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THE
SPIRIT OF TRUTH
By Elder George Kinney (edited for space limitations)
The season is again upon us when the world is busily planning for a big celebration on December
25th. Gifts are exchanged, millions of greeting cards are sent, thousands of barrels of strong drink are consumed,
a fat man in a red suit is glorified, and the birth of our Savior is discussed.
Why such a big thing over this day, when we read nothing in the Scriptures concerning celebrating the birth of
our Savior, Yahshua? We read nothing of His birth having been on this big celebration day. Rather, the Scriptures
indicate He could not have been born this time of year. Many, even knowing this, still engage in the worldly celebration.
Why? Why do people do it, even if they know it is a day of pagan customs and celebration? What makes peoples' minds
think it is all right to partake of the heathen customs and associate the birth of our Savior with it? Every year
we can read in the newspapers of the paganism in it.
Actually I was once caught up in this situation. As a young boy I loved the Christmas time -- the pretty trees
- the thrill of Santa Claus. It all made me feel wonderful. It was the "Christmas spirit." But why would
partaking of pagan practices and believing a lie give me this ecstasy? Why do people believe lies? Scripture gives
the answer: "…BECAUSE THEY RECEIVED NOT THE LOVE OF THE TRUTH, that they might be saved. And for this cause
Yahweh shall send them strong DELUSION, that they should believe a lie, that they all might be judged who believed
not the truth, but HAD PLEASURE IN UNRIGHTEOUSNESS." (II Thessalonians 2:7-12).
So we see that those who believe lies will not be saved; those who have pleasure in unrighteousness will perish.
They do not know the truth because they do not love it nor seek it. If they would only love the truth simply because
it is the truth, they could ask Yahweh and He would show them the way. He would show them the true way of healing,
repentance, and salvation. Let us love every bit of truth we learn and follow all of it, so we will not believe
lies.
"But we are bound to give thanks always to the Almighty One for you, brethren beloved of Him, because He has
from the beginning chosen you to salvation through separateness of the Spirit and belief of the truth. Whereunto
He called you by our glad tidings to the obtaining of the esteem of our Master Yahshua the Messiah. Therefore,
brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you have taught, whether by word, or our letter. Now our Master
Yahshua the Messiah Himself, and the Almighty, even our Father, which has loved us, and has given us everlasting
consolation and good hope through favor, comfort your hearts, and establish you in every good word and work."
(II Thessalonians 2:13-17) ~gk~
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