ED's WORDs: December 2011

Following the annual Thanksgiving holiday, nothing is more certain than the annual atheistic verbal onslaught along with the filing of lawsuits ritual against Christmas Nativity scenes and against the seasonal greetings of "Merry Christmas". These people have replaced "freedom of religion" with "freedom from religion" and they misguidedly refer to the Separation Clause as authority for their cause. Obviously Christmas is only one of many Christian symbols and traditions the atheists aim to have permanently removed from the American vernacular and landscape, but Christmas certainly is the most visible and highly contested target on their agenda. In defense of this war on Christ, we Christians jump through hoops and spew the usual gamut of expected responses in an attempt to minimize losses and hold onto whatever vestiges of sacred grounds we perceive are left to protect.

Central to the atheists' argument is their assertion that Christmas is a Christian expression of faith, therefore they deduct that the observance or celebration of Christmas by governmental entities is in direct violation of the US Constitution's "Separation of Church and State" clause (oh yeah, it's not in the US Constitution but let's not confuse the facts with the issues). Anything that is related to or implicates God is on their anti-religion hit list which is quite ironic because...

God is not a religion; God is a reality!

What is as interesting to me is that I have not heard (but it may be out there in cyber-space) the counter-proposition that Christmas is not a Christian holiday! Yes, no typo here - Christmas is not a Christian holiday - or perhaps maybe it should not be considered as a holiday just for Christians.

OK, you ask, if Christmas is not a Christian holiday then what are the alternatives?

Perhaps the answer to that question lies within the Bible. Let's consider the following circumstances!

"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel" (which means, God with us). (Matthew 1:23)

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 1:18)

The birth of Jesus marks the first Christmas, and God's "gift" to Humanity, His One Begotten Son, was the first ever Christmas present. Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born to Joseph & Mary - both of which were Jewish descendants with a lineage tracing back back to Abraham. Now, if we just stop here this would then make Christmas a Jewish celebration and not a Christian religious observance.

Next, remember that the first usage of the term "Christian" came after Jesus' death, burial, resurrection and ascension into Heaven. The first followers of Christ were initially referenced under the name "The Way" and were often referred to as "Christians". Again, if we just stop here then this would still make Christmas a Jewish celebration and not a Christian religious observance.

However, even though Jesus was born a Jew, He was born a Saviour to all of mankind to deliver us to God's salvation. God's second gift to world was subtly presented to us through Jesus' life as He demonstrated how to live a life in complete response to God's Will. Thirty-three years after Jesus' birth, God's next gift to mankind was when He, who was without sin became sin, died on the cross on behalf of all of mankind. This gift from God we did not ask for and one we certainly do not deserve but...

He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. (Eph 1:7)

It's very important to note that Jesus did not die just for the Jews, that He also died for the Gentiles. In today's world, Gentiles would translate to include Christians, Muslims, atheists, Buddhists, Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, etcetera, and you get the point.

Easter Sunday marks God's next gift to mankind when Jesus rose from the dead three days after His Crucifixion. The Risen Christ was witnessed and His appearance was recorded by many as proof...

After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. (Acts 1:3)

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.... (1 Peter 1:3)

The culmination of all of these gifts from God can be wrapped up (yes, that's a pun) with God's promise of salvation to all those who believe...

For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.(John 3:16-17)

Once again it's very important to note that God did not promise salvation only for the Jews - but for THE WORLD!

And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.(Luke 2:10-11)

It's important to remember this because God's promise of salvation to the World is precisely what Christmas is all about, therefore...

Christmas is a holiday celebration for the entire World...

Not just for Christians!