I did want to come back and state that some things are good about Christmas even with all the aforementioned issues.
It is sad that Charles Shultz the originator of cartoons depicting Christ later on became a humanist (his most memorable scene was Linus dropping his security blanket when he read the scriptures about Christ's birth realizing it brought comfort beyond this world). There are some rather generic movies about Christmas; either classic or new versions which at least mention the Scriptures on the birth of Christ.
My point is that in some ways this is the most difficult time of year to get a clear Gospel message through when there are family expectations; obligations and overall distractions. The kids are home from school and of course are conditioned to expect some material item for Christmas; while adults often in limbo vacillating between asking not to receive anything to promote some sort of humility and giving something out a sense of obligation. Maybe that's just my experience...
It would seem that someone going to a church service who currently is a family member that is a nonbeliever would have less chance than a normal Sunday to hear a message of conviction; and the usual narrative of Christ's birth although it sometimes is prefaced or followed by a brief mention of His atoning sacrifice usually is comfortably predictable for those who come on this rare once a year occasion (perhaps coming back Easter).
I certainly don't want to be too much of a downer here. Even if I don't feel the need to celebrate in this manner; I want to be thankful for any gifts and pray that I send cards to those He would have me send them to as well as some extra money for those He would have me support as a common courtesy. That being said; I often do things other times of the year in that regard when these funds tend to be depleted.
In conclusion; if He comes to take us out before year's end I won't complain even if it ruins someone's plans.
It is sad that Charles Shultz the originator of cartoons depicting Christ later on became a humanist (his most memorable scene was Linus dropping his security blanket when he read the scriptures about Christ's birth realizing it brought comfort beyond this world). There are some rather generic movies about Christmas; either classic or new versions which at least mention the Scriptures on the birth of Christ.
My point is that in some ways this is the most difficult time of year to get a clear Gospel message through when there are family expectations; obligations and overall distractions. The kids are home from school and of course are conditioned to expect some material item for Christmas; while adults often in limbo vacillating between asking not to receive anything to promote some sort of humility and giving something out a sense of obligation. Maybe that's just my experience...
It would seem that someone going to a church service who currently is a family member that is a nonbeliever would have less chance than a normal Sunday to hear a message of conviction; and the usual narrative of Christ's birth although it sometimes is prefaced or followed by a brief mention of His atoning sacrifice usually is comfortably predictable for those who come on this rare once a year occasion (perhaps coming back Easter).
I certainly don't want to be too much of a downer here. Even if I don't feel the need to celebrate in this manner; I want to be thankful for any gifts and pray that I send cards to those He would have me send them to as well as some extra money for those He would have me support as a common courtesy. That being said; I often do things other times of the year in that regard when these funds tend to be depleted.
In conclusion; if He comes to take us out before year's end I won't complain even if it ruins someone's plans.
Agape.
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