Helloween

Well, it is that time of the year again. Carving pumpkins, asking for candy, and dressing up in way over priced costumes that are usually only worn once. It is really a personal Hell for me. In the past few years, I have continually stretched my imagination as to why we even participate in this mindless "holiday". I mean, not only from a biblical view, but also from a societal view. Think about it. We get our kids all dressed up to go door to door asking for something. Is it not that every day we are asking for something? A hand out, another piece of the American pie, a raise, a platform. It is always take take take in life. Besides candy, although very tasty at times, is not all that good for any of us. But what I am saying is, you have all of these kids and people out on the night of ween, and not one kid is asking their neighbors, "Can I do anything for you around your house?" Or, "Do you need someone to talk to you?" Not many kids I know like to share their candy. It is our nature to horde everything. But they are encouraged by the culture. And if we don't change the culture, when will it change? Never.

Which brings me to one of the next major holiday, Christmas. This is for all the Christians out there. What has happened? In the last years, I have totally changed the way I think about Christmas. Especially in the last year. And my family and I are doing it different this year. I have recently learned about the advent conspiracy. www.adventconspiracy.org This is the best illustration of how this time of year should be. Our nation has become gluttonous around this time of year. It has become a case of how many, how much, and how big. Why is it that this time has become more about falling into debt and idol worship over the whole reason for acknowledgement, Jesus? He didn't come here to make us go into debt, but to bring us together and worship God. To die for us so that we would have a chance to live eternally with God. But we have turned it into this big deal about consumerism. The Church is just as guilty to me. But the Advent Conspiracy is aimed to change that, and I am all for it. Instead of buying meaningless gifts for each other, that usually end up in a closet, Craig's list or Goodwill, why not give meaningful gifts and/or time to grow closer in relationship. Also, to give time, money and energy to charities or families you may know that just need a friendship. The World is suffering, and I don't care who you are (Christian or not), we have go to change in order for our World can change. What I am saying is that celebrating holidays the way we do could either have an impact on our community/society, or continue in a downward spiral until, we are so selfish, we won't even open the door for ourselves

Peace and Love