The Mayan Calender has been gaining attention lately because of the last recorded date it contains, Dec 24, 2012 , as determined it corresponds to our calender.  The attention it's getting is in the realm of prophesy, I know of at least one christian teacher of prophesy referring to it.  In years prior to my "walk" with Jesus, I had taken a great deal of interest in Mesoamerican culture, the first time was while in college taking an Anthropology class with an instructor who also taught on Pre-columbian history and cultural anthropology... that lead to my first trip to the Yucatan to visit with the class the major ceremonial sites in that area of Mexico. I continued from that time to read, attend lectures/presentations, visit museum exhibits, and travel back twice again to the Yucatan.  In hearing what is beginning to be emphasized as a countdown to an "exact" date for the end of times, I'd like to share some of what I recall from my understanding of the cultural information and folklore of the Mayans... and in my understanding of the Word of Our Lord how there are similarities and the discrepancies. The Mayan civilization emerged as I recall several centuries after the birth of Our Lord, beginning from what today are called the Olmecs. There is an interesting folklore of their "main" deity, (eye opener to those reading), Kukulkan (Feathered Serpent)was to have been born of a virgin who swallowed a piece of jade, he was fair skinned and with a beard... he was associated with the brightest star, which in fact is the planet Venus. If I recall correctly, the story is that upon leaving his people on a raft to sea, he promised to return again. This is significant historically because when the Spaniards arrived to Mexico (Hernan Cortes and others), they initially encountered little resistance because of their appearance, fair skinned and the customary beard... the Indigenous people thought Kukulkan was returning along with other gods and creatures, horses were not of the Americas (if I recall correctly).  Now, there was another side to Kukulkan that is no longer similar to Our Lord's  account, the mayan deity was also associated with the early morning star (Venus can be seen in the evening and morning and was thought to be a different star), which represented the underworld. Kukulkan was thought to be blood thirsty, and demanded sacrifices to apease him, Mayan were very much into human sacrifice. The Cenotes (sinkholes with water) were commonly used to dispose of the bodies (virgens, ceremonial ball players, prisoners of war) once the ritualistic sacrifice had taken place on the alter like platform on top of their pyramid structures.    My reservation in using the mayan calender date as a reference for "exact" end time prophesy is that the mayan culture was filled with gods of all sorts in belief, the story of Kukulkan is not unlike the enemy's approach of distorting a truth into something he can use to deceive or create confusion in others, human sacrifice is definitely not defined in this manner by Our Lord's commandments.  Jesus said (paraphrased) we don't know the day and the hour, only the Father does... while the mayan calender has had this date written for centuries. The enemy has misguided christians in the past, where claims of a certain date would be the "last day", it has served the enemy well in creating deception to those who believed, discredited those who taught it, and disregard to those on the outside looking in seeking truth.  The signs will be there, and have been placed for our benefit in preparation.  The mayan calender has itself inconsistencies with our bible teaching, the flood was the first event where Our Creator cleansed the earth from it's malice, and promised no further floods would do so... upon Our Lord's return fire will cleanse the earth, as John the Baptist stated John baptized with water but Jesus would baptize with fire and the Holy Spirit... there's consistency between us and the planet believers will inherit. Mayan folklore clams 4 destructions of the earth, and the last would be by a flood...  Biblical prophecies are taking place, Israel after almost 2000 years in exile becomes a nation, the resurgence of Hebrew as a language, the hand of God protecting, prospering, and blessing the land and descendents of Abraham under circumstances that otherwise would have guareented failure and worst off, destruction (wars, terrorism, etc.).  I use to admire ancient civilizations, and there is something to learn from them, my perspective is to look at what brought about their failures... the commandments of God have been placed in the hearts of men, and "the wages of sin is death" even as a civilization... that's a different outlook from the fascination and nostalgic view I once had.  Please feel free to add to the above information in historical, biblical teaching, perpectives and understanding. I found an interesting and relevent video yesterday on the topic which confirms concepts written on my journal on the Lunar eclipse as a sign, http://www.christian.tv/index.php?module=CTV&action=searchResults&pageID=1 "The apocalyptic shaking of the Heavens" by Perry Stone.  It also provides other information and scriptural references that are excellent.  I, the Lord permitting, will be attending my first conference on End Time Prophesy this week in Tampa, Florida. I'd like to ask for your prayers, in guidance and protection, as the enemy doesn't like to make things smooth for those seeking to do the Work of the Lord.  Thank you, and God bless you all!