Celebrating

It's Christmas.  Can I encourage you to try something?  Save the political and defensive banter about the growing trend of removing Christ from culture until after the season.

There's a news story every day about some atheist group flexing their muscles and it's really easy to buy into the fear and anger.  Did you know that Jesus doesn't need you to stick up for him?

There's a time and a place for policy and culture… but it's Christmas.  Let everyone else have the red-faced arguments.  Avoid standing in a hill of arrogance or a pit of discouragement because of the presence or absence of a manger scene.  Don't freak out with a "happy holiday."  Live the grace of the Christ we celebrate.

God came to earth.  Not everyone noticed.  Most didn't care.  A few stood in awe.  But, He came.

Not everyone believes that.  But their lack of faith doesn't have the power to reduce the evidence of the presence of my faith. When you hear a story of someone being offended by a figurine in a wooden manger, listen to yourself smile and say, "I believe."  When you hear a news story about some stupid city that rewrites a song so the word "Christmas" isn't said, smile and say, "I believe."  Rather than getting mad because some people don't believe, savor the season and enjoy the fact that you do.

The New Year will hold time for debates and expressions of frustration for a secular driven culture that is running from God, but it's Christmas.  Just have fun celebrating Christ.

Maybe that's the long way of saying, "It's a party - lighten up."

Celebrating,

Pastor Dave