True meaning of Christmas under fire

By Kaye Grogan

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the King, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem saying, "Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him." (Matthew 2:1-2)

It's so sad that many people think that Christmas mainly involves buying the latest gadget or high-tech toy. Every year there is a new toy or electronic in demand. Take for instance: the newly released Nintendo wii console. Anxious people will wait in long lines — sometimes overnight to be there when the retail stores open their doors to preplanned big sales.

Imagine the disappointment after waiting in a long line for hours, only to find out that the person in front of you got the last Elmo available — two days before Christmas.

Christmas is certainly not about the latest toy craze. Gift giving at Christmastime has become so secular, the true meaning has really taken a beating and barely resembles the Christmas seasons 25-30 years ago — much less centuries ago.

We are being told it is offensive to people of other cultures to display Nativity Scenes in public or say Merry Christmas instead of Happy Holidays.

Is this the price we are paying for giving foreigners the opportunity to come to America for a better life?

If the "politically correct" crowd had their druthers — Christmas would be abolished period. But thank goodness Christians are beginning to awaken from their stupor and are gearing up to battle with the anti-Christmas groups — who are headstrong and have a salacious appetite to defeat Christianity.

All through the ages everything imaginable has been instigated to discredit and impede the existence of God, but the attempts thus far have not been rewarded with success. Today — the same type of sceptics are still vigorously fighting to rid society of the God they fear will hinder their pattern of sinful behavior.

You've heard the old saying: "out of sight out of mind" — and this is exactly what the atheists and agnostics are hoping will eventually transpire in the public arena, so they can continue on their mission toward a completely secular world void of God and Christianity.

Are you working to ensure that Christmas traditions remain intact or are you content to sit on the sidelines as your religious freedoms are dwindling away as each day passes?

Baby Jesus

Instead of a beautiful palace Baby Jesus was born in a stable and laid in a lowly manger.

As the Christ child laid sleeping...Mary and Joseph felt impending danger.

In the heavens above everyone was rejoicing and elated.

But they knew as soon as the news broke...the baby would be reviled and hated.

Mary stared in awe at her child and felt love beyond compare.

She knew they must go into hiding, so another journey they must prepare.

Soon news of the Newborn King's birth traveled throughout all the lands.

But instead of widespread joyfulness...many pagan rulers were making assassination plans.

In the distance wise men were preparing for their long journey...to bring Baby Jesus gifts.

They knew it would be challenging to get there through the wilderness and snowdrifts.

As the baby awoke from its long nap Mary fed him and held him tightly in her loving arms.

She knew it was time to take her child and flee...for many wished him great harm.

They followed the guiding star to where they would be safe and secure.

They knew that God would look after them and give them strength to endure.

Now over two thousand years later there are those who still despise to hear of Jesus' birth.

But no matter how they try to attack the true meaning of Christmas...

Once again... the great tidings bring forth great joy and mirth.

© Kaye Grogan