A revista U.S News & World Report publicou uma reportagem intitulada: “À procura do Natal”. Focalizava a questão de o Natal se tornar-se “mais puro e menos comercial”. A matéria lançou luz sobre por que não devemos esperar que isso aconteça. Disse: “Não há nenhum registro oficial da observância do nascimento de Cristo até o quarto século depois de sua morte, quando Constantino era imperador de Roma. Isso reflete, pelo menos em parte, o fato de que ninguém sabia ao certo quando Jesus havia nascido”. Uma historiadora do Texas diz: “os primeiros cristãos simplesmente não se interessavam em comemorar a Natividade”. O artigo abordou como a igreja chegou a 25 de Dezembro: “o conceito popular é que a decretação desse feriado foi uma “cristianização” forçada e intencional das festas pagãs romanas: as Saturnais e outras. Por colocar o Natal no fim de Dezembro, quando as pessoas já estavam acostumadas a tais comemorações, os líderes da igreja da época garantiram a ampla difusão da observância do nascimento do salvador”. Mas a reportagem admitiu: “os evangelhos não mencionam o ano, muito menos o mês ou dia exatos de seu nascimento”. Em meados do século 19, a ênfase mudou para o ato de comprar e dar presentes”. A nova tradição de presentear no Natal criou uma imediata fonte de renda, e os comerciantes logo passaram a promover a festa”, finaliza. Assim, não há razão para esperar que o Natal tome outro rumo que não seja o de se afastar ainda mais do cristianismo genuíno, ao promover coisas mundanas como sagradas: “...que parceria tem a luz com a escuridão?” (2Cor. 6:14) A Bíblia enfatiza apenas a observância do resgate que Cristo proveu por meio de sua morte e ressurreição para o céu. (Mat. 20:28) Outro ponto: Jesus ficou furioso com os comerciantes que se aproveitavam da festividade religiosa judaica para ganhar dinheiro [mistura de comércio com crença]. “Tirai estas coisas daqui!” disse ele. “Parai de fazer da casa de meu Pai uma casa de comércio!” (João 2:13-16)
Meus querido amigo(a), que este texto quebrante realmente seu coração e que faça você refletir sobre o verdadeiro sentido do natal e propósito da vinda de Cristo.
Um grande abraço!
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THE BIBLE: The Future of Christmas!
U.S. News & World Report published a story titled "In Search of Christmas." Focused on the question of what Christmas is becoming "more pure and less commercial." The article shed light on why we should not expect that to happen. It said: "There is no official record of the observance of Christ's birth until the fourth century after his death, when Constantine was emperor of Rome. This reflects, at least in part, the fact that nobody knew for sure when Jesus was born. " A historian of Texas says: "The early Christians simply are not interested in celebrating the Nativity." The article discussed how the church reached Dec. 25: "The popular notion is that the enactment of this holiday was a"Christianization" and intentionally forced the Roman pagan festivals, the Saturnalia, and others. By putting Christmas in late December, when people were already accustomed to such celebrations, the church leaders of that time ensured the widespread observance of the birth of the savior. " But the report admitted: "The gospels do not mention the year, much less the exact month or day of his birth." In the mid-19th century, the emphasis has shifted to the act of buying and giving gifts. " The new tradition of giving at Christmas has created an immediate source of income, traders and soon began promoting the party, "he concludes. So there is no reason to expect that Christmas take another course that is not to be further away from genuine Christianity, promoting mundane things as sacred: "... what sharing does light have with darkness?" (2 Corinthians 6:14) The Bible emphasizes only the observance of Christ provided redemption through His death and resurrection to heaven. (Matt. 20:28) Another point: Jesus was angry at the merchants who took advantage of the Jewish religious festival to make money [mixture of trade with belief]. "Take these things out!" He said. "Stop making my Father's house an house of merchandise" (John 2:13-16)
My dear friend, I hope that this text really heart breaking thread and make it reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and purpose of Christ's coming.
U.S. News & World Report published a story titled "In Search of Christmas." Focused on the question of what Christmas is becoming "more pure and less commercial." The article shed light on why we should not expect that to happen. It said: "There is no official record of the observance of Christ's birth until the fourth century after his death, when Constantine was emperor of Rome. This reflects, at least in part, the fact that nobody knew for sure when Jesus was born. " A historian of Texas says: "The early Christians simply are not interested in celebrating the Nativity." The article discussed how the church reached Dec. 25: "The popular notion is that the enactment of this holiday was a"Christianization" and intentionally forced the Roman pagan festivals, the Saturnalia, and others. By putting Christmas in late December, when people were already accustomed to such celebrations, the church leaders of that time ensured the widespread observance of the birth of the savior. " But the report admitted: "The gospels do not mention the year, much less the exact month or day of his birth." In the mid-19th century, the emphasis has shifted to the act of buying and giving gifts. " The new tradition of giving at Christmas has created an immediate source of income, traders and soon began promoting the party, "he concludes. So there is no reason to expect that Christmas take another course that is not to be further away from genuine Christianity, promoting mundane things as sacred: "... what sharing does light have with darkness?" (2 Corinthians 6:14) The Bible emphasizes only the observance of Christ provided redemption through His death and resurrection to heaven. (Matt. 20:28) Another point: Jesus was angry at the merchants who took advantage of the Jewish religious festival to make money [mixture of trade with belief]. "Take these things out!" He said. "Stop making my Father's house an house of merchandise" (John 2:13-16)
My dear friend, I hope that this text really heart breaking thread and make it reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and purpose of Christ's coming.
A big hug!
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