Y’know, I’m hearing a lot of howling this year about the lack of Nativity scenes and the general “de-Jesus-ication” of Christmas that has really taken root in the last few years. Sure I understand that. This sure isn’t the type of Christmas I remember from my childhood.
HOWEVER!
In a way, this is a step forward! I’ve often heard the saying in evangelism, “Sometimes, before you can get’em saved, you have to get’em lost!”
When everyone is saluting Jesus, even the people who don’t believe in Him or follow Him, doesn’t the message lose its significance? ("Would the real sheep please stand up?") Now that problem is being solved for us.
Today, even if you want to celebrate the Nativity, you have trouble finding decorations at the big box retailers. Now, when I see a Nativity Set in a yard, I know someone went to the trouble to make that statement. It wasn't "just a cute something" that they saw and liked. This is more of a blessing.
The free ride is over. NBC, CBS, ABC and Bing Crosby aren’t spreading any part of the Gospel anymore. (Considering their version of "the gospel", I'm not complaining about that.) Now we, the Church, are gonna have to go out, (as we always should have,) to tell people that “Old, Old Gospel Story.”
There never was a free ride. As ever and always, if we don't tell them, then how will they hear? Sometimes I wonder, “Is the exposure of our hearts what upsets Christians the most about the "de-Jesus-icated" Christmas?”
We aren't just saved. We're saved for a purpose...
Merry Christmas, He Reigns!
HOWEVER!
In a way, this is a step forward! I’ve often heard the saying in evangelism, “Sometimes, before you can get’em saved, you have to get’em lost!”
When everyone is saluting Jesus, even the people who don’t believe in Him or follow Him, doesn’t the message lose its significance? ("Would the real sheep please stand up?") Now that problem is being solved for us.
Today, even if you want to celebrate the Nativity, you have trouble finding decorations at the big box retailers. Now, when I see a Nativity Set in a yard, I know someone went to the trouble to make that statement. It wasn't "just a cute something" that they saw and liked. This is more of a blessing.
The free ride is over. NBC, CBS, ABC and Bing Crosby aren’t spreading any part of the Gospel anymore. (Considering their version of "the gospel", I'm not complaining about that.) Now we, the Church, are gonna have to go out, (as we always should have,) to tell people that “Old, Old Gospel Story.”
There never was a free ride. As ever and always, if we don't tell them, then how will they hear? Sometimes I wonder, “Is the exposure of our hearts what upsets Christians the most about the "de-Jesus-icated" Christmas?”
We aren't just saved. We're saved for a purpose...
"But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people the full message of this new life.” "
- Acts 5:19-20 NIV
Merry Christmas, He Reigns!
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