The Adventure Machine

As we journey through the calendar year, we encounter a myriad of holidays that are celebrated with great gusto and excitement. However, behind the festive decorations and joyous gatherings lurk dark and sinister undertones that are often overlooked. Let us delve into the shadows and explore the opposing views of some of the major holidays that we hold dear.

Thanksgiving

First, we have Thanksgiving, a time when families come together to give thanks for their blessings and enjoy a bountiful feast. However, the spirit of thankfulness can quickly turn into gluttony as we indulge in excessive amounts of food and drink. In the book of Proverbs 23:20-21, it is written, “Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.” Let us heed this warning and practice moderation in our celebrations.

Thanksgiving is historically worshiping a time for giving thanks for land that was discovered by someone else. As families tear apart, it becomes a Friendsgiving. Can you ignore the demands of conformity and celebrate every day as a gift and a reason to give thanks? Besides Christmas, Thanksgiving magnifies isolation to many and soup kitchens receive too many requests from volunteers who just can’t be alone on this programmed day.

Christmas

Next, we have Christmas, a time of giving and receiving gifts, spreading cheer, and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. However, the commercialization of Christmas has led many astray, focusing on material possessions rather than the true meaning of the holiday. In the book of Luke 12:15, Jesus warns, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Let us remember the humble beginnings of the baby in the manger and resist the temptation of greed.

If you have known deprivation, you also know that this holiday is depressing for more than it is joyful. I will honor my blessings quietly. A neighbor likes to leave these homemade, small, dry cinnamon rolls on my doorstep. The meaning isn’t missed as they aren’t good neighbors. A kind gesture isn’t kind at all if it is just a way to somehow ease your own trespass that then starts all over again because on that one day – a cinnamon roll was to make it all better – for that one day.

Easter

Easter, a time of resurrection and new life, is often overshadowed by the pagan symbols of bunnies and eggs. These symbols represent fertility and the coming of spring, but they can also distract us from the true significance of Jesus’ victory over death. In the book of Colossians 3:2, we are reminded to, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Let us focus on the eternal hope that Easter brings and not be swayed by worldly distractions.

Not everyone even knows Easter except the day to go to church, score on some plastic eggs that have goodies inside, and to dress to the 9’s. But with all things, we are programmed to do what other humans do. Easter is a puzzle.

Halloween

Halloween, a night of costumes and candy, is often associated with darkness and evil. The celebration of death and the occult can lead us down a dangerous path away from God’s light. In the book of Ephesians 5:11, we are urged to, “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” Let us shine the light of Christ in the midst of darkness and resist the temptations of the enemy.

Independence Day

Independence Day. Oh, the chanting of USA! USA! USA! Small kids voices and one enthusiastic guy waving a flag over the fireworks and directing the chants. Pray tell, what is the USA? What exactly has been real? Propaganda of skits made for movies? The war machine and other disasters and diseases fueled by greed? A more appropriate futuristic holiday will be via holograph. No more fires, injuries, and people blocking your view. Oh how many mouths could be fed with the funds used for pyrotechnic devices that last mere seconds.

As we reflect on these opposing views of major holidays, let us remember to keep our eyes fixed on God’s truth and resist the temptations that seek to lead us astray. May we celebrate with joy and gratitude, but also with discernment and wisdom. Fear not by creating your own happiness path away from the common group think of forced traditions. It is time to create new traditions, ones that resonate with your beliefs and harness good energy for all.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” – Romans 12:2

Be bold, be courageous, and blaze your own path. Don’t just follow the herd, dare to be different and stand out from the crowd. Embrace your individuality and let your light shine brightly in a world that often seeks to conform. Trust in the path that God has set before you and march to the beat of your own drum. Be a trailblazer, a risk-taker, and a fearless adventurer in the journey of faith. Don’t be afraid to leave the herd and trust in your own beliefs, in your own way.

The Adventure Machine