a little perspective

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path."ť
Psalm 119:105

Christmas, or Yule

posted Friday, December 8, 2006 :: 6:02 AM

This headline caught my eye: Pagan Christmas ritual pressed on young kids.

A public-school handout urging young children in Virginia to attend a "Pagan ritual" tomorrow to "celebrate Yule" is sparking objections from concerned parents.

Because of a recent court ruling which forbade the school district from declining to pass out a flyer to its students from a Christian organization, the school then had to allow this flyer sent home with students from a pagan organization. This is why we homeschool.

But the story doesn't end there. The big hook the pagan organization is using is the Christmas traditions all children are familiar with -- such as Christmas trees, wreaths, and Santa -- and revealing the pagan origins and symbolism behind them.

The more I learn about the root of paganism in ancient history, and their holidays and symbolism, the more I lean toward the Puritan persuasion. The Puritans did not celebrate Christmas because of its pagan roots. My question to myself is: How can I honor Jesus Christ in all our Christmas celebrations and traditions? Or is Christmas as we know it so rooted in idol worship, in the grossest kind of rebellion against God, that it is impossible to honor Jesus through it?

To be continued ...

category: why we homeschool
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Untitled Comment

posted Friday, December 8, 2006 :: 3:55 PM :: by Honeybee

Ooooh! This has become a really BIG topic around our "Christmas Tree" this year! We may be making some changes, but they will "hurt", if you know what I mean! I'll be curious to see what you come up with.

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this time of year

posted Saturday, December 9, 2006 :: 7:03 AM :: by Angela

Hi Christine,

First off I wanted to say thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience in homeschooling. This is my first year and you have been my main source for information. I thank God for leading me to CCH!

This morning when I woke up I remained in bed praying and talking to God and this issue came up. This is the answer I received from God regarding this concern. . . that it is up to me to set the example of peace and love during this most busiest times of the year and not by pulling myselff out of it completely but by participating according to the direction of the Spirit.

I know that these pagan rituals mean nothing because there is no god behind them, therefore there is no harm in participating UNLESS I do get caught up in the secular acts to the point of not living out the peace and love of God as an example to those around me (which is exactly what I have been doing). What better testimony this time of year, when folks are so caught up in all the activites that come with the season than being able to follow my Lord, so closely, that His peace never leaves me and I can genuinely greet all the harried participants with calmness and love. If I pull myself out of participation completely what impact can I make? I simply wouldn't be around folks when folks need the salt and light of God the most.

That isn't to say that this is the answer for everyone who faces this dilemna. But it was God's answer for me. I must control myself during this time as an example. ..my spending, my worry over getting gifts, my time management. Am I smiling? Am I setting aside time for those who need me? What is my motivation behind every act during the season (and throughout the year)?

I think you get the point I'm trying to make. ..I tend to go on and on and on. ..LOL

Thanks again Christine and a Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Love,
Angela

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Delicate Decision

posted Sunday, December 10, 2006 :: 3:18 PM :: by sprittibee

I agree with you about Christmas. I have thought that a lot of my woe at this time of year is just because I can not afford to pay for the cards, decorations, traveling expenses, and gifts. I have had time to reflect on it, however and I think I would still feel a bit jaded about the whole holiday thing even if I had a ton of money to drop on making it "sparkle". We try and refocus our life on GOD'S GIFT to us at Christmas. We do have a tree (which we have not put up this year because we will be traveling for the last two weeks of December), but all our ornaments are "nativity" type ornaments or things that tell a story about our personal family. Most of them are religious in nature. We have few presents under the tree, so we don't get too caught up in the gift side of Christmas.... but still, it isn't easy to escape the "WANT" that seems to bleed off of every newspaper and website in America from October through January. Very thoughtful post. Thanks for reminding me to focus on making this celebration special for Christ and HIS purposes for us.

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