Reformation Day
Somewhere in time, yesterday, it was October 31st. This is the day when I wage a silent protest
against Halloween. I don’t understand the fascination with Halloween. Sure I understand
a kid’s love of candy and even I like to dress up at times, but Halloween? Why celebrate a holiday with dubious origins
which focuses on witches, ghosts and ghouls. Yes, I
said this last year, but I believe it can be repeated.
October 31st, should be celebrated as Reformation
Day.
On October 31st, 1517, Martin Luther nailed 95
theses of contention to the door of the Wittenberg church. He was not the first person to attempt reform
of the Christian church, but he is still considered the father of the
reformation.
Martin Luther did extensive studies on the scriptures and he
realized the error the church was making.
He wrote his 95 disagreements on paper and nailed them to the church
door for everyone to read. People copied
the notes by hand and handed them out to everyone they knew.
He had good points and most people agreed with him. The church however did not care for being
publically challenged, so they called Martin in to answer the charge of
heresy. At the meeting, he was given the
chance to recant. His response was:
Unless I am convinced by proofs from
scriptures or by plain and clear reasons and arguments, I can and will not
recant, for it is neither safe nor wise to do anything against conscience. Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me.
Amen.
I love reformers, but I realize after a while the stories all
sounds similar. They study God’s word,
they normally translate it, they tell others and they are persecuted. It may be
similar, but it’s always admirable. We need people to look up to when times get
tough and reformers are such a group of people.
They stood up for what they believed against unbearable odds at time and
they changed the world.
Martin Luther wasn’t killed for his beliefs, but he did
suffer for them. Despite the persecution
he stood strong and followed his faith.
Romans 1:16 (NKJV) “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of
Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for
the Jew first and also for the Greek.”
When I think of Holidays, I think it would be nice to
celebrate something pure, holy or lovely.
If the Bible tells us to think on these things, it makes sense that we
should celebrate them also.
Reformation day can be a day to stand up for what is right
even against overpowering odds.
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