Christian or not.. That is the question

This is something I have been thinking about lately, although it has been a bit troubling since I was practically raised in the church. Since we have decided to embrace the whole Bible as truth and necessary for being a follower of Yeshua, there has been conflict with our Christian friends. It has been difficult for most of them to understand where we are coming from. I believe they have felt condemned, judged and made to feel inferior. They think we are shackled to the law and that we no longer embrace the grace of Jesus who set us free from the law etc.

Having had inumerable discussions with friends and family regarding our lifestyle/philosophy change I always stated that "We have more in common than in conflict"; this seemed to calm the waters. I earnestly believed that it was a true statement at the time, but now I have to say I can't accept this as truth anymore.
When I say the word 'Christian' I know it means a believer in the Messiah of the Bible, but it also stands for a belief system that I don't adhere to anymore. I don't call myself a Christian anymore. For me it has become a religion that doesn't hold much truth.

I don't celebrate what Christians celebrate, and our doctrines aren't the same. This has led to a very ostracizing feeling, and it makes me sad because we used to have a community; a large one at that, all believing the same thing. Now it's only small pockets all over the world that share our beliefs.

" Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not one stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until EVERYTHING is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and TEACHES others to do the same will be called least oin the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will NOT enter the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:17-20
These verses embody what we believe is absolute and unwavering truth. We embrace the fact that this compels us to accept the ENTIRE Bible as a complete revelation of God's plan for mankind. Our faith has become revitalized but at a significant cost. Shalom.

Hanukkah 2006

In a couple of days Hanukkah starts and we are all looking forward to it. This year we decided to decorate, mostly with blue and silver lights since Hanukkah is the Festival of Lights. The kids and I have been doing Hanukkah crafts, Star of David sun catchers coloring sheets ect. The one really nice thing and that we purchased our first very OWN Hanukiyah. Years prior we've always borrowed so this is extra special for us.
To purchase the Hanukiyah my son and I went to the Synogogue. The building was very unassuming on the outside but on the inside it was decorated for Hanukkah. You know it really felt nice to be there. The man who let us in led us down to the classrooms to wait for the lady who would open the gift shop for us. While walking down the hall there was bulletin boards describing the commanded feasts, Sukkot, Passover, ect... It felt good being there. It made me long for more people around us who shared out beliefs. Everywhere you go, especially during this time is all Christmas. Being in a place with Hanukkah being celebrated was a welcomed changed. Being with people of like mind is something I long for and hope to never take for granted again.