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Should Christians get involved in supporting or celebrating Christmas? Have you ever heard that argument? Why in the world would Christians want to get involved in something that was really a “pagan holiday,” that we the Church co-opted? So for those critics, I have three points.
Number one: Do you give your kids birthday gifts? You celebrate your kids birthdays, why not celebrate the birth of the Savior? If we’re not going to do it now, when would you decide to do it? That would be a question.
Secondly, in 1st Corinthians 9:22, Paul says, “I became all things to all men, that by all means I may win some.” I can’t think of a time, and I doubt that you could think of a time in the year when there is more focus on the birth of Jesus Christ. Once a year, the world is confronted with the reality of His coming. And I think that’s great!
The third point is in Matthew 16:18,where Jesus said, “On this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” The idea is not that we are holding out against the world. The idea is that we are assaulting a world and they cannot overwhelm us. They cannot withstand the assault of the Church. The very fact that you and I are here, 2000 years after the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, is evidence of that. The world has done everything it can to squash the message, destroy the Word, and intimidate believers. Yet, all around the world today there are those who are singing praise, spreading the Word and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. So, if we co-opt or take over Christmas, that’s what we’re supposed to do. We’re supposed to seize the gates of the enemy. This is why we’re here and why this season is so important.

Gene Cunningham - January 8, 2000

The Divine Mentor #5

Psa 23:1-6 He is our Shepard -- we have a personal relationship with Him (Heb 12:1). No matter how we get wounded He has purpose (Job. 5:8-19). "..though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I'll fear no evil". We meet our fears with faith (Psa 56:3). We fear no evil because: (1) God works all things together for our good if we love Him (Rom 8:28, Gen 50:20); (2) 1Co 10:13 says there is no trial too great for us to bear; (3) 1Pe 1:6-9 says every trial can purify our faith; (4) Rom 8:31 and Rom 8:37 say that all sufferings are designed for blessing; (5) Eph 6:10-18 says if we are dressed in the armor of God; (6) 1Pe 3:13-15 those that follow good cannot be harmed. "for You are with me". Jesus Christ will never turn His back on us (Heb 13:5-6, Rom 8:38-39); we have His Spirit in us as evidence. Psa 84:5-12 - Blessed are we whose strength is Him, and whose heart is set on being with God (1Pe 2:11). The experience of believers (Psa 84:7) is "strength to strength", "faith to faith", and from "glory to glory" (2Co 3:18, 2Co 4:16-17). Psa 23:4 "Your rod and staff comfort me" refers to protection and discipline (Heb 12:5-11).

Scripture References: Romans 8:37, Psalms 23:4, Psalms 23:1-6, Romans 8:31, Psalms 84:7, Genesis 50:20, Psalms 84:5-12, Romans 8:28, Romans 8:38-39, Psalms 56:3, Hebrews 13:5-6, Job 5:8-19, Ephesians 6:10-18, Hebrews 12:5-11, Hebrews 12:1

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