Some Thoughts Concerning Christmas
For me Christmas seems to come around faster each year! But here we are again. My annual admission is that I love this season of the year,
but before indulging in why this is so, it necessary for me to make some “unChristmas” remarks.
In making them, let me encourage you to read the paper on Christmas on the table near the door. It is a paper we are trying to put out each year.
The editor, Bob McCurry, we feel did a good job finding balance in the subject. For you that are not aware, Christmas has a bad history, being associated
with everything from paganism (Santa Claus) to commercialism. Most see the second problem. The first has been somewhat been obscured by time and silence. For any that don’t celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas time, I support that position without reserve. Personally we do not celebrate the birth of Jesus in that sense during this holiday season. I do admit (another admission) that all the anti - Christian actions by the media, the state, and secularism make me want to put up a manger scene more and more! While I always had a little bit of a disregard for them in the past, I now applaud them! Unbelievable! But I think you understand where I am coming from. And for any that celebrate the birth of Jesus at this time, you have liberty to hold to a day as you see fit. Of course, the largest gift should go to the Lord Jesus if you are celebrating His birth! As for ourselves, while we don’t celebrate the birth of Jesus in that sense in our home or in the church, we do use the time for an advantage for our family and the church. Because people’s minds are on the subject, I am not hesitant to preach a sermon on the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. His virgin birth is extremely important to say the least. We also sing songs that glorify the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. In our home we gather with our family, exchange gifts and enjoy the company of each other. And who doesn’t find their spirit gladdened by the Christmas songs, children coming home, the smell of the cooking!, the above - normal friendliness and the ability to remove ourselves, somewhat, from the hustle and bustle of life for a time of mental, physical and spiritual refreshment? So may the Lord grant all of us a refreshing and edifying holiday season.
”Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy,
which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day
in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord...”
Luke 2:10,11