Holidays

Happy Thanksgiving: Always Give Thanks To The Lord For His Goodness And Love

by William Stewart
October 7, 2018February 11, 2026
Holidays

Happy Thanksgiving! While looking at the history of Thanksgiving, I was intrigued to find the following:

On Thursday, January 31, 1957, the Parliament of Canada proclaimed: A Day of General Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed— to be observed on the 2nd Monday in October. (wikipedia.org)

Many are more than ready for the family gatherings, the turkey dinners, the football games, the festivals and other such things, but are we focused on giving thanks to Almighty God?

Is Easter in the Bible? The Truth About Acts 12:4 and Passover

by William Stewart
April 24, 2011March 9, 2026
Holidays, Memorial

To some Easter weekend is a time for painted eggs, chocolate bunnies, and fine meals with family. For others, the weekend is a time to remember the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, linked with the Passover.

I can’t say anyone has ever asked me if I’m hosting an Easter egg hunt, but I have been asked almost every year about our services for Good Friday and Easter Sunday. I am not into painted eggs and chocolate bunnies, nor am I into observing religious holidays which the Bible says nothing about.

Happy New Year

by William Stewart
January 2, 2011March 2, 2026
Holidays, Rejoice

One of the most common greetings this time of year is “Happy New Year!” This sentiment has been shared from home to home through greeting cards, telephone messages, facebook and e-mail posts, etc.. Complete strangers passing each other by at the door of the bank or the grocery story will wish one another a “Happy New Year!” How great would it be if this same measure of friendliness were present the whole year round!

A few nights ago, a variety of New Year celebrations took place across the globe: the annual ball drop in Time Square, fireworks displays in China, local media sponsored concerts, etc.. We enjoyed a night of games, treats and a pre-midnight devotional with fellow Christians – a great way to begin a new year!

The Truth About Christmas and What Jesus Really Wants

by William Stewart
December 19, 2010March 2, 2026
Holidays, Jesus

There is less than a week remaining to Christmas day. Over the next several days, many will be rushing to the stores for some last minute shopping. Perhaps it will be for stocking stuffers, maybe a special gift for that special somebody.

Mall Santas have heard gift requests from hundreds of children – gaming consoles, sports equipment, DVDs, board games – the list goes on and on. Canadians spent $35 billion+ on Christmas gifts in 2005.₁ The economic difficulties of the past few years has likely lowered that figure a bit, but a look at the mall, Walmart or Toys R Us would indicate it has had a minimal effect.

April Fools and Foolishness: Wisdom from Proverbs You Need to Know

by William Stewart
April 1, 2001February 12, 2026
Holidays, Wickedness

Before the reign of King Charles IX in France, New Year’s celebrations began on March 25, concluding on April 1. In 1582, he decreed that with the adoption of the Gregorian calendar, New Year’s be moved to January 1. Those who refused to accept the change or forgot were ridiculed with foolish gifts and invitations to non-existent parties, and identified as April Fools, or called in French, “poisson d’avril” (literally translated, April fish). With the acceptance of the Gregorian calendar, the custom spread throughout Europe and into the Americas.