Video of the Day: Clip from the 2004 movie “Christmas with the Kranks”
Bible Verse of the Day:
So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, “Why don’t your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with defiled hands?” 6 He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: “‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 7 They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.’[b] 8 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions,” Mark 7:5-8.
Biblical Connection:
Luther and Nora Krank decide to take a break from Christmas one year. After looking at their typical December budget set aside for gifts, parties and holiday preparations, the Kranks realize it would be cheaper to go away on a trip. Subsequently, as friends and neighbors start planning for Christmas, the Kranks are getting ready to go on a Caribbean cruise.
Jewish religious leaders took the teachings of Moses recorded in the Torah, the first 5 books of the Bible, and added legalistic practices to God’s commands. These extra procedures made living a Jewish life much more rigid than God designed. This is what Jesus means when He accuses the Pharisees of following human rules. The America tradition of Christmas overwhelmed the Kranks in 2004. This stress conceived the idea of wanting to take a break from Christmas.
Closing Song:
The celebration of Christmas can be fanatical. As human beings compete to see who has the most Christmas spirit, this distracts from the true reason of this season, Jesus’ birth. The same can be said about Christmas songs. The lyrics to Ave Maria elevate Mary the mother of God over the fulfillment of Genesis 3:15. Before the chaos of Christmas in America commences, be sensible in how you prepare to celebrate the Mass of Christ. May the Holy Spirit help you simplify this holiday to avoid going in debt by buying extravagant gifts that aren’t necessary.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 