More Christ/ Christ Mas!
There has been alot of buzz lately about the decision of the governor of Washington State allowing placement of an atheist Winter Solstice sign next to the Nativity Scene. It seems to be the number four story behind the economy, the auto-bailout and the search for truth in the missing Kaylee Anthony case. The poor decision by Governor Chris Gregoire has ignited a flare that shows exactly where we are as a nation. As one Fox News anchor said "It is only a matter of years before the country does away with Christmas as a federal holiday because its origins are formed from religious beliefs."
As usual I have chosen to take a different look at this story in hopes that I might spur on the hearts of Christ-followers everywhere. Although I do not agree with the atheist sign being posted next to a scene of Christ birth in the season where we "say" we celebrate Christ's birth, I would submit that for this action to be such a huge offense to conservative evangelicals is both expected and not as called for as some might think. As you make it through the next three weeks of the holiday season take notice at how many times Christians say that the reason for the season is family. Even if it is not said, look at the amount of time celebrating gifts, food, family and fun is focused on compared to the one Christmas program or candlelight service (done mostly out of tradition) that is attended. Will there be an abundance of children in your family hearing the "real" Christmas story from the pages of the Bible this year? Will there be an abundance of prayer to the Saviour whose birth we celebrate? How much talk of His glorious name will be mentioned to our family and friends over ham and mashed potatoes or will it be a candle lit Christmas Eve service with comments on some good songs sung, friends that we have not seen in years that surprisingly showed up with their family to the same service only to make an appearance then rushing out the doors to get home so that preparations can be made for the "real" party.
How many "Christian" families will drink too much spiked eggnog, curse the time they must spend with controversial relatives and talk about how much they are glad it is over once the last gift is savagely unwrapped? How many "Christian" families will search every store in a 100 mile radius to find the latest, greatest, over-priced and soon-to-be underused toy for the child that will have a five minute appreciation for it while never understanding that down the street is a child who got socks and underwear? I don't want to overstate my case but the truth is that you cannot celebrate the true meaning of Christmas unless you celebrate who Jesus Christ is all year round. I am not talking about just going to church! A true Christ-follower has that famous holiday spirit or Holy Spirit all year round because of the one and only meaningful gift given to them on the cross so many years ago. You cannot celebrate Christ's birthday unless the whole thing is about him!
To close this up I must say that I love presents, Christmas lights and trees, wintry weather, family, ham and yes even deviled eggs! I have nothing against the traditions of candlelight services and Christmas programs; trust me I have been apart of my fair share to say the least. I do not support anything atheistic being placed anywhere at anytime and I love the Nativity Scene. This Christmas the goal is simple for me as it is for you if you are a Christ-follower.........celebrate HIM, celebrate HIS gift, celebrate HIS life, celebrate HIS death, celebrate HIS resurrection, celebrate HIM through giving, celebrate HIM through sharing, celebrate HIM by speaking HIS name!
Remember to focus on the family is not a bad thing for a Christian but it only takes a small fraction of being consumed for it to become idolatry. Worship Jesus Christ this Christmas and all year round!
Merry Christmas to all of you my brothers and sister in Christ!
As usual I have chosen to take a different look at this story in hopes that I might spur on the hearts of Christ-followers everywhere. Although I do not agree with the atheist sign being posted next to a scene of Christ birth in the season where we "say" we celebrate Christ's birth, I would submit that for this action to be such a huge offense to conservative evangelicals is both expected and not as called for as some might think. As you make it through the next three weeks of the holiday season take notice at how many times Christians say that the reason for the season is family. Even if it is not said, look at the amount of time celebrating gifts, food, family and fun is focused on compared to the one Christmas program or candlelight service (done mostly out of tradition) that is attended. Will there be an abundance of children in your family hearing the "real" Christmas story from the pages of the Bible this year? Will there be an abundance of prayer to the Saviour whose birth we celebrate? How much talk of His glorious name will be mentioned to our family and friends over ham and mashed potatoes or will it be a candle lit Christmas Eve service with comments on some good songs sung, friends that we have not seen in years that surprisingly showed up with their family to the same service only to make an appearance then rushing out the doors to get home so that preparations can be made for the "real" party.
How many "Christian" families will drink too much spiked eggnog, curse the time they must spend with controversial relatives and talk about how much they are glad it is over once the last gift is savagely unwrapped? How many "Christian" families will search every store in a 100 mile radius to find the latest, greatest, over-priced and soon-to-be underused toy for the child that will have a five minute appreciation for it while never understanding that down the street is a child who got socks and underwear? I don't want to overstate my case but the truth is that you cannot celebrate the true meaning of Christmas unless you celebrate who Jesus Christ is all year round. I am not talking about just going to church! A true Christ-follower has that famous holiday spirit or Holy Spirit all year round because of the one and only meaningful gift given to them on the cross so many years ago. You cannot celebrate Christ's birthday unless the whole thing is about him!
To close this up I must say that I love presents, Christmas lights and trees, wintry weather, family, ham and yes even deviled eggs! I have nothing against the traditions of candlelight services and Christmas programs; trust me I have been apart of my fair share to say the least. I do not support anything atheistic being placed anywhere at anytime and I love the Nativity Scene. This Christmas the goal is simple for me as it is for you if you are a Christ-follower.........celebrate HIM, celebrate HIS gift, celebrate HIS life, celebrate HIS death, celebrate HIS resurrection, celebrate HIM through giving, celebrate HIM through sharing, celebrate HIM by speaking HIS name!
Remember to focus on the family is not a bad thing for a Christian but it only takes a small fraction of being consumed for it to become idolatry. Worship Jesus Christ this Christmas and all year round!
Merry Christmas to all of you my brothers and sister in Christ!
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