Vickilynn

Shalom Emily Anne, This is something the anti-tree people forget. G-d CREATED the tree. Just because people take something of G-d and use it for evil purposes does not make the THING evil! http://www.christmas-tree.com/where.html CHRISTMAS TREE HISTORY Did a celebration around a Christmas tree on a bitter cold Christmas Eve at Trenton, New Jersey, turn the tide for Colonial forces in 1776? According to legend, Hessian mercenaries were so reminded of home by a candlelit evergreen tree that they abandoned their guardposts to eat, drink and be merry. Washington attached that night and defeated them. The Christmas tree has gone through a long process of development rich in many legends, says David Robson, Extension Educator, Horticulture, with the Springfield Extension Center. Some historians trace the lighted Christmas tree to Martin Luther. He attached lighted candles to a small evergreen tree, trying to simulate the reflections of the starlit heaven -- the heaven that looked down over Bethlehem on the first Christmas Eve. Until about 1700, the use of Christmas trees appears to have been confined to the Rhine River District. From 1700 on, when lights were accepted as part of the decorations, the Christmas tree was well on its way to becoming a tradition in Germany. Then the tradition crossed the Atlantic with the Hessian soldiers. Some people trace the origin of the Christmas tree to an earlier period. Even before the Christian era, trees and boughs were used for ceremonials. Egyptians, in celebrating the winter solstice -- the shortest day of the year -- brought green date palms into their homes as a symbol of "life triumphant over death". When the Romans observed the feast of saturn, part of the ceremony was the raising of an evergreen bough. The early Scandinavians were said to have paid homage to the fir tree. To the Druids, sprigs of evergreen holly in the house meant eternal life; while to the Norsemen, they symbolized the revival of the sun god Balder. To those inclined toward superstition, branches of evergreens placed over the door kept out witches, ghosts, evil spirits and the like. This use does not mean that our Christmas tree custom evolved solely from paganism, any more than did some of the present-day use of sighed in various religious rituals. Trees and branches can be made purposeful as well as symbolic. The Christmas tree is a symbol of a living Christmas spirit and brings into our lives a pleasant aroma of the forest. The fact that balsam fir twigs, more than any other evergreen twigs, resemble crosses may have had much to do with the early popularity of balsam fir used as Christmas trees. Written by: David Robson Extension Educator, Horticulture Springfield Extension Center.

Shalom Emily Anne, Exactly. It's amazing how many people will take those verses in Jeremiah *out of context* and apply them where they do not apply. We certainly don't make an IDOL our of our Christmas tree, in fact, we use an evergreen to symbolize that Yeshua brought us eternal life. And we place lights on the tree to symbolize that Yeshua is the Light of the World. And we give gifts to each other because the wise men brought gifts to the King.

Shalom, Nope. The celebration of the birth of Messiah is very Scriptural. Luke 2 The Birth of Jesus Christ 8And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"

Shalom Ovedya, I won't argue with you since this not the topic of this tread, but I strongly disagree. I believe the celebration rejoicing and honoring of Messiah's birth to be found in the Scriptures. It is a very Biblical expression and emulation of the rejoicing at the time. I believe the celebration of Messiah to be VERY Scriptural as in the FIRST part of your statement below: The second part of your statement is purely your opinion, and you are entitled to it even though you using generalizations and blanket statements that do not reflect individuals and thus cannot be correct. I do believe also that your accusation of people being "disingenuous" if they do not support lying to children about santa, but they do celebrate Christmas to have crossed the line here. You do not have that right Ovedya to judge people's heart and accuse them of being disingenuous if you do not agree with their views. This Brother, is wrong. We can share differing views, but to judge someone's heart? That's G-d's job.

Shalom Ovedya, I guess we disagree then. I find it more important to teach my children the truth from Scriptures and never to be ashamed or afraid to speak the truth, in love. 1 Peter 3 13Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness

Shalom, I'm sorry, but I also don't see the need for this. Of course we don't tell our children to go out and broadcast that santa is not real, but when asked, they should always give the truth.

Shalom Ovedya, Please clarify this for me: How can you say the birth of Messiah has no Biblical origins? And what makes you say that if we celebrate Christmas, that is the ONLY time the incarnation of Messiah is celebrated? As far as I read and experience, neither are true. As for Messiah's birthday not being in December, actually, the Scriptures do not state specifically, and so we have some theories. However, the date is not the important issue, the ACT is. And I do not consider making a stand against lying about santa to be disingenuous and I personally feel that statement is not at all gracious or even accurate. The bottom line is: Messiah WAS born to a virgin and this is cause for celebration! At Christmas, we do celebrate the BIRTH of Messiah, not the date of His birth. The ACT is the most important thing, not the date. Telling children that santa is real is a lie, which the Bible condemns. Telling children that santa is real robs G-d of the glory due Him. There is no reason NOT to celebrate the birth of Messiah, but there are plenty of reasons not to lie to children to tell them santa is real.

Shalom Forrest, Nope. What the BIBLE says trumps what man "sees fit." G-d's ways are what we as Christians should do, not man's. Telling children that santa is real is a lie, which is against G-d's Word.It also robs G-d of the glory due Him. It also removes the REAL reason for Christmas and substitutes a lie. None of these are right for Christians to engage in.

Shalom Bib, Another excellent post. When we parents deceive our children, take away the glory from G-d and disregard the REAL reason for Christmas, how is that good? It's about G-d!

Shalom Bib, Amen and amen. Excellent post. There is no Biblical support for lying to one's own children and telling them Santa is real and gives them presents. BTW, that is different than children knowing the make-believe story of Santa and enjoying it.

Shalom Forrest, How about the Biblical command that Christians should not lie? Can you show me where there is an exception made for Santa? The other 99% of the children should not be deceived. It is a sin to lie and it is an awful thing to deceive one's own children! The other issue is robbing G-d. Attributing G-d's blessings to a make believe person is wrong. Any way you play it, telling children that Santa is real is REAL WRONG for Christians.

Amen. I would imagine that just about everyone on here believed in Santa Claus when they were little and it did not hurt any of them. forrest, no one can know if telling their children about Santa might lead their children astray. God's word tells us; And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea. (Luke 9:42) What if telling them about Santa does cause them to not believe in Jesus or His Truths? Little children were able to be children for many many years without the idea of Santa. This is an interesting video about the History of Christmas... The idea of Santa wasn't adopted till the fourth century. Shalom, Excellent post!!

Who? I can't think of a single person I have ever known that was very hurt when they found out that Santa was not real and questioned the existence of God as a result. Shalom Forrest, Don't be silly. Just because YOU don't know any doesn't mean there aren't any. There ARE testimonies of this very thing, I have know children who experienced it. Butero posted recently of his experience with the same reaction. Do your homework with an open mind, the proof is out there. You can't make an argument on your limited experience in this area and you can't speak for every child everywhere.

Shalom, However, there are children who were VERY hurt and questioned the existence of G-d and did not trust their parents, knowing they had been deliberately lied to all those years. It's funny that you use "for the love of G-d" in your plea to take the honor FROM G-d and give it to a make believe cartoon character. That is sad. It is FOR THE LOVE OF G-D that we do not lie to our children and we let them TRULY have joy and know where their blessings come from, it will help them in their walk, it will help them become string Christians and that is what we as parents should be doing, not deceiving them.

Shalom Freedfromsin, Amen and amen to all you've posted. We, as Christians should NEVER lie, period. We are Christian parents should never lie especially to these ones that G-d has given us to teach. How dare we teach them lies? We should love them enough to always tell them the truth, especially between fiction and reality. Especially when attributing G-d's blessings to a make-believe person! I would never want my parents to deceive me in this way, telling me that a make-believe person was the giver of good things, when all the while it was G-D! That defrauds G-d the honor and thanks due Him and it deceives the very ones we are to protect from hurtful lies. James 1 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth,) that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

Shalom Dave, Whooo hooooooooooooo! Amen!

Shalom Emily Anne, When we are considering viewing a movie, I tend to go by the Christian move review sites, especially Christianity Today and Plugged In Online and not rely on other's opinions because what may offensive to one, may not be to another. Here is the review from Plugged In Online: http://www.pluggedinonline.com/movies/movies/a0002990.cfm

Shalom Emily Anne, I have it, I love it.

Shalom HisMindinme, Praise the L-rd for your Biblical stance and your love for the Body in your posts. How could anyone be offended at the truth spoken in love? Thank you Brother!

Shalom Glory, That is awesome!! Amen!! I thank G-d for this country as well! And I love Texans!

Shalom Emily Anne, Oh, that's hysterical!! However, unless you gain some weight, your hot flashes may be just warm flashes!

Shalom Emily Anne, Oh, bless your heart!! You also are so thin that you have no body insulation! So, yes, wearing baby T's, long johns and such under clothes is an excellent suggestion for modesty AND warmth. However, for me, a zaftig 51 year old woman in chemo-induced menopause (can you read HOT FLASHES!? ) wearing layers is excruciatingly hot and smothering. I can't even stand long sleeves or Turtle necks. I wear summer-type clothes all year long and don't even own a Winter coat! LOL! I never wear sock if I can help it! Anyway, about the slit, yes you can open it partway. Another thing you can do to give your legs more room to walk is to re-open the slit, but wear a pretty slip underneath. I have seen ruffly ones and lace cotton ones that actually look NICE under skirts and it would allow your legs room while covering up underneath the slit. Just an idea.

Shalom Emily Anne, What constitutes "modest apparel" is being led by the Holy Spirit, not a set of rules. Personally, I don't believe there is a thing wrong with women wearing feminine slacks or pants as long as they are not revealing. I also don't agree with the OP's standards for what to wear or not wear. Case in point, today, I am wearing a jean skirt that goes to my calves (because I like it). It has a small slit in the back, but the slit only goes up to the back of my knees. I consider this skirt feminine, modest and not dowdy. I am also wearing a black knit short-sleeved sweater with a V-neck and buttons in the front. I have pinned the area in between the buttons to make sure nothing is seen in between (since it's a stretchy material) and the V is not low enough to reveal anything. I also am conscious NOT to bend over forward while wearing this sweater in case I am revealing myself. Just my thoughts

Shalom, Exhorting women to walk according to G-d's ways is not "worrying" about it. In fact, it is EXACTLY what we are to spend time doing according to the Word: Titus 2:3-5 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.