Church of God News

COGwriter

Here are excerpts from LCG’s commentary today:

Not the reason for the season

By Wyatt Ciesielka | Thursday, December 23, 2010

Many people realize that Jesus Christ was not born anywhere near December 25 and that Christmas is rooted in ancient paganism, but will still proclaim that Jesus is “the reason for the season.”  Is this true?  Who is really being celebrated on December 25?  Why the evergreen tree?  And most importantly, is Jesus Christ really pleased?

Luke 2:1-8 tells us that Jesus was born during the time of the Roman census when the shepherds were still abiding in the fields at night.  But, the shepherds were not out at night in the fields anywhere close to December 25th!   In ancient Palestine, because of heavy winter rainstorms, the shepherds always brought their flocks in from the countryside by no later than mid October.  As Ezra 10:9-13 makes clear, by December ancient Palestine was bitter cold and rainy!  So, why is Jesus’ birth celebrated on December 25?

The fact is that winter solstice celebrations preceded Jesus’ birth by more than 2,000 years; all the way back to ancient Babylon and the Babylonish “mystery religion” devoted to worshiping Baal.  To honor Nimrod, reborn as the infant Tammuz, Semiramis (Nimrod’s widow) claimed that a beautiful evergreen tree sprang overnight from a dead tree stump!  The ancient Babylonians then began to utilize the evergreen tree during the winter-solstice to celebrate Nimrod reborn as the sun-god! This tradition lived through the centuries, manifesting in ancient Egyptian winter solstice festivals, Roman Saturnalia celebrations and Persian Mithras worship!  And ancient Israel adopted this pagan custom thousands of years ago (Isaiah 57:5)!

Notice, 2 Kings 17:10, “They set up for themselves sacred pillars and wooden images on every high hill and under every green tree.”  And, describing how wicked king Ahaz adopted this Babylonish worship, 2 Chronicles 28:2-4 recounts, he “burned his children in the fire, according to the abominations of the nations … and he sacrificed and burned incense on the high places, on the hills and under every green tree.”…

The vast majority of those who celebrate Christmas are friendly, sincere, but deceived people.  But, it is no secret that Christmas is of pagan origin and was not celebrated by the early post-Apostolic church.  The Catholic Encyclopedia admits these very facts!  “Christmas was not among the earliest festivals of the Church … the first evidence of the feast is from Egypt.”

Does it really matter?  Yes it does!  Jesus is not “the reason for the season” – Baal is.  True Christians are forbidden from adopting pagan customs to honor God (Deuteronomy 12:29-32, Jeremiah 10:2, 2 Thessalonians 2:15) and are commanded to “come out of” this Babylonish system (Revelation 18:4)!  God the Father and Jesus Christ are of the same mind (John 10:30), and in Their eyes these pagan celebrations are “abominations” (Jeremiah 10:3-4; Ezekiel 8:13-14)!

While most people equate the Christmas-New Year’s season with family gatherings, gifts, parties, and religious stories, a pagan worship season is its basis.

Jesus really is not the reason for the season.  And while some will object and say that despite that, Jesus is discussed so it is a good thing, perhaps Jesus words here will give some pause for thought:

3 “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?…6…Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition.  7 Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying:

8 “These people draw near to Me with their mouth,
And honor Me with their lips,
But their heart is far from Me.
9 And in vain they worship Me,
Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'”  (Matthew 15:3,6-10, NKJV

The Christmas season is not biblically enjoined for Christians and certainly is based upon doctrines and traditions of men.  Traditions that are condemned in various parts of the Bible.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Christmas and the Holy Days? Do you know what the Catholic Church says were the original Christian holy days? Was Christmas among them?

Is January 1st a Date for Christians Celebrate? Historical and biblical answers to this question about the world’s New Year’s day.

Did Early Christians Celebrate Birthdays? Did biblical era Jews celebrate birthdays? Who originally celebrated birthdays? When did many that profess Christ begin birthday celebrations?

Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.

COGwriter

While New Zealand has been doing relatively well during the great recession, its economy seems to be have run into problems:

New Zealand Economy Contracts as Quake Hurts Growth

Bloomberg – Dec 23, 2010

Gross domestic product fell 0.2 percent in the three months ended Sept. 30 from the previous quarter, when it rose a revised 0.1 percent, a Statistics New Zealand report showed in Wellington today. Photographer: Mark Coote/Bloomberg

New Zealand’s economy unexpectedly contracted in the third quarter and moved closer to a recession as the worst earthquake in eight decades slowed housing and manufacturing. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-12-22/new-zealand-economy-unexpectedly-contracts-as-earthquake-undermines-growth.html

The earthquake was reported here back in early September (see New Zealand Hit By Powerful Earthquake).

As an Anglo-descended nation, New Zealand is subject to the same blessings and cursings that the others are also subject to.

Additionally, Jesus, of course, warned about a time with such issues that New Zealand is facing:

8 … And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be…troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. (Mark 13:8)

We may be at this prophetic point as all the earthquakes and other problems that have happened in the past year could be considered as “troubles”.  With having one of the highest sexual promiscuity rates in the world, the sins of New Zealand are affecting it.

Without national repentance, New Zealand is doomed.  Having been to that multi-island nation, this seems to be a concept that few in New Zealand grasp.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Islands and Bible Prophecy What’s ahead for islands? What does the Bible prophesy about them?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2010, 2011, or 2012? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? What is “the beginning of sorrows”? Have we begun or are we about ready for “the beginning of sorrows” to begin.
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?

COGwriter

US President Barack Obama made a statement today that I do not believe any one who believes the Bible could say:

‘Don’t ask, don’t tell’: Repeal signed, sealed, but when will it be delivered?

At signing, Obama says repeal of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ will ‘strengthen our national security.’ But the lack of a clear timetable for implementation is already frustrating some gay rights advocates.  http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Military/2010/1222/Don-t-ask-don-t-tell-Repeal-signed-sealed-but-when-will-it-be-delivered

This is untrue on so many fronts.  Even the generals in charge of the US Army and Marines said that the repeal would hurt the US military a few weeks ago.

The people of people of Sodom and Gomorrah learned that homosexuality was not the way to go.

Notice what happened there:

24 Then the Lord rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, from the Lord out of the heavens. 25 So He overthrew those cities, all the plain, all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground. (Genesis 19:24-25)

So they all lost whatever “security” they had on this planet.

And why did it happen?

7 as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. (Jude 7)

Why mention this in the 21st century? Because God turned:

6…the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly (2 Peter 2:6,
NKJV)

Thus, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah were to serve as an example to those who would live as they did.  Apparently those in the US Senate as well as President Obama overlooked the risks that the Bible warns about.

Of course, if there is no God, no morality, and such things, do what you want.  But since there is, there is a risk.  A risk that the USA will regret later.

The USA is going to be destroyed and by signing this bill, its president has helped push it in that direction.

Some prophetic articles of possibly related interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. This article includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests? This is the longest and most complete article on this page on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”, based up an early 20th century writing.

COGwriter

Last year Sony released its 2012 movie.  Sony invited this Examiner to Century City (near Hollywood) to watch the press pre-release preview.  The movie was number 1 when it first opened.  It did fantastically well in overseas markets like China (see Chinese Pleased With China’s Portrayal in Sony’s 2012 Movie, Indonesia Less So) and Russia (see 2012 a Hit in Russia).

The movie portrays Los Angeles, India, the Vatican, and other places being destroyed by a flood, two years from now.  The main ones that survive, survive on what could best be described as flotilla of modern versions of Noah’s Ark.

Because the date of the start of the “Mayan flood” is two years from now, it is making the news again.  There was something in the news yesterday about a village in France that many believe will survive 2012.  Notice the headline:

French village which will ‘survive 2012 Armageddon’ plagued by visitors

Telegraph – Dec 21, 2010 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/ufo/8217001/French-village-which-will-survive-2012-Armageddon-plagued-by-visitors.html

Essentially, since the area is isolated and some consider the village of Bugarach is in “sacred mountains”, the 189 residents there are concerned that thousands will descend upon it in about two years and overwhelm the local population.    It has been getting a lot of visitors who are checking it out, just in case they wish to flee there.

Now, unless the French village is bombed or some major disaster strikes it, I believe it will survive December 21, 2012 and be fine on December 22, 2012 (though possibly a bit crowded).  Yet, I believe that the same is true for Los Angeles, India, the Vatican, and other places that Sony’s 2012 movie shows will be destroyed by flood.

Why?

Because the world will not end in a flood (Genesis 9).

Now, in Sony’s defense, the movie it produced was based on one particular interpretation of a centuries old Mayan prophecy.

In the 16th century Mayan writing known as the Chilam Balam there is the following:

But when the law of the katun has run its course, the God will bring about a great deluge again which will be the end of the world. When this is over, then our Lord Jesus Christ will descend over the valley of Jehoshaphat beside the town of Jerusalem where he redeemed us with his holy blood (José Hoíl J, Roys R. The Book of Chilam Balam of Chumayel. Roys Publisher, 1933. Reprint Forgotten Books, 1967, p. 62).

Since the Mayan calendar ends when one of the katuns is finished (December 21, 2012), some interpret that the world will end in a flood that begins that date, and that presumably all we see by December 22, 2012 until most drown.

But notice that the particular Mayan prophecy, which by the way is the most explicit one about the world ending in a flood (prior to the 16th century the Mayans did not write, but essentially used a picture written communication system which 21st century scholars interpret in various ways), says that Jesus will return.  As it turns out, the book that mentions Jesus the most, the Holy Bible, has this to say about a disasterous flood:

8 Then God spoke to Noah and to his sons with him, saying: 9 “And as for Me, behold, I establish My covenant with you and with your descendants after you, 10 and with every living creature that is with you: the birds, the cattle, and every beast of the earth with you, of all that go out of the ark, every beast of the earth. 11 Thus I establish My covenant with you: Never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood; never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.”  (Genesis 9:8-11, NKJV)

So, no, the world as we know it will not be destroyed by December 22, 2012.  People do not need to live in fear that their county will be destroyed like the 2012 movie portrays.  The Bible is clear that the world will not be destroyed by a flood.

So, no, the world as we know it will not be destroyed by December 22, 2012.  Los Angeles residents do not need to live in fear that their county will be destroyed like the 2012 movie portrays.

However, it is likely that when the world does not end in a flood, that on December 22, 2012 scoffers will rise up and discount all prophecy.  Because of misinterpretations of 2012 and certain media, hype, many will doubt Bible prophecy.  Notice that the Apostle Peter warned about this:

1 Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), 2 that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, 3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” 5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. 7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.  11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?   (2 Peter 3:1-13)

So, no, we do not need to take steps today to prepare for the end of the world and return of Jesus Christ on December 21/22, 2012, but yes Jesus will return and the world as we know it will end.  But that will not be for a few years later.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? Are there Mayan calendar predictions for change in 2012? Changes were centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradamus prophecies have any value here? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012? How might Barack Obama be involved in 2012?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This link also has YouTube videos. This book documents and explains hundreds of prophecies. And since it was published, world events have aligned with at least 14 predictions in the book and many more will to come to pass.  It clearly explains much of what will and will not happen in 2012 and the signs that believers need to be looking for.
2012 y el surgimiento de la secta secreta 2012 libro del Dr. Thiel en Español.
2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Edition) 2012 Buch von Dr. Thiel in deutscher Sprache.
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel em Português. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 14 já começaram a acontecer.

Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev

COGwriter

Russian President Medvedev signed a military deal with India:

The Irish Times – Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Russia and India confirm new military and nuclear agreements

RAHUL BEDI in New Delhi

RUSSIA AND India have confirmed their long-awaited contract to jointly develop a fifth-generation fighter aircraft in a deal estimated at about $35 billion (€26.7 billion). This is alongside an agreement to augment capacity at an Indian nuclear power complex under construction with Moscow’s help.

The military and nuclear pacts, signed yesterday during Russian president Dmitry Medvedev’s two- day visit to New Delhi, are aimed at bringing the two allies closer, while it is proposed to double bilateral trade by 2015 to $20 billion…Nearly 70 per cent of India’s military hardware has been sourced via Moscow…http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2010/1222/1224286073891.html

This is a fairly big military project.

Bible prophecy suggests that Russia will cooperate in the end with China and India.  And big deals like this one are likely one more step to their fulfillment.

Less than two weeks ago, LCG reported:

India, China and Russia Increase Cooperation. Last month, Indian, Russian and Chinese officials met in central China to conduct talks aimed at increasing the cooperation between the three nations–two of which are the world’s most populous nations (India and China encompass more than 2 billion people). At the talks, officials promised “to step up cooperation in trade, energy and geopolitical affairs including climate change,” as well as “energy, high-tech sectors, innovation, aerospace, cultural exchanges and disaster relief.” A communiqué from the meeting noted that the three nations plan to increase “cooperation on international and regional issues… but stressed that such cooperation would not target ‘any other country’.” China and Russia are members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, a body organized as an alternative to U.S.-led efforts. India is an observer to this body (Agence France-Presse, November 15, 2010). Increasing cooperation between these three nations is evident. Russia has already provided China with navy vessels and maintains a contract for more. Bible prophecies reveal that at the end of the age, just before the return of Jesus Christ, a powerful army of 200 million men will come from north and east of Jerusalem and cause massive destruction on this earth (Daniel 11:44-45; Revelation 9:13-21). Only India, China and Russia appear to have the military technology, the manpower and the funds to support such an army. The deepening relationship between these three nations certainly bears watching—in terms of Bible prophecy (World Ahead Weekly Update, LCG. December 09, 2010).

A combination of military deals, aircraft carriers, population, and technology will come together enough to get the “kings of the east” and the one from “the far north” to cooperate to fulfill Daniel 11:44-45; Revelation 9:13-21.  More and more news events are aligning toward the fulfillment of Bible prophecy.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Where do the Russians come from? What is prophesied for Russia? What will it do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach?
India, Its Biblical Past and Future: Any Witness? The Bible discusses the origins of those of Indian heritage and discusses some of the witness to them (including those in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka).
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, Indians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?

Ancient Laodicea

COGwriter

Today, the “Abigail Cartwright” (AC) site listed the following UCG ministerial departures:

Mr. Andy Burnett,  December 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Doug Horchak, December 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Richard Thompson, December 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Clyde Kilough, December 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Roy Demarest,  December 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Roger West, December 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Greg Sargent, December 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Mike Hanisko, December 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Arnold Burns, December 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Ron Kelley, December 2010, removed from UCG ministry

Mr. David Treybig, December 2010, resigned from the Council of Elders

Mr. Michael Blackwell, December 2010, resigned from the Council of Elders

Mr. David Baker, December 2010, resigned from the Council of Elders

Mr. Neil Hart, December 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Jim Franks, December 2010, resigned from the Council of Elders

Mr. Alfredo Arboleas, December 2010, removed from UCG ministry

Mr. Eleodoro Avila, December 2010, removed from UCG ministry

Mr. Alberto Gonzalez, December 2010, removed from UCG ministry

Mr. Jaime Guiñez, December 2010, removed from UCG ministry

Mr. Adan Langarica, December 2010, removed from UCG ministry

Mr. Luis Mundo, December 2010, removed from UCG ministry

Mr. Fermin Nain, December 2010, removed from UCG ministry

Mr. Jaime Ortiz, December 2010, removed from UCG ministry

Mr. Manuel Quijano, December 2010, removed from UCG ministry

Mr. Pablo Dimakis, December 2010, resigned form UCG ministry

Where they all will go is a question, but there may be clues.  Some may still remain affiliated with UCG, at least for a while.  But COGA seems to be a likely location.

For example, I noticed that Ken Geise, who left UCG in November, is now listed as “Director: Advisory Board” at COGA’s website, where he was not originally (see COG America: A Group of Former UCG Ministers).  If more former UCG ministers go there, this may be a significant problem for UCG.  As of a few moments ago, former UCG President, Clyde Kilough, was not listed as a director or anything else at COGA, but like Ken Geise, this could change.  I have seen no formal announcement from Clyde Kilough himself.

The more UCG loses ministers in the USA, the greater its income drop will be. UCG may end up not being the largest COG with origins in the old WCG.

UCG has long had issues. And governance, administration, and the limited fruits of its public gospel proclamation have long been part of them. A major income drop may have major ramifications there–especially if UCG members believe that a truly competitive organization to UCG, with many former UCG ministers, awaits them.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Roderick C. Meredith on Church Government What form of governance did the early church have? Was it hierarchical? Which form of governance would one expect to have in the Philadelphia remnant? The people decide and/or committee forms, odd dictatorships, or the same type that the Philadelphia era itself had?
Unity: Which COG for You? Why so many groups? Why is there lack of unity in the Churches of God? Has it always been this way? What can/should be done about it?
Differences between the Living Church of God and United Church of God This article provides quotes information from the two largest groups which had their origins in WCG as well as commentary.
There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to more easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG/GCI members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from evangelists?
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.

COGwriter

A new report confirms that the Christmas-New Years holiday season perhaps should be renamed the season of death:

Christmas the deadliest day of the year

National Post – Dec 20, 2010

A new U.S. analysis of mortality rates during different times of year found that people are more likely to die during the holidays — notably on Christmas and New Year’s Day — and researchers cannot explain the yearly spike.

After analyzing all official United States death certificates over the 25-year period between 1979 and 2004, a trio of sociologists identified an excess of 42,325 natural deaths — that is, above and beyond the normal seasonal winter increase — in the two weeks starting with Christmas…

Mr. Phillips and two other University of California at San Diego researchers found another correlation between the holidays and a spike in deaths…

The researchers concluded: “These comparison measures indicate that the largest spikes in alcohol consumption and in SIDS … occur on New Year; alcohol consumption and SIDS increase significantly on weekends; and children of alcohol-consuming mothers are much more likely to die from SIDS than are children of non-alcohol-consuming mothers.” http://news.nationalpost.com/2010/12/20/christmas-the-deadliest-day-of-the-year-study/

While most people equate the Christmas-New Year’s season with family gatherings, gifts, parties, and religious stories, apparently death is a major part of it.

But, believe it or not, there was a direct element of death associated with this season prior to the birth of Jesus Christ.

Notice the following from Rod McNair of the Living Church of God:

Saturnalia’s Dark Echoes

Author Hugo Slim reminds us that Christmas “is perhaps the best example of the early Church Christianizing the traditional non-Christian festivals of a season—in this case the festivals of returning light surrounding the winter solstice” (A Feast of Festivals, pp. 36–37). The Romans celebrated the solstice season as the “Saturnalia, honoring Saturn, the god of agriculture” (Fillmore, p. 10).

This connection to the Saturnalia reveals an even darker side to Christmas traditions, and shows plainly why Christmas is not a child-friendly holiday! The Encyclopaedia Britannica explains that at the feast of Saturnalia, “all classes exchanged gifts, the commonest being wax tapers and clay dolls. These dolls were especially given to children…” (article: “Saturnalia,” 11th edition). What was the purpose of those gifts? “Varro thought these dolls represented original sacrifices of human beings to the infernal god. There was, as we have seen, a tradition that human sacrifices were once offered to Saturn, and the Greeks and Romans gave the name of Cronus and Saturn to a cruel Phoenician Baal, to whom, e.g. children were sacrificed at Carthage” (ibid.).

Child Sacrifice and Cannibalism?

Saturnalia—the festival Christmas absorbed—even carries echoes of ancient child sacrifice! It sounds horrific that dolls were given as gifts as symbols or proxies of children burnt to pagan gods. Yet this practice echoes the modern tradition of hanging cherubs or human figures on Christmas trees! The ancient Greeks placed small masks called oscilla on branches, where they could twirl freely in the wind. Encyclopaedia Britannica explains that oscilla were small figures, most commonly masks or faces, that were hung up “as offerings to various deities.… The custom of hanging these oscilla represents an older practice of expiating human sacrifice” (ibid.).

Not only did ancient Saturn-worship and fire-worship involve child sacrifice, it also included cannibalism. Author John Garnier noted: “Cannibalism appears to have been initiated by Cronus, i.e. Saturn… For we are told by Sanchoniathon that Cronus was the originator of human sacrifices… Saturn is represented as devouring his own children.” (The Worship of the Dead, pp. 34–35).

When “Christian” missionaries turned a blind eye to the symbols of ancient pagan festivals observed by their converts, they absorbed into their own worship and practice a number of ancient rites that echoed child sacrifice and cannibalism. Symbols of these abominable practices are still extant today as grim reminders of the “dark side of Christmas!”

Now, this is not to say that modern Christmas observers intentionally are carrying over remnants of a pagan death cult, but unintentionally is another matter.  People rarely stop and ask themselves why they observe various traditions in their cultures.

Most people would be surprised to learn that Christmas was not observed by the early Christians, and that Catholic-associated writers like Tertullian condemned what is now the Christmas-New Years season as far back as approximately 200 A.D.

The fact that the Christmas-New Years season was associated with intentional death in ancient times and a rise in deaths in modern times is an interesting coincidence.  Or is it more than a coincidence?

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Christmas and the Holy Days? Do you know what the Catholic Church says were the original Christian holy days? Was Christmas among them?

Is January 1st a Date for Christians Celebrate? Historical and biblical answers to this question about the world’s New Year’s day.

Did Early Christians Celebrate Birthdays? Did biblical era Jews celebrate birthdays? Who originally celebrated birthdays? When did many that profess Christ begin birthday celebrations?

Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.

Ancient Laodicea

COGwriter

Yesterday, UCG posted the following which I had considered as possibly an act of desperation:

The Council of Elders wishes to thank the many brethren and congregations who signed a giant “Thank You” card that was presented to the Council on December 6.

Since it became known that more than 700 names of supporters appeared on the card, many more brethren wrote in and asked for their names to be included also. So far, close to 2,000 names have been submitted, with some representing the membership of entire congregations.

In addition, the Australian ministry sent in their names, along with a resolution from the Australian National Council dated Nov. 21, expressing its thanks to the Council and president of UCGIA, including unanimous support from the Australian ministry…

I considered it to be desperation, because it seems like this was intentionally posted to show that UCG had more support than those who recently have signed a letter to challenge aspects of it.  I was not going to post anything about it until I saw the following at John Carmack’s website (John was, and still may be, in UCG but seems to have questions himself) just a few moments ago:

Facebook UWS site reports are that Roger West, Roy Demarest and Clyde Kilough have resigned today.  Previously, Demarest was suspended.

If this report on resignations is true (and it may not be–though perhaps I should add that I received confirmation related to Roger West 12/21/10), then the situation at UCG is worse than the average UCG member probably has considered that it is. I have seen no reports on where Clyde Killough, etc. may end up.  But if they end up in COGA (see COG America: A Group of Former UCG Ministers), this may be a significant problem for UCG.

The last time a former president left (David Hulme in 1998), UCG lost around 10% of its membership.  The crisis in UCG in 2010 has already cost UCG about that many (though mainly in Latin America).  This crisis is looking more like a disaster now for UCG.

The more it loses ministers in the USA, the greater its income drop will be.  UCG may end up not being the largest COG with origins in the old WCG.

UCG has long had issues. And governance, administration, and the limited fruits of its public gospel proclamation have long been part of them.  A major income drop may have major ramifications there–especially if UCG members believe that a truly competitive organization to UCG, with many former UCG ministers, awaits them.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Roderick C. Meredith on Church Government What form of governance did the early church have? Was it hierarchical? Which form of governance would one expect to have in the Philadelphia remnant? The people decide and/or committee forms, odd dictatorships, or the same type that the Philadelphia era itself had?
Unity: Which COG for You? Why so many groups? Why is there lack of unity in the Churches of God? Has it always been this way? What can/should be done about it?
Differences between the Living Church of God and United Church of God This article provides quotes information from the two largest groups which had their origins in WCG as well as commentary.
There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to more easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG/GCI members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from evangelists?
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.

Jerusalem

COGwriter

In its latest Bible Advocate, CG7-Denver’s Monico Muffley wrote the following:

One cannot help but observe current events and compare them to the Scriptures concerning the conflict that will ensue between Israel and other nations.

I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling. Judah will be besieged as well as Jerusalem. On that day, when all the nations of the e arth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves (Zechariah 12:2, 3).

Is it just coincidence that the same nations prophesied thousands of years ago to fight against Israel at Armageddon are today constructing their doomsday war machines? Considering these things are happening while Israel is reconstituted among the nations and that only one city, Jerusalem, is the fuse that can ignite the whole world, we are powerfully urged to turn our eyes back to the Bible and to watch current events.

Let’s bring the topic of Israel in prophecy back to the table.

I am glad to see that some in CG7 recognize that they should look at world events and Israel in prophecy.  CG7 tends to minimize emphasis on prophecy, even though around 30% of scripture (and perhaps more) is prophetic.

An earlier item CG7 had on Israel  suggested that CG7 is confused:

The expression “latter days” does not necessarily refer to the last days of planet Earth. It may mean simply the latter days of the kingdom of Israel, the distant future, or “days to come,” as it is sometimes translated. In addition, New Testament writers frequently referred to their time as the “last days” (Acts 2:17; 2 Timothy 3:1; Hebrews 1:2; James 5:3; 2 Peter 3:3)…

Has a prophecy already been fulfilled?

When we consider an Old Testament prophecy, we need to consider whether it is completely fulfilled in the Old Testament context, whether it was completely fulfilled in the first coming of the Messiah, or whether it was only partially fulfilled. For example, the apostle Peter proclaimed about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost: “This is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people’” (Acts 2:16-21, NIV, cited from Joel 2:28-32). Do we conclude that Joel’s prophecy was completely fulfilled in Peter’s day and that the “glorious day of the Lord” was the incarnation of Jesus? Do we conclude that the grandiose language of “wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below” was figurative so as to underscore the dramatic proportions of what was happening — that the very Son of God laid aside His glory to walk in human flesh and die so that all might be saved? Or do we conclude that while Peter thought he was seeing the fulfillment, he was in fact seeing only a partial fulfillment and that the grandiose language is literal and has yet to be fulfilled in a future outpouring of the Holy Spirit and “glorious day of the Lord”?

How we answer these questions will dramatically affect how we understand New Testament prophecies and the apocalyptic material of Revelation. (Wiedenheft, RA. Important Considerations in Understanding Prophecy. Bible Advocate Press. © 2006 The General Conference of the Church of God (Seventh Day)).

I agree with that last statement. But sadly, that is how the article ends and CG7 does not really say what it believes. I believe that this is part of why Jesus warned Sardis, “you will not know what hour I will come upon you” (Revelation 3:3).

So, while I am glad that some in CG7 are suggesting that they “bring the topic of Israel in prophecy back to the table”, it would be nice if CG7 would understand what is expected to happen to that nation and properly teach it, as opposed to simply stating that perhaps it should look into it.  But looking into it is a good first step.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

The Churches of Revelation 2 & 3 from 31 A.D. to present: information on all of the seven churches of Revelation 2 & 3.
Church of God, Seventh Day: History and Teachings Nearly all COG’s I am aware of trace their history through this group. Whaid Rose is the president of the largest CG7 group (Denver). Do you know much about them?
Unity: Which COG for You? Why so many groups? Why is there lack of unity in the Churches of God? Has it always been this way? What can/should be done about it?
There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to more easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG/GCI members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?

COGwriter

While regular readers of this page are aware that the USA is going to be partially dependent upon Europe’s Galileo satellite “GPS” in a few years, there is another aspect of Europe’s satellite capabilities to report:

Swarm satellite mission to try to sense ocean magnetism

BBC – Dec 17, 2010

European scientists are going to try to measure the movement of the oceans by tracing their magnetism alone.

The effort will be achieved using three super-sensitive spacecraft called Swarm, which should launch in 2012. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11980315

A reader of this page, along with the above, sent the following:

“There are a variety of military applications for magnetometers. These include magnetic anomaly detectors for sensing submerged submarines from aircraft, unmanned remote detectors of the metal of vehicles and personnel”

“A magnetic anomaly detector (MAD) is an instrument used to detect minute variations in the Earth’s magnetic field. The term refers specifically to magnetometers used either by military forces to detect submarines (a mass of ferromagnetic material creates a detectable disturbance in the magnetic field)  Magnetic anomaly detectors were first employed to detect submarines during World War II. MAD gear was used by both Japanese and U.S. anti-submarine forces, either towed by ship or mounted in aircraft to detect shallow submerged enemy submarines. After the war, the U.S. Navy continued to develop MAD gear as a parallel development with sonar detection technologies.” source: http://en.citizendium.org/wiki/Magnetometer

The Bible clearly warns:

3…And all the world marveled and followed the beast. 4 So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?”  (Revelation 13:3-4)

Europe is developing what seem to be somewhat unique military capabilities.  As I have written many times in the past, the Large Hadron Collider may also spin off military capabilities to help fulfill Revelation 13:4.

Thus, although most consider that the USA is the top military power and that Europe has no major military capabilities, this seems to be changing.  And it will change for Bible prophecy to be fulfilled.  The Bible teaches that the final King of the North will go against the “strongest fortresses” (Daniel 11:39).  The nation with the strongest fortresses currently is the USA.  Those who do not yet have my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect may find it of interest as it goes into these subjects (especially the formation of the European Beast power and the destruction of the USA in much more prophetic detail).

For details related to these prophecies, check out the following:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? What is ahead for Europe?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the German Defense Minister one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This link also has YouTube videos. This book documents and explains hundreds of prophecies. And since it was published, world events have aligned with at least 14 predictions in the book and many more will to come to pass.
2012 y el surgimiento de la secta secreta 2012 libro del Dr. Thiel en Español.
2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Edition) 2012 Buch von Dr. Thiel in deutscher Sprache.
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel em Português. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 14 já começaram a acontecer.