Christmas

[rizen1]

Rizen 1 you said earlier that you are keeping santa out of christmas but with a three 1/2 year old son, and being in the minority even among christians i am finding it hard. i would love to know how you 've manged it.
I love christmas and decorations even a christmas tree but i cant stand santa, he's replaced Jesus in my opinion.

Well I dont have kids, so that's the easy part. If the kids dont know about the birth of Jesus, thats when you have a problem.

But like I said I'm not threathen by santa, I dont feel as though he's replacing Christ in anyway. When we as humans worship him and make everything all about him that's when we have a problem.

If its not santa, we have all these celebrites the kids are going to idolise. Idols will always be around, but its our choice to worship them. I dont think St Nick thought his lageacy would live on through Santa. And if he was the humble man they talk about, I doubt adoration is what he desired.

This is how I look at it, the Gospel and birth of Jesus came from God, he's the creator, everything he touches is an original.

Now the devil, he can't create anything, all he does is take stuff God left for mankind ( sex, story of Jesus ) abuse it, corrupt it, he'll find anyway to bring confusion to us to cause division.

The birth of Christ didnt come from, Pagans or the devil, I will not give him credit for anything. I also find it funny that the enemy did helped " christmas " it would make him a very humble loser. The birth of Jesus was the day he "Lost".

I've studied cults, pagan traditons and hoildays and the only thing I get from them is they are all "Cheap " imitation . The Christmas tree, is God's creation, so the pagans worshiped it, God created the stars, the pagans worshiped it. Because some idiots choose to misuse the Lords creation doesnt stop me from looking to the sky and praising God.

Even if the word Christmas never existed, I know in my heart I would still choose time to celebrate his birth, and the salvation he brought to me. When you come out from trails and tribulations, iliterate pagans and their traditons become nothing because all you care about is giving thanks.

In side of us we have a need to worship something, the pagans got it wrong with their rituals...I have it right because my eyes are on God.

Everyday in everything we do we have to ask " what are we Idolising "
a car, our spouse, celebrity, our church, pastor or leaders can become idols in our lives.

In anything we do or use today can be tide with some pagan ritual, pagans lit candles for their witchcraft...I light candles to make my room smell good.

I celebrate ( with a bang ) Independence day, Emancipation day...its not listed in the bible but its occasions that I'm grateful for.

8. The Bible nowhere tells us to observe a holiday celebrating Jesus Christ's birth—but it clearly does tell us to commemorate His death.

Easter has its pagan influence also..I never use "easter" I say "Happy Resurrection day " you can find more than ten reasons to abandon the easter celebration.

I love entertaining, love to cook, having friends and family together and if God is the center of that celebration...I'm there.


King James Bible
1Corin. 10:30
For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?

Romans 14:6 He that observeth one day more than another, doth it for the Lord's pleasure. And he that observeth not one day more than another, doth it to please the Lord, for he giveth God thanks. and he that eateth not, eateth not to please the Lord with all, and giveth God thanks.

History is good to know, we look at the mistakes and learn from it

 

[jiggyfly]

Christmas is one of those "high places" that most of us seem unwilling to tear down, even knowing how God might feel about it. Our minds are made up. "I like Christmas," one young mother told me. The rest of her sentence was implied, "so I'm going to do it." We build manger scenes in our yards and erect glow in the dark Santa Clauses next to them. Buddy at the checkout counter illustrated this mix very simply. He had a Santa Claus hat on his head and a W.W.J.D. (what would Jesus do?) band around his neck. Buddy, Jesus would not have worn that hat.
After I told a dear old lady why I no longer do Christmas, she responded, "But I don't think of pagan gods when I look at my Christmas tree. I think of Jesus." That seemed reasonable to me. I asked God about it. He answered. "What would you think if you caught your wife in adultery, and she answered, 'But honey, I was thinking of you the whole time'?"
Many people reason, "we do it for the children." If Christmas is idolatrous for the parents, then why would the parrents sacrifice their children to these idols?

This is an excerpt from "The harlot Church System" by Charles Elliot Newbold Jr.

 

[SpiritLedEd]

I should like to get some specifics about the pagan customs Mr. Ashley is referring to. I read the entire treatise and saw no such information.

It is easy to see why early Christians would use the dates of pagan holidays for Christian celebrations. They had just come out of pagan cultures and were accustomed to celebrating major holidays on those dates. But what evidence is there that they, as believers, engaged in pagan rituals (practices) when, say, they celebrated the birth of Christ on December 25th, the day previously set aside for worshipping a Roman god, or the resurrection of Christ on the Sunday that had previously been dedicated to the fertility goddess Ishtar?

SLE

 

[Ann]

What difference does it make?

The Bible gives us no reason-and certainly no instruction-to support the myths and fables of Christmas and Santa Claus. They are tied to the ways of this world and contrary to the ways of Christ and His holy truth. "Do not learn the way of the Gentiles," God tells us (Jeremiah 10:2).

Professing Christians should examine the background of the Christmas holiday symbols and stop telling their children that Santa Claus and his elves, reindeer and Christmas gift-giving are connected with Jesus Christ. Emphatically they are not! God hates lying. "These six things the LORD hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren" (Proverbs 6:16-19).

Christ reveals that Satan the devil is the father of lies (John 8:44). Parents should tell their children the truth about God and this world's contrary and confusing ways. If we don't, we only perpetuate the notion that it is acceptable for parents to lie to their children.

Can a professing Christian promote a pagan holiday and its symbols as something that God or Christ has approved? Let's see what God thinks about people using customs and practices rooted in false religion to worship Him and His Son. We find His views clearly expressed in both the Old and New Testament.

God specifically commands His people not to do what early church leaders did when they incorporated idolatrous practices and relabeled them Christian. Before they entered the Promised Land, God gave the Israelites a stern warning: "Take heed to yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them [the inhabitants of the land],... and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, 'How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise.'

"You shall not worship the LORD your God in that way; for every abomination to the LORD which He hates they have done to their gods ... Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it" (Deuteronomy 12:30-32, emphasis added throughout).

Many centuries later the apostle Paul traveled to and raised up churches in many gentile cities. To the members of the Church of God in Corinth, a city steeped in idolatry, Paul wrote: "... What fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God ... Therefore 'Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.' ... Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Corinthians 6:14-17; 7:1).

Instead of allowing members to rename and celebrate customs associated with false gods, Paul's instructions were clear: They were to have nothing to do with them. He similarly told Athenians who were steeped in idolatry, "Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent" (Acts 17:30).

God alone has the right to decide the special days on which we should worship Him. Jesus Christ plainly tells us that "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth" (John 4:24). We cannot honor God in truth with false practices adopted from the worship of nonexistent gods.

Jesus said: "This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men" (Mark 7:6-7). With God no substitutes are acceptable. It makes no difference that Christians mean well when they observe Christmas. God is not amused or pleased.

The knowledge of how to honor Almighty God, who made us, preserves us and gives us eternal life, has been made available to you. Will you honor God or follow the traditions of mankind? GN
[Author Jerold Aust]

Blessings!

 

[Word of Life]

This is an excerpt from "The harlot Church System" by Charles Elliot Newbold Jr.

I would like to thank you jiggyfly for directing us to read such a good book.

I have found it on the internet and my husband and I are busy reading it online.

It's so powerful. It's opening up my eyes even futher to some more truths.

The truth is going to hurt me, as I do see a lot of errors in myself still, and I am only on page 4.

But God's spirit is there to help us, guide us, comfort us and lead us into the truth.

I will also put an excerpt of this book in a new thread.

 

[Chad]

This is how I look at it:

First...

Whether the origin is or is not pagan-like, GOD can use *anything* for His good. He can bring good out of anything if He wishes.

Second...

[1 Samuel 16:7]
But the Lord said to Samuel, Look not on his appearance or at the height of his stature, for I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.

My conclusion...

I love the Christmas feeling. I hate the commercialism of it all otherwise. I don't "hate" Santa Claus...the actual once living human being who if true, was a good humble man. I hate the cartoon made out of him by the devils' tactics to replace Jesus. I love the Christmas tree and decoration. I love the fresh smell of the tree pine or whatever it may be. I hate the gift giving specifically in Christmas. Instead, within my heart I enjoy the gift given to me by GOD, Jesus Christ His Son.

All in all...do not care for what others say about you and what you celebrate. You don't live to serve nor please other's opinions and views of yourself. If someone accused me of celebrating Christmas, I'd give them a mouthful and set them in their place. My world does not revolve around pitiful accusations, especially by those who speak without actual and factual knowledge of what GOD says.

Romans 14:10-18 (Amplified Bible)

Why do you criticize and pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you look down upon or despise your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God. For it is written, As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God [acknowledge Him to His honor and to His praise]. And so each of us shall give an account of himself [give an answer in reference to judgment] to God.

Then let us no more criticize and blame and pass judgment on one another, but rather decide and endeavor never to put a stumbling block or an obstacle or a hindrance in the way of a brother. I know and am convinced (persuaded) as one in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is [forbidden as] essentially unclean (defiled and unholy in itself). But [none the less] it is unclean (defiled and unholy) to anyone who thinks it is unclean. But if your brother is being pained or his feelings hurt or if he is being injured by what you eat, [then] you are no longer walking in love. [You have ceased to be living and conducting yourself by the standard of love toward him.] Do not let what you eat hurt or cause the ruin of one for whom Christ died!

Do not therefore let what seems good to you be considered an evil thing [by someone else]. [In other words, do not give occasion for others to criticize that which is justifiable for you.] [After all] the kingdom of God is not a matter of [getting the] food and drink [one likes], but instead it is righteousness (that state which makes a person acceptable to God) and [heart] peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. He who serves Christ in this way is acceptable and pleasing to God and is approved by men.

 

[Chad]

Another thought just came to me a moment ago. When you teach your children about Santa Claus (in a way of promoting this kind of secular Christmas tradition), you are essentially lying to your own children and also serving the devil's purpose of getting people to actually forget all about Jesus.

What about trying to reverse the teaching now that you've been convicted with the Holy Spirit about lying? Simply ask Him to guide you and to fix the problem. We don't have to fix everything on our own. GOD is pleased when we ask for His help on any matter whatsoever.

 

[ladylovesJesus]

This thought came to me too yesterday. I seem to recall some Christian friends who had a child and now have 2 saying that they were not going to lie to them about santa claus. I think they would not even take their child to see him. As we know when they grow up they learn the truth that he is not real. Without Jesus we would not even be alive. Jesus is the reason for the season.

God bless

LLJ :rainbow: :rose:

 

[SpiritLedEd]

LLJ, your post prompted me to recall the time in my childhood (60+ years ago) when I figured out that Santa Claus was nothing more than a wonderful hoax, a myth. I think it was a day in December when the revelation came. Santa Claus had begun to appear all over town - in department stores, in Christmas parades, and standing beside Salvation Army kettles on street corners. And I realized that the idea of one fat old man in a red suit flying around the universe in a sleigh pulled by eight reindeer and delivering gifts to every home on the planet was..... ridiculous.

It is ridiculous, but the fantacy behind it is wonderful! I still read Clement C. Moore's immortal "T'was the Night Before Christmas" and am moved by it. I still sing "Jingle Bells", "Jingle Bell Rock" and "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" and remember almost all the words. I still love Burl Ives singing "Frosty the Snowman."

I don't squeeze Jesus out of Christmas. On the contrary, I love Him with all my heart. But nowhere in the New Testament do I find any evidence that Jesus did not hang out with children, participate in their fantasies, and enjoy reliving the fantasies of His own childhood on occasion.

SLE

 

[Maureen]

Why is it that one church will display a Christmas Tree and another one won't?
I know it's all to do with the particular church's doctrine, did I answer my own question? mmmmmm

it just makes me wonder, why all arn't in agreement on this issue.
But I suppose it's like many other things too, were they agree to disagree.
I know one lady who left the church I was going to at one time, because she did not agree with having a Christmas tree up, the best thing was that very church didn't put one up either, but it was because the people who attended were having them in their own homes.

written by Chad:-
Whether the origin is or is not pagan-like, GOD can use *anything* for His good. He can bring good out of anything if He wishes.
I hate the comI hate the gift giving specifically in Christmas. Instead, within my heart I enjoy the gift given to me by GOD, Jesus Christ His Sonmercialism of it all otherwise.

I must say hear, hear, I fully agree with these words too, God can use Christmas, and I have helped in my own home to show Jesus's birth, instead of silly worldly things, like having a stable, with figures each representing the Navitiy, a lit up church, 2 lit up angels, a candle which says around it ' then spake Jesus unto them saying, I am the light of the world' John 8 v 12 and I intend to use my plastic paint and write 'Christ is Born' and hang it from the fireplace.
so God does and will use these times for His glory.

These are the things I love Christmas for.

 

[Coconut]

The Bible gives us no reason-and certainly no instruction-to support the myths and fables of Christmas and Santa Claus. They are tied to the ways of this world and contrary to the ways of Christ and His holy truth. "Do not learn the way of the Gentiles," God tells us (Jeremiah 10:2).

I thought about it, and there`s no way I CANNOT take issue with this statement. (never minding the imaginary Santa)
Lets examine "the way of the gentiles" According to this line of reasoning, if we are true children of Israel (children of God) we should be living in tents and wandering around the wilderness, and depending only on manna from heaven as our life source...we certainly should`nt be building houses, working, celebrating the "gentile" (earthly) life in any way, not even our birthdays, unless its the day we were born AGAIN.

Frankly, and with certainty, the Bible gives us no reason-and certainly no instruction-to NOT celebrate Christmas...or Easter...or Weddings....or our birthdays...or our childrens christening...or...as on and on our "gentile ways" go.

What is "the ways of Christ and His Holy truth" anyways? I find the answer in 2Co 6:4 .

Christmas is one of those "high places" that most of us seem unwilling to tear down, even knowing how God might feel about it. Our minds are made up. "I like Christmas," one young mother told me. The rest of her sentence was implied, "so I'm going to do it." We build manger scenes in our yards and erect glow in the dark Santa Clauses next to them. Buddy at the checkout counter illustrated this mix very simply. He had a Santa Claus hat on his head and a W.W.J.D. (what would Jesus do?) band around his neck. Buddy, Jesus would not have worn that hat.
After I told a dear old lady why I no longer do Christmas, she responded, "But I don't think of pagan gods when I look at my Christmas tree. I think of Jesus." That seemed reasonable to me. I asked God about it. He answered. "What would you think if you caught your wife in adultery, and she answered, 'But honey, I was thinking of you the whole time'?"
Many people reason, "we do it for the children." If Christmas is idolatrous for the parents, then why would the parrents sacrifice their children to these idols?

To carry on with my line of thought...these statements could apply to almost all our gentile ways. I can make a statement such as "Birthdays are one of those "high places" that most of us seem unwilling to tear down" and because of my undeniable devotion to Christ, assure you God "feels" the same way I do.

Its strange to me, these "I asked God about it...and He answered" statements people make that add clout to the message...that so often I go to the Word of God and can find nothing there to validate Gods stated answer to them.

I dont believe I am any less devoted to Christ than any of the writers or readers here. I dont believe any one can claim to seek knowing of "the ways of Christ or His Holy truth" anymore than I do. Of course the Word of God says those who compare themselves amoung themselves are not wise...so I digress. My whole point is, as much as I esteem all of you...and even the writer above...I would like to ask the writer, and those who would agree with him...if you are committing adultry when you were...say...instead of celebrating christmas... to celebrate a wedding? When Paul said "if you are bid to a pagan feast, feel free to go" ...will you read that and say...AHEM ! Absolutely NOT Paul, we cant do that, thats celebrating the "gentile ways"...and we asked God and God said THAT would be committing adultry agianst Christ!?

Come on...let us reason...using the Word of God. If our "gospel truths" are not founded on the simplicity of Christ, they amount to nothing more than human legalism. A rose, by any other name...is still a rose. A "feeling", by any other name...even if you call it a revelation..is still just a feeling, if you have`nt got the Word of God to back it up, and I dont much care what name tag you wear, preacher, teacher, best selling author, or fisher of men.

Tired of the no good gospel in Canada...

Gen 1:31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.

God is my God, and with my life I worship Him. My living and enjoying and celebrating the "good" that He gives me, cannot take away from my worship of Him, for He IS all the is good.

 

[Mouse]

This year I'm using Christmas as a chance to spread the word about Jesus Christ. I sent all religious cards to my friends who are both believers and non-believers. There are some beautiful cards in the shops with scriptures from the Bible. I'm interested to see if my "non-Christ believer" friends react to it.

My feeling is that God uses a bad thing to His advantage. Sometimes we worry too much about this or that. Don't worry because God will use these things to His advantage. He IS in control. I say take this Christmas and send everyone (especially non-believers) a Jesus-related card containing scripture.

 

[Maureen]

Mouse I've been doing that for a few years now, I cant use them other Christmas cards at all, have some and refuse to send them.

what I did do one year, as I usually buy a lot in the sales, and most of them were 'stupid' cards, as I see them, well I typed out scripture, and pasted a piece of scripture in each card just to get the message across and so I could use them up.
I'm thankfull they're practically all gone, the one's I've left can stay left.

we can if we try turn around and show our family and friends by the way we even decorate our home just what the real meaning of Christmas is about, as many have lost it, but when they see it staring them in the face, well you never know who's heart maybe blessed.

I am at the minute making a gold box, yes one of the gifts Jesus as a baby recieved from a wise man, this came to me before I slept last night, and it's all done up in lovely ribbon and bows all gold, I'm putting on a label with something that will speak of our free gift from God, in Jesus, haven't quite got the wording yet, but the Lord knows and He will provide them.

It will go under the tree, which also has gold dec's, and sitting underneath is Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, 2 sheep (these my daughter in law made me in her ceramic class) then a fibre optic angel beside them, a stable, which my husband (not saved yet) made me a few years ago, is on the fireplace, and he even bought me the willow tree nativity figures this week to go inside it.
so all I put out, oh, yes a star in the front window lite up, to represent the star in the East, all speaks of Christ in Christmas to me and to all who come in.

the only thing which I was reluctant to have out were the 3 little soft singing toys, one is a reindeer, one a snowman and yes, the third Santa, they sing Jingle bells, as I said it was with some reluctance I display them, I say they are only for the grandkids, but after one chorus of it I tell them to turn them off, I just don't like it, if they say a carol perhaps it might help, I know Jingle Bells is no harm, and there is nothing bad in those words, meaningless, but even so, it's just that I'd rather hear carols.

I know nothing will take away from Jesus this Christmas as before He is the Almighty nothing or no-one can distract from Him.
He will use these things to His glory, and praise Him for coming down from glory to save us.

 

[SpiritLedEd]

The devil loves it when we haggle over traditions, it shows that his campaign to divide us is working in some places.

Unity in the Body of Christ does not mean uniformity. We are not required to march in lockstep with each other like a military parade. If a church proclaims the Lordship of Jesus Christ per Romans 10:9-10, we are brothers. they and I.

SLE

SLE

 

[Chad]

I just read Coconut's last response and I do agree. Ironically it was something similar to what popped up in my thoughts today. Just because traditions are man-made does not automatically make them evil originated. That would actually be insulting to GOD because after all, He is our Creator who made us in His image and likeness. That means he passed on the ability to "create" to us when He formed and designed us.

Genesis 1:26-27

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

Now, as far as Christmas goes this is what thought came to me. First, GOD can still use evil for good. That means, GOD can bring good out of any situation. That is His awesome power to be able to do so. I think its ok to celebrate Christmas so long as you drop the lies (Santa Claus) and hypocrisy (buying gifts, the whole commercialism) when you can agree its meant to celebrate the day Jesus was born (exact date is not a concern to be fussed about).

I love the whole family-friendly spirit of Christmas, the snow white days when they do come rarely here in NY, the red sweaters and the music. I think its very pleasing and a breath of fresh air from the everyday work and stress.

In the end, we are given ability to create things even holidays so long as they are not against GOD's will. To celebrate Christmas I cannot imagine is against GOD's will unless your literally clueless about it. The whole Santa Claus thing is nonsense and insulting to Christ. The whole gift buying is a bunch of unnecessary stress and financial debt. Its the devil's trick if you ask me.

 

[Maureen]

.The whole Santa Claus thing is nonsense and insulting to Christ. The whole gift buying is a bunch of unnecessary stress and financial debt. Its the devil's trick if you ask me.

yes Chad, agree with you entirely,
but how do you get out of buying gifts when family and friends, especially grandchildren come to expect it's the 'done' thing every year?
It's fine if it's never been an issue therefore never started, but when you get saved after so many years, and have lived in the world, and shamefully I say, did the things of the world, do you just say 'its like this I'm not buying any gifts anymore' I think they'd think I've joined forces with the J.W's.

I did the 'charity' gift with my adult children last year and expectedly this year also, because I didn't want a gift, I felt very strongly about that, taking something I neither needed nor found appropiate.

I was pleased they were all in agreement with me, now someone benefits who really needs a gift, in a far off country, like providing water, or footwear, and the Gospel, was only my husband refused to join in, he still wanted his gift, although my family too are unsaved they agreed, he just wouldn't.

I heard lovely words spoken last night at the Musical 'Nativity' in our church then again repeated in church this morning, 'we have our presents under the tree but God put His present on the tree for us'

 

[Chad]

Hi sister,

It does not matter what they think of (joining forces with JW or what have you). That does not determine the truth in whats in your heart and how GOD sees you. So they can spare themselves their own judgmental comments.

I think the whole gift giving to charity is a better and smarter, selfless idea. Don't take it personal that I say this, but if your husband refused to give to charity and still wanted a Christmas gift, then he has some selfishness inside him. I'm sorry to sound blunt, but at least pray for him. Never give up. If I were you, since your whole family agreed with you on the charity thing, I would confront your husband with some courage to tell him how selfish he's being. Now I have zero knowledge of your life in general, your relationship with each other , etc etc. However, something cannot be resolved without discussing it first.

There are literally millions of children worldwide dying at this moment from starvation. No exaggeration. Who in their right mind would not give a little to save a child from dying or even starving? And someone wants a Christmas gift for themselves only?

My family agreed to stop the whole gift giving theme around Christmas. Its more calm now around the holidays with less stress and headaches from shopping at the mall. People are rude and rowdy around this time, too cranky. More on top of the usual.

 

[Maureen]

Hi sister,

but if your husband refused to give to charity and still wanted a Christmas gift, then he has some selfishness inside him

Who in their right mind would not give a little to save a child from dying or even starving? And someone wants a Christmas gift for themselves only?

My family agreed to stop the whole gift giving theme around Christmas. Its more calm now around the holidays with less stress and headaches from shopping at the mall. People are rude and rowdy around this time, too cranky. More on top of the usual.

Chad so well put, I saw the selfishness in him for myself last year, now I love him dearly, but couldn't believe he still wanted something for himself, when we all were glad to give ours (or the cost of it) to the needy, (not the greedy)
I couldn't really discuss this again with him this year Chad, he's so obnoxious over it, the steam would just fly out of his ears again, I couldn't handle it again, and besides my daughter has already presented her gift to him ready wrapped.
I don't think he'll see it for what it is until the Lord saves him, he's nuts on even giving a collection, on Sunday, I have to supply his big £1 coin, he won't even put it in of himself, yes a £1.
then don't dare mention tithing, what!!! money grabbing church, comes the reply.
the Lord needs to do a work in him, to change all these worldly thoughts,
I made a banner, for my fireplace at weekend, 'Christ is Born' on red and gold ribbon and hung it smack in the middle of the fireplace,
I thought, wait for it, you'll be told to remove it, as it's fairly bold,
I had my answer even ready for it, 'What remove Christ from Christmas?'
but to my great surpise, nothing came, now I was touched,
it stays, no objection, no comment even, now that's a rare one.

Hallelujah, my little Grandson of 10yrs old was saved last night at Sunday evening service, when the alter call was given he raised his hand, I nearly didn't believe him, but then I saw the seriousness of his face and I did.
Chad, any advice, and others too, on how to help a young boy of this age, is Mum wasn't too pleased, imagine, said she thinks he's too young and she'd have a talk with him.
well I have him every weekend and he goes to church with me both services has been for sometime now, he used to hate it, and cried, so I would have left him behind then he changed, wanted to go, then started to like it, now he's saved, praise our God.
I'm going to start this Friday and bring him to the prayer meeting he asked to go.
They called us into one of the rooms were one of the Pastors, David, took his name and address to keep in touch, and send a letter from the Head Pastor to him.
Gave him a lovely kids CD to help him, with music, questions and answers it's very good, we put it on and listened together.
I just pray that Jesus will keep him for many years that the world will not steal away what he's been given freely.
The area he lives is not good, he has mates who get into all sorts of bother, yes at only 10yrs.
I'm praying this will be the direction out of such influence for him,
I thought his Mum would have thought so too, as she complained about
having people at her door complaining about him.
Perhaps it's early days for her, I will have to sit and talk it over with her,
and tell her just that, help her realize it will be the making of him.

I am just so thrilled, but I also can't help thinking, will he stand the race.
It will be so hard were he lives, and no other Christian influence only mine at weekends.

Any advice greatly appreciated bros and sis's