False Worshippers

Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too! (Matthew 2:8, NLT)

Herods by the score sit in the pews of many churches today. Outwardly, they appear devout and deeply religious, but inwardly they are living a lie. They don't know God. They don't have a relationship with Him. They may sing the songs and give to the offering. They may do all the right things, but it doesn't mean they are true worshipers, because God looks on the heart.

If your life is not right with God when you come to worship Him, not only does it fail to please God, but it is offensive to Him. What does God see in your heart? There are plenty of false worshipers today. Are you a true one?

What's the Point of Christmas?

I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. (Luke 2:10, NLT)

On a December day back in 1903 at Kitty Hawk in North Carolina, Orville and Wilbur Wright, after numerous failures to fly a heavier-than-air machine, made amazing history. They achieved something that no man had ever done before. Ecstatic, they sent a telegram to their sister Katherine: "We have actually flown 852 feet. Will be home for Christmas."

Overjoyed, Katherine ran down to the local newspaper and pushed the telegram--the greatest news story of the new century--into the hand of the editor. After reading it, he smiled and said, "Well, well! How nice the boys will be home for Christmas."

How sad it is that so many miss the full meaning of Christmas in that they have never thanked Jesus for dying for their sins, nor accepted the most profound and precious Christmas gift ever given ... the gift of the Savior and his pardon for all their sins and his gift of eternal life.

From Day Lighters by Nico Bougas with thanks to Dick Innes for this story. Available from amazon.com

Persecution at Christmas

Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies." (Hebrews 13:3, NLT)

Christmas is a wonderful time when Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christian faith. But as we sing carols and go to church, we ought to spend time remembering and praying for Christians all over the world who can't even begin to enjoy the religious freedom we take for granted.

There are countries where it's completely illegal to be a Christian, where turning to Christ if you are born into another faith is an invitation to be murdered by your neighbours. From North Korea to Saudi Arabia, followers of Christ are in daily peril for death for their faith. In other countries, being a Christian is the surest way to get fired from your job or denied access to education.

Christians have faced persecution since the Book of Acts. But as we enjoy our own Christmas, it is a great reminder to remember those who live in fear, simply for practicing their faith.