Have you ever noticed how we sometimes get caught up in the little things and forget that which is really important?
We have a saying:
“Remember to keep the main thing the main thing.”
I propose we do that for Christmas. There are those who want to talk about whether Christmas is a pagan holiday and therefore we should stay away. There are those who get wrapped up in talking about Christmas trees being a sign of pagan worship. There are those who want to discuss who the magi were-are they astrologers, stargazers, pagans, or those who remember the teachings of Daniel? And the star. Did it shine so bright the magi just knew to find it or did it literally lead them? When the magi came to see Jesus was He in the stable or a house?
Frankly, those are little things which do not affect the truth of the Christmas story in any way, shape, or form. You see…if our enemy can get us to focus on the side issues, he can get us from thinking about what Christmas is really all about: the holiness and love of God, the sin of man, the need for Jesus to humble Himself, and the salvation as a result.
Here is my suggestion: let’s put aside our peripheral issues and let’s really focus on why there was a need for a baby in the manger and why that has EVERYTHING to do with why we celebrate Christmas.
True fact: A baby born in a manger was God in the flesh who came to save us from our sin.
Therein should be our praise and our focus.
Amen, Bill!!!! Amen!!!!
Thank you Diane. It is good to hear from you.
Isn’t it interesting how Satan does just as you describe… and he really never uses a different tactic. Takes the truth, twists it just enough, then convinces us that the twist is more important than the truth. Same tactic, different setting, person, place, and time, every-time.
You state it well, lets keep the main thing the main thing and not get caught up on the periphery… on the unknowns… on the downright lies…
Let’s keep our focus on the truth. the word, on Jesus.
You state it well Ryan. I especially like your last line. I say “Amen” to that.
May we all simply focus on Jesus.
Blessings, Bill!
Amen Martha.