The Holy Days

I just don’t get it. I hear people poo-pooing all the religious aspects of Christmas time and, although I’m not a strong advocate per se of religion, I am unequivocal that this time should be honored and revered for the purpose it was meant. What Christmas has become—in all its commercialization—still clearly harkens its origins back to the birth of Christ whether people choose to recognize it or not.

Gift-giving is a direct descendent of the gifts given to the Christ child. The stars we light up and place on our trees are direct symbols of the guiding star which led the wise men to Christ. The very language we use should be as telling as anything. “Christmas” literally means Mass for Christ. “Holiday” literally means Holy Day. These are not reflections of simple passed down traditions that only suggest fantasies and folklore. These are reflective of the roots for which we truly celebrate.

I, for one, have trouble remembering and honoring the holiday season for what it truly is. I get caught up in the gift-seeking and food preparations and only give a cursory thought as to why I am doing any of it. Keeping God in the foreground rather than the background should be obvious to any Christian, however, we are still humans very easily influenced by our society, our traditions, and media-led commercialism. I believe it’s time to rise above our worldly views and give praise where praise is due; give honor to the Creator who began it all; give gifts of our own thanksgiving to the One who gave us a gift that can never truly be repaid. Yes, Christmas and all its surrounding holidays should be used to glorify God and—if we allow it—to regain our purpose in this world.

Blessings!

Greg Morton© November 19, 2012
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The Power of Influence

The power of influence should never be underestimated…even when the source of that influence is a very young girl.

Back in May 2012 in a small town in Scotland a nine year old girl, Martha Payne, began to take pictures of the lunches she received at school and blogged about them. Her playful, yet instructive, insights caught on within the local towns and eventually found its way into the mainstream news.

When some of the blogs were a bit critical on her “food-o-meter”, the council governing her school decided to ban her from taking any more pictures. As the story grew legs amongst the news community, free speech activists became vocal. Once endorsements from notable people—even famous chef Jamie Oliver—began to surface in support of her actions, the U.K. council rescinded their ban and she now continues to blog.

The heartwarming part of all this, however, is that Martha’s objective was to raise awareness for a charity called Mary’s Meals which donates food to third world countries. After her story become more widespread the charity, which usually receives around £2000, jumped to over £10,000 (from $3,000 to over $10,000).

God has historically used people of all classes and walks of life to fulfill His desires from the Old Testament through today. This story is a great reminder that the influence we have--or can have--on the world around us is attainable by each and every one of us. Perhaps God is intervening and using you, or perhaps He’s letting life play out under its own accord...either way, we should all remember the power of influence we have should never be denied.

Blessings!

Greg Morton
© November 1, 2012

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