In a letter I recently wrote to some fellow pastors I, tongue in cheek, suggested that, in light of our current celebration of the holiday, perhaps Christmas should be renamed "Santa-mas, Gift-mas, or Party-mas." If I had been sincere, I would be four-hundred years too late. Early Seventeenth Century Puritans called the celebration "Foolstide," and forbade its celebration. Hugh Latimer is reported to have said, "Men dishonor Christ more in the 12 days of Christmas than in all the twelve months besides."I'm gray-haired enough that I could assume the curmudgeon role and start a campaign to persuade Christians to cease and desist all Christmas celebrations. If I did so, I'd be put in the rogues gallery along side Ebeneezer Scrooge and The Grinch.
I think the Apostle Paul gives us better advice about Christmas, though. Well, he really doesn't say anything about Christmas, but he does say that we ought to make the most of every opportunity" (Ephesians 5:16). The opportunities that Christmas presents are many and obvious. In my humble opinion, Christmas is a time ripe for redeeming to the Glory of God.
It is the day we celebrate the birth of the Savior of the world.
It commemorates an integral part of God's plan for complete victory over all the evils that plague us and this world we live in. Romans 8, Revelation 11:15, andIsaiah 65:25 are all made possible by the Babe in the manger, pictured millions of times in art, music, Christmas cards, and cretches.
Be looking for ways to redeem Christmas, so you can point folk to the Christ, Whose birth we remember, and Whose life, death, and resurrection change lives.
Look below for information on two ways we can help you do that.
It's Something To Think About.We would love for you to make the Live Nativity a part of your Christmas Season. It is a very family friendly activity.
 Click the picture for more information.
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