Remember the persecuted
During the holiday season, we in America celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. It is estimated that over 77 percent of Americans celebrated Christmas in some form or another, even those who do not accept Christ as their Lord and Savior. That's down from 92% in 2013. Irrespective, most of us were with family or friends. Most of us attended some form of church service. Most of us exchanged gifts in the comfort of our homes or someone else's house. Most of us broke bread with loved ones and, even if it is brief, experienced the love and the spirit of the birth of Christ.
Certainly there has been a lot written about the war on Christmas. The American Civil Liberties Union and its partners continue to press for their brand of separation of church and state. They file suit against towns for wanting to display nativity scenes. They file suit against schools for wanting to discuss Christmas or have Christmas decorations, sing Christmas songs or even exchange gifts. They have created an atmosphere in the United States where a lot of private businesses are cautious or downright afraid to promote Christmas for fear of some sort of legal retaliation. Christians, offended by this attack, have countered, claiming a form of persecution.
But isn't this how persecution starts? Someone is offended here or there and suddenly an entire segment of the Christmas tradition is removed. In other places of the world, however, Christians want to celebrate Christmas. They may, however, be exchanging smiles instead of gifts because any outward celebration of their Savior's birth could result in their own death or incarceration. China benefits most from America's celebration of Christmas. Its hard to find a gift that's not made in China or even a Christmas light or ornament that doesn't have the Chinese imprimatur stamped on it. But openly worshipping the Lord there could land you in jail-for the rest of your life, given you will be tortured, beaten and starved.
Christian persecution continues around the world--even where Christians respond with love and grace and giving after natural disasters and other catastrophes. We know of pastors in Iran who are imprisoned in the most harsh conditions for their faith in Christ. In Indonesia, where Christians responded with love and kindness after the tsunami there in 2005, Islamists are forbidding their followers from sending Christmas greetings to their Christian neighbors because it is forbidden under Sharia law. Those filled with hate give the gift of death. The present God gives is one of life through His Son Jesus Christ. This Christmas, let us not forget those who are persecuted, for as Jesus said in Matthew 5:10, "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
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