CHRISTMAS EVE . . . LA VIGILIA

VIGILIA, VIGIL:  The eve, or day and night, before a church festival, especially an eve that is a fast.

As I began to write this post about what it was like in my parent’s home on Christmas Eve, the word “La Vigilia” came to mind.  I can still hear my mother say those Italian words.  It meant “Christmas Eve” and it meant food, especially fish.

“The reason behind the use of fish . . . is simple: Christmas Eve is a vigilia di magro, in other words, a day of abstinence in which the Catholic Church prohibits the consumption of meat.” 

Read more here . . . La Vigilia Napoletana

Seems the tradition is to make seven kinds of fish on Christmas Eve. Though we didn’t go to that extreme, my family did make several fish dishes.  I can remember my mother’s brother, my Uncle Joe, coming over and helping my mother to bread and fry the shrimp. There would also be tomato sauce with shrimp or crab served over pasta. Sometimes there was fried flounder, or baccala which is salted codfish dipped in batter and fried, or cooked in tomato sauce. Then there was the antipasto (or anti-pasta which means before the pasta), the broccoli rabe which was sauteed with a little garlic, oil, salt, and crushed red pepper. (Broccoli rabe can be eaten hot or cold, as a side dish, or on a sandwich, using crusty Italian bread of course.)  Then there was the zeppoles, fried dough sprinkled with powdered sugar, another Christmas Eve tradition. There were other dishes and it was feasting, not fasting!  I can still see my mother in the kitchen making all the preparations. The sad part of all this is that while we were supposedly celebrating the birth of Christ, none of us knew Christ, nor knew the word of God.  Don’t think we even had a Bible in the house.  But praise be to God, in my late 30’s I was born again and began to witness to my mother.  You can read the whole story at this link here . . . MY MOM. After many years of witnessing, and many struggles, my mother came to the Lord.  She is with Him now.  But how many others are still celebrating the “birth of Christ” without knowing Him. If you are born again, love a Roman Catholic this holiday season by sharing the Gospel with them.  Who knows, it may result in their receiving the greatest gift ever, the gift of  . . .  SALVATION.

CHRISTMAS . . . PERPETUATING A LIE

When I was born again I knew certain things. I knew them because I had become indwelt by the Holy Spirit and knew the word of God. I knew that the Halloween celebration was pagan and occult in origin. I knew Roman Catholicism was “another gospel.” I knew that we were to love our enemies. And I knew that Christmas was not of the Lord.

When I started attending church, I could never understand why most “born again” churches accepted Roman Catholicism as a valid Christian denomination. Halloween would roll around and I couldn’t understand why many churches would celebrate Halloween in some way. Then I couldn’t understand why the churches had become so political, so pro-war, and so pro-military. And of course I couldn’t understand why there was a Christmas tree in church. It has taken me a long time to realize that the institutional church is in apostasy. The world has entered the church, and all the things that I have mentioned above are all of the world. They all go together. I finally got it!

We as human beings are very influenced by our peers. Christmas has been one of those issues for me. I feel it’s time to share, with those who would be interested to hear, why I do not celebrate Christmas. Maybe a better way of saying it would be why I try not to celebrate Christmas. It seems to me that there is something supernatural “surrounding” the celebration of Christmas, because the pull to conform is incredible. This is what the Lord has shown me:

(1) SCRIPTURE TELLS US TO REMEMBER THE LORD’S DEATH, NOT HIS BIRTH

1 Corinthians 11:24-26 “And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.”

The Christmas deception/seduction can be very subtle. Christmas takes the focus off of Christ’s atoning death and the sinfulness of sin. Instead of focusing on the risen King of Kings, Christmas focuses on the “infant Jesus.” The spotlight is on baby Jesus, Mary, & Joseph, the “holy family” of the Roman Catholic Church. When my husband was in Catholic school, he had to write “JMJ” at the top of all his assignment papers. So at Christmastime we have little Jesus, big Mary. By celebrating the birth of Jesus we are doing the exact opposite of what Jesus said we should be doing. That fact made me do some thinking. Jesus told us to remember His atoning death not His birth. Should we, as born again Christians, add to God’s word?

(2) PERPETUATING A LIE

James 4:17 “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”

The celebration of Christmas is of pagan origin, not biblical. The Roman Catholic Church took a popular pagan winter festival (the winter solstice) and changed it’s name to Christmas. The word Christmas is an abbreviation of the words “Christ’s Mass.” In the Roman Catholic Church, the Mass is called “the holy sacrifice of the Mass.” It is called that because during each Mass Christ’s sacrifice is repeated. Rome teaches that, during the Mass, the communion bread is changed into the actual body and blood of Jesus Christ. The communion bread, called the host, is then worshiped and adored. This is idolatry, and an abomination. With a broken heart I tell you that multitudes are under the influence of this deception. Unless they repent of believing Rome’s sacramental/works gospel, and believe the true gospel, they will perish in hell forever. How can I, in good conscience, go around saying Merry Christmas when I know what these words mean? As I said before, it seems to me that there is something supernatural “surrounding” this holiday, there’s something “robotic” about it. December comes, and everyone seems to take their appointed place, perform their appointed tasks, and say their appointed words. Who is the initiator of this day called Christmas? Is it Jesus? Would Jesus perpetuate a lie? In addition, unsaved people belonging to various religions see the idolatry and frivolity associated with Christmas, and it hinders them from coming to the Lord.

(3) UNEQUAL YOKING WITH UNBELIEVERS

2 Corinthians 6:14-18 “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”

Celebrating Christmas causes Christians to yoke unequally with unbelievers. These are just a few of my thoughts on this. If we witness as we should, including both the love of God and wrath of God, would the unsaved really want to celebrate Christmas with us? My experience has been, no they would not. If we don’t witness as we should, how can we joyfully celebrate the birth of Christ with unbelievers, knowing the wrath of God is upon them? Are we giving them the right message when we do that? Are we leading them to think they are fine just the way they are?

(4) PRINCIPLES FROM PILATE’S LIFE

There are certain principles to be gleaned from the life of Pilate. Years ago as I was seeking the Lord about celebrating Christmas I was led to study the following. I believe the principles apply. There are many reasons why we don’t do what we know to be right. The following are study notes from the New Life Application Bible:

“For Pilate there was never a doubt about Jesus’ innocence. Three separate times he declared Jesus not guilty. His fear of the pressure the Jews would place on him controlled his decision to allow Jesus’ crucifixion. Pilate went against what he knew was right. We share a common humanity with Pilate. At times we know the right and choose the wrong. He had his moment in history and now we have ours. What have we done with our opportunities and responsibilities? What judgment have we passed on Jesus?

In fairness to Pilate, he really didn’t want Jesus to be crucified. In fact, he even tried to set him free. But in the end Pilate gave in to the insistent shouts of the bloodthirsty crowd. Pilate’s sin was merely to turn away and give them what they wanted – his was the sin of complicity.

Pilate chose the easier path rather than standing up against the crowd. There are times when we would all like to just blend into the crowd. Sometimes holding to a belief or an opinion that sets us apart is just too threatening – just a little too exposing. We long for the warm approval of our peers, the welcoming slap on the back and the feeling that we are part of the “collective” – and sometimes even at the cost of truth and justice.

Pilate caved in under political pressure. He abandoned what he knew was right. When we lay aside God’s clear statements of right and wrong and make decisions based on our audience, we fall into compromise and lawlessness. God promises to honor those who do right, not those who make everybody happy.

Pilate’s greatest sin was compromising what he knew to be true and right for the sake of position, status, and personal gain.

Pilate wanted to release Jesus, but the crowd loudly demanded his death, so Pilate sentenced Jesus to die. No doubt Pilate did not want to risk losing his position, which may already have been shaky, by allowing a riot to occur in his province.

When the stakes are high, it is hard to stand up for what is right. Had Pilate been a man of real courage, he would have released Jesus no matter what the consequences. But the crowd roared, and Pilate buckled. When you have a difficult decision to make, don’t discount the effects of peer pressure. Realize beforehand that the right decision could have unpleasant consequences: social rejection, career derailment, public ridicule. Then think of Pilate and resolve to stand up for what is right no matter what other people pressure you to do.

Pilate had no good excuse to condemn Jesus, but he was afraid of the mob.

In making no decision, Pilate made the decision to let the crowds crucify Jesus. Although he washed his hands, the guilt remained. Washing your hands of a tough situation doesn’t cancel your guilt. It merely gives you a false sense of peace. Don’t make excuses – take responsibility for the decisions you make.”

So there it is. This is what I believe the Lord is showing me. I know He is showing similar things to other believers. I hope I have given you some food for thought. My prayer is that we, as God’s children, will allow Him to continue guiding us into all truth.

Jesus said “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” John 7:17

by Cathy White 2007

My other blog is . . . PEACEMAKERS

CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD

Is the Lord leading you, as a born again Christian, to withdraw from the Christmas celebrations. If He is, I hope this little poem will be an encouragement to you, because you will be in the minority. If you haven’t thought much about it, perhaps this will be food for thought. Also, in this day of ecumenism, Christmas has become and is a great catalyst for unbiblical unity among professing Christians and even those of other faiths. Interesting.

1 John 3:18 “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”

CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD – A Poem

Pagan customs, and pagan roots,

Add in God’s Word, mix in some truth.

What is the harm, a little fun?

A good time had by everyone.

* * *

The risen King, in a manger,

Have we Christians seen the danger?

Little statues, God still infant,

Though He reigns this very instant.

* * *

All the lost, they see a baby,

Not their Judge, He will one day be.

Catholic doctrine, holy family,

Obscure Jesus, highlight Mary.

* * *

This picture speaks a thousand words,

But certainly no Gospel heard,

Repent, believe, the mercy call,

Blood atonement needed by all.

* * *

Christmas, Christ’s Mass, it is a shame,

Many have come in Jesus’ Name,

Deceiving hearts around the world,

Of multitudes, numbers untold.

* * *

It’s Christmas and it’s time to spend,

The stores make most their money then.

Is this the Jesus that we know,

Are these the things the Bible show?

* * *

The manger scenes and Christmas trees,

Is Jesus honored by all these?

What does the Bible have to say,

About our Christmas and displays?

* * *

Doing what’s right in our own eyes,

Or heed God’s word, to make us wise?

The world loves Christmas, that’s a clue,

Hope this comforts more than a few.

by Cathy White – 2008

My other blogs are . . .

PEACEMAKERS

POETRY FROM THE HEART

DOCTRINES OF DEVILS

Alpha, Omega, The Ancient of Days,

In Spirit and Truth, Follow all His ways,

Christ-mas mocks, cheapens, The Lord’s holy name,

Yoke not with the world, By doing the same.

Revelation 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

Revelation 21:6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

Daniel 7:9 I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.

Daniel 7:13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.

Daniel 7:22 Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.

Jamieson Fausset Brown Commentary:

v.   22. Ancient of days came–The title applied to the Father in Daniel 7:13 is here applied to the Son; who is called “the everlasting Father” . . . Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

John 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

1 John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

1 John 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

Joshua 24:14 Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.

1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

My other blogs are . . .

PEACEMAKERS

POETRY FROM THE HEART

NATIVITY SCENES & GROWING UP CATHOLIC

I found this question and answer on Yahoo.  I also grew up Roman Catholic and I can remember the reverence we had for statues.  When I was first born again, when it was only me, the Holy Spirit, and the Bible, I was convicted by God’s word and threw out all my statues.  Praise God!  Will I be lured back to using statues by a backslidden Protestant Church?  No way!

QUESTION:

Would a nativity scene be idol worship?

ANSWER:

Yes- it would be – especially if it is worshiped - 

“We would never do that, it is just a symbol” I hear people screaming-

well, I grew up Catholic and we had a nativity scene and we were expected to kiss the feet of the baby Jesus ( umm… worship of an inanimate object – and for those that did not read the whole story- Jesus is not a baby and no longer resides in the manger!)

It was complete sacrilege to play with the nativity set, do anything that might cause o piece of it to break, handle “baby Jesus” in any way that was considered disrespectful— all worship-

I was given a set when I moved into my own place- I knew there was a problem when I passed it and I had been convicted to get rid of it- I thought, I am just going to throw that out, then my first thought ( brought on by years of conditioning I am sure) was , “oh no, I can’t put ‘baby Jesus’ in the trash- I was immediately convicted, remembering the commands about graven images and those in the Bible that were attached to their inanimate objects- I immediately tossed the whole set-

I later discovered that that whole set-up along with just about everything attached to Christmas was pagan oriented anyway.

So, yep, you are right – graven image, false idol, pagan influenced!

Source:   Yahoo

My other blogs are . . .

 PEACEMAKERS

POETRY FROM THE HEART

CHRIST MASS

Christmas, origin of the word:               

The word for Christmas in late Old English is Cristes Maesse, the Mass of Christ, first found in 1038, and Cristes-messe, in 1131. In Dutch it is Kerst-misse, in Latin Dies Natalis, whence comes the French Noël, and Italian Il natale; in German Weihnachtsfest, from the preceeding sacred vigil. The term Yule is of disputed origin. It is unconnected with any word meaning “wheel”. The name in Anglo-Saxon was geol, feast: geola, the name of a month (cf. Icelandic iol a feast in December).

Source:  New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia

The Mass:

The Roman Catholic Mass is a doctrine of devils.

Source:  The Unbiblical Catholic Mass

Pagan origins of Christmas:

In 350, Pope Julius I declared that Christ’s birth would be celebrated on December 25.  There is little doubt that he was trying to make it as painless as possible for pagan Romans (who remained a majority at that time) to convert to Christianity.  The new religion went down a bit easier, knowing that their feasts would not be taken away from them.

Christmas (Christ-Mass) as we know it today, most historians agree, began in Germany, though Catholics and Lutherans still disagree about which church celebrated it first. The earliest record of an evergreen being decorated in a Christian celebration was in 1521 in the Alsace region of Germany. A prominent Lutheran minister of the day cried blasphemy: “Better that they should look to the true tree of life, Christ.”

The controversy continues even today in some fundamentalist sects.

Source:  Christmas pagan origins

My other blogs are . . .

PEACEMAKERS

POETRY FROM THE HEART

 

CHRISTMAS

Thanksgiving’s gone, another year,

The race is on, we’re in high gear.

Black Friday, the official date,

The shopping mall, our starting gate.

* * *

So many trees, and twinkling lights,

Ah, gifts galore, oh what a sight!

The houses glow, adorned anew,

In colors green, red, white, and blue.

* * *

The stores are packed, with brand new fare,

And soon you’ll see a Santa there.

The music very mystical,

It makes one feel so whimsical.

* * *

Now clean, and cook, and decorate,

So much to do, we stay up late.

Send out the cards, and wrap the gifts,

No wonder that we need a lift.

* * *

The day has come, dinner’s ready,

Family gathered, people many.

But do they know of Gospel grace,

Dare you preach it, now, in this place?

* * *

If they’re lost, what could be merry,

Sudden death would be so scarey.

Affections set on things above,

I say these things because I love.

* * *

His death remember, that He said,

Not day of birth, we’re so misled.

What have these earthly things to do,

With Jesus Christ who died for you?

by Cathy White – 2007

1 Corinthians 11:23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:

1 Corinthians 11:24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

1 Corinthians 11:25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

1 Corinthians 11:26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.

My other blogs are . . .  

PEACEMAKERS

POETRY FROM THE HEART