Bethany Village‘s Pastor Bob Ashburn reflects on December holidays.
Residents of Bethany Village enjoy many celebrations during the month of December. December is called the holiday season when we are filled with love and peace during this wonderful time of year. But we don’t just celebrate Christmas day- there are many holidays to celebrate in the month of December.
December 6th is Saint Nicholas Day. Did you know that Saint Nicholas was a real person? He was a bishop in the church in the Fourth Century who was wealthy and gave to the poor. During the Christmas season, he is the one who teaches us about giving from person to person, as we call him by the more common names of “Saint Nick” or “Santa Claus.” His tradition of giving inspires us to give to one another during this special season.
December 13th is Santa Lucia Day. Lucia was an Italian girl who refused to give up her faith in Christ and as a result, she gave her life. As I was growing up in the Swedish tradition, we enjoyed Lucia Festivals, which were celebrations of lights and giving. We can celebrate this season because we are not called to give up Christ or Christmas and we can be filled with joy at any time.
The Christmas season is referred to as the twelve days between December 25th and January 5th. These twelve days of Christmas are when we celebrate the birth of Christ, our Savior. Jesus is the true gift which God has given to us. He brings to us forgiveness and the hope of an everlasting life with God.
This is truly the greatest celebration that we can have as human beings.
May your December be filled with all sorts of celebrations this year surrounded by family and friends and the knowledge that you are truly a part of God’s family forever.
