CHRISTIANS & CHRISTMAS
 
For centuries there has been an ongoing debate about whether Christians should celebrate Christmas. Many display brightly lit trees, decorate their lawns and give gifts, while others oppose even saying, “Merry Christmas”. The following condensed article, penned by the late Gus Nichols, sheds helpful light on the question.


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FACTS ABOUT CHRISTMAS:
 
There is no proof that Christ was born on December 25th. But He was born… He came down from Heaven to seek and save the lost (Luke 2:8-12).
 
We can rejoice in Christ on December 25th just as on the other 364 days of the year. We (should not) cease to be happy in Jesus at Christmas just to be different from others. Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS” (Phil. 4:4). This (means) Christmas (and) all other days.
 
Instead of revealing the date of Christ’s birth, God has revealed the day on which 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 called the “Lord’s Day” (Rev. 1:10; I Cor. 16:2; Acts 20:7).
 
There is nothing to prevent our enjoying the holiday season called Christmas.  We may give and receive gifts on December 25th or any other day of the year. In fact, we should “rejoice with them that…rejoice” (Rom. 12:15), at Christmas or any other time. There is not enough happiness in the world anyway.
 
Finally, it is proof of the divinity of Christ to find, 2000 years after the fact, that the world wants to celebrate His birth.  Thank God for our Lord and His coming into the world, regardless of the exact date of His arrival by virgin birth.  We shall, therefore, go on teaching His truth every day, including Christmas.
 
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I am thankful that 3.6 billion people around the world turn their thoughts to the birth of Jesus around the 25th of December. I also enjoy the lights, songs, and enhanced spirit of giving. Regardless of your feelings about Christmas, avoid judging others for their feelings unless they promote error - "Let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival, or a new moon or sabbaths..." Col 2:16.
 
Be a Light for Christ in 2025!
 
Dennis

A Fortune from Poverty


“To me…this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the UNSEARCHABLE RICHES OF CHRIST…” (Eph. 3:8).


Charles Darrow was broke and unemployed during the Depression, yet he kept a positive attitude. After standing in the unemployment line all day he would return home and cheer up his pregnant wife with funny stories. Despite their meager existence, Charles was determined to make his wife happy. He even developed a “game” in order to lift her spirits.


During his younger years Darrow had enjoyed family vacations in Atlantic City, and he later drew on those memories to help him develop his game. Taking a square piece of cardboard, he drew a series of "properties" around the edges, named after the streets and familiar places he had visited as a child. To make the game more interesting he carved tiny houses and hotels out of wood to be used on the game board. As he and his young wife began playing the game they pretended to be rich, buying and selling property and "building" homes and hotels. Before long, their apartment was frequently filled with laughter.


The rest, aa they say, is history. This humble gift ultimately made Charles Darrow wealthy. Parker Brothers “bought” his game (eventually called "Monopoly"), and marketed it around the world. 90 years later, millions of these games (or its many variations) are sold annually. They have brought joy to countless millions. It all began when a poor young man determined to bring joy to someone for whom he loved.


The parallels to our salvation are obvious. Because of HIS LOVE FOR US, God allowed His Son to become POOR by sending Him to earth. Jesus’ objective was to bring JOY by offering Himself as an atoning sacrifice on the cross. Eternal life then became available to everyone choosing to believe and obey His will. Nothing on earth can match the JOY to be found in Jesus and eternal life in heaven. When we share Jesus Christ with others, we offer the same gift that brings JOY WITHOUT END!


Be a Light for Christ in 2025!


Dennis

BETTER THAN THE BEST BLACK FRIDAY DEAL
Every year, millions of people wake up early for Black Friday. They often stand in long lines, waiting for a bargain they can’t pass up. The appeal is simple: something valuable is being offered at a price too good to ignore.
In a spiritual sense, Jesus made the greatest offer in history. Isaiah invites us, “Come, buy without money and without price” (Isaiah 55:1). Salvation is priceless, yet freely offered because Christ paid the full cost at the cross.
But just like Black Friday, salvation requires personal action. Some ignore or walk past the opportunity. Others assume the offer will always be there. Some are distracted by lesser things. And yet, for those who accept Christ and obey the gospel, nothing else compares.
Paul described the value of knowing Christ as “exceedingly great”, and everything else as loss (Philippians 3:8). While earthly bargains eventually fade and decay, not so with the Lord’s invitation. What he offers never loses its value - forgiveness, peace, purpose, and eternal life in heaven.
This season, as advertisements shout “Don’t miss this deal!”, may we remember the greatest bargain ever offered — the one purchased by the blood of Christ and offered to every willing soul.
Be a Light for Christ in 2025!
Dennis