Hi Daryl...

SA>I started to reply to this a couple of nights ago, but the power failed
  >just as I was about to finish, believe it or not.

 DS>   I've had that happen...but my UPS keeps things up long enough for
 DS> me to save things, then shut it down. The worst part is when you
 DS> just about have a long reply done, and poof! :)

Yes! I don't get too many failures here, as this building is served by
high voltage with a transformer on the property, but they still happen,
& I don't have a UPS.

SA>This year, I'm using it as an opportunity to warn my family & friends
  >that it is likely to be outlawed as the "noachide laws" are imposed
  >universally, & to try & concentrate on the birth of Jesus Christ,
  >regardless of the correct date, or the pagan origins, or the irrelevant
  >commercial trappings ... presents, father christmas, reindeers, sleighs
  >etc etc. The prayerful pause is appropriate.

 DS>   My wife, Janice...notes that "nowhere in the Bible is it
 DS> commanded to celebrate Jesus' birthday on a specific day".

No, and we don't know for certain what the correct day is. The thing to
be aware of is that not only will it be unlawful to celebrate the birth
of Christ, but also the death and resurrection at Easter ... all
remembrance of Jesus will probably be forbidden, regardless of when 
and where it happens. It is one thing to outlaw Christmas, which is
largely a commercial event; it is another thing to outlaw Christianity
because it breaches a "universal law" forbidding idolatry.

Cheers, Steve..

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