Holidays are here! Can you believe it? Ready or not the days come quickly. But don’t forget that most of our American observances are extensions of ancient “Holy Days”.
For example, we dropped in on our grandkid’s grade school Halloween spook parade today. What a treat! While our special spook dressed as Snow White, most of the others tried to frighten their friends with all manner of ghoulish costumes. Who would ever guess that 1000 years ago the Druids in Europe, along with the Roman Church lit great fires celebrating All-Saints Eve on October 31 to ward off evil spirits?
The observance of Thanksgiving can be traced to the Feast of the Tabernacles, an ancient Jewish (3000 years ago) celebration of harvest and plenty in the Promised Land. In America, Thanksgiving had historic significance as the early colonists thanked God for preserving their settlement in a new land through a difficult first year. Here at PWBC we plan to observe the day by sharing from our abundance with others in our community! What better way to say thanks to God for His provisions to us.
Of course, Christmas marks the birth of our Savior and is celebrated be retelling the miraculous story of His coming– through music, nativity re-enactments, and the exchanging of gifts and expressions of Christian love.
Obviously, all of these special celebrations have also found a place in the American economy and our social calendars. Some Americans have little appreciation for the tremendous religious heritage that accompanies these fall observances. But for the Christian, there is a rich and fulfilling message from Scripture and our faith to thrill our hearts again.
So, let’s give ourselves afresh to the Lord of this season as we set aside the conflicts and worldly concerns that confront us, everyday. May God bless you richly throughout these special days as you put Him first in your life!
See You Sunday!
-JT
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