Posted by
Corthell on Wednesday, December 23, 2009 5:45:10 PM
''Sinners are not entitled to God’s love and blessing in their lives. It is death that we deserve for our sin. The justice of God toward rebellion is His wrath. If we were to have a “just” Christmas, which frankly, is an oxymoron, there would be no one left alive to celebrate it.'' In a
recent article, The Christian Post reported: “Willow Creek Community Church is asking Christ followers to make some new Christmas traditions this year.”
Beyond gift exchanges, family portraits and Christmas carols, the South Barrington, Ill., megachurch proposes serving the impoverished, visiting the lonely, and caring for the stranger to make it a more "just" Christmas.
"Just Christmas" is the title of the prominent church's latest sermon series. The more than 22,000 attendees are being asked to look at their city and see how things can be made right so the love of Christ shines through.
“Just” is a curious word to associate with Christmas. After all, making things “right” in the world implies that a wrong was committed; but as I understand the scriptures and the fall of man, it is God that was wronged, not you, me, the “impoverished,” the “lonely” or the “stranger.”
So, why then is Willow Creek calling for a “just” Christmas?
Why not a generous Christmas or a compassionate Christmas?
Serving others is certainly appropriate for the followers of Jesus Christ, but since many non-Christians are involved in similar efforts around the world, it is clear to me that one does not have to be a “Christ follower” to help with the physical and emotional needs of others. The Bible does, however, teach that we are justified by faith; and without faith, it is impossible to please God, even with our good works. http://www.newswithviews.com/PaulProctor/proctor196.htm