Madeline Crabb
Who is this Christ of Christmas?
By Madeline Crabb
During this holiday season, we've probably all heard the once-popular saying: "Jesus is the reason for the season." And He is the reason for the season! But who exactly is this Christ of Christmas?
Around the world, in various nations, millions upon millions of people celebrate Christmas on December 25th. While customs and modes of celebration vary, Jesus Christ remains the center of the celebration. In America, however, there are forces trying to remove Christ from the center of this celebration. There's an ongoing war on Christmas.
It's 2014 in politically-correct America. Children in scores of school districts can't sing traditional Christmas carols that speak of Jesus. They no longer celebrate their Christmas break from school, but holiday break. And how many school systems discourage the children from even saying "Merry Christmas" to fellow students? They can't pray for others, mention their faith in Jesus, or read their Bibles in front of other kids. So why would they be able to talk about Christmas? Unless, of course, it's about all the presents they hope to receive. And why do they get presents? Because of the gift-giving tradition of Christmas! Because of the day our own federal government declared a national holiday in 1870.
Of course, the war on Christmas is really a war on Christ. Growing numbers of citizens in America don't want to hear about Jesus Christ or the holiness He represents, and calls us to. We have become so wise in our own eyes that we are beginning to think we are the masters of our own destinies. We are smarter than God, and therefore no longer need Him. We have welcomed other nations and peoples into our national "home," only to have them pervert and corrupt our faith and customs. Therefore, sadly, Christmas is becoming just another secular holiday, a time for celebrating anything but Jesus.
More disturbing is the growing disrespect and outright mocking of one of Christianity's holiest days, as is demonstrated by the abominations we allow. For example, the capitols of Florida and Michigan are allowing satanic displays alongside nativity scenes. Of course, over the past two decades or so, many local and state communities have banned "religious" displays, opting for snowmen and other secular representations. Heaven forbid someone become offended with a representation of the true meaning of the national holiday we are celebrating – the birth of Christ. But to allow satanic displays is mind-boggling! What on earth is happening to Americans?
Dear friends, national pollsters report that nearly 80 percent of Americans claim to be Christian. According to Pew Research, only four percent of the population is either atheist or agnostic. Even with America's "new math," 80 percent absolutely represents the majority of Americans. So why don't these Christians fight harder to keep Christ the center of Christmas? Further, why do we allow the constant mocking and denigration of all of our Christian beliefs and practices? Why do we allow ourselves to be silenced in our public proclamation of Jesus?
Could it be that multitudes are stunted in their Christian growth, and still worship the Jesus who once lay in a manger? Or maybe it's because far too many of those who call themselves Christians have never really met Jesus Christ? Yes and yes.
Many of you may think I'm crazy suggesting that some people still worship Baby Jesus. But I have heard people on TV, who in all sincerity, prayed to the Baby Jesus, and given thanks to Him. Newsflash: Jesus is no longer in a manger. The Bible says that the Lord reigns, and is robed in majesty (Ps. 93:1), and that He sits on the throne in heaven alongside His Father, God Almighty. (Mark 16:19) Hallelujah! Rejoice all you saints of the Lord! This is absolutely reason to celebrate Christmas.
But what if the number of Christians is much less than the reported 80 percent? If only a small percentage of Americans truly know Jesus, then the "war on Christmas" becomes totally understandable. As all things Christian have been systematically removed from the public realm, the knowledge of Jesus has declined. As churches across America become more secularized along with the rest of society, the less we exalt Jesus. And yes, the more apt we are to keep Jesus in the manger. As a baby, He is no threat to the ungodly ways in which we choose to live.
God gave us the gift of His one and only Son. In America, however, generation after generation has been complicit in the weakening of God's Word, and therefore in the marginalization of Christ. While Christians in other nations like Iraq, China, and Iran are being murdered in the most gruesome of ways for their faith in Jesus Christ, America allows Him to be mocked and ridiculed. What kind of people have we become to allow this travesty? God's Word says that in the Last Days, scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. (2 Pe. 3:3 NLT)
So again, who is this Christ of Christmas? Just as all humans will eventually grow from babies into adults, so did Jesus. He was born in Bethlehem, and slept in a manger. But Jesus wasn't just any baby. He came to earth as the Savior of all mankind. (Luke 2:11) He went on to willingly suffer the brutal death of crucifixion on a cross, taking upon Himself the sins of all men. Those who truly know Jesus know Him as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
For those who may not know Jesus, all you have to do is ask Him to come into your life and be your Lord and Savior. Confess to Him that you understand you are a sinner in need of His saving grace. Repent of your sins and ask Jesus to forgive you. Acknowledge that He is the Son of God, who died for your sins, and was raised from the dead to now sit with His Father in heaven. If you truly do these things, you become God's child. You will be born again.
Let's put Christ back into Christmas. Let's celebrate the glory of Christ born, crucified, resurrected, and reigning with the Father in heaven. As the prophet Isaiah told long before Christ's birth,
© Madeline Crabb
December 19, 2014
During this holiday season, we've probably all heard the once-popular saying: "Jesus is the reason for the season." And He is the reason for the season! But who exactly is this Christ of Christmas?
Around the world, in various nations, millions upon millions of people celebrate Christmas on December 25th. While customs and modes of celebration vary, Jesus Christ remains the center of the celebration. In America, however, there are forces trying to remove Christ from the center of this celebration. There's an ongoing war on Christmas.
It's 2014 in politically-correct America. Children in scores of school districts can't sing traditional Christmas carols that speak of Jesus. They no longer celebrate their Christmas break from school, but holiday break. And how many school systems discourage the children from even saying "Merry Christmas" to fellow students? They can't pray for others, mention their faith in Jesus, or read their Bibles in front of other kids. So why would they be able to talk about Christmas? Unless, of course, it's about all the presents they hope to receive. And why do they get presents? Because of the gift-giving tradition of Christmas! Because of the day our own federal government declared a national holiday in 1870.
Of course, the war on Christmas is really a war on Christ. Growing numbers of citizens in America don't want to hear about Jesus Christ or the holiness He represents, and calls us to. We have become so wise in our own eyes that we are beginning to think we are the masters of our own destinies. We are smarter than God, and therefore no longer need Him. We have welcomed other nations and peoples into our national "home," only to have them pervert and corrupt our faith and customs. Therefore, sadly, Christmas is becoming just another secular holiday, a time for celebrating anything but Jesus.
More disturbing is the growing disrespect and outright mocking of one of Christianity's holiest days, as is demonstrated by the abominations we allow. For example, the capitols of Florida and Michigan are allowing satanic displays alongside nativity scenes. Of course, over the past two decades or so, many local and state communities have banned "religious" displays, opting for snowmen and other secular representations. Heaven forbid someone become offended with a representation of the true meaning of the national holiday we are celebrating – the birth of Christ. But to allow satanic displays is mind-boggling! What on earth is happening to Americans?
Dear friends, national pollsters report that nearly 80 percent of Americans claim to be Christian. According to Pew Research, only four percent of the population is either atheist or agnostic. Even with America's "new math," 80 percent absolutely represents the majority of Americans. So why don't these Christians fight harder to keep Christ the center of Christmas? Further, why do we allow the constant mocking and denigration of all of our Christian beliefs and practices? Why do we allow ourselves to be silenced in our public proclamation of Jesus?
Could it be that multitudes are stunted in their Christian growth, and still worship the Jesus who once lay in a manger? Or maybe it's because far too many of those who call themselves Christians have never really met Jesus Christ? Yes and yes.
Many of you may think I'm crazy suggesting that some people still worship Baby Jesus. But I have heard people on TV, who in all sincerity, prayed to the Baby Jesus, and given thanks to Him. Newsflash: Jesus is no longer in a manger. The Bible says that the Lord reigns, and is robed in majesty (Ps. 93:1), and that He sits on the throne in heaven alongside His Father, God Almighty. (Mark 16:19) Hallelujah! Rejoice all you saints of the Lord! This is absolutely reason to celebrate Christmas.
But what if the number of Christians is much less than the reported 80 percent? If only a small percentage of Americans truly know Jesus, then the "war on Christmas" becomes totally understandable. As all things Christian have been systematically removed from the public realm, the knowledge of Jesus has declined. As churches across America become more secularized along with the rest of society, the less we exalt Jesus. And yes, the more apt we are to keep Jesus in the manger. As a baby, He is no threat to the ungodly ways in which we choose to live.
God gave us the gift of His one and only Son. In America, however, generation after generation has been complicit in the weakening of God's Word, and therefore in the marginalization of Christ. While Christians in other nations like Iraq, China, and Iran are being murdered in the most gruesome of ways for their faith in Jesus Christ, America allows Him to be mocked and ridiculed. What kind of people have we become to allow this travesty? God's Word says that in the Last Days, scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. (2 Pe. 3:3 NLT)
So again, who is this Christ of Christmas? Just as all humans will eventually grow from babies into adults, so did Jesus. He was born in Bethlehem, and slept in a manger. But Jesus wasn't just any baby. He came to earth as the Savior of all mankind. (Luke 2:11) He went on to willingly suffer the brutal death of crucifixion on a cross, taking upon Himself the sins of all men. Those who truly know Jesus know Him as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
For those who may not know Jesus, all you have to do is ask Him to come into your life and be your Lord and Savior. Confess to Him that you understand you are a sinner in need of His saving grace. Repent of your sins and ask Jesus to forgive you. Acknowledge that He is the Son of God, who died for your sins, and was raised from the dead to now sit with His Father in heaven. If you truly do these things, you become God's child. You will be born again.
Let's put Christ back into Christmas. Let's celebrate the glory of Christ born, crucified, resurrected, and reigning with the Father in heaven. As the prophet Isaiah told long before Christ's birth,
-
"For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders.
And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Is. 9:6 NIV)
© Madeline Crabb
The views expressed by RenewAmerica columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of RenewAmerica or its affiliates.
(See RenewAmerica's publishing standards.)
