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Christians and Christmas

12/27/2017

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CHRISTIANS AND CHRISTMAS
 
Opinions vary as to whether Christians should observe the Christmas holiday. Some avoid even saying “Christmas”, while others favor having special services on Christmas Eve or day in order to spread the gospel message. Perhaps the comments below, based on an article penned by Gus Nichols years ago, will shed some light on the question.
 
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Although there is no proof that Jesus Christ was born on December 25th, He was indeed born, which is what is important. He was sent from Heaven to seek and save the lost (Luke 2:8-12).
 
As Christians, we should rejoice in Jesus Christ on December 25th, along with every day of the year. Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Phil. 4:4). This means Christmas, New Years, the Fourth of July; EVERY day.
 
Instead of revealing the day of Christ’s birth, God chose to reveal the day He was raised from the dead — the FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK(Mark 16:8-9, Luke 24:1-47). God wants us to celebrate this day. It is often referred to as “Lord’s Day” (Rev. 1:10; I Cor. 16:2; Acts 20:7).
 
Scripturally speaking, there is nothing to prevent our enjoying the holiday called Christmas. If so inclined we may decorate our homes, give and receive gifts, and enjoy time with family on December 25th or any other day of the year. In fact, we should “rejoice with those that rejoice” (Rom. 12:15) on Christmas day and every day. There is not enough happiness in the world as it is.
 
It is evidence of the divinity of Jesus to find that, 20 centuries following His birth, the world still desires to celebrate it.
 
Thank God for sending His Son to earth, regardless of the date of His arrival by virgin birth. We have a great deal to rejoice about, whether it be December 25, 26, 27 or July 4.
 
Jesus, always Jesus!
 
Dennis
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Diderot and Christmas

12/18/2017

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THE DIDEROT EFFECTDenis Diderot, an 18th century French philosopher, authored the essay, “Regrets on Parting with My Old Dressing Gown.”  His misgivings began after he received an expensive dressing gown as a gift. Delighted with the striking gown, he discarded his old one. A few days later, while wearing the exquisite gown, he noticed that the study in which he usually relaxed appeared “shabby”. Feeling dissatisfied with the threadbare tapestries, old desk, worn chairs, and outdated bookshelves, he replaced them with new furnishings.
 
To his surprise, Diderot soon found himself uncomfortable with the elegant and stylish furnishings in his study. The room that had previously brought him hours of solace was now little more than a sterilized showpiece. It was then that he realized that this regrettable transformation began with the “imperious scarlet robe [which] forced everything else to conform with its own elegant tone.”
 
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The inclination to upgrade possessions in order to achieve a sense of conformity is now known as the “Diderot Effect.”  Many businesses depend on this tendency in order to tempt buyers to make additional purchases following an initial one. We typically experience this when we enter a store intending to buy “one or two things”, but leave with full shopping cart. (Don’t ask how often this happens to me.)
 
The temptation to acquire more or better possessions, especially during the holidays, has distracted and spiritually sidetracked many Christians, including yours truly. We need to be alert to this tendency, and pray for God’s help to resist it.
 
“Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity.” (Luke 8:14)
 
“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world -- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life -- is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” (1 John 2:14-17)
 
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis
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Are You Ready for Departure?

12/5/2017

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READY FOR DEPARTURE?
(Revised, author unknown)
 
Save for atheists and agnostics, virtually everyone wants to go to heaven. Jesus however, declared that only a few will be saved as compared to the majority that will be lost - Matthew 7:13-14. To make certain that you do not miss the "gate", consult the following guidelines.
 
ACCOMMODATIONS: Arrangements must be made in ADVANCE, preferably today (2 Cor. 6:2). Late arrivals are not allowed (Matt 25:10-13).

IDENTIFICATION: Persons seeking to enter heaven will be admitted ONLY if their names are recorded in the APPROVED BOOK (Rev. 21:27). 

DEPARTURE: The date and time of departure are unknown. All travelers are urged to prepare to leave IMMEDIATELY (Matt. 25:13).

TICKETS: Jesus Christ, God’s Son, PAID THE PRICE when He died on the cross. We can claim the benefits of His death by hearing the gospel, believing in Christ, repenting of sin, confessing Christ, and being immersed into Christ (Rom. 10:17; Acts 2:38; Matt. 10:32; Gal. 3:27). Having done so, DO NOT let go of your confidence (Heb. 3:6). 

LUGGAGE: No luggage is permitted on the trip (1 Tim. 6:7). Everything required will be furnished upon arrival (1 Pet. 1:4).

MEANS OF TRAVEL: All travelers will be going by AIR, accompanied by our CAPTAIN (1 Thess. 4:17, Heb. 2:10). 

VACCINATIONS: None needed, as neither sickness nor death will occur at our destination (Rev. 21:4).

CURRENCY: No money is needed for the trip (see "Luggage" above), but certain non-perishable assets can be reserved ahead-of-time. Deposits are made when we serve others (Matt. 6:20-21). 

CLOTHING: A shining and durable wardrobe will be provided at upon arrival, (2 Cor. 5:2-4).

RESERVATIONS: Booking is open NOW. Since the departure day is unknown, everyone should claim the price that Jesus paid WITHOUT DELAY. Those who wait may be too late (2 Cor. 6:2).

FOR MORE INFORMATION, consult God’s word (Jam. 1:21).
 
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis
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