What A Difference This Day Makes!

In ancient times, this time of year Pagans (Paganism was centered around worship of nature, and in heathenistic practices) celebrated the return of the SUN, daylight; a time that we recognize as SOLTICE, marking the longest night and shortest day in our calendars, between December 20 – 23. This occurred on December 21st at 9:03AM. Now, daylight will get a few minutes longer each day.

Because of their beliefs, Pagans celebrated this as an god-EVENT, worshipping various deities that they credited for various functions of nature. The long nights would be over, and now there would be more sun; brought about, they believed, would come from their pagan god.

Christmas was purposely designed and created, if you will, as December 25^th by the Roman church a long, long time ago, particularly and intentionally to positively impact, correctly identify and emphatically counter and replace  the pagan rituals happening at the same time. It was established as the day to give recognition and worship to the one and only TRUE GOD, JESUS. This is the reason we celebrate JESUS’ birth at this time, in this month.

Isn’t it interesting that pagans were celebrating the change from darkness to light? That they were celebrating the coming in of the SUN, day breaking thru the darkest, longest night? The language-ing sounds amazing just to say it.

When we celebrate on December 25th, we celebrate birth of Jesus as the One Who came as the LIGHT OF THE WORLD; the One, GOD’S SON, Who brought us out of darkness into the MARVELOUS LIGHT! (1Peter 2:9). The language contrast is truly interesting: their worship of their sun god, and our worship of the Son of God.

As I look at the prophecy: “For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6), the assignment was clear, and those Names given to Jesus, are a strengthening reminder to us that no matter how out of control all of the government leaders and entities are, we are still under one Ruler. They may have power to rule the people, but they do not have the power to rule over God. 

You know this, I'm sure:“In God We Trust” was put on American currency years ago by the government. Here's what I believe, it was done as a powerful reminder to them and to us, of who is really in charge. It was like saying don’t get it twisted, there is a higher authority than us, and we know it.

Well, we know that government is capable of getting out of hand based on its leadership, but it is critical for us to hold on to what we know. And, that is above all rule, God exists and rules; and He sent Jesus as a reminder for us, as our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, to help us get through this life and on to another. No matter how things look from the ground, God is still in the Heavens and still the Master of our Universe. 

We celebrate Christmas this month on December 25th. What a difference this day makes for all! Merry Christmas! - S.R.F.