Bah Humbug?
Bah Humbug?
Humbug is an old term meaning hoax or jest.
The Atheist Bus Campaign message reads: “There’s probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.”
Some groups claim they are simply trying to give people choices, but it seems to me they are actively trying to recruit people to join in their opinion. If “Religion is the opium of the people” as Karl Marx famously claimed. Then I say leave us to our harmless addiction but apparently the serious practice of Christianity, and holding a Biblical world view in particular, is upsetting to some groups. So we speak softly and put away our sticks.
The protagonist in a novel I’m reading bemoans the state of his marriage and is wondering what it takes to be a good parent in the following quote.
“…whatever counts as normal these days. Two parents who actually love each other might be an interesting and radical beginning, but the mere suggestion that the traditional household might turn out to be good for children offends so many different constituencies that hardly anybody is willing to raise it any longer. Which further suggests, as George Orwell knew, that within a generation or two nobody will think it either. Moral knowledge that remains secret eventually ceases to be knowledge.”
“Though it may still be moral.” (p. 228, The Emperor of Ocean Park, Stephen L. Carter)
Christmas in no hoax, sin is not a quaint anachronistic cliché. BUT if we as Christians are afraid to offend others with our faith freely and publicly expressed, if we choose to be gentle meek and mild by not celebrating the Christ of Christmas all year round because it “offends so many different constituencies” then we are in danger of allowing the world to think Christmas is about Santa Clause and “Holiday Trees”.
Luke 2:8–14 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
This Christmas and in the new year I encourage you to be anything but secretive with your faith. If we as Christians do not worship, celebrate and proclaim Christ to the world, who will? It takes only a generation or two to forget what is no longer spoken. God’s word and God’s people are the cure for the spiritual amnesia that seems to be creeping across our nation and our world.
Celebrate Jesus
Merry Christmas,
Pastor Jim & Sharon
