TIS THE SEASON WITHOUT REASON
They call it Black Friday. It's a day that many seem to transition from one holiday season to another. Many find it exhilarating to get up very early and join the crowds fighting for bargains. Some lose all reason, manners, patience, and kindness to their fellowman, for an under stocked bargain. It's the beginning of a season without reason.
Before you conclude that I'm a brother to Scrooge, let me say I like the holidays. There are many things to bring joy and happiness when families and friends are able to be together.
The christian, however, is faced with many conflicts during this season. Christians are to be people of sound thinking (II Tim. 1:7). They are to use sound speech (Titus 2:8), and sound words (II Tim. 1:13). The example they set is always important (I Pet. 2:21).
To the christian this is truly a season without reason. The bible speaks nothing of the date of Christ's birth, or celebrating the same. There is no historical evidence of when Christ was born. The early church, under inspired apostles and leaders, did not celebrate Christ's birth, they celebrated his death by partaking of the communion which he instituted just before his crucifixion(Mt. 26:26-30). This day, like others holidays, is man made, and without scriptural precedent or reason.
Each day the christian is tried by the events, songs, decorations, skits and comments of others to participate in religious actions of the period. We need not be unkind, but we do need to speak as the oracles of God (I Pet. 4:11). There are times that seemingly innocent activities can lead others to believe that which is not true. Such was the case of eating meats offered to idols (Rom. 14:15-23). We must not become a part of unscriptural activities that send the wrong message to those around us. Titus put it this way "But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you." (Titus 2:1,8)
This season is a part of our culture and life. We probably could not get completely away from it no matter how hard we tried, but we need not lie, or participate in things which teach falsehood, or set the wrong example. Just like any other activity in our life we must make decisions based on what the scriptures say. This would be true of any holiday. So enjoy the family visits, children and grandchildren, the blessings of food aplenty, and the gift of life for another day. Remember, these things are right and do come from God.
Jack