And so it begins...

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV)

I'm going to take a break today from the Thanksgiving devotions.  20 days in and I am finding that there are a limited amount of ways to say, "It is good to give thanks."  I probably have a couple of more in me, but today I want to focus on something else.

Already... before the season has officially begun... I am hearing the complaining and reading the whining on Facebook and blogs from well-meaning Christians:  "It's Merry Christmas; not happy holidays!"  "Keep Christ in Christmas; it's not Xmas."  "My faith is being persecuted because my town hall won't put up a manger scene!"  Christians?  Really?  All I here is... me, me, me, me... it's all about me and what I want... and what I believe... and how I want to celebrate.  I've heard about religious groups that try to make whole countries act according to their beliefs - Richard has spent the last 10 years helping to fight against them.

I stumbled upon a blog by someone who calls himself "fat pastor" the other day.  He wrote about "11 Ways to BE Christ at Christmas."  Number one was great and I am pasting it here.  And then I hope you will go on to read the rest of if by following this link:  http://fatpastor.me/2013/11/15/11-ways-to-bechristinchristmas/

1. Don’t get mad at people when they wish you “Happy Holidays.”  I’m not sure who decided that anger is the right Christian response to a polite greeting from a stranger.  I say “Happy Holidays” all the time.  Is it because I’m a politically correct, overly emotional, too-sensitive, mamby-pamby, liberal pinko who hates Christmas and wants to hang an Obama Tree in my living room?  Maybe, but I’m only a few of those things (I’m not telling which).  I just think it is a nice thing to say.  People that are looking for Christ at the check-out register of Target might be looking in the wrong place.  Frankly, I’m not too interested in finding Christ at my daughter’s public school either.  Check that.  I can find Christ anywhere, but I find it in the heart of my neighbor, not in slogans, signs, or songs.

Lord Jesus,
Sometimes in our love for you, we forget exactly who you are and how you would handle these same situations.  Help us to BE you this Christmas and share your love, even with those who don't believe the same things we do.  Amen.