Well, it's like this. I do not celebrate Christmas religiously.
I do celebrate the coming of the Savior into the world, but it is not a seasonal
celebration with me. I celebrate it daily with joy and gratitude, unless I am
having an "off" day where I have let the world and its problems have too much
effect on my spirit. Those are the times when I need to get back to the main
thing.
I take advantage of the holiday by reminding those who become seasonally aware
of Jesus that he did not come so that we might give Him a season but rather our
lives. And he came to save us completely and eternally. I also might well point
out some of the Christmas traditions that are not Biblical as well.
There are many negative things said about Christmas every year. Some say we
should not even call it "Christmas" and have tried to remove all references to
Christ. They say putting Christ into public celebrations might offend others of
other faiths... or those of no faith. But understand this: these attacks are not
really a "war on Christmas" but a "war on Christianity." It is indeed a culture
war.
The city of Chicago is distancing itself from a movie on the nativity for fear
of offending non-Christians. This is the same city that hosts the "gay Games"
every year, with a ribald Gay parade" with cross dressers and scanty dressers
frolicking and cavorting "in your face". They are pretty quick to say "If you
don't like it, get over it." It is obvious whose side the City is on in this
culture war.
Chicago officials this week acknowledged they had asked the organizers of an
annual Christmas festival - the German Christkindlmarket - to reject sponsorship
money from New Line Cinema, which was using the festival to promote its upcoming
release, "The Nativity Story." The film depicts the Biblical account of the
birth of Jesus Christ.
After Christian groups strongly criticized Chicago officials Tuesday, the city
released a statement saying its decision was based on New Line's "aggressively
marketing the movie" and not on the movie's theme. The statement said that
"prominently placed advertisement may be insensitive to the many people of
difference (sic) faiths who come to enjoy the market," adding that the city's
guidelines "are to refuse to reduce any blatant commercial message."
In the past couple of years, some retail stores told their workers to wish
people a more generic "Happy Holidays" and not "Merry Christmas". That seems to
be reversing now, several chains have reversed earlier decisions and are again
permitting "Merry Christmas". Others are still too nervous about it.
But I know what the true war is about. It is not about Christmas. It is about
Christ. It is Christ who many find offensive. And that is a shame.
6 For this is contained in Scripture:
"Behold I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone,
And he who believes in Him shall not be disappointed."
7 This precious value, then, is for you who believe. But for those who
disbelieve,
"The stone which the builders rejected,
This became the very corner stone,"
8 and,
"A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense";
for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this doom they
were also appointed. 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy
nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may proclaim the
excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
10 for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had
not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. (1 Peter 2:6-10) .
By Jon W. Quinn
The Front Page
From Expository Files 13.12; December 2006
