Happy Christmas ... if you made the right choice

[Andyindauk]

Christians criticise and lament that the true meaning of Christmas is forgotten by the commercialisation of Christmas. I'm wondering if Christians sometimes (only sometimes) look at Christmas through the wrong prescription glasses. Yes, the quaint nativity birth of Jesus was the beginning of God's rescue of men from their wrong choices and rejection of Him. But just as Noah's arc rescued a few but many more perished, so the birth of Jesus ushered in a plan that would leave many that cling to their wrong choice, to their fate.

Why the doom and gloom? Just re-read Simeon's prophesy; very scary if you're on the wrong train going in the wrong direction. “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel." Luke 2:34. If you read Luke ch 2 Simeon and Anna's response there's a real insight into Jesus' forthcoming mission.

Like any rescue plan, it's useless if the victims it's trying to rescue refuse to take part. We need to share the gospel in a positive and loving way and pray that our words lead to more rescues.

God bless you and the Holy Spirit strengthens you like it did these two.

 

[Sue D.]

I was just reading the Luke 2 passage. A person can put doom and gloom into most anything Why not see Christmas as Scripture tells it. It's up to the individual as to how commercialized it becomes to Them.

Jesus Christ our Savior has been born -- and it's true that He won't become Everyone's Savior because lots of people won't accept His death, burial and bodily resurrection.

But on the Bright side -- we have all kinds of opportunities to share the event of the birth of the Christ child and the Gospel message unto salvation with anyone / Everyone who is willing to listen.

We Can be a Positive representative for Christ or a gloom and doom one.

Merry Christmas and may we All make the right decision to follow Christ.

 

[PloughBoy]

I think it is impossible for people on earth to be excited about the birth of Jesus, because they have no idea what it really means nor can they understand. They know it is time to have office parties , family get togethers and get gifts. Holiday pay, time off work. gifts, cars, diamond rings, bracelets, mustt I go on. We are the few people that understand the meaning of His birth, why, because first we have the Holy Spirit in us! They don’t. The Holy Spirit agreeds with the Word of God. For the rest, it is Jingle Bells, and getting in debt. And mad because someone got a mink coat and I didnt’. Jesus is not the reason for the season anymore, Santa and Jingle Bells. And don’t bring the Name Jesus up. We are few in number, for a reason. Merry Christmas everyone my family in Christ.

 

[Sue D.]

You are entitled to your opinion, but I think more of the reality is that a person can choose a gloom / doom attitude Or a more positive attitude that there are a lot of things taking place along With Christmas that are perfectly okay.
How about the Christian organizations that have nice parties for employees -- is there anything Wrong with believers or anyone Else giving nice gifts to each other.

And I dare say that there are lots of Believers who go into debt at Christmas time , have an occasional drink for New Years Eve and have less-than-wonder family times.

I do hope that You can enjoy a Wonder, Blessed Merry Christmas this coming Wednesday.

Seems that I've been repeating myself from a recent post. #2.

 

[Andyindauk]

Hi Sue, absolutely right. I was emphasising Simeon and Anna's retorts that Christmas should be a massive celebration for Christians. It's the beginning of God's plan of rescue and one that would cost Him dearly.

However if you're not a believer, doom and gloom, you've nothing to celebrate because you've rejected that rescue that began with that baby in a manger. That was Simeon's point. For the rest of us, it's party time !!

 

[PloughBoy]

I do understand , if we as Christians Really want to celebrate Jesus birthday let’s us do it. How about around March the time closes to His Birthday and tell the real story about His Birth and we can still celebrate “Yuletide”. On the 25 of December. But “What fellowship believers have with unbelievers”? “Come out from among them” “They will be eating, drinking, and making cheer” . We are the children of light, and this light blinds them, that they don’t understand. “Be Ye separate says the Lord” you cannot change them they change you. Come out from among them. Who are we trying to please “God or man” If I try to please man I am a enemy of God. “Believe thou this”. The great falling away, it is the little foxes that spoils the vines. Everyday should be Christmas for us! Rejoice not because of Christimas, Rejoice Because Your Name is Written in “The LAMB’S Book of Life” Please don’t get upset, pondered it. I’m your brother in Christ

 

[Fragrant Grace]

Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Luke 2: 10-14


And man, at war with man, hears not
The love-song which they bring;
O hush the noise, ye men of strife,
And hear the angels sing*

Be blessed dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in your salvation.
And shine for those who do not know Him






*From It came upon a midnight clear.....Christmas Carol....Sir Arthur Sullivan

 

[Sue D.]

PloughBoy -- feel free to celebrate Christmas any time you choose to.

 

[Sue D.]

Happy Christmas Eve -- everyone