I ever had and trust me no other book come close. The Bible is God’s revealed word and I am so thankful for the privilege to teach, preach and write from this magnificent book.

I’m thankful for good books- knowledge is power, knowledge is priceless. I was able to read about thirteen books (excluding my Bible) this year and I must say there is an incredible amount of knowledge at our disposal. I wish more people take time (get off social media, put off their T.V) and read. Growth is impossible without knowledge.

I’m thankful for the company I work and the privileged position I hold there. I love being an accountant and I absolutely love my job. Shout-out to Tosin Adetunji, Mr. Ayoola Olajunju, Bolade Olatunji Adebimpe Adeleke and the entire finance staff.

I’m thankful for Sunny Okafor, Francisca Atie, Mary Achieng, Wahab Ajibola, Daniel Atie, Bolaji Blessing, Emmanuel Peter, Afolabi Olajide, Winifred Orji; a circle of individuals  who've enriched my life in many ways.

I’m thankful for those that have been a part of my life though they’re miles away from me. God bless you Ella Twum, Ebi Smart, Mary Achieng, Joshua Eze, Comfort Oliba, William Young and Toluwase Ayorinde.

I’m thankful for warm, caring friends who stood by me through good and tough times. You all are amazing. Some of you shared with me real extraordinary experiences and I salute your courage. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of your lives.

I’m thankful for great times, triumphs as well as challenges, frustrations, disappointments, sleepless-nights, heart-breaks, stress, all of which helped me improve and made me a better person.

I’m thankful for Twitter followers, Blog readers, Face Book friends and the whole social media community. Social media is amazing. I thank God I didn’t come in the 1950′s era but God put me in this age at this time.

I’m thankful for my church - Church of God Mission Int’l, All Nations for Christ Bible Institute and the precious souls that hold me accountable in my walk with the LORD. Following Jesus is the greatest decision I ever made.

There are many things that I have to give thanks for... but this one note isn’t enough to capture all however, I mustn't forget to mention that I’m thankful for you… you reading this. I’m thankful for the support that you give me, the likes, the comments, retweets, favorites, shares.... God bless you!

All of us have something to be thankful for. To say God hasn't been good to you is the highest form of ungratefulness. Just because God didn't do in your life what you saw HIM do in your neighbor’s life doesn't mean He isn't good.

One of the worst injustices that you can do to yourself is comparing yourself to others. God didn't create us the same. All of us are unique but different. Someone may appear to have it better than you but that doesn't mean their life is better than yours. Be grateful for your portion.

Psalm 105:6 tells us “Let everything that hath breath praise the LORD”. That literally means if you are alive, you have every reason to be thankful.

God appreciates our thanksgiving and gratitude. He doesn't need it but He wants it. He is already perfect and complete all in Himself. “The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me. - Psalm 50:23

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name.” - Psalm 100:4

Life does test everybody of us at some point but no matter what you go through somebody, somewhere has it much worse than you do so be thankful. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” - Philippians 4:6

When we take time to give thanks for who GOD is and all HE does, it increases our awareness of HIS presence in all that we do and in all that we are. All that we are God made us… All that we have God gave us. “For in him we live and move and have our being” Acts 17:28

Be thankful and don't let any situation push you away from God rather; let every situation remind you of how much you need Him.

I don’t know about you but as for me, I trust God no matter what it looks like, seems like or sounds like. My hope firmly rests in His promises, guidance and provision. There's absolutely nothing that can move me or make me change my trust in Him. I'm firmly rooted.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

I’m thankful for two thousand and thirteen… are you thankful?

Just Sharing My Thought

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Grace and Peace ♥

Honesty Moment

 

In my last note “None of Us Is Perfect”, I talk extensively on the need for us to be sincere with our imperfections. In this note, I’m sharing with you my personal struggles not for you to crucify me with them but for you to pray for me (prayers is free) and learn from me.

When it comes to accepting our human imperfections, many of us try to resist it. And this is evident in the fact that people think of imperfectness as something that destroys ones self-worth but does it?

What is that one thing in your life that no one knows about? What are those areas in your life that you use all your energy to hide? What weakness are you covering up?

When I ask myself these same questions, what comes to mind is plenty… I really try to hide those days when I really don’t feel like following Jesus because I keep telling everyone to follow Him.

I have a tendency to over-analyze and over-think. My mind is always set on something to the point where I have difficult time sleeping. I move from one assignment to the next assignment and as my responsibility grows I have noticed that my nights have gotten shorter and my days, longer.

I give myself excuses as to why I must work so much and so hard but I know most of it is just foolishness. There's a time to work, and there's a time to rest. 

I love to inform people so I blog but most of you have no idea how hard it is to put one’s words and thoughts online for anyone who cares to look to see. Sometimes it difficult, not because of what people will say, but because of what it shows about my character.

I have said, I am sorry a million times yet it has not stopped from hurting people I love (unintentionally)… lol but seriously,

The number one struggle I had for a long time was my fear of failure. I stay up most night terrified that I was not going to be a failure until the day I made a bold decision to give all of my fears to God and have Him mold me into all He wants for me to become. 

Often we try so hard to be strong that we don't give God the opportunity to be strong in our lives. And that is wrong. At some point, you have to give all your mess to God and stop trying to figure out everything. 

It's ok to feel weak, because God is our strength. It’s ok to feel lonely; God is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. He even cares about the situations you put yourself in... So let go of your pride, take a moment to surrender all that you are to Him. 

The reality is this: We all go through tests and trails. We all have good and bad days. We all have struggles and although we all can choose to be positive in the mist of negativity, it is far better if we surrender all that we are to Him.

Grace is the fact that God knows every stupid mistake we will make, He knows all of our faults and struggles yet He still chose love us regardless.

Cover your sins, cover your weaknesses and God will expose them but expose your sins, expose your struggles and God will cover them.

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Its May Eleven and Dazzle's Birthday!

Today is indeed a blessed and a special day for me because on this day twenty something years ago my friend - Miss Blessing Oluwaseun Bolaji aka Dazzle was born.

 

Her birthday is as much a celebration for me as it is for her and maybe more! On this her special occasion, I choose to express how special she (my friend) really is to me…

From the first time I heard your voice to the first time we met and even till this day, my happiness have known no bounds. Our friendship has blossomed, like a rose and we have become very close.

You came into my life when I really needed a friend. And no! It wasn’t a mere coincidence that we met. It was destiny… Getting to know you has been an awesome joy! The fun we have talking to each other, the confession sessions we share together, the laugh, and every moment spent with you I will forever treasure.

You and I are different and in many ways the same. The more I get to know you, the more I get to know myself better. You have so much blessed my life that whenever I count my blessings, I count you twice.

You possess qualities that represent the qualities of the woman described in Proverbs 31 and I have no doubt in my heart that you will indeed be a virtuous woman. You are already on that path.

You are an embodiment of wisdom, your great sense of humor, your godly heart and your strong desire to be a godly woman stands you out. God bless the man that gets your hand in marriage (I hope ……*some text missing*……)

You have given me so much-- supported me, encouraged me, cared for me and prayed for me. You are a gem of a person; a rare diamond to find. If I could make this day any special for her, believe me, I would.

I don’t only hope, I know all your dreams will come true so close your eyes and wish for all that you desire. God will grant you whatever you want and GIVE YOU REASONS TO SMILE ALL YEAR LONG.

Perhaps I haven’t told you this before and even if I have, let me reiterate that whenever you need me I will always be there standing by your side... your friendship is very important to me and I wouldn’t want to lose it for anything.

Dazzle with Julie - Her bestie! 

May each birthday of yours be better than the last! You will achieve success and prosperity in every phase of your life. Your days will be filled with happiness, joy and pleasant surprises and may your nights be filled with comforting dreams…

As you celebrate this special day of yours, my three wishes are that you will be as happy as you have made me, we will remain friends forever and you know the third!

I celebrate you Miss. Blessing Oluwaseun Bolaji. Do have a blessed and a happy birthday dear… 

Love and care loads!!!

It’s a new year, make it awesome!

By God’s hand, 2012 has left the Calendar and 2013 is here... Happy New Year family! I’m glad we made it to 2013 and it is my prayer that 2013 will count for good in our lives.

Stop and think about this for a second! I don’t know about you, but about this time last year, my life was totally different. But for the grace and mercies of God I couldn’t have imagined that I would be where I am today. God keeps blowing me away with His goodness.

One question I will like us to ask ourselves is; what am I going to do with my life this year? 2013 is here and however the year turns out largely depends on us.  The year can be a good year or a bad year. It’s all depending on us.

The question is not; will my life work this year? The question is, will you work hard at your life and make it count for something? A lot of people are already proclaiming that the year to be this and that and making different resolutions.

Well, the fact that it’s a new year doesn’t mean that things will work out so easily or that it will be challenges free. LIFE WON'T GET ANY EASIER THIS YEAR OR ANY OTHER YEAR IN PARTICULAR.

The uncomfortable truth is, life will get tough and situations will get hard; but we must not fret, give in or give up. We have GOD on our side and one with God (scripture says) is majority. HOLD ON TO GOD- THE ONE WHO KNOWS AND HOLDS THE YEAR IN HIS HANDS.

It’s a New Year, let nothing hold you back. Make this year special. Let this year become the year you become that new you. Let this year be the year you stop doing those same old things that have gotten you nowhere.

Let this year be the year you stop being sorry for yourself and stop making excuses for being at a place you know you shouldn’t be. If your life needs a turn around, it must start with you.

Do you desire to be knowledgeable? I realized that IGNORANCE IS NOT HEREDITARY. Wisdom is available to anyone who chooses to seek it. And there are over a thousand and one good read books you can lay your hands on and get informed.

This year, we need to establish what's important to us and what's not so we don't waste time, energy and resources on things that are of no benefit to us. And don’t be afraid to give up on things that are not beneficial to you.

A New Year offers an opportunity to look back, and see how far we have come, review and take inventory of our lives, redefine our priorities, set goals, dream dreams and to look forward to a wonderful year.

Perhaps 2012 was not so great a year for you! Well don’t sweat. Whatever it was that didn’t go well last year, let it go! Leave 2012 in 2012. Don’t carry over baggage from last year to this year. It’s a new year, it’s a clean slate, and it’s a fresh start. Give it to God.

Isaiah 43 tells us “Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old”.

Did someone hurt you last year; don’t carry it over into this year. I know the situation may seem difficult to forgive, but forgive anyway! If not for anything so your Heavenly Father forgives you. Let there be no ill will in your heart. Forgive those who use you, curse you, and gossip about you.

In life there will always be critics who will criticize you, people who are going to talk about you and slander your name but don’t let it get to you.  Their criticism should make you better not bitter.  And since people are going to talk about you anyway, make sure YOU GIVE THEM SOMETHING WORTHWHILE TO TALK ABOUT.

Let’s make 2013 the best year of our lives by laying everything into the hands of God. Let’s ask Him to direct our steps and give us His heart...why? Because when you think about it, ONLY God will never leave us, never forget about us, never give up on us. And if we have given our lives to Him, He will always be there working things out for our good and His glory.

This year, never put anyone before GOD. People come and go but only GOD remains. Scriptures says He is a friend that is closer than a brother so depend more on God, rely less on people.

This year, we must not be afraid to stand for righteousness at all times even if it means us standing alone. In a world filled with so much confusion and uncertainty, Jesus Christ remains our only true hope.  And it’s in our best interest to stay with Christ.

I talk about my faith a lot not because I’m a religious freak but because I have a relationship with God made possible through Christ Jesus and God is too good that I can’t help but talk about Him.

I have seen God do phenomenal things in my life and the lives of others. God has never failed, He never will and He will not start with you. He has a flawless track record. He has never lost a case, never lost a battle, never lost a Patient.

If you desire to have a relationship with God, just ask Jesus to become Lord over your life and place no one before Him. It’s that simple.

If you are committed to living for the Lord this year and beyond, I will love to partner with you. Inbox me lets pray together, encourage one another and grow together. The best investment you can ever make is eternal investment.

In conclusion, I want to say, don’t get left behind this year, the world is moving, people are moving so move and get going.  2013 must not drift by!  THERE IS NO REASON WHY THIS YEAR SHOULDN’T BE BETTER. It is my prayer that the year counts for good in your life.

It’s a new year; make it awesome…

Just Sharing My Thought

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