I am sending this greeting card to some of my friends and family for several reasons.  First, I extend a genuine heartfelt greeting to you, but not for the same reason that others are sending them at this time of the year.  I do sincerely wish you the very best in the days and months ahead.

      Beginning this year, I am no longer keeping the traditional holiday known as Christmas for several reasons.  I have not converted to "Judaism" although I do feel a kindred bond to the tribe of Judah which is one of twelve original tribes of Israel. (The Messiah is from the tribe of Judah.)  Nor am I a "Jehovah's Witness".  I have not been brainwashed by any sort of "cult".  Rather, I have undertaken many studies on my own time over the past several years which have caused me to re-think many things that were taught to me in the mainstream religious denominations and through our cultural traditions.

        I do not judge others and I am not personally offended by anyone who keeps this tradition. Likewise I would hope that others do not judge me nor get offended that I choose not to keep it. Having said that, following here are some conclusions I came to but again I stress that my beliefs are not intended to judge others, but only serve as a guideline to the way I choose to live my life.

  • Christmas is not a holiday (holy day) commanded to be kept according to the scriptures but is a tradition made of men.  The Apostle Paul tells us in Colossians 2:8 "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after the Messiah."
  • Instead of a holy day commemorating the Messiah's birth, the scriptures tell us to keep the Passover and other of Yahweh's holy days and feasts.  These  are not "jewish" feasts as has been widely taught but are Yahweh's feasts.  "These are the feasts of Yahweh, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons." -- Leviticus 23:4
  • December 25 is not the date of the Saviour's birth.  Most likely He was born during the fall Feast of Tabernacles which took place in  Jerusalem. On the other hand, according to 2000 Encyclopedia Britannica, Volume 11 page 390... "During the later periods of Roman history, sun worship gained in importance and ultimately led to what has been called a 'solar monotheism.' Nearly all the gods of the period were possessed of Solar qualities, and both Christ and Mithra acquired the traits of solar deities. The feast of Sol and Victus (open unconquered Sun) on December 25th was celebrated with great joy, and eventually this date was taken over by the Christians as Christmas, the birthday of Christ."

  • The symbols and icons found in the Christmas tradition are steeped in a history of paganism and idolatry, especially the myth about a magical jolly fat fellow in a red suit who flies all over the world bringing gifts to people and who knows who has been "naughty or nice".  To me this is not only a lie but is blatant idolatry.  Also I believe that setting up a tree and decorating it, making it the central focus of our attentions in our homes is a form of idolatry.  "Thus saith Yahweh, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not." -- Jeremiah 10:2-4
  • Overall, I have found that everything associated with Christmas is a lie that our forefathers have passed on to us and we blindly   accepted. Even the story of  "3 Wise Men" coming to worship Yahshua while He was yet in His manger is a lie.  Scripture doesn't state how many there were, and they did not come to Him until later when he was a "young child" in a house (Matthew 2:11)!!         I seek to follow the Creator's commands rather than traditions of men. "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie." Revelation 22:15

        There is much more but space is limited here.  Again, I do not intend to offend anyone.  I am merely stating the reasons why I do not keep Christmas, since the question "why not?" invariably arises when I inform people of my decision. In no way am I "passing judgment" on anyone who keeps the tradition, but I may be judged harshly if I keep this knowledge to myself in a cowardly act of selfishness.  If anyone has other information from either scriptural or secular historical sources which disprove what I have learned, I would be very open to looking into it. I do fully realize that good intentions are behind the giving of gifts during this time of year, but I nevertheless most respectfully would have to decline receiving them in the light of what I have discovered.  I believe that now Satan has deceived the whole world (Revelation 12:9), but that one day, he will be chained and will not be able to deceive the nations (Revelation 20:1-3).

I have nothing but goodwill toward you as well as all of mankind and wish all to come to the knowledge of Him in Who's image we are made.  In love I truly wish you the VERY BEST!