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Topic:
Worship The Right Child For The Right Reason
What is the cheerful message of Christmas all about? I knew the
answer; I have taught it at church every year and written about it every
December. It is articulated in our Christmas plays. Christmas is the
reason I became a pastor. A child was born to be my Savior. I owe Christ
everything. It is that simple.
My testimony should tell of the impact Jesus has on my life. I try so
hard to make the point that Christmas is not about presents, or a tree
the Greeks thought was brought by angels, or red, white and green lights
illuminating houses all over the world, but I still end up in lines
fighting to please my children, adhering to the Christmas list as much
as possible.
How did we get from wise men bearing gifts for the King to parents
who willingly become debt-laden in order to bear gifts for their
children? Every year parents struggle, taking money out of savings,
working overtime and doing whatever it takes to please the materialistic
mentality we've instilled in our kids over the years.
A website named "Christmas Around the World" confirms my
fears:
-- In Ireland: "children often put out Christmas sacks instead
of stockings. It is tradition to leave mince pies and a bottle of
Guinness out as a snack for Santa."
-- In Spain: "Papa Noel delivers his presents by climbing up
balconies. On January 6, the three wise men come to visit and also leave
gifts for the children."
-- In Italy: "on the evening of the day after Christmas,
children are visited by a good witch named Strega Buffana. She flies
around Italy on a broom and leaves treats for good children and coal for
naughty children."
-- In Austria: "on December 6, Heiliger Nikolaus (St. Nicholas)
rewards good children with sweets, nuts and apples. On December 24, the
Christ Child brings presents and the Christmas tree for the children.
The children wait until they hear a bell tinkling. Then they enter a
special room where the Christmas tree is waiting all decorated with
candles, ornaments and candies. The whole family sings Christmas carols
and wishes each other [a Merry Christmas]."
The evidence for "child worship" goes on and on. Rarely
does it focus on the right child and the right reason. Aside from the
debt often incurred during this time through bad financial decisions,
the "I wish I could have done more" feeling of guilt sets in
after we watch the kids tear through 20 gifts in five minutes. It never
really seems to be fulfilling, especially when we can't find half of the
toys and gifts a month later. Yet we do it every year.
Christmas celebrated for the right reason with the right motives
should turn wise parents from shopping lines and dwindled bank accounts
to Jesus Christ the King. A wonderful gift of salvation has already been
given, and a wise parent would travel to be where the King resides,
bearing a meaningful gift of time with Him.
Ending child worship and beginning God worship would be an admirable
thing, especially in light of God's Word to "suffer the children to
come unto me." Teach your children to run to Jesus and let your
King enjoy His children (that includes you) this Christmas. Our King
resides in believing, humble, serving hearts.
Michael Romero oversees the bilingual ministries of Riverside Baptist
Church in Denver.
Attribution:
Title: Worship The Right Child For The Right Reason
Data Source: Baptist Press, Http://www.baptistpress.org/
Article Author: Zig Ziglar
Fair Use. Presented
for educational purposes only.
If these words have been a blessing, please forward them to a friend
These words were posted at one of Shepherd's Care Ministries Sites
called Wisdom Minute. This site is located at:
http://www.findthepower.com/wisdomminute
Shepherd's Care Ministries Main Site located at:
http://www.findthepower.com/ |
