Thank you for this nuanced and important understanding of the meaning of Christmas. I had a discussion recently with a family member who is convinced that all guns must be banned in this country to save innocent lives. I told him that if he or I were knee deep in guns, we would never go out and shoot people for revenge or personal gain -- because we learned as children, Thou shalt not murder. As children we went to church (I still do) and learned personal standards based on Christian morality. Our American traditions and way of life depend on inculcation of scripture in each generation.
I haven't felt the Christmas "spirit" in many years. At least not from the greater public. I am one of those that you spoke of that "laments" about how commercialized Christmas has become.
There has been a very slight shift away from that MASSIVE push with a small return to a more traditional celebration of the Holiday. My family stopped giving gifts for the most part over 15 years ago. With the exception of small children in the family. We keep the "magic" of Santa alive for them until they let us know they are aware of the TRUE magic of our Savior and that the day is about Him and His gift of salvation to us.
I appreciate your perspective. Parents would do well to teach their children the true meaning of Christmas, even if they still enjoy Santa for a while.
I believe that was the intent of the person who created the image. I've seen it drawn in two ways - one like that where the tribes go from center outward on each side, and one where the tribes are side by side along each side of the tabernacle. I thought the one that forms the cross had more impact, whether correct or not (Scripture is not 100% clear on it). With the people, the way the smoke was rising, and the layout, I felt it best fit the article.
Thank you for this nuanced and important understanding of the meaning of Christmas. I had a discussion recently with a family member who is convinced that all guns must be banned in this country to save innocent lives. I told him that if he or I were knee deep in guns, we would never go out and shoot people for revenge or personal gain -- because we learned as children, Thou shalt not murder. As children we went to church (I still do) and learned personal standards based on Christian morality. Our American traditions and way of life depend on inculcation of scripture in each generation.
I wish I could write poems. Good choice of artwork illustrating the Tabernacle.
Thank you. I wish I could write poems too. :)
Merry Christmas, Chad.
Merry Christmas, Detah!
I haven't felt the Christmas "spirit" in many years. At least not from the greater public. I am one of those that you spoke of that "laments" about how commercialized Christmas has become.
There has been a very slight shift away from that MASSIVE push with a small return to a more traditional celebration of the Holiday. My family stopped giving gifts for the most part over 15 years ago. With the exception of small children in the family. We keep the "magic" of Santa alive for them until they let us know they are aware of the TRUE magic of our Savior and that the day is about Him and His gift of salvation to us.
I appreciate your perspective. Parents would do well to teach their children the true meaning of Christmas, even if they still enjoy Santa for a while.
That picture of the encampments forms a cross. Coincidence?
I believe that was the intent of the person who created the image. I've seen it drawn in two ways - one like that where the tribes go from center outward on each side, and one where the tribes are side by side along each side of the tabernacle. I thought the one that forms the cross had more impact, whether correct or not (Scripture is not 100% clear on it). With the people, the way the smoke was rising, and the layout, I felt it best fit the article.