We must come to realize the importance of "insignificant" faithfulness.
~Doug Wilson
But even this isn't agreed upon by Christians, and it's common to be told that we need not assume the culture is at war with Christmas. I find it interesting that we'll dismiss those who insist on merry Christmas as overreacting and missing the point while assuming that advertisers and stores have no evil motives and are simply playing a marketing game when when they remove Him from the celebration and the conversation.
It's all so innocent, we say.
But it's not.
Doug Wilson observes:
The message of Christmas is politically incendiary, when you think about it, and it is not for nothing that secularists are trying to get us to forget Jesus with their C.E. (Common Era) and B.C.E. (Before Common Era), and seasonal conifers instead of Christmas trees. Nice try, but we aren’t buying any.
He later describes saying merry Christmas as an act of insurrection.
And the Anti-Christian Liberties Union (ACLU) knows that getting Christmas trees off public property is well worth fighting for. This is why we as Christians have to learn that saying "merry Christmas" is an act of insurrection. How do we define our lives? More than this, how do we define our lives as a people? Far from retreating into a minimalist celebration, or no celebration at all, we as Christians must take far greater advantage of the opportunity we have in all of this. Now the Lord Jesus is on His throne. And His government will continue to increase. But He works through instruments, and one of His central instruments for establishing His kingdom on earth is the faith of His people. Why is it that Christians shopping at WalMart are being reminded over the loudspeakers that "He comes to make His blessings flow, far as the curse is found." Why are they telling us this? It's our religion. Why don't we believe it? But if you believe it, then say merry Christmas to somebody.
Merry Christmas!
With love,
Trisha
***If you don't agree that Christians should even celebrate Christmas, this isn't the place to debate.
I love this. Does he address the Mass part of "Christmas" that some Christians object to?
ReplyDeleteI'm not that far enough in the book to say. He does have a chapter on the Puritans, and I'm wondering if he'll address it in there. And he's gracious and full of warnings, too, to those of us who do celebrate. We shouldn't be arrogant or unloving about any of this, and we should be sensitive to the weaker brother who does not celebrate Christmas or any day. The Puritans, of course, objected to the manner in which Christmas was celebrated, much like we would object to the drunkenness and fornication that goes on at Mardi Gras.
ReplyDeleteThat's true. It's great that he gives those admonitions :) I can't wait to read it!
DeleteMerry Christmas!! The thing that always perplexes me is that to take Christ out of Christmas is to have a day like any other-there would be no need for shopping, parties, or even Santa(all the things the secular world celebrates) had there not been a Christ born-whose birthday is the very reason for the"holiday" to begin with. Makes me sad to think that this wonderful time of year is filled with empty hearts that do not know the "real reason" to celebrate Christmas. Love you-hope your family is all feeling better.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, Trisha and to all your family, too!! I always say "merry Christmas" whenever anyone wishes me a happy holiday, too. Doug is right on the money here and it sounds like a great book.
ReplyDeleteLove & Hugs~
Yes, my friend...Merry Christmas!! Oh how I LOVE to say it!! May the LORD give us all boldness to stand for Truth...for, that is exactly what we are doing!
ReplyDeleteMuch Love,
Camille
Merry Christmas right back at cha, Trisha! Haven't read the book,but have heard about it. I chuckled when I saw your comment above about the weaker brothers who don't celebrate at all. We have been called the weaker brother because we *do*. Lol Grace all around! Press on!
ReplyDeleteI have a Christian friend who gets all irritated if you say anything about the term "X-Mas". LOL! He mentioned some something something...;) about how the X is a GREEK letter for CHI or something...haha. I lost him pretty quick. :D I just believe the MORE I gaze on the Lord Jesus, the more I'm going to reflect Him in EVERY area of my earthly life. All the day to day things, I do, say, celebrate will go through the filter of His Word. That's my prayer anyway!
ReplyDeleteHope you and your family are doing WELL! :) I absolutely LOVE the gorgeous, chubby Sarge face photo!!! :D
Blessings!
Amy