It's That Time of Year Again...

***this has been in my private files since December 17, 2008; only now have I posted it on my blog***

As everyone knows, that time of year is upon us. It's a time of family, a time of good times, and a time of...religion? Wait a second. I live in a society that largely celebrates Christmas. However, I noticed that the other special days are forgotten. Christmas is not the only thing celebrated this time of year. There's also Hannukah, Kwanzaa, and many other festivals most people have never heard of. Then there's Yule.

Yule is what I celebrate, as a Pagan. It falls on the winter solstice each year, around December 21. For me, it is the rebirth of the Sun God from the Mother Goddess. To people who aren't familiar with Paganism, that may seem strange, but to me, that is my belief. A lot of what we do on Yule is similar to Christmas. We still exchange gifts and cards, we decorate trees, we sing carols, we have religious ceremonies. Actually, most of those traditions originally come from Paganism, but most people don't know that.

I don't mean to offend people, but when I say I don't celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday, some people do tend to not take it so well. They ask me how I could possibly not see how 'Jesus is the reason for the season'. I just say that I don't follow Christianity. I have my own religious observances and beliefs. Unfortunately, some people can't take that as an answer. Then I'm given the whole spiel about how I'm going to hell because I haven't accepted Jesus as my lord and saviour. Add a few bible quotes into the mix and a very uncomfortable situation is created.

I don't get offended when someone wishes me a Merry Christmas. However, I do get offended when someone tells me my religious beliefs-something I hold very dear to my heart-are wrong. There are people who don't understand that there are so many belief systems that how could only one be right? Then I'm told that the bible says Jesus is the only way to God. But what they don't realize is that the bible only applies to Christians who follow that faith.

All I'm asking during this holiday season is that you remember everyone. Don't get offended when someone wishes you a Blessed Yule, Happy Hannukah, or Merry Christmas. Smile, and offer your own best wishes in return.

We live in the best country in the world: CANADA. One thing that makes me proud to be Canadian is our freedom. There are so many things we take for granted. Our freedom is one of those things. Many countries don't have the same freedom we do. Please keep in mind that everyone has the right to follow whatever religion they choose, and believe what they believe, and celebrate what religious holidays they observe. Why don't we all just live and let live? Remember what the holiday season is all about. It's about acceptance. And spending time with those you love.

So, to those who are reading this that are Christian, I wish you a Merry Christmas. To any Jewish readers, Happy Hannukah. And to my fellow Wiccans and Pagans, Blessed Yule. And to all a good night.

Why?

Why am I not allowed to be Wiccan?
Why am I not allowed to practice Witchcraft?
Why do Christians harass me and tell me that Jesus is the only way to salvation?

That really bothers me. Christians need to understand that their bible only applies to the religion of Christianity. That is one religion out of thousands of religions. I believe everyone has their own path to follow. Recently I've been getting harassing messages on my YouTube page by some Christian who keeps telling me to repent. I have no reason to repent because I am not doing anything wrong.

I just want to know why Christians think theirs is the only way. I can't believe in the bible. I just can't. I can't believe that everyone is a sinner. I try to be a little more positive than that. I can't believe that homosexuality is wrong. I can't believe women are lesser than men. I can't believe the bible is the word of some deity, when it's written by man. I don't have a problem with people who are Christian. I just have a problem with them telling me I'm wrong when I don't have a reason to believe in their religion. I just can't.

I tried to let Jesus in. Nothing happened. Then as I explored spirituality, I came across Wicca. When I started to practice, I felt something. It was more than I have ever felt when I tried to read the bible (and yes, I read a good number of books in the bible). I feel the presence of the Goddess and the God when I cast a ritual circle. That's how I know that what I practice is right for me. The goddess gives me strength in times of need and strength. Jesus and the Christian god was never there for me. So why should I be there for him and believe in him? I just can't.

So please, all Christians everywhere, I love discussing religion and having a healthy religious debate, but don't expect me to change my views.

Don't force me to believe as you do.
Don't tell me I'm going to hell, a place I don't believe exists.
Don't send me messages telling me to repent.
Don't quote the bible.

That's another thing. Christians are always quoting the bible. Can't you think for yourself? Don't believe the bible because someone tells you it's the truth. Go on a spiritual journey and make sure you know why you believe in the bible. Only then can you find your own spiritual truth. If it's Christianity, that's great. You've found your path. But please realize that Jesus is not the only way, and leave the Pagans alone. Leave the Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Zoroastrians, and everyone else alone.

I know why I believe what I believe. Do you?