Most people have been sucked into this politically correct December greeting of, "Happy Holidays". Anything to avoid acknowledging Christ right? In acknowledging his birth they also have to deal with their conscience and the fact that they are not inherently good. This doesn't mix well with them because the last few weeks of doing "good" acts such as shopping for people, having people over to their houses for gatherings and maybe even attending their yearly Mass or Church service only serve to make them feel better about themselves at a time when we all should remember how wretched we are. At a time when we should remember that God came to earth, took on flesh, and absorbed the punishment for all of us on that Roman cross. It's a shame that people have tried to do away with the birth of Christ by not saying Merry Christmas anymore. The problem for non-believers is that He was born and no matter how many thoughtful gifts they've bought this year, no matter how many nice things they have done, they are still not good enough in God's eyes. Isaiah tells us that even our most righteous acts are like filthy rags to God. God gave us Jesus as a gift and we give filthy rags to try to please Him? That's like bringing someone an expensive gift they could never afford and they run to the bathroom and bring you back the washcloth they used to clean up with before you got there. And maybe these people are wonderful all year. That's great in Santa's eyes if you are trying to stay off of the naughty list. In God's eyes, however, one lie makes you a liar and all liars will have their part in the Lake of Fire. One theft makes you a thief and no thief will inherit the Kindgodm. Maybe you said OMG when you got a gift. God will not hold anyone blameless who misuses His name. That's just 3 of the 10 commandments. I'd say most of us would be in big trouble if we were to die today or if we were to get hit by a drunk driver on New Years Eve and walk off this planet into judgment. Where does that leave us then? With the greatest gift ever known to man, Jesus Christ. He took the punishment for every lie blasphemy and theft we've ever committed. Every hateful thought and lustful look was cast upon Him on the cross. He got off the cross and three days later rose again, defeating death; giving the gift of eternal life to those who would repent and put their trust in Him. Even at the risk of offending some, He's worth saying Merry Christmas for! One thing you can do is to use happy holidays as a springboard. Ask the person which holiday are they wanting to be happy for themselves. Maybe it's a Jewish person you are talking to. Use God's Law to show them their need for Jesus. Maybe it's an athiest. Stir their conscience a bit. What do they have to be hopeful for this season? What is a store bought gift in comparison with having all your sins washed away by God Himself. If you guys are at gathering, you will most likely have the floor for the obligatory prayer. Make use of it. Mention the birth, perfect life, death and resurrection in the prayer. Share the gospel in that time and end it in Jesus' name. Let's not just take it on the chin this year guys, take the gospel to the world. If you are just doing Christmas for the tree and the gifts, get back on track here. Santa isn't coming to town but Jesus could return any time like a thief in the night. Are you ready? Are your friends? Family? The greatest gift fits in no box, can not be found in stores, and fits under no tree. Hand the gospel out freely this year and, Merry Christmas!
Friday, December 17, 2010
Happy Holidays
Most people have been sucked into this politically correct December greeting of, "Happy Holidays". Anything to avoid acknowledging Christ right? In acknowledging his birth they also have to deal with their conscience and the fact that they are not inherently good. This doesn't mix well with them because the last few weeks of doing "good" acts such as shopping for people, having people over to their houses for gatherings and maybe even attending their yearly Mass or Church service only serve to make them feel better about themselves at a time when we all should remember how wretched we are. At a time when we should remember that God came to earth, took on flesh, and absorbed the punishment for all of us on that Roman cross. It's a shame that people have tried to do away with the birth of Christ by not saying Merry Christmas anymore. The problem for non-believers is that He was born and no matter how many thoughtful gifts they've bought this year, no matter how many nice things they have done, they are still not good enough in God's eyes. Isaiah tells us that even our most righteous acts are like filthy rags to God. God gave us Jesus as a gift and we give filthy rags to try to please Him? That's like bringing someone an expensive gift they could never afford and they run to the bathroom and bring you back the washcloth they used to clean up with before you got there. And maybe these people are wonderful all year. That's great in Santa's eyes if you are trying to stay off of the naughty list. In God's eyes, however, one lie makes you a liar and all liars will have their part in the Lake of Fire. One theft makes you a thief and no thief will inherit the Kindgodm. Maybe you said OMG when you got a gift. God will not hold anyone blameless who misuses His name. That's just 3 of the 10 commandments. I'd say most of us would be in big trouble if we were to die today or if we were to get hit by a drunk driver on New Years Eve and walk off this planet into judgment. Where does that leave us then? With the greatest gift ever known to man, Jesus Christ. He took the punishment for every lie blasphemy and theft we've ever committed. Every hateful thought and lustful look was cast upon Him on the cross. He got off the cross and three days later rose again, defeating death; giving the gift of eternal life to those who would repent and put their trust in Him. Even at the risk of offending some, He's worth saying Merry Christmas for! One thing you can do is to use happy holidays as a springboard. Ask the person which holiday are they wanting to be happy for themselves. Maybe it's a Jewish person you are talking to. Use God's Law to show them their need for Jesus. Maybe it's an athiest. Stir their conscience a bit. What do they have to be hopeful for this season? What is a store bought gift in comparison with having all your sins washed away by God Himself. If you guys are at gathering, you will most likely have the floor for the obligatory prayer. Make use of it. Mention the birth, perfect life, death and resurrection in the prayer. Share the gospel in that time and end it in Jesus' name. Let's not just take it on the chin this year guys, take the gospel to the world. If you are just doing Christmas for the tree and the gifts, get back on track here. Santa isn't coming to town but Jesus could return any time like a thief in the night. Are you ready? Are your friends? Family? The greatest gift fits in no box, can not be found in stores, and fits under no tree. Hand the gospel out freely this year and, Merry Christmas!
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Good article Virg. The point you made that really stuck out to me was "What is a store bought gift in comparison with having all your sins washed away by God Himself."
ReplyDeleteI see a lot of excitement over the store bought gifts, but hardly a mention of God's gift let alone excitement about it on most occasions.
Wow, that is great. It sure made me think of my brother, sister in law & sister. They have put the Lord a side & each year I read a verse before we open gifts. Reading this made me feel I should just Pray & invite the Lord to give his gift to them. Thanks for the encouragement from the Lord.
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