By Douglas V. Gibbs
According to a study, most Americans celebrate Christmas. Unfortunately, part of that celebration for many Americans does not include the Nativity Story that recounts the Biblical account of Jesus Christ's birth. I understand that much of the Christmas Holiday has been poisoned by pagan symbolism, and that Jesus was actually believed to have been born in the Spring. But that's not the point. Christmas is the day of the year set aside to celebrate His birth, so it is on Christmas that we do so.
Unfortunately, our freedom to celebrate Christmas, or not celebrate Christmas, or debate over whether or not Christmas has been hijacked or not, is not a freedom that is shared the world over. The simple task of worship is being persecuted the world over.
Christians around the world must celebrate the Christmas holiday in a quiet fashion, hiding their festivities from a government, or terror groups, that will kill them for simply having their celebration of Jesus' birth in the first place. In Iraq, for example, the Christian population has been rapidly dwindling because of bombings and other forms of persecution.
Al-Qaeda has published declarations that it is their goal to drive all Christians out of Iraq.
Islam's goal is to wipe out all of Christianity worldwide.
However, despite the persecution, Christians still celebrate Christmas. Persecution of the church has made these people stronger, more determined, and steadfast in their faith.
In the attempt to wipe out Christianity, the enemy always winds up making the church stronger. Christians refuse to be victims, and they continue to follow their faith, despite the persecution.
Despite the fear, Christians move forward, though with careful steps. They remain in these countries that persecute them, as well, for if there was no Christian presence, how could the good news of salvation continue to be spread?
We must remember that Joseph and Mary themselves faced great difficulties, not only from the Roman government, but from their fellow Jews. Mary was accused of being an adulteress for carrying a child that was not Joseph's. And then, because of the call for a census, the couple had to go to Bethlehem, as predicted in Malachi, finding themselves without a place to stay, leaving Mary to give birth to Christ in a stable.
And after that, they not only were homeless, but because Herod knew by Scripture that the King of the Jews had been born, Joseph and Mary had to flee for their lives. They were homeless fugitives, who moved to a foreign land just to remain alive.
As Christians in America who still have the freedom to worship without fear of death or imprisonment. It is important for us, when we join together during this Christmas season, to pray for our Iraqi brothers and sisters in Christ (and for all of those Christians persecuted around world). Theirs is a faith beyond the understanding of most onlookers, but as fellow Christians, it is so important for us to lift them up in daily prayer.
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
Christian aspect missing from Christmas celebrations - OneNewsNow
The story of Christmas and King Herod - Renew America
Iraqi Christians caught in grim circumstances - OneNewsNow
INDONESIA: HOUSE CHURCHES CLOSED - Voice of the Martyrs
EDITORIAL: Crucifying Christians on Christmas: The faithful face persecution in many Muslim lands - Washington Times
Bethlehem: Souvenir sellers stop selling crosses for fear of offending Muslims - Jihad Watch
Indonesia: Muslim Council says Christmas decorations at malls "a little too much" (One wonders if Amidhan Saberah of the Indonesian Council of Ulema ever said that the burnings of churches and terrorizing of Christians in Indonesia was "a little too much." Or is it just reindeer and twinkly lights that make him emotional?) - Jihad Watch
UK: Muslim group launches "Christmas is evil" poster campaign - Jihad Watch
On the Eve of Christmas Muslim Persecution Threatens Minority Christian Communities say experts - Red County
Growing Persecution of Christians in India - Catholic Online
Christians senselessly tormented by extremists in Muslim world - CNN
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