The Christian Conscience

On the night before Christmas, there’s rejoicing in our house, ‘cause we await Jesus,- not one just visiting our house.

For me there’s always a little sadness at Christmas, when I think of the stockings that were hung, and the plate of cookies and carrots, set by the fireplace.  What was supposed to be a time of joy, turned to sadness, when I found that it was all a deception.  My parents had lied to me.  My “friends” were the ones who told me the truth about Santa Claus.  From that point on in my life, guess who I asked, when I had a serious question about life.  It was my “friends” not my parents.

There’s an important lesson to be learned here.  Studies have been done, in which people were asked, “When is the first time, that you found that you couldn’t trust your parents?” Nearly all replied, that it was when they learned, that their parents had lied to them about Santa Claus.

To lie, is to break one of the most important of the Ten Commandments,- the one about bearing false witness.  Scripture teaches us that it is ok to lie, to prevent a greater evil. 

Examples are Rahab, found in Joshua, Chapter 2, and the Hebrew midwives, found in Exodus, Chapter 1.  However, in the case of Santa Claus, there is no greater evil involved.  There is no excuse for lying about this.

You can tell your children the truth about Santa Claus now, while they still trust you.  Do you want your children to love you, and trust you?  Then, don’t lie to them,- about anything.  Always tell them the truth, about everything.  You won’t have the rebellion that foolish people think is normal.  Even when they become adults, they will love you and trust you.  Be truthful with your children, and they’ll be truthful with you.

An account will have to be given, by those who have mistaught their children.  Scripture commands that we teach our children, not leave it all up to the schools.  Read Deuteronomy 4, 6, and 11.  One of the most important things, that parents are commanded to do, is to truthfully teach their children.  There will be a time of judgment for those who don’t, and foolishly, buy and sell, all the Christmas decorations - most of which are a form of idolatry.

There is one Christmas decoration that is good,- the nativity scene.  The figures shouldn’t be worshiped, because they are just hand crafted items.  However the nativity scene is a reminder of why we celebrate Christmas.

No, Dec. 25 probably wasn’t the exact date of the birth of Christ, but it is the day, on which people, around the world, celebrate the birth of the promised Messiah.  Yes, it was a compromise, between 4th century Christians and the pagans.  But that doesn’t change the fact that Christmas time is now for many, the only time that they are challenged to think of others rather than themselves, and freely give to family and friends.

When people think of Christ and Christmas, they are also reminded that Jesus gave us the best gift of all, the gift of Himself, enduring horrible pain and suffering, so that we would have the choice to be born of God, to serve God, rather than ourselves, and enjoy paradise with Him.

Questions or comments?  Send an e-mail to the address below.

At the Mexico Beach Christian Worship Center, we try to teach the truth about everything, using the Bible as our source.  We don’t pass an offering plate and plead for money, or twist your arm to join.  Plan to check us out this Sunday!  Our services begin, with a time of greeting and fellowship, at 9:30 a.m. CT on Sunday.  TJ leads us in real worship, which begins at 9:45 a.m.  After the service, we have Holy Communion, and invite prayer requests.  We meet at the Mexico Beach Civic Center on 105 N. 31st street, behind Parker Realty, and the Beach Walk gift shop, just off U.S. 98, in Mexico Beach.

God Bless,

Pastor Tim Morrill

Mexico Beach Christian Worship Center

pastor@mexicobeachcwc.com

http://www.mexicobeachcwc.com