Another festive season is upon us.
People are busy with Christmas shopping and wishing each other "Merry
Christmas". Our so called 'Western' societies are getting ready to
celebrate Christmas once again.
Most 'Western' societies have been
founded on Christian principles. Christian principles have come from God's Holy
Bible. The freedom and liberties we have in our 'Western' societies have come
about due to one man. His name is Jesus Christ! The very word Christian denotes
a follower of Christ. However there are many nominal
Christians, but they in reality do not follow Christ. They subscribe to creeds
and follow traditions; rather than follow the person of Christ.
As I sit and reflect on these matters, I
am forced to realise how different our lives would be if Jesus Christ had not
come to save mankind.
The world that Jesus Christ was born
into was a vastly different scenario to today's world. There were no 'Christian' countries. The
Roman Empire ruled the known world. Rome worshipped idols; as did all other
countries except Israel. Rome also ruled Israel.
It has been noted that one third of the
population ruled by Rome were slaves; under the absolute control of their individual
masters. The Romans were a cruel and oppressive nation. They ruled with an iron
rod.
If Jesus Christ had not come and died
willingly on the cross at Calvary we would all be heathens and pagans. Many of
us would be slaves!
We should all count our blessings and
praise God if we live in a so called Christian country. Slavery has been
abolished in these countries.
As you celebrate Christmas this year;
remember it is not about a stocky, bearded gentleman in a red suit. Christmas
is to celebrate the birth of the Saviour, Christ the Lord. Without Him you
would not be celebrating Christmas, or enjoy the liberty and freedom we have in
our Western societies.
Enjoy this time of the year, with your
family and friends; and give thanks to God for the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.
May you truly experience God's blessings
this Christmas.
Jon
Peasey
Biblical
Perspectives blog www.jon-peasey.blogspot.com
[All Scriptures quoted are from the New
King James version; unless otherwise noted. Words in [ ] are inserted for clarity. Words in bold type emphasise a point.]
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