Not Just a Holiday
I wanted to share with you a quick story of something that happened recently to me at the local Target store.
I was in the store buying some odds and ends. When I went to the check-out counter, the clerk there took care of my purchases and then said, "Have a blessed holiday". To which I replied, smiling, "I know you can't say this, but I can. Have a blessed Christmas!".
She stood there a moment looking at me, in what seemed like minutes, no doubt mulling over what she'd most likely been commanded to do by her superiors in reference to mentioning Christmas, and then as though God nudged her just a little, she proclaimed in a low but almost defiant voice, "I'm not under the law. I'm under grace. And YOU have a blessed Christmas too!" She then quickly glanced around, no doubt to see if any of the other clerks or supervisors had heard her, and then smiled. I said "Amen, sister" and joyfully left the store, knowing that the Holy Spirit protects His own and keeps us straight!
Labels: Personal Observations/Stories
thoughts from Ms.Green @ Saturday, November 18, 2006
8 Comments:
Hey, Ms. Green!
I've noticed so far this year that Target is in fact running "Merry Christmas" written at the end of their ads, but Best Buy has specifically commanded their underlings to use "Happy Holidays."
I guess I won't be doing any CHRISTMAS shopping there!
Now Ms. Green...did you feels horns growing as you schemed at the register?
LOL!
Great little anecdote!
Target? What's that? (Nearest target over 100 miles away). Best Buy? You mean going between the two grocery stores here in town while trying to remember which one of the two stores that are owned by the same person has which product and the better price? (Really! BOTH of our supermarkets in this three-horse town are owned by one individual family.)
Nearest Wally-World? 35 miles.
Nearest Best-Buy? Over 100 miles.
But I love it! My wife was born and raised in Memphis...just a few blocks from Graceland, in fact.
She hated living up here for the first few years we've been married. She wouldn't even think about moving to a city these days.
Ozarka casts its spell when a person arrives. When a person departs, he or she is forever Ozarka's!
Daddio, don't know exactly where you live, but my husband and I want to move up to the northwestern part of Arkansas when we retire. We've been through many times - our son and his family are in Missouri. Beautiful country.
I could live without Wallyworld and Target...
I'm in the North-central part of the state...the foothills of the Ozarks.
I am blessed!
So...Best Buy is not necessarily the best buy...
Daddio, I'm envious. Although I live in a beautiful state as well - just different. Instead of mountains, we have bayous and cypress trees. But I do long to live in the mountains one day.
Hey there, I found your post while researching the Greek manuscripts, specifically the TR and Westcott and Hort. I liked your blog about that and picked up some good information. I came across this one and I have to ask you how you feel about Christmas coming from pagan origins. I just recently studied up on the true origins of Christmas, why we celebrate with a Christmas tree and decorations, lights, mistletoe, wreaths, holly, etc... and I am curious if you knew about the origins of the holiday and if so why still celebrate? I have done extensive research on the topic and have chose to longer celebrate Christmas because I just don't feel right about the holiday. I am an absolute 100% sold out Christian that eats, sleeps, breaths, her Bible so my decision is not based on anything that would go against God or the Bible, but rather because I feel that Christmas is like Halloween. Pagan and not of God at all. I don't reject blessing others and the good that is done for the needy during the season but I think that's what we should be doing all year round and not focus so much on one day. What I do reject is the holiday itself because of its origins and the symbolism of everything we do on this holiday. I am not trying to be mean about this topic at all so I'm sorry if it comes off that way. It's hard to convey tone in text. I am just curious what your thoughts are on the subject and if you knew about it because not alot of people seem to know the origins and how it started.
Hi Erin,
I totally respect your thoughts on this and your decision. I have pondered at times whether I wanted to continue with the "traditions" associated with Christmas, and have decided to continue for some of the following reasons...
1. It is impossible to get away from Paganism completely. Even the months of the year are from pagan origins (i.e.: January from "Janus" etc.) Valentines day has pagan origins. Some Easter customs originated in pagan culture.
I differentiate between Halloween and Christmas/Easter because Halloween today, rooted in paganism, is not much different and it does not honor God. Christmas, however, is a holiday designed to honor God and the birth of His Son into a fallen world in order to save those who would trust in Him. Easter is a holiday designed to honor God and His Son Jesus Christ, Who rose from the dead and conquered death, hell and the grave. So I don't have a problem with holidays that were formerly pagan if they have been taken from paganism and used to honor God. But again, I don't think any less of a Christian who is convicted not to participate. I will however, refer you to Romans 14:13-15.
I appreciate you taking the time to post. I haven't posted anything here in a long time and wonder occasionally if anyone ever stops by. :)
Post a Comment
<< Home