Today, I share a reply to a question on what Christmas means to me. It is true there are those outside the covenant made through the blood of Jesus from the cross who mistakenly feel the birth of the Savior has established liberty from all religious laws and traditions, and they celebrate the occasion of his nativity expressing abandon, displaying covetousness, and seeking the price of a dog or a whore’s reward (debt, deceit, depression, disease, disgrace, and death). Even so, the Holy Spirit is present among believers through the festival of Christmas as anointing, fresh endowments, and sacred deposits that reside within diverse events, messages, and persons, and are visible only to those having spiritual discernment. One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers (New Zealand)” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:
Religion- Christians, what does chrismas really mean to you as you celebrate with time off work and indulge yourselves silly?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. (Matthew 1: 18-23, King James Version , KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Mother of GOD? (12/09/2016); A Day For Forgiveness? (12/25/2015); It Is Our Wisdom To Ask (05/18/2015); A Christmas Message, 2014 (12/25/2014); The Christmas Spirit? (12/23/2014); Both Born Holy? (04/29/2013); Scripture at Funerals? (04/30/2013)
“Anonymous”, in the same way, the law of GOD required the participation of all firstborn males throughout Israel in three annual observances (Pentecost or Weeks; Trumpets; Tabernacles or Booths) through the covenant of Moses, Christmas is a festival acknowledging prophecy and sacred events that was commanded by GOD through divine proclamation delivered by angels as the terms for a covenant in blood. The secular activity, meanings, and traditions associated with Christmas do not fulfill the sacred duty for those within the household of faith, and so is a mandatory obligation discharged only by those willing to sanctify themselves (i.e., set themselves apart to serve GOD exclusively) through the imparted, indwelling Spirit of GOD. Just as making gifts and offerings to GOD were central in the Mosaic feasts, rightly understood, making gifts and ministering to the Son of GOD are a central focus when observing Christmas. Consider the following points from the holy writings:
(1.) Deuteronomy 16: 16-17, King James Version (KJV): 16 Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty: 17 Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee.
(2.) Luke 2: 8-14, KJV: 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And 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, good will toward men.
(3.) Nehemiah 8: 9-11, KJV: 9 And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. 10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our LORD: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. 11 So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Romans 8: 5-10, KJV: 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
No comments:
Post a Comment