OUR DAILY BREAD               Thurs., December 22, 1994
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READ:  John 1:1-14

                BAH!   HUMBUG!

 "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us."

                 - John 1:14

Many Christians do a lot of complaining about Christmas.
"Too commercial," they say.  "It has pagan origins.
We've got to put Christ back into Christmas."  The only
thing they haven't said is, "Bah! Humbug!"

Yes, Christmas has become very commercial.  But as we
purchase and wrap gifts, every present can be a silent
testimony to the supreme gift, God's "only begotten son"
(Jn. 3:16).

Yes, we know that Santa is a myth and that reindeer
don't fly.  It's pure fiction.  But instead of griping
about these nonessentials, which only focuses on them,
we need to call attention to the truth of the Baby who
was born in Bethlehem.

And what about the cry to put Christ back into Christmas?
Well, He never left.  Listen to the words of the carols
heard over and over in stores, malls, and on the streets.
They proclaim more truth in one holiday than many pulpits
do in 3 months.  They put into the minds of young and old
the wonderful truth that "the Lord is come" and that He
is to be adored.

Christmas is not humbug; it's a season of opportunity to
point others to the Savior.  It gives us a chance to say
to friends and loved ones, "Do you know the real meaning
of the season?   I do, because I believe in Christ."

    -- David C. Egner

 Hark! the herald angels sing,
 "Glory to the newborn King;
 Peace on earth, and mercy mild --
 God and sinners reconciled."

   -- Wesley

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           THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
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  To see the real meaning of Christmas,
    Focus on Christ.

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THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  1 John 1-2

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Our Daily Bread, Copyright 1994, used by permission of
Radio Bible Class, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49555, USA.
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