I wanted to take the time to wish you all a Merry Christmas. I am a Christian and I believe in saying, "Merry Christmas."
This time of year it's hard to know what to say to people. Some people become offended by saying, "Merry Christmas." They want us to say, "Happy Holidays" or "Season's Greetings" or some other form of greeting that doesn't reflect our personal beliefs. My question to you is, how do you handle this? I'd be curious to hear your responses on what you believe should be said this time of year.
Here in Olympia we've been having an interesting time at our capital building. Among the traditional Christmas decorations an atheist has placed a sign stating his/her belief that there is no God, no Angels, no Hell, etc. It has created a pretty big uprising among the Christian community. There were even protests held at the capital against the sign.
My belief is that we live in America and that means we have freedom of speech. My husband fights daily for this freedom. While don't agree with the sign I don't feel it is my place to protest it. I am not here to judge what another person believes. God will be the judge, not me.
History repeats itself and there will forever be non-believers in this world. Acts 14: 2 says, "But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers." There will forever be people of different faiths and different beliefs trying to turn our minds against God. It is how we react to these situations that shows the kind of belief that we have. Acts 19:9 says, "But some of them became obstinate, they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them, He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus." Paul set an example in his actions.
Romans 14:22 says, "So that whatever you believe about these things keep to yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves."
What do you believe?
My prayer: Dear Lord, I praise you. Thank you for giving us free will to come to know and love you by our own choice. We are able to know you in such an intimate and personal way. I pray for those who have found you and love you and ask that you continue to bless their lives. I also pray for those who have not come to find you and do not know your love that they may be led to you and saved. I know you are leading them, help them to open their eyes and see the wonderful things you are doing in their lives. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
This time of year it's hard to know what to say to people. Some people become offended by saying, "Merry Christmas." They want us to say, "Happy Holidays" or "Season's Greetings" or some other form of greeting that doesn't reflect our personal beliefs. My question to you is, how do you handle this? I'd be curious to hear your responses on what you believe should be said this time of year.
Here in Olympia we've been having an interesting time at our capital building. Among the traditional Christmas decorations an atheist has placed a sign stating his/her belief that there is no God, no Angels, no Hell, etc. It has created a pretty big uprising among the Christian community. There were even protests held at the capital against the sign.
My belief is that we live in America and that means we have freedom of speech. My husband fights daily for this freedom. While don't agree with the sign I don't feel it is my place to protest it. I am not here to judge what another person believes. God will be the judge, not me.
History repeats itself and there will forever be non-believers in this world. Acts 14: 2 says, "But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers." There will forever be people of different faiths and different beliefs trying to turn our minds against God. It is how we react to these situations that shows the kind of belief that we have. Acts 19:9 says, "But some of them became obstinate, they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them, He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus." Paul set an example in his actions.
Romans 14:22 says, "So that whatever you believe about these things keep to yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves."
What do you believe?
My prayer: Dear Lord, I praise you. Thank you for giving us free will to come to know and love you by our own choice. We are able to know you in such an intimate and personal way. I pray for those who have found you and love you and ask that you continue to bless their lives. I also pray for those who have not come to find you and do not know your love that they may be led to you and saved. I know you are leading them, help them to open their eyes and see the wonderful things you are doing in their lives. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Comments