"By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; and by knowledge
the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches." ~Proverbs 24:3-4

Not Just For Kids

Merry Christmas!

At this special season of the year, I hope you are taking the opportunity to enjoy your families and spend time with loved ones, while remembering the most important things in life.

Jesus is the Reason for the Season

There was something very special about a child who was born over two thousand years ago that changed the course of history. Nevertheless, at the time of His birth, everyone’s attention was focused on Rome. Caesar’s decrees were of greater importance than a Jewish baby. No one was interested in a young couple that had gone on a long journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem to be counted for the census.

Yet without realizing it, the mightiest of men were only errand boys for fulfilling the ancient prophets’ predictions. Jesus was more than just a baby. While the Romans were busy building a vast empire, God in human form arrived silently, on straw, in a stable, under a star. Through time and space God came down to earth—and that is the miracle of Christmas.

The coming of Jesus brought the good news of God's love to the world—a bright light in the middle of darkness, a beacon of hope in the midst of despair, and a message of peace in a time of turmoil. God's gift of Jesus came for everyone—for young and old, for the poor and for the wealthy, for people of all races and nations. And that is the reason for the Christmas season, this joyous time of year when we celebrate the birth of a blessed baby in a humble stable long ago.

Wise Men Still Seek Him

When Jesus arrived, the world hardly noticed—how about you? In your quest to find happiness, are you overlooking the One who can bring true joy and peace? He came that you may have life, and live it to the fullest. To know Christ is to receive all that Christmas was meant to be. He is the greatest gift of all! "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." —John 3:16

As you sing Christmas carols and listen to retellings of the Nativity story, keep in mind that it is not a myth or fairy tale—it really happened! The miracle of Christ’s birth does not contradict science. God created time, matter, energy, and space. He transcends and is outside of all these. Scoffers and skeptics are biased against this truth. Their own desire to live as they please without the knowledge of God disrupts their reasoning and closes their hearts to the Holy Spirit.

If you are not sure whether Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior, or if you are not convinced as to whether God even exists, may I suggest beginning the new year by reading one or more of the following eye-opening books written by former atheists who became Christians (each of whom, I might add, are intelligent and well-educated): Reasonable Faith: The Scientific Case for Christianity by Dr. Jay L Wile; The Case for Christ and The Case for Faith by Lee Stroebel; Surprised by Faith by Dr. Don Bierle; Mere Christianity and The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. I also encourage you to read The Gospel of John in the New Testament of the Bible with an open mind and let the Holy Spirit reveal Jesus Christ to you.

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,' declares the LORD." —Jeremiah 29:11-14

* * *

Merry Christmas.

(It's okay to say it.)

Christmas is a cherished time of year when Americans come together and celebrate something bigger than ourselves, something that has united us for generations. An event that is the center of all history — the birth of Jesus Christ.

Surveys show that 95% of Americans celebrate Christmas. Yet, due to political correctness, disinformation, and even the threat of lawsuits from the ACLU and its allies, religious expression at Christmastime is increasingly absent from the public square. Slowly, this holy day is being turned into a secular “solstice season.”

The Alliance Defense Fund works year-round to preserve and protect our religious liberties, including the right to...

  • sing Christmas carols at school
  • pass out candy canes to classmates
  • call it “Christmas vacation”
  • sponsor a nativity scene on public property
  • say “Merry Christmas”

    ADF wants all Americans to know the Truth — that they have the freedom to celebrate Christmas publicly, joyfully, and without fear — for generations to come! “Merry Christmas. It’s okay to say it.”

    If you hear of instances of hostility toward Christmas expression, please let ADF know. The ADF provides resources for government and public school authorities laboring under the misimpression they must censor Christmas. You can contact ADF at (1-800-TELL-ADF ) for a copy of their legal analysis and memo on rights of seasonal expression at Christmas. We want to inform public officials about the law, and then encourage them to take a stand for Christmas.

    www.alliancedefensefund.org

    The Alliance Defense Fund is a Christian legal organization that works to protect and defend traditional family values, religious freedom, and the sanctity of human life. It was founded in 1994 by Dr. James Dobson of Focus on the Family, Dr. Bill Bright of Campus Crusade for Christ, Dr. D. James Kennedy of Coral Ridge Ministries, Don Wildmon of the American Family Association, and Larry Burkett of Crown Financial Ministries, among others. Their prime concern: the dramatic loss of religious freedom and the ability of people of faith to live and share the Gospel. Their headquarters is located in Scottsdale, Arizona (Alliance Defense Fund, 15333 N. Pima Road Suite 165, Scottsdale, AZ 85260, 480-444-0020).

    P.S. The American Family Association produces an annual "Naughty and Nice" list of retailers and other companies that avoid, ban, or use the term "Christmas" in their advertising. Check out their current list at this link: http://action.afa.net/Detail.aspx?id=2147486887

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