You Are the Light of the World (Matthew 5:14)

Matthew 5:14 says, "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden." Jesus spoke these words during His Sermon on the Mount, calling His followers to live in a way that reflects God's love and truth. By describing them as the light of the world, He emphasized their role in illuminating the way for others, showing them the path to God through their actions and character. Today, this verse reminds us of our responsibility as Christians to be a positive influence in the world. In a society that often seems filled with darkness and negativity, we are called to shine brightly, demonstrating kindness, compassion, and integrity. Our lives should reflect the light of Christ, offering hope and guidance to those around us. By living according to Jesus’ teachings, we can help others see the beauty and truth of God's love. Making this reflection personal, we can consider how we can be a light in our own communities. Are we showing kindness to our neighbor
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Why Do Christians Celebrate Christmas if it is not in the Bible?

As the yuletide season approaches, a perennial debate gains momentum: "Is Christmas really a Christian holiday?" Critics often claim that Christmas is a pagan adaptation, asserting that its celebration began centuries after Christ. Astonishingly, some within the Christian community echo this sentiment. In this post, I will shatter this misconception and prove that not only is Christmas deeply Christian, but its celebration was initiated by none other than God Himself.

The First Christmas Celebration: A Heavenly Event, not a Pagan Ritual

The portrayal of Christmas as a borrowed pagan practice is a narrative that has been amplified not just by secular media but, sadly, even by some Christian denominations. This pervasive myth posits that the celebration of Christ's birth is a pagan ritual, institutionalized by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century. However, to find the real roots of the first Christmas, we need to go back to the biblical account in the Gospel of Luke. 

Luke 2:13-14 (NIV) tells us: "Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.'" This event unfolded immediately after Jesus' birth in Bethlehem. A company of angels was sent by God to announce and celebrate His son's birth. Far from being a pagan practice, the first Christmas was a divine celebration initiated by God. The Almighty orchestrated an extraordinary heavenly display, even employing a star to herald Jesus' birth.

Why the Early Church Seemingly Did Not Celebrate Christmas

One might wonder, if the first Christmas was so significantly celebrated by the divine, why did early Christians not publicly commemorate it? The most plausible explanation lies in the harsh reality of religious persecution. Christianity has been one of the most persecuted religions throughout history, a trend that persists sadly even today. For early Christians, practicing their faith was a matter of life and death, literally. 

Their faith was met with sanctioned violence and systemic killings, making public celebrations a risky endeavor. This fear drove the early Christian community underground, and as a result, public celebrations like Christmas had to wait until it was safe to emerge, that is, until the era of Constantine.

A Message to Detractors and Believers

  • To secular media outlets perpetuating the myth that Christmas is a pagan practice: strive for truth in reporting. 
  • To Christians who ignore the Biblical narrative and label fellow believers as unfaithful for celebrating Christmas: it is time to reexamine your understanding of the Scriptures. 
  • And to all Christians everywhere: do not be deceived. 
  • Christmas celebration is in the Bible. It is not a pagan tradition, but a heavenly tradition initiated by God Himself.

Conclusion: The Divine Origins of Christmas

Christmas is not a holiday that Christians adapted from pagan traditions; rather, it is a celebration with divine origins, instituted by God immediately after the birth of His son, Jesus. The Biblical account in Luke leaves no room for doubt: the heavenly hosts celebrated the first Christmas, and so should we. 

Thus, let us all rejoice in commemorating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, confident that in doing so we are participating in a celebration that is as heavenly as it is ancient."Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." - John 8:32. This Christmas, may we all find peace in the truth that the celebration of Jesus' birth is a heavenly tradition, initiated by God Himself.

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