|
AGUEST SAID
This is a "tricky" one, dear Zoe (good morning and peace to you!), because I want to share the truth that I have received about these things... while not offending any if possible. Here is my understanding:
I don't know how many of you understand what the Spanish priests did as to the heathen altars and places of worship for the natives when they came to the New World: they tore them down and then built churches and other "sanctified" buildings on top of them. For instance, when you visit the Zocalo in Mexico City you will see an old cathedral build on land that was once the center for Aztex worship. The ruins of the Templo Mayor are still being excavated and parts can be seen there.
It is the same with holidays like Easter, Hallowe'en, and Christmas: they are religious holidays "in observance" of Christ and/or other cover over former heathen (and/or pagan) festivals. The thing is that, in their attempt to deny the pagan/heathen observances, the WTBTS has also covered over the observances sanctioned by JAH:
1. The resurrection of Christ... now combined with the pagan festival of spring/earth/rebirth/fertility; hence, eggs, rabbits, flowers, etc.). The WTBTS negates that wonderful event by placing emphasis solely on the night our dear Lord died (which is also a night for observance; however, it does NOT overshadow or negate WHY he died... which is so that he could be brought BACK TO LIFE, to show God's power and mercy on behalf of mankind!). Because they DON'T remember his RESURRECTION... as well as his death... my Lord is STILL dead to those people! And that is why they don't believe he speaks: the dead don't speak - they are conscious of nothing. By denying my Lord's resurrection (yes, they SAY he rose, but they don't demonstrate their FAITH that he did!)... they deny that he, God's WORD... IS alive... and speaks!
2. The Festival of the Holy Ones (modernly, Festival of Saints), and the preceding day of "All Hallows Eve" (or "Eve of the Holy Ones/Saints") now preceded by Hallowe'en, which is no longer a celebration of the holy ones/saints, but of the dead in general. This was an observance that JAH commenced with NOAH... and said would occur to time indefinite. Because of the pagan/heathen celebration of the dead in general, the WTBTS overlooks the command of JAH to celebrate His deliverance of 8 holy souls (holy, because they were cleansed, by having come through the Flood waters)... to time indefinite.
3. Christmas, now more of a commercial celebration than an observance of the birth of Christ and combined with the pagan/heathen observance of the winter solstice and practices of Israel's enemies (who would hang the heads of the dead on trees as trophies to their conquests). The WTBTS totally disregards the BIRTH of our dear Lord because they claim to observe it would be to mix with the other celebrations. And so, they celebrate nothing. Yet, the angels... and at least three wise(r) men from the east (Abraham's descendants from his sons by Keturah, actually)... gave GREAT credence to this event.
The thing is, dear one, that the pagan/heathen celebrations are much like the Spanish's attempt to overshadow the worship practices of the natives in the new world: cover completely over so as to obscure. What those of the WTBTS... and many other "christians"... don't get is this:
As to the WTBTS - their fear of their members engaging in the pagan/heathen practices have led them to utterly remove ANY of the celebrations/festivals that were either instituted by JAH Himself... or are pleasing to Him (i.e., the celebration of His Son's death AND birth).
As to the world - their engaging in the pagan/heathen practices often overshadowns the meaning of these days/events to JAH... and many, while DO observing, do so only cursorily, while expending inordinate amounts of time... and money... to engage in the other, thus showing where their hearts TRULY are.
For one joined to Christ, however, there is no conflict. Remembering the death and birth of Christ... as well as the festival to the souls preserved alive by JAH (the holy ones)... does not need to be interwined with other observances. Nor do they need to be loud, gaudy, or even public... but suffice as celebrations among family and friends. Intimate, even. Because in such instances they are from the heart... and for CHRIST. NOT for US... and not for show so that others might THINK we're "righteous."
Again, I mean no offense to anyone but only to share the truth as to these things. In that light, I hope this helps, truly.
Peace to you all!
Your servant and a slave of Christ,
Shellama
|
Login
Register
FAQ
Search
