Driving home from work tonight through mostly rural Greenville County, I counted eleven churches. I saw no Nativity scenes or any other indication that the celebration of the birth of Jesus was approaching. This is despite the fact that all these churches claim to have a sole mission of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For some unexplained reason, over the years, several important churches have removed any reference to God or Jesus from their signs out front.

What is happening to the organized church? Is it too much trouble to erect a Nativity scene? Are we afraid of offending Muslims or Atheists? Maybe we are just afraid to be bold followers and representatives of Jesus Christ.

This birth to a virgin was a very important event. Had Jesus not been conceived and born the way the Bible portrays, He could not have shed His precious blood that covered all the sins of all who accept Him as Lord and Savior and follow Him. Luke told the Christmas Story in Luke 2: 1-20.

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, into the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5. To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shown round and about them: and they were sore afraid. 10. And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. 12. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 15. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.16. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning the child. 18. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

20. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

If churches do not use the Celebration of the birth of Jesus to promote Christianity, it certainly will not happen outside the church. It was reported that there was only one church that had a float in the Greenville “Christmas” parade this year, and it reportedly had a secular theme. Schools no longer recognize the birth of the Son of God. Christmas holidays have become winter break. The so-called “Christmas Lights” at Roper Mountain Science Center at last report was a secular display.

A resident on Highway 101 North has a legitimate drive through Christmas light display that is open to the public and is free of charge. I am told it is much better than Roper Mountain.

Where have the Nativity scenes gone? I don’t know. I do know, however, that Christians are under attack from the swamps of Louisiana to the jungles and deserts of Africa. If the people who make up the Church – the body of Christ – don’t take a stand outside the walls of their buildings, soon they will not be allowed to speak outside those walls.

Awaken Christians! We are commanded to “go unto all the world,” not hide behind the walls of our man-made structures while Satan rules the world and devours our children and grandchildren.

 

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