By Nancy Virden (c)2024

Christmas Day is simple. It was a pagan holiday that Christians usurped to make holy, and then secularists and pagans took it back. Instead of Jesus, it became Santa Claus, whose history is nebulous at best. Countries around the world celebrate Christmas in various ways; some do not accept December 25 as Jesus’ birthday at all. It seems the celebration is mostly non-Christian.

American Christians have complained about this and fought back half-heartedly. Most accept Santa as part of the tradition. I told my kids that Santa was not real, but was a fun story. I did not want to lie to them about Santa because of the importance of trusting me when I told them of Jesus.

Probably, Jesus was born in springtime. Since I celebrate His existence every day by talking to HIm, listening to Him, and reading His written Word, it does not matter to me at all what day He was born on earth. After all, that is not the day His existence began. He is eternal. John wrote of Him:

In the beginning, the Word already existed.
    The Word was with God,
    and the Word was God.
He existed in the beginning with God.
God created everything through him,
    and nothing was created except through him.
The Word gave life to everything that was created,
    and his life brought light to everyone.
The light shines in the darkness,
    and the darkness can never extinguish it.

That is why I celebrate Christmas. This week’s Thursday blog is one day early because it is vital that we understand; Jesus came to earth as a baby where He was not recognized by His own people. He lived sinlessly and was perfectly able to die for our sins. This wasn’t suicide, it was sacrifice. He rose again and all who accept His truth will never die and will live with Him forever in paradise.

Yes, Christmas is simple and so is salvation. Believe on Him and receive redemption.

Merry Christmas!

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Hebrews 1:3

 The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. For a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. 

NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience and observations. This website is not intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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