HOLIDAYS!

As the Holidays approach, I have to remind myself that holidays is REALLY meant as "HOLY DAYS".   

Wikipedia's Etymology of the word "Holiday" states the following.  

The word holiday derived from the notion of "Holy Day", and gradually "evolved" to its current form.

The word holiday comes from the Old English word hāligdæg. The word originally referred only to special religious days. In modern use, it means any special day of rest or relaxation, as opposed to normal days away from work or school.

It is a disgrace that today we seem to be more interested in "Black Friday" than the Thursday preceding!   And Christmas is a time of the birth of the Saviour of the World, not a time to go so far into debt that is takes the rest of the year to climb out!

It would do us ALL some good to slow down..........and remember what we are doing and why we are here!  The words of a song-HE STILL SPEAKS- comes to my mind.  

Amidst a hustling, clambering world

Sometimes it's hard to hear

The voice of GOD speaking to my soul

But in my quiet time alone

When I approach HIS Holy throne

His tender words fall gently on my ear

HE still speaks

I know HIS voice

Sweeter sounds never heard by mortal ear

And to think that GOD by HIS own choice

Would speak to me it makes me rejoice 

HE Still speaks

I know HIS voice

There are so many who still doubt

That GOD can speak today

They laugh and mock when we say we've heard from GOD

Yet that still small voice of GOD is heard

Above the doubters of this world

HIS timeless words ring out with hope today

HE still speaks

I know HIS voice

Sweeter sounds never heard by mortal ear

And to think that GOD by HIS own choice

Would speak to me it makes me rejoice 

HE Still speaks

I know HIS voice

HE Still speaks

I know HIS voice

We all, including me, need to  remember that it's not about what we GET for Christmas, but it is about ALMIGHTY GOD providing redemptions plan for me!