I thought I would re-post this article as I am still reading a lot of utter nonsense about Christmas!
It amazes me on how much can come out of the Miracle of Christmas. How so many people and faiths show their true colors, including the worldview/religion of Atheism and Paganism. The confusion is so deeply rooted that I find that even Christians don’t know what to make of the Holiday. Just recently I was in a room with several atheists (I would presume atheists) that felt it was ok to openly criticize how” stupid” Christians are to celebrate December 25th as that was the birthday of Mithras, and he was born of a virgin…etc. Well, very little research is necessary to see that the “myth” of Mithras is quickly brought into light as a “myth” and all other written myth facts on other mythical beings as stated in the documentary “Zeitgeist” et al. are erroneous and just plain lies from the producers. Mithras was written to be “born out of a stone”, according to that myth. If not bold face lies, then adequate research was not done and was a direct attack on Christianity.
Yes, it is true that the Bible does not tell us to celebrate December 25th as Christ’s birthday and you will likely not find a Theologian that would say that it is. In theory, Christ’s date of birth is thought to have been during the spring harvest. In fact, nowhere in the Bible say we must celebrate it. However, that does not mean we cannot celebrate our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!
What has spurned on this article is the brashness of how the Antichrist Atheists and Pagans openly will throw around such vitriol. If I was just to walk into a room and started mocking homosexual or racial slurs in a room where I did not know the cultural, religious or racial makeup of the crowd, I could be sued out of my dungarees!
I honestly believe that as Christians we should keep our eyes on our Lord Jesus. Why do we as Christians not stand up in allegiance to this onslaught? Is it in our character to let it go? Jesus taught us to love, humility, sacrifice, and forgiveness. How should we respond? “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places,” Eph 6: 12
Peter wrote about the persecution.
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; 13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation. 14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15 By no means let any of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; 16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? 19 Therefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.” 1 Peter 4: 12-19
We are clearly in the end times. Persecution and yes, MURDER of Christians will exponentially rise as it did in the past. So how are we to handle this? 1 Peter 3: 13-17 says it all.
“And who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, 15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; 16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.”
Christianity is a real threat to their ways of the world. Don’t kid yourself! Keep your eyes on the cross!
Remember to be ready to make a defense to everyone as Peter wrote. Christian Apologist Greg Koukl uses what he coins as “The Columbo Tactic”, that is when confronted by an attack or accusation start by asking the question, “What do you mean by that?” then you can follow up by “How did you reach that conclusion?” After those probing questions, you will find their argument will not hold up, or at least getting them to think, thus dropping a pebble in their shoe.
Remember that Christian Persecution is rampant and that it is as a general open season on Christians. Please don’t forget to pray for the persecutors and always keep Christ your primary focus. As the scripture that Peter wrote:
“And who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, 15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts…”
Merry Christmas! Stay on guard! Glorify Christ in all you do! AMEN!
Brian Mason December 15, 2011
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