Philippians is such an important book that addresses the heart posture of believers and some of the greatest insights into walking in the peace of God. This is a book that marked my life early on in my walk. We were excited to make an epic bible meditation of this one.
Years ago, when my wife and I were catching on fire for the Lord and the question, should we celebrate Christmas arose. We had many friends spouting off about its pagan origins, and I took it to the Lord.
While I was deep in prayer, the Lord reminded me of one Christmas Eve where I was driving with my mom. Out of no where, she looked like a light bulb went off and said, "The Lord just told me someone is coming over bringing gifts and we need to have a gift wrapped." I thought she was crazy but we went home and I humored her by searching for a gift. We found a maglight, wrapped it, and put it under the tree. An hour later, a friend we haven't seen in a long time showed up with gifts for my family and said, "Sorry I didn't call, I was in town so I wanted to stop by." We had a gift wrapped for him already sitting under the tree. If He instructed my mom to wrap a gift for a friend, I don’t think He is offended by us celebrating HIs birth on Christmas.
But what about it's pagan roots?I’ve seen many people quote Jeremiah 10:1-10, but there is a big difference between a putting up Christmas tree and making an Asherah Pole for people to worship and fear the demon fertility goddess Asherah.
Growing up, we never worshiped the Christmas tree, the Christmas tree was always symbolic for the life of Jesus. I was taught the tree was an evergreen tree because it represents everlasting life that came from the cross. The star is on top representing the star of Bethlehem the wise men followed, we decorate the tree to celebrate His works, and we give gifts under the tree because He was the best gift God could ever give to man kind.
Every year we would even wrap a present to Jesus. I don't believe Christmas is a divine day, or His actual birthday day, but it is a tradition where I get so teach my kids about the most precious gift ever given and I wont let the religious spirit take that childlike joy of celebrating Christ.
John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
While we were in Pakistan, fevers were a common thing we prayed for. At this Church, 4 to 5 children were brought to us for prayer. I felt the temperature instantly drop from Hot to cool under my hand. Check out the video.