Hi everyone. Why are you all so quiet? I was looking to the hills to see your light... so are we going to shine?

So you are not shining by your self??

Why you dont search for The Light to illuminate you soul?!

I.X.8.Y.S.

I would like to join this group. But it is very quiet. May be too quiet!

how do i join this group?

Blessings.

rpa

I would like to join this group how do I?

Hi all. :)

What this group needs is a few yakky women, and maybe the men will speak up so the women can take a breather. Why are christian groups so quiet?   Don't ya know that all fall short of what good is?   Christ is our goodness, always.

"Now, let me in," says the big bad wolf.  "No, Noooo!! says the pigs.

Speaking of pigs, doesn't anyone realize that Easter was originally a celebration of

Ishtar, the pagan god of "birth and renewal"? 

It is most probably true that it was originally a Pagan celebration, but it is also true that in previous centuries many pagan celebrations were taken over by Christians.  These were generally attempts to over-ride the pagan celebrations, and were not necessarily entirely successful. 

Unfortunately, it appears that along with the knowledge of the original sources of these celebrations, many Christian's have the idea that it means these celebrations are somehow demonic.  That is in fact utterly ridiculous because they are complete celebrations in their own right, regardless of timing, and also because we as Christians are celebrating CHRIST, not Satan, and no matter what the festival is that fact remains the same.  Remaining completely oblivious to the pagan origins of Easter is not in the least bit harmful, because the origin of the festival doesn't change a thing about what is in our hearts; praise for God.

So, perhaps it isn't necessary to go around telling people about such origins, because, although it may be true, it is not entirely helpful, especially for new believers.  I have not researched much into this topic, I am merely stating my opinion.  I hope that if I have uttered any misinformed information, it will be promptly corrected.  God bless you all!

P.S. I know this is a very late post, but, like me, many people may stumble upon this discussion.  I hope they are positively affected.

HI all.  I hope everyone had a great weekend.  :)

I really don't like to make Christmas celebrating a "heathen" holiday in it's origins, even though it was very much so in England, and the continuance of the celebration came with them when settling over here in America. 

The origin of Clause which was first "Clobes",  represented the devil in plays, in which the devil would appear on stage saying, "ho ho hoooh".  It really only gets worse, even we want to try to justify clebrating "Saint Nicolas", whch was really a reference to Old Nick, who was Satan. Also,the parade of Yule and his wife, who rode "through the city very undecently", during the 1500's, eventually became parades.  I could go on and on,but I really don't want to.  Reasons are numerous...

Christmas time brings back great memories.  I've always had the tree, (except for a couple years,  once long ago when I couldnt decide whether to celebrate when my kids were small, and last year.  (I did put a small one in the basement though, due to my adult children coming to the conclusion, on their own, NOT to celebrate the tree festivities.  I am really struggling myself, about all the festivities, because I love to decorate with all the wonderful lights and ribbons!  However, it doesn't make it right. 

If you want to dig deeper into the origins, Santa Claus, Last of the Wild Men, by Phyllis Siefker, is an excellent book on the subject. So, question is, what do christians decide to do, who truly want to be followers of Christ.  I believe we should listen to the voice within us, the HOly Spirit, who leads us into all truths,  if we are convicted of celebrating Christmas, then maybe we shouldn't.   Hard to not celebrate when there are children in the picture.  Definitely makes them happy. 

As for enlightening new believers, Ulmo, should they stay in the dark and follow traditions because it's a happy time?   New believers, who drink milk eventually move on to eating meat and growing in faith and knowledge of the word.  It is part of the responsibilities of the elders in a church and in faith to help them, but all must be done in love, or else it becomes harmful.  I understand fully what you are saying, Ulmo, but to teach them that Santa come to bring toys, is the issue, and not the celebration of the birth of Christ, which you are completely right there, the time of birth isn't even known!  Anyway, nice to have someone respond!  I'll finish by sharing this verse..

1. "See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ." Colossians 2:8

Have a great day!