Our First Non-Christmas Year

Some months ago, led by an intense desire to serve my Lord HIS way, rather than my way, I began to research the origins of Christmas and the various traditions associated with it.

Frankly, my search began the fall of 2008 as I saw the world entering the shopping frenzy and stress-filled preparations of Christmas. Richard and I wanted to honor the Lord’s birth in a more meaningful way, so in honor of each one on our “list,” we gave to the needy of the World via World Vision.

This year, I delved into the origins of the date and traditions of Christmas and found the date and most of the traditions and “fun” things about Christmas have pagan origins. God’s Word tells us not to investigate, imitate, or contemplate pagan activities, and most certainly not to worship HIM in the manner the pagans served their gods. A major part of scripture is dedicated to this whole issue. In Lev. 23, God gives us clear instructions on how to celebrate HIS holidays (Feasts). So, for me, the world’s Christmas is out.

I wanted to celebrate the birth of my precious Savior in purity and simplicity... in a way pleasing unto Him. Biblical evidence is strong that Jesus (Yeshua, His Hebrew name meaning Salvation) was conceived during Chanukah (the Festival of Lights) and born during Sukkot (eight day Feast of Tabernacles). We will celebrate His birth at that time and try to honor it every day by living lives for Him.

Chanukah is not “the Jewish* counterpart of Christmas. It celebrates something entirely different. We had a wondrous eight

day celebration with a ceremony each night, some in our home, but also in other homes, a park and our congregation. As Messianics, we commemorate the miracles of the Maccabee victory and the holy oil, plus we honor the Light of the World, our Messiah Yeshua!

Richard and I exchanged a small gift each night, price: $1-2. We ate Potato Latkes (traditional fried Chanukah food). I make the best latkes... from a mix, hahaha. Richartd ate a lot of them, but I loved them! Our house was simply decorated. See more pictures under Photos tab on Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/ionaruth Yes, Chanukah was very peaceful and beautiful, and fun!

Christmas, on the other hand, has been awkward. We sent out Chanukah cards to a limited number of closer friends and family and included a letter trying to explain why we don’t celebrate Christmas any more. We were not trying to convert or accuse... merely let folks know that we were still followers of the Messiah and why we now serve Him in a different way. Nonetheless, it is a sensitive issue, and I know of one dear friend who felt my letter was a personal judgment on her. I am heartbroken about that.

Some Messianics are confrontational with family and friends about Christmas, basically calling saved people pagans. We don’t think that is the way to share. WE pray for our Christian friends and ask the Holy Spirit to open their eyes about Christmas, Easter and most of all God’s Word as a whole. So, when wished a Merry Christmas, we say something like, “Thank you, and may your holidays be full of fun, family, and blessings of every sort.”

So, today is Christmas for the world. Last night, Richard suggested we go for a drive to look at Christmas lights as we’ve done in years past. There weren’t as many lit homes as usual. We found some homes with Chanukah decor and thanked the Father as prayed that these were Messianic Believers, or if Jewish, that they soon see the Light of Messiah Yeshua.

I think Richard is less able to release the traditions. Earlier, we decided together to give away all our Christmas stuff, but he bought a small and very beautiful nativity set and we put it on a small table across from the menorah. We will also set it out during Sukkot. Abba is patient and loving and knows our hearts.

Richard is working today, and it is the busiest day of the Disney year, so he will be really tired when he gets home. This is Erev Shabbat, but he will be too late to go to services with me tonight.