If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent us an entertainer. But our greatest need was forgiveness, so God sent us a Savior.
Trevor Thomas . . ."We work hard at keeping Christ the center of Christmas. We've cautioned our children that "traditions" often can distract us from the profound Truth that Christmas presents. In addition, those who hate the real meaning and message of Christmas will go to great lengths to keep us from this Truth.
Thus, as is almost always the case, at this time of year, we must endure again the "War on Christmas." Why wage a war on Christmas? Is the birth of Jesus really that scary? Yes, it is. In fact, whether we would admit it or not, each of us, whether privately or publicly, at one time or another, has waged a "war on Christmas."
Sometimes it's as subtle as Clark Griswold at the end of the film Christmas Vacation. While staring at what he thinks is the Christmas star, with the typical Hollywood drivel, Clark declares, "That's all that matters tonight. It's not bonuses or gifts or turkeys or trees. You see, kids, it means something different to everybody; now I know what it means to me." The moment is supposed to warm our hearts, but instead it's just another lie about Christmas.
"We lie about Christmas because the real meaning and message of Christmas make us confront a frightening truth. Christmas means one thing and one thing only. As C.S. Lewis put it, Christmas is the story of how the rightful king has landed.
"When Jesus stood before Pilate, just prior to going to his execution, the Roman governor asked Him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" After some discussion Pilate concluded to Jesus, "You are a king, then!" Jesus answered him: "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world.' " . . .
Sad that we have to ask this: Is There No Longer Room in America for the Christ Child and His Family?
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