Good morning! Had an interesting perspective brought to light. Jesus won! Jesus prevailed! What in the world am I talking about? This whole "Christmas is celebrated on a pagan holiday, the Norsemen used to hang fir trees from the ceiling for reasons not related to Christmas or Christianity. Well, true but any day of the year has something that happened or falls upon it. Any calendar date can be traced to something yucky that happened in the past. Point is that the date of December 25th was picked for many reasons way back when, look it up, and now it is Christmas that has that day pretty much sewn up. Point to all this thinking? Satan has a way of clouding things with other things to take our attention off what is important, namely Jesus. I hear bickering over this holiday and as a result, the point of the holiday can be missed. I personally take issue with Santa, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy but it ain't worth going to blows over. It also isn't going to ruin the celebration of our Savior. Thoughts and question about anything that transpires is healthy and wise but be careful that you don't get caught in a vicious cycle of questioning to the point that nothing becomes real or pertinent to your life. Jesus came to set us free from the legalism of old testament times. His blood shed for us so we can have freedom in him that has never been experienced since the garden of Eden. Jesus allows us to screw up but not be condemned by those actions. We have forgiveness through Christ Jesus. All we must do is ask. Have you been forgiven? Do you know Jesus as your personal savior? Would you like to? I ain't the smartest guy but I do know my savior and you can too.

Psalms 32:1-2
Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.
NIV

Acts 13:38-40
"Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses.
NIV

Colossians 2:13-14
When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins,
NIV

Oh Heavenly Father, we muse at things and enjoy this season even with all the stress and aggravation. We thank you that you gave the greatest gift of all to us. When we try to emulate that with our gift giving, help us to remember why we are doing it. Lord we love you and worship you and thank you for your son. Help us rest peacefully and be so sure of our salvation that sharing is a joy and not a burden. Lord keep the light bright so we cannot miss your son! Keep us safe and remember those that are away from family. Comfort them and let them know you are there. Let the troops know we all are praying for them in Jesus name, Amen