A friend of mine, of indeterminate faith, recently said one of the best pamphlets he’d ever seen was from Jews for Jesus. It was simply titled : “Jews for Jesus : What??”
This comes from another of their pamphlets. And because it mentions my favourite non-holiday, I thought I’d share it.
What shall we do?
What shall we celebrate?
Hanukkah, Christmas, … Festivus ?
If I choose Christmas I can go with the flow. With Hanukkah I get more presents. And with Festivus…for Seinfeld fans…there’s an airing of grievances and feats of strength.
Religion and ritual. What do they have to do with reality?
Amidst the dreydls, the candles, the wreaths, the ribbons and whatever other traditions you may hold…there’s a feeling that there’s got to be something more.
Holiday traditions fill us with a nostalgic longing for a reality that many of us have never experienced. A hunger and thirst that can’t be satisfied with latkes or eggnog or anything we can see or taste or touch with our physical senses.
That’s because our souls really long to be right with the One who created us.
The best gift of the season can only come from God…and the dilemma is whether you are willing to receive it.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should be perish but have everlasting life.”
John 3:16
It’s not a matter of whose holiday or what culture to celebrate…but whether or not you open your heart to that Jewish baby that God sent so that people of all cultures and backgrounds could know God and experience His forgiveness and peace.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called : Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince Of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6
