Speed Trap

Driving down the highway the other day, my backseat passenger asks, "Mom, why are all the other cars passing us?"

Indeed, it did seem as though we were being passed quite often. I checked my speed. I'm going 5 over. Hmmm? First inclination was to give it more gas and keep up with traffic. After all, who wants to be the driver everyone is passing? But instead I thought Teachable Moment! And I slowed down to the speed limit.

Then everyone really was passing us (old ladies in Buicks, Amish buggies...) But I kept the needle right on the speed limit and drove along, nose in the air, because I was in the right, a law-abiding good citizen.

Yes, look at me! I don't speed. Go ahead and pass me, sinner. I'm taking the slow lane to heaven. So full of self-righteousness and sanctimony. Halo over my head. It is a wonder I didn't sprout angel wings then and there. I am so good, I am so good, na-na-nana-na, I am so good.

Ugh. I just can't win.

Back to going 5 over.

Why Christmas is December 25

I little late, since it is already Epiphany, but here goes....

Early Christians celebrated Our Lord's conception on March 25 (or April 6 - orthodox).
Why? Because that date corresponds to Nisan 10.
What is so special about Nisan 10? It is the date given in Exodus 12 that the lambs without blemish are to locked away until their sacrifice for the Passover.
So....9 months after March 25/Nisan 10 is December 25 (or January 6 orthodox Christmas).

We celebrate His Holy Conception with the Feast of the Annunciation on March 25.

It's not pagan. It's the liturgical calendar.