Hmmm...Winter solstice anyone?
The man behind me in line stated, "First they took Christ out of Christmas, now they are also taking the Christmas tree out!"
So true!
I remember the beautiful stamps from years ago that depicted Mary, the mother of Jesus with her Holy Babe in arms. Sigh...those were the days!
Speaking of Mary, this week's Turning Point T.V. Sunday service program was entitled "Why Mary?" It was wonderful!
Dr. David Jeremiah did a great job of pointing out how blessed Mary was to be chosen to bear the Messiah - Jesus Christ - without elevating her above where she belongs in that respect. As always, I highly recommend viewing the service at David Jeremiah.org.
The little skit at the beginning of the program speaks about the controversy that goes on each year between the atheists/agnostics/skeptics (AAS) who hate Christmas displays (like the Nativity scene) and the Christian believers who want to keep Christ in Christmas.
I often think that those who wish to squelch the reality of our Savior entering into the world via the virgin birth in a manger in Bethlehem end up accomplishing just the opposite effect that they intended to do. More people are coming to Christ for salvation today than at any other time in history! The AAS's are in for a BIG surprise on the day that they will be face to face with the risen Savior, Jesus Christ!
They are free to reject Christ now - during the age of grace here on earth - but there is a day coming where EVERY knee shall bow before Jesus Christ.
Every knee shall bow - a Christian perspective
God is the creator and ruler of the universe. Everybody, whether they love God, resist Him, or ignore Him, will ultimately come face to face with His majesty, and will recognize Him for who He is.
http://biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2045:23&version=NIV
Isaiah 45:23 (New International Version, ©2010)
23 By myself I have sworn,
my mouth has uttered in all integrity
a word that will not be revoked:
Before me every knee will bow;
by me every tongue will swear.
Every knee - a Christian perspective
Paul tells the Philippians that Jesus has been exalted to the highest places of honor. He says that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow and tongue confess that Jesus is Lord.
http://biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%202:9-11&version=NIV
Philippians 2:9-11 (New International Version, ©2010)
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Hat tips to all links.