CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS

Yesterday Debbie and I were out shopping.  This time of year, I always get hit with the same wave of discouragement while moving through the stores.

While walking through the Christmas section of a large discount store, I was checking the prices on Christmas lights.  Aisle after aisle were loaded with Santas, reindeer, snowmen, snowflakes, etc., etc.  I couldn't find any symbol that would remotely remind you of the One whose birthday we celebrate!

A few years ago you could occasionally find bells or stars, but they seem to have been put on the 'naughty' list now.  I wasn't able to find a manger scene in this store!  Debbie found one roll of wrapping paper that included the words: "Merry Christmas". 

The One who is the cause of the celebration is being completely removed from the recognition of the day.  The Holy Day has truly become a holiday.

We get cards from Christian friends that say, "Happy Holidays".  We even rode by the house of Christian friends who had "Happy Holidays" in their front yard.  More and more followers of Christ are exchanging greetings with the words:  "Happy Holidays".  Innocent people are buying the mantra of a secular culture!

Sorry!  I don't like to use this vehicle for disparaging rants.  Let's see if I can turn it around?

As for me and my house - we will forever celebrate CHRISTMAS!  My decorations will point to the Savior of the world!  Our cards will always convey a message about the One who offers us the hope of Heaven!  We'll put up a Christmas tree and decorate it with:

• candles and lights to symbolize the light of the world
• shiny balls to symbolize the gift of gold given by the magi
• tinsel to remind us to reflect His love to a needy world
• candy canes - which we call candy J's...for JESUS!!
• bells to remind us to ring out the Good News that a Savior is born!
• stars because of the Star of Bethlehem
• and maybe even a picture of Santa - kneeling at the Manger!!!

You get to make your own choices.  Are you going to advance the secular message or the true message of joy and hope?

2,000 years ago, in the little town of Bethlehem, a baby was born.  This baby was planted in a young Jewish girl named Mary, by the Holy Spirit!  This God-child was the Son of God - the Maker of the universe.  He came to give His life for you and every other person on earth.  His sacrifice for sin opened the way for your salvation.

Proclaim it or ignore it.  Make your choice!