I was reading an article on www.cnn.com this morning, titled, “When Bedford Falls Becomes Pottersville.” It’s a comparison to the well-known Christmas movie, It’s a Wonderful Life, and the way that our nation continues to try to eliminate Christianity, and in the process, makes it more like “Pottersville” every day. Here is a little excerpt:
These days, there is a lot of talk about religion – Christianity in particular – and its role in public life. Whether it is protesting Nativities, the debate over “In God We Trust” as our country’s motto or the controversy surrounding the public faith of Tim Tebow, a national discussion is taking place on what the present and future role of Christianity in America should be. The consensus among the secular elites seems to be that it is a bit like smoking: It is harmful, but if you must do it, do it in the designated areas only. Richard Dawkins, the Oxford scientist and atheist provocateur, calls Christianity a “mental virus” that should be eradicated.
The professor should be more careful in what he wishes for. Like many others, he grossly underestimates the degree to which his own moral and intellectual sensibilities have been informed by the Judeo-Christian worldview.
The author goes on to discuss how Jesus said that we, as Christians, are the salt of the earth, “a people whose presence are felt for the good things that they do.”
As I finished reading the article, I began to scan the comments to the article–at which point there were more than 700. I didn’t get through more than about 10-15, and my spirit sank. Comment after comment rudely chided the author for singling out Christianity and extolling its virtues. The comments were clear indications of the state of many of the souls in our nation. It is a dark world and getting darker. If it were not for the Light of the World within us, there would be nothing to pierce this thick and thickening blackness.
On this Christmas Eve, take a moment to remember how truly blessed we are as Christians. Praise our wonderful and most holy God for the gift of His Son, the Light of the World, Bread of Life, Living Water, Lamb of God, Wonderful Counselor, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. We who have come to know Jesus and have asked Him to be our Savior, are the most blessed of all creation. We have been made to be children of God, and inheritors of His kingdom.
He is our husband, father, provider, guide, counselor, friend and lover. Praise Him for all that He is, was, and ever shall be. Praise Him that He has given us life, real life in this world, and eternal life in the next. Praise Him who calls us “the beloved of His soul.”
Praise Him for drawing us to Himself, and for granting us authority to use His infinite power in our world today.
And if you do not know Him, but are feeling the tug toward Him, it is His everlasting arms reaching out for you. Run into them and know the Wonderful Life that we, as Christians, know.
May you all have a blessed Christmas, safe, secure and ever so blessed in the arms of God.
