Saturday, December 25, 2010

Is Christmas worth celebrating?

A while back, I was questioning the whole holiday of Christmas itself. Is it worth celebrating? Are Christians even allowed to celebrate it? I’m not looking for debates. I’m just going to share my opinions. So…just last year, I found out that Christmas actually had a pagan origin. In the past, Christmas was a holiday where people worshiped pagan gods. In reality, December 25th is actually the birthday of an Egyptian pagan god named, Nimrod. I was actually worried, thinking about this. Just last year, my dad told us that we would no longer celebrate Christmas. My heart was torn in half, because I loved Christmas since I was little. Everyone knows that there’s a big debate concerning when Jesus Christ was born. They talk about how it’s impossible for Him to be born in such a cold climate, in a manger. It’s true that in the Bible, it never said anything about celebrating His birthday. So isn’t Christmas full of quirks?

Sorry, maybe I’m thinking too much. But when something gets me confused, divided, or torn, I will keep searching and searching, until I have answers and come to a verdict. I need the truth.

John 8:32 “Then you will know the truth. And the truth will set you free.”

I know for sure, that when I know the truth, I will be set free. That’s how it works. The truth that comes from God, sets us free.

I’ve shared this verse before, in my question. I’ll share it again.

Jeremiah 10:2-4 “Do not follow the practices of other nations. Do not be terrified by the warnings in the sky. Do not be afraid, even though the nations are terrified by them. The practices of those nations are worthless. People cut a tree out of the forest. A skilled worker shapes the wood with a sharp tool. Others decorate it with silver and gold. They use a hammer to nail it to the floor. They want to keep it from falling down.”

Doesn’t this verse, get you pondering with questions? Well, it did for me. It reminded me of the Christmas tree. I was completely bewildered. So…these were the practices of pagan people long ago. They cut a tree down, took it to their homes, and decorated it. Basically, in Jeremiah 10, God declares that there is no other god like Him. We shouldn’t uplift any other god.

What about the warmth and joy of Christmas time? What about its encouragement in giving? Isn’t that something good?

Matthew 10:8 “….You have received freely, so give freely.”

Knowing that there’s paganism behind the history of Christmas, killed me internally for these past 2 years. It really upset me. What is the right thing to do? I wasn’t so sure.

Just a few months ago, I ran into some verses that caught my eyes. You always find something “new” when looking back into the Bible. For the past year, I cried to God for answer, concerning celebrating Christmas. I believe He gave me the answer right here.

Romans 14:2-6 “The faith of some people allows them to eat anything. But others eat only vegetables because their faith is weak. People who eat everything must not look down on those who do not. And people who don’t eat everything must not judge those who do. God accepted them. Who are you to judge someone else’s servants? Whether they are faithful or not is their master’s concern. They will be faithful, because the Lord has power to make them faithful. Some people consider one day to be more holy than another. Others think all days are the same. Each person should be absolutely sure in his own mind. Those who think one day is special do it to honor the Lord. Those who eat meat do it to honor the Lord. They give thanks to God. Those who don’t eat meat do it to honor the Lord. They also give thanks to God.”

Seems like a confusing and vague passage, right? But of course, the Bible speaks in figurative language. But there were also words there, that directly spoke the message, concerning “special days” or holidays. Here’s what I thought. When I read this, I automatically thought of the whole situation about Christmas. This whole passage, about “diet” isn’t simply talking about what we eat, but our lifestyles and personal beliefs. Why do you think Christians are divided up and have denominations of their own? It’s because of their personal convictions. The Holy Spirit will always give us some sort of conviction. And people will always come up with their own conclusions.

Some people say that Christmas is worth celebrating, because we do it to honor Jesus Christ. They say that we should honor the fact, that God came into human form, to live among us imperfect humans, and save us through a sacrifice. So regardless, of whether Christmas had a pagan background, we only uplift God, during Christmas time. Others strongly stand on the belief of being disconnected during Christmas time. They say that we honor Jesus Christ everyday of our lives, so why make a big deal one day in a year?

Why is there so much diversity in the world? People will always have different viewpoints. That’s why debates happen. That’s why wars happen. What matters, is that we could take the time to understand and accept that we have different opinions.

This verse really struck me in the heart. It gave me a sense of joy and relief.

Romans 14:22 “No matter what you think about those things, keep it between yourself and God. Blessed are those who do not feel guilty for what they allow.”

So I finally came to a conclusion. It’s all up to you. I agree with those that said that God looks into the heart. That’s very true. And God knows all our intentions.

The funny thing is, my dad disregarded what he said last year. This year’s different. We’re celebrating Christmas again. :) Of course, we’re well aware of the truth now. But God knows our hearts. So…that concludes what I want to say.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!! God bless you!!<3

Thursday, October 7, 2010

God is soooo good!

Today, right after lab, I totally forgot my binder. I left it on top of this cabinet and forgot about it completely, when I grabbed my backpack and left. As soon as I got to the second floor, I felt like I was missing something. I started freaking out when I realized I didn’t have my binder. I rushed back over and prayed in my head: Lord, I don’t care if I’m late for my next class. Please, just let me get my binder back. I arrived to the lab room, but only to find out that the door was locked. My heart sank, looking at my binder through the little glass window. I started knocking on the door and paced around. I assumed people around me, thought I was weird. I tried knocking the door in the next room, hoping someone might have the keys to the lab room. Still, after a knock, there was no reply. Finally in desperation, I saw another teacher wearing one of those lab coats. I was hoping something could be done. So I walked over to his class asking, “Uhm..excuse me. I left my binder in the lab room. Can you please open it? Or do you know someone who has the keys?” “Oh sure, just wait a second.” The teacher replied. Right away, I saw him reaching for his pocket. The jingling sound of those keys made me so happy and relieved! And as soon as I got my binder, I promptly thanked him and made a dash for it. I noticed how some people were still walking to their classes. I walked right in to solo vocal training class, and sat down. Within a minute, the bell rang! I came right in time! I was so happy! Not only did I get my binder back, but I also came to class on time. I’m telling you, God is so amazing! <3

Mark 11:24 “So I tell you, when you pray for something, believe that you have already received it. Then it will be yours.”

Saturday, September 11, 2010


“That day is a day of wrath, A day of trouble and distress, A day of devastation & desolation, A day of darkness & gloominess, A day of clouds & thick darkness, A day of trumpet & alarm against the fortified cities & against the high towers. I will bring distress upon men, & they shall walk like blind men, Because they have sinned against the LORD; Their blood shall be poured out like dust, & their flesh like refuse. Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD’s wrath; But the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of His jealousy, For He will make speedy riddance of all those who dwell in the land.” - Zephaniah 1:15-18
WOAH. Someone shared this verse on facebook. This completely blew my mind away. God is always giving a message to us.

I will remember 9/11

I will remember that day. I will remember all the lives that were taken. I will remember the sorrow and pain. I will also remember the miracle that happened my my family and me on that day. My parents were supposed to go to a meeting at a building not too far away from the Twin Towers. I wasn’t in school that day. They were bringing me along. But my and parents and I ran late. We took a bus, then the subway train. When we arrived at Ground Zero, a janitor was cleaning up. Bars were sealed at the exit. “What happened?” My dad asked the janitor. “You don’t know? The Twin Towers fell because of a plane! So many people died!” The janitor cried. My parents were surprised and shocked with grief. I was five years old at the time. I had no idea what was going on. My parents and I traveled back to our NJ home. Once we got a picture on the news, everything made sense. We were all in shock. I cried because so many lives were taken away. I also cried, because my parents and I were still alive. God gave us a chance.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Sweeter Love by Rebecca Woodbury

Today, be patient, small heart of mine.

Look not about, but rest in a love divine.

Tomorrow, perhaps, God may choose to bring,

Another to love - this time an earthly thing.

But today, small heart, look quick away,

From meaningful glances and men just wanting to play.

Quiet the longings that spring from within,

And turn from the ache to find rest in Him.



Though sweet may be this song of love,

Let not a flirting eye distract you from above.

You, my heart, have already been claimed,

And Jesus has your Prince been named.



So today find joy in a love superb,

Gracious, compassionate, more than what’s deserved.

Give Jesus your wantings, give Him your needs,

For He will supply, if only we believe.




(Man, I totally needed this. <3 )