Posted on 12/04/2018 11:43:08 AM PST by Pining_4_TX
We are facing the end of dialogue. At least, it can seem that way in our polarized society. Disagreement has sharpened, and healthy debate diminished. Who isn’t angry about cultural issues and political developments? Too irritated to consider other viewpoints, many are turning instead to social media or news outlets that support their own positions. This tense atmosphere makes gospel communication difficult. And, of course, another significant communication barrier is simply religious ignorance. We can no longer assume that our neighbors are familiar with Scripture and Christ. As we lose these points of contact, spiritual conversations become more challenging.
A Remaining Touchpoint At this time of year, however, we are reminded of one touchpoint that remains. Christmas is, or involves, a bit of residual Christianity in our social fabric. It will likely keep its place for some time because people enjoy Christmas. It offers not only gifts and food, but the chance to reconnect and remember what is important—an often nostalgic sentiment expressed in productions from It’s a Wonderful Life to How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The day feels meaningful to people with or without a trip to church.
Retailers also help to perpetuate the importance of December 25. According to them, that’s our shopping deadline! They have an interest in keeping Christmas a distinct part of the “happy holidays.” Crèches or cards with nativity scenes, perhaps with carols playing in the background, all help to keep the story of Christ’s birth in people’s minds. (Maybe the commercialization of Christmas has an upside.)
A Gospel Summary We can be grateful that a basic knowledge of Jesus’s birth remains in our culture because the nativity puts the great themes of the gospel on display. As God introduces his Son to the world, he also lays out major motifs of redemption.
(Excerpt) Read more at opc.org ...
Christmas is pagan, and getting worse and worse every year. Christians should not participate in this.
The OPC, as a descendant of the Puritans, should surely recognize this?
You entirely missed the point of the article.
As long as Christians are not worshiping the symbols of Christmas, I think it’s a matter of Christian liberty. If Christmas or Easter is a means of getting someone to come to church and hear the Word of God being preached (as opposed to some fancy show, leftist tripe, 10 steps to a better life, etc.), then may the Lord bring them in. It might be the only time some people will hear the gospel.
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