Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Holiday means Holy Day

I received this Daily Devotional today from Christian Women Today. I thought you all would enjoy, men too!!

“But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:15-16).

Many are unfamiliar with the fact that our word “holiday” comes from an old English word whose original meaning was Holy Day. Though our secular society seeks to drain all that is holy from Christmas leaving little more than tinsel and toys, eggnog and elves, we can bring back a sense of sacredness to the holiday.

As believers, we understand that while God alone is truly holy – pure and sinless – He calls us to holy living. We approach God with reverence and awe because of His holiness. The Scriptures, the Sabbath, and days of remembrance and rejoicing are sacred because God ordained them.

We can bring a sense of sacredness to our celebration of Christmas, simply by seeking to be holy ourselves.

The call to holiness is found throughout the Bible:

• “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12).

• “May He strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all His holy ones” (1 Thessalonians 3:13).

• “But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:15-16).

The concept of holiness also encompasses the idea of being set apart for God or consecrated to Him. How do we embark on this journey of holiness?

Treat His name, His word, and the building where believers gather with the reverence they deserve. Begin each day by taking time to speak with God and offering yourself to Him, to be used for His purposes. Mediate on God’s word. Ask God for His cleansing power in your life. Be holy these holidays and let the world be in awe of what God has done in your life.

God, You are holy. Make me like You. Amen.

2 comments:

  1. That was Great, I agree that its sad how much Christmas has been brought down to nothing. Thanks for that Charity.

    ReplyDelete
  2. It's funny because in a weird sense of humor sort of way it was the Holy Days that I tended to desecrate God the most. Yep Travis, it's been brought down to nothing and even as a chore. Makes me almost want to throw all the junk in the dumpster and just go to church all day on Christmas. Almost anyway :-)

    ReplyDelete