We Wish You a Merry Christmas

It’s that time of year again and, as usual, the controversies rise to the top. It is my goal to simply celebrate the season, celebrate the birth of Jesus, celebrate the friendships I have, and celebrate the family I have.

There are always many discussion concerning the real birthdate of Jesus. The truth: We will never know; neither the Bible nor history tells us anything. Certainly, many have attempted to deduce the birthdate but truthfully, we will never know. Could it have been December 25? Possibly, but there are 364 other days it could have been too. The Catholic church, (you know, the one from which most of us “descended”) has laid claim to the December 25 date since before the middle of the fourth century. And many of the Orthodox church hold that the birth occurred on January 6. The reasons for these dates are many but typically relate to the dates of the Passover season or the Feast of Tabernacles and the sentiment during the middle fourth century that dates and events were cyclical and occurred with relation to each other.

Of course other theories abound, including the concept that the Church borrowed the dates from pagan practices of the times. While this sounds good and feasible … and even diabolically conspiratory … all probability points away from this because the early Church was a body of people which chose to steer far away from anything pagan. (Certainly, there did come a flood of pagan practices to be related to Christmas but these came also in the fourth century after dated Christmas celebrations began.)

The greater truth is this: the date of Christ’s birth really doesn’t matter; let’s celebrate Him all year long.

Now there is something to be said of the adaptation of certain pagan practices.The Roman Empire was built not only on its strength, but also on its syncretism, or ability to adapt what was already found in a place with those practices and principles of the Roman Empire. In other words, they would adapt the current gods of a conquered land into their own panorama of gods, and this even included the adaptation of certain buildings purposed for the worship of these gods into the worship of other gods. We can see this in the invasion of Israel by the Romans. Israel could have bowed under Rome’s pressure like every other country did EXCEPT that Israel WAS NOT willing to incorporate their God into the Roman worship of many gods; they KNEW that God Himself had declared that He was THE ONLY God, that He was ONE, and that Israel should worship NO OTHER. Therefore, the Jews WOULD NOT abide by the addition of other gods and customs because of their reverence and fear of the one, true God.

So, although Christmas now occurs in the season of year that is recognized as a season of Saturnalia and other pagan practices related to the solstice, it probably originated as a December 25 (or January 6) celebration purely out of respect and desire to honor Christ.

Again, if we choose to celebrate Him all year long, we will definitely cross some days that coincide with pagan celebrations … so don’t worry too much about it.

Another controversy that takes place at this time of year is that of the place of the birth of Christ. Some say that there was no room for Him in the inn, others say there was no private room for Him in the family household, and others say there was no available space in the family guest room. In all probability, a more proper understanding of the place of His birth is that it DID occur in a home, although it more accurately took place in the animal-keeping area of the home … probably under the house in a hollowed out place. It might even have been a natural cave that a house was built upon … the main thing is that it was a place where animals were kept. It was dirty. It was lowly. It was smelly. But it was a portrait that the Messiah was born to relate to all humankind.

I have had the privilege to go to Israel three times. I have seen two different places that tradition says were the burial places for Christ. I have seen at least two places where he was said to have been born in … one being a church and the other being a cave. I am told that there are other places where He might have been born and where He might have been buried. (By the way, in both places claiming to be the Tomb, He is not in either one … His IS RISEN!)

The point with ALL of this is that we need to simply worship the savior, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. We are not to revere a date, a place, or a tradition; instead, we are to worship Him.

So wherever you are, whatever day of the year it is, and whatever you are doing, why don’t you stop for a moment and praise Him … and thank Him … and exemplify Him.

If this has resonated with you, please drop me an email at jgarrett1958@hotmail.com. Thanks.

The 12 Days of Christmas

One of the beloved Christmas songs that gets a lot of airtime every year is the song known as the 12 Days of Christmas. It is often rumored that this song was originally a coded reference to the Catholic catechism in order to veil their persecution by the Church of England. Another version of this story is that the song was again, used as a hidden message, but this time between believers in societies where the Gospel was frowned upon or outlawed. According to Snopes.com, however, these are popular rumors that have little to no substance.

There are however, surface truths that we can gather from this song: It DOES concern the 12 days between the birth of Christ and the coming of the Magi (or wise men.) Additionally, it probably grew into a song as a game where competitors would add various verses while repeating all previous stanzas until one player “messed up” a previous line. We DO have record of it as a song as far back as 1780 although it surely is much older than that. It is also believed that the song is of French origin, not English.

What else can we derive from this song?

There is a certain “un-ending-ness” that occurs in love.

There is a material way to show and observe love.

There is a “value” in and from love.

Surely, each of these truths are voiced throughout the song. Of course, and I know that I am very prone to spiritualize things … even to over-spiritualize them … but I think there is perhaps even more that we can derive from this song.

On the initial glance, I want to observe the rumored meanings because I do think the song can help us to understand various aspects of our relationships with God and with fellow believers.

Perhaps each of the gifts could mentally correlate with teachings of the faith. Immediately, the One known as the "True Love" could refer to God Himself and the one receiving the various gifts would represent the believer.

Other imagery could be represented as follows: 
One (a) partridge in a pear tree could represent the one and only Son of God, Jesus Christ.

Two turtle doves could perhaps represent the two divisions of the Bible, the Old Testament and the New Testament.

Three French hens could represent the three extremely important virtues of 1 Corinthians 13: faith, hope, and love.

Four calling birds could represent the message of Jesus Christ as revealed in the four Gospels.

Five golden rings could perhaps, represent the Pentateuch or Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

Six geese a-laying could be thought of as a reference to the six days of creation.

I had a difficult time imagining this next one but as I began to look through the lens of Catholic theology, I understood the Seven swans a-swimming as the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church:  Water Baptism, Confirmation, Communion, Penance, the Anointing of the Sick, Ordination, and Marriage.

Eight maids a-milking has been thought by some to note the eight beatitudes found in Matthew 5 as a part of the Sermon on the Mount.

Nine ladies dancing could represent the nine fruit of the Holy Spirit: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV.)

Ten lords a-leaping may be used to represent the Ten Commandments, the Foundation that points us toward our need for God and His perfection.

Eleven pipers piping can be thought to represent the 11 apostles who remained faithful to Christ.

And the 12 Drummers Drumming could simply point to the 12 statements of the Apostle's Creed: _{(http://www.snopes.com/holidays/christmas/music/12days.asp accessed 12/04/2014.)}

I know that various other methods have been devised for the aide of the remembrance of certain doctrines and other elements of the Christian faith. Many have used songs, poems, even decks of cards … so why not use the song, the 12 Days of Christmas as a device to remind ourselves of various aspects of our faith. And this Christmas, while we focus our attention on Christ as the infant, let’s also remember that He is the Risen Lord and the Conquering King and that He has surrounded us with a whole multitude of examples, witnesses, and relationships..

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.^[a] Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. (Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT)

Merry Christmas from the Garrett Clan!

2007 has been a very busy year for the Garrett family, and we are delighted to share some highlights with you. First of all, our grandchildren have doubled since last Christmas. We are thankful for the addition of Isaac Hebron Bunts (2/15), Chloe Jewel Garrett (4/22), and Annaliese Hope Marroquin (8/29) to our increasing fold.

Another huge highlight was the celebration of 30 great years of marriage for Cheri and Jim. When so many marriages are falling apart, it is a real thrill to see God bring us through 30 great years…..we are so blessed to have each other!

Jim finally completed his doctoral studies at Ashland Theological Seminary and is now officially Dr. James Garrett. PTL! Clearly, such a feat could not have been accomplished without the assistance of a loving wife who continually was saying “Write!,” a great daughter (Crystal) who stood as Field Advisor, two great kids (Amber & Jamie) who were continually asking how Dad was doing, and a whole team of others who walked the path alongside. (BTW, special thanks to Aunt Gloria for all your editing and suggestions.)

Cheri is still managing the office staff at Fallen Timbers Family Physicians. This is a continual challenge with much opportunity to share the love of Jesus and experience personal growth.

Jim is administrating Fountain City Christian School where he also teaches Latin 1, 2, 3, and 4. Additionally, he has the blessing of working with about 25 Bryan High School students in Latin 2, 3, and 4. Jim also is Adjunct Professor at Ashland Theological Seminary in Ashland where he currently teaches Foundations of Bible Study to about 30 graduate students. This is the fruit of God speaking to Jim that as he walked in obedience to God he would be used to touch many through teaching and passing on the passion to others.

Jim and Cheri continue their pastoral ministry through the Oasis. Although they have formerly been ministering in Dundee, MI and Sylvania, OH, they are now ministering this same thing in Napoleon, OH. God seems to be opening a door to plant a new work in this area.

Crystal and David are still living in Maumee, OH. Crystal teaches English with her dad out at Fountain City Christian School and David still works as a Chemical Engineer at Brush Wellman in Elmore, OH. Their son Isaac is a delight to everyone who sees him, and he continues to grow healthily and strong, dancing to every bit of music he hears.

Amber and Ed are still living in Bolingbrook, IL (Chicago). Amber continues to work as a neo-natal nurse at Edwards Hospital and Eddie ministers as media pastor at a large, Pentecostal church in the Chicago area. Their two girls, Aubrianna and Annaliese, continue to woo everyone who sees them with their beauty and their charm.

Jamie and Crystal now live in Bryan, OH where they are both busy in the food preparation industry and where Jamie is getting his college education back on track. Their children Christian, Carson, and Chloe are absolute baby dolls as they smile, laugh, and make funnies for everyone around them to enjoy.

We give Jesus all the praise and are so thankful for His many blessing in our lives. We are a continually enlarging family and are delighted to serve Jesus with all of our beings.

It is our desire that this Christmas season will be full of the joy of Jesus in your life and that the joy of Jesus will overflow on everyone God puts in your path.

Blessings…..Love…..Joy……Hope……Peace!

“Dr.” Jim & Cheri Garrett