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www.truthworks.com 12 Dec 05 devotion archive |
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JESUS HAS NOT LEFT THE BUILDING
I tell you the Truth, There are several new songs out this season that are bringing good tidings and great joy to many of us. Have you heard “Have Yourself a Merry Little Holiday” or “Oh, Holiday Tree” or perhaps you’ve joined in on “We Wish You a Merry Holiday?” I’m sure you get my point. But in case you think I’ve fallen in a vat of eggnog, I’m referring to the recent trend of secular American business to replace “Christmas” with “holiday.” Many of our largest retailers in America have been the focus of news (both secular and religious) because they’ve succumbed to a new age mind set brought on by young PR people who are attempting to coat their businesses with a religious Teflon so that they don’t offend anyone in the American public. Of course, in implementing their unbelievable policies, they have now offended the masses. Many of these retailers have realized their error and tried to correct it as quickly as possible. Lowes has changed all their signs from “holiday trees” back to “Christmas trees.” Others have begun to include the word Christmas in their ads. And it’s all happened because the American public has created quit a stink over this whole issue. And yes, I did write several retailers myself to voice my concerns. So it appears that the protests have been heard but to be honest with you, my biggest concern isn’t that retailers prefer holiday cheer over Christmas cheer. My biggest concern isn’t that the governor lights the holiday tree instead of the Christmas tree. My biggest concern isn’t even the worry of taking Christ out of Christmas. While these concerns are real, my biggest concern is that I, myself, don’t become a holiday Christian. What do I mean? Simple. Just as society can celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior without including Him as the center piece, we can also live our Christian lives in a holiday style that leaves Him out of our day to day lives. Let’s be honest – what is more damaging to the church: A secular society that ignores the Creator or a so-called Christian that lives like the world? We, who call ourselves followers of Christ, are easily bent out of shape when it comes to what we see as the world persecuting us. And even though we may be defenders of the faith, we have a much higher calling – a calling to bear fruit, to share Christ and to allow Christ to be seen through us.
Romans 7: They took prayer out of school, created an imaginary doctrine called “separation of church and state” and now they want to take Christ out of Christmas. So be it. But don’t fret, be of good cheer! Jesus has not left the building. He remains in control, on the throne. Does the world we live in seem dark and scary? I encourage you to look beyond the darkness, because we have a Light, a Provider, and most of all, a Savior. And, it is my opinion that things will not get better, but will get worse in this world. The Bible tells us that in the end, it will be like in the days of Noah. So as the end draws near, expect these things – but do not be disheartened because our God still reigns. One more thought – with all the chit chat of Christ being left out of Christmas, can you see the blessing it has provided? This whole issue has created a large open door of conversation with the public and given us more opportunity to share the real meaning of Christmas. Jesus is the reason for the season. Realize it. Ponder it. Share it. No matter what the world thinks.
<*))))))< <*))))))< <*))))))< <*))))))< <*))))))< <*))))))< Prayer Requests (and Praises!) "DEAR RANDY, THANK YOU AND STAY BLESS. Please reply if you have prayer requests, comments or simply need an open ear. I always enjoy hearing from you. <*))))))< <*))))))< <*))))))< <*))))))< <*))))))< <*))))))<
Unless otherwise specified, all scripture quotations taken from the HOLY BIBLE,
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Randy & Aaron
