|
We've made some mistakes as we've grown in our relationship and knowledge of the LORD. One was to tell our family we wouldn't be doing Christmas any longer. It was honest, but without discretion. We had never participated in Santa or the Easter Bunny. We decided at the very beginning of our marriage that we wanted the holidays to be Holy, not secular. No one seemed to have any problem with it.
(...of course you need to realize that our families, other than Hubby's parents, were seldom involved with us, even during holidays...) Christmas though, ended up being a golden calf to a few family members. |
I honestly figured it would free them of feeling like they were obligated to purchase gifts for our growing family, which knew to be a burden to some of them. I wonder now why they missed a tree in our home when they seldom visited to see it. For some though, it was the only time they took to invite us or try to meet as a family. Since our dreaded announcement, we've never been invited to any holidays and seldom anything else... Our family literally diminished and I found myself very hurt for a few years; defensive of our decision and very lonely. I've accepted it now. We've relaxed and are confident in our beliefs and understanding. We have realized that it doesn't compromise our beliefs to participate in a few local festivities this time of year. We drive around and enjoy the lights, appreciating the growing number of meaningful decorations and ignoring the secular silliness or pagan propaganda. We still even exchange cards with a few family & friends and some of our family who wasn't involved for years now enjoy at least part of Hanukkah with us. We especially enjoy sharing what we learn when people are receptive or curious.
Here are some of the fun things we do for Hanukkah (and why our children aren't 'missing out'):
- EIGHT days of celebration! Yep, EIGHT. We've done this different ways. Sometimes we spend each day doing something special: craft day, game day, baking day, decorating day, movie day, Papa day, Granny day, Music day... Sometimes we give each person in our family of eight a 'giving day' to present their gifts. Every year is different.
- Lighting candles. We don't have a traditional Judaic menorah. I have eight star candle holders. We light one candle for each day, remembering that Jesus is the Light of the world.
- Gifts. Yes, we give gifts. It's not a traditional Hanukkah "thing", but it does follow suite with the wise men bringing gifts to Jesus when he was a toddler in Bethlehem. We usually make Homemade Gifts.
- Reading. I love reading aloud to our family but most of the rest of the year gets so busy... We have some favorite Holiday Family Read Alouds we pick from.
Y'shua made a bold proclamation in John 10:22-30 "And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch. Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me. But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one."
|
Time for the Linky Party!
Hostesses: April at A Simple Life Too {Facebook} {Pinterest} {Google+} The Ladies at Radical Femininity {Facebook} {Pinterest} {Google+} Kathryn at Depths of Imagination {Facebook} {Twitter} {Google+} & me here at Prairie Dust Trail... |
|
RSS Feed