BBD 12.06.05 Of Holidays and Trees
Posted by: wrather <wrather@...>
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The Burning Bush Devotional
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12.06.05
Of Holidays and Trees
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of
your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect
will of God. - Romans 12:2.
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is
from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by
God. - 1 Corinthians 2:12.
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. - 1 Corinthians 3:19a.
And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you
once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince
of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of
disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts
of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were
by nature children of wrath, just as the others. - Ephesians 2:1-3.
(See also: Philippians 2:14-16; Colossians 2:7-9; 2 Timothy 4:12; James
1:27; James 4:4; 2 Peter 1:4; 2 Peter 2:20; 1 John 2:14-17; 1 John 3:13; 1
John 4:4-6; and, 1 John 5:4-5.)
Happy Holidays!! Or, would you prefer "Merry Christmas!!" I hope you do read
the rest because there is currently a controversy about the use of the
greeting, "Happy Holidays," instead of the traditional, "Merry Christmas."
Wal-Mart and Target are persisting in their directives to employees to use
the greeting "Happy Holidays," instead of "Merry Christmas." Lowes was
selling "Holiday Trees," however; they have now decided that their trees are
actually, "Christmas trees." At Auburn University, their Christmas tree ban
was initiated with a Christmas tree burning. Now they only have Holiday
trees. Also, this Christmas season there is a new type of Christmas tree, an
upside down tree. The reasoning behind this tree by one retailer is
described this way, "The inverted shape makes it easier to see ornaments
which hang away from the dense needles, allowing more room for the
accumulation of presents underneath."
It does appear that our Christmas traditions are under greater attack this
year than ever before. The world is offended by the mere mention of the
word, "Christmas." The world demands that Christmas in every form be
expunged from our vocabulary and symbols. The upside down Christmas tree is
so innocuous and yet it represents the insidiousness of the attack of the
world upon all of Christianity.
For some the upside down cross is just as innocent as that of the upside
down Christmas tree and is a symbol of humility. This is based upon the
apostle Peter's reported refusal (according to tradition) to be crucified in
the same manner of Christ preferring to be crucified upside down. However,
for those of the world and the forces of evil the upside down cross is an
emblem of Satanism. According to exposingsatanism.org the upside down cross,
"Symbolizes mockery and rejection of Jesus. Necklaces are worn by many
satanist's." There is also a proliferation of occult stores and websites
selling a wide selection of upside down crosses. Do your own search on
Google or another search engine and you will find a massive amount of
similar information. The world has appropriated the upside down cross as its
anti-Christian symbol. My point? I believe there is a similar symbolism that
the world wishes to portray with the upside down Christmas tree.
Christmas is under attack there can be no doubt about that. The question for
us is whether or not we will be conformed to the will of the world. Or, will
we seek the wisdom of the Spirit of God for the renewing of our minds
rejecting the spirit and wisdom of this world? This Christmas we really do
have a choice and the privilege of being His witnesses. It may result in
persecution, and it may result in ridicule but what joy in being counted
worthy to follow in the footsteps of our Lord!
Merry Christmas!!
Copyright © 2005. Ed Wrather. Permission is given for use of the devotionals
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