Scripture for Today, 12-12-18: Modern 'Christmas'

WAR ON CHRISTMAS
"Understand this: In the last days terrible times will come. v3 when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears."

2 Timothy  3:1, 4:3; Luke 2:11

11-25-2014, * -- Millions of Christians around the world soon will be celebrating the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. In many places, like ancient Bethlehem where Jesus was born, commemorating the birth of the Savior is still the main focus. Unfortunately, the United States has witnessed increased hostility toward the sacred and true history of Christmas, erupting into what has become a blatant war on Christmas.

Stores, schools and communities across America continue to find new and intolerant reasons to remove any religious references to Christmas, stripping it of any holy or historical significance. Christian songs, prayers and other spiritually vital connections to the birth of Christ are deleted or diminished.

The root and core, of the war on Christmas isn't really about Christmas at all—it’s about the Son of God; it’s a war on Christ and His followers. It’s the hatred of our culture for the exclusive claims that Christ made:

"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6

When Christ appeared in Bethlehem 2,000 years ago, to shepherds in the Judean darkness, the angels announced His birth with these stunning words: “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11

Jesus was fully God Who took on human flesh for one reason—to die for our sins, (John 3:18, 36, 17:3). He fulfilled that mission three decades later when He hung on a cross in Jerusalem, was buried, rose again and ascended into Heaven. When Christ returns—His second Coming—it will be entirely different. He’ll come with power and glory as a conquering King who will cast Satan and unbelievers into an eternal lake of fire. (Revelation 19:11; 20:10, 14-15)

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So this Christmas, don’t worry if you see the opposition building. We know that Christ has already made every provision for sinners like us, we can steadily and obediently be about our Heavenly Father’s work testifying of Christ’s power to deliver all who will repent be delivered from sin. (Matthew 10:33; Luke 13:3)

We praise Him that He came to earth 2,000 years ago on a rescue mission; to snatch us from sin and the grave. (Psalm 30:3; Matthew 1:21) The war on Christmas—the war on Christ—is doomed to fail. Christ came the first time as a helpless babe but He is coming a second time to establish His kingdom forever under His righteous reign.

"In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow after their own ungodly desires." Jude 1:18

​*Excerpted and adapted full original message from Rev Franklin Graham here https://billygraham.org/decision-magazine/december-2014/the-war-on-christmas-is-a-war-on-christ/

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