What are the greatest human experiences? Among the greatest human experiences are:
There is a term for these: freedom of the soul and spirit.
Ray Madriaga Colorado
If we want to put Christ at the center of Christmas holiday, talk to children about Jesus, not Santa Claus. Jesus is the ultimate model of giving. He gave healing, forgiveness, joy, hope, and redemption.
Santa is a myth. In the ancient days of Europe, they scared children by telling them about a spirit that roams above houses. If there is a bad kid, that spirit comes down the chimney with a sack to take away the bad kid. We have modernized the myth by singing, “He’s making a list, checking it twice, gonna find out who’s naughty or nice. Santa Claus is coming to town.”
We even extended the myth by making Santa like God. “He knows when you are sleeping. He knows when you’re awake. He knows if you’ve been bad or good…” These are attributes of the all-knowing God, so the song is idolatry. Yet, we sing it to our children every Christmas.
We want to bring back youth to church? Most youth today find church boring. But those who knew Jesus personally find Christian life is exciting. Jesus gives more than any store could hold, including answering prayers.
Let’s go back to celebrating Jesus Christ this Christmas. Let’s not wish to Santa. Let’s ask the Father anything in Jesus’ name.
Merry Christmas!
Ray Madriaga Colorado
Thanksgiving Day is not just about what we received. It is about our relationship to The God who gives, and our faith that that relationship is worth celebrating together, whatever our conditions may be. This is why the Pilgrims celebrated Thanksgiving despite the hardship they experienced.
“I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come? 2 My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.”
Psalm 121:1-2 The Bible (ESV)
Happy Thanksgiving Sunday, dear friends.
Ray Madriaga Colorado
Mabuhay Fellowship 