Christ-Mas in the Land Down Under

Christmas is celebrated in different ways world wide.
I feel the true spirit of this day is reflected in a beautiful nativity scene and happy faces.

Yes, to myself and many the 25th December is the day we celebrate the birth of our Lord.
Was he born on that day?? Does it matter?? OR, is it more important as the world changes to argue the pros and cons of when Jesus was actually born.

God is Love. He tells us that we will know the truth, and the truth will set us free.
So if I were to feel confused about worshipping Jesus birth on a special, would that be of God?

Romans 8:1-4 "Therefore those in union with Christ Jesus have no condemnation.  For the law of that spirit which gives life in union with Christ Jesus has set you FREE from the law of sin and of death.

Well that's clear... We can celebrate the birth of Christ when we feel in our hearts  that it is right with God to do so.

Some people get all tangled up in what you are to do or not to do.. Isn't this how the Pharisees of Jesus time were?  Always arguing the point about one thing or another.  

So what does God think about our differences of opinion in HIM...
I won't write it all here but read  Romans Chapter 14   for yourself and find out...

What we are told there is that whatever we do, as long as we believe it is in union with the Lord, 
then we are right...
We may not agree with how another person eats or celebrates a different day to us, but as long as we are convinced in our own heart about what we do,  then God will bless us. 

As a child and not living in a wealthy home, we decorated the house with the beautiful little red bells of the  'Christmas Bush.'  This was picked in bunches and placed in bottles of water all around the house.  I felt joy in just looking at it. It represented our Bush Christmas.

 

Often our Christmas here is a sweltering hot day, so many celebrate with a nice picnic lunch at the ocean..

Or at home with cold meat cuts, salads and dessert.

I am so used to this that I don't like it any other way.

 

 

Carols by candle light on a Saturday evening before the great day is a must..... Held in the out doors everyone brings their own seat to the park, with combined churches leading the singing. 
Everyone holds or waves a candle to the music. It is a family night with little ones sleeping on their parents knees while we all acknowledge a Merry Christmas..
It's a time when barriers come down and everyone is friendly and kind, even to the stranger.
 
Listen to Mark Vincent a 21 yr old who was brought up from 3 months of age by his grandparents..
What a voice he has for one so young. He is accompanied by the Salvation Army band and choir.
Take the time to close your eyes, lean back and listen to him...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G01-N-uBeEU&index=1&list=FLCaqYuEWaz45SnuvZsWMofw

Yes, the Christmas season is one of Peace on Earth and Good Will to all men... A communal lunch for the homeless is prepared and given out in the true meaning of love.

So to all who read this post, a Merry Christmas from the Land Down Under.. Our Land of Oz.

And May God Bless You throughout the New Year.