"The innocent native who never hears of Christ is in excellent shape, and we need not be anxious about his redemption. The innocent person doesn’t need to hear of Christ. He has no need of redemption. God never punishes innocent people. The innocent person needs no Savior; he can save himself by his innocence."
"The Old Testament, in spite of its manifestations of the wrath of God, remains a history of God’s grace and long-suffering with a rebellious people. There is wrath unparalleled in the New Testament and grace overwhelming in the Old Testament. A false dichotomy between the Testaments is foreign to the biblical writers themselves." - R.C. Sproul, "Reason to Believe"
Christmas is about a baby that grew up to be a King and threw himself in our place to satisfy God's wrath. - as paraphrased by Paul Washer.
As we celebrate Christmas this season, let us never forget that its not about materialism or even the traditions we have etched in our minds from childhood. As Christians, we aren't really even called to celebrate the holiday per Biblical mandate. That's not to say, however, there's anything wrong with Christians lifting praise up to God as we celebrate the season. After all, we shouldn't ever cease in lifting our praise up to the Lord in all we do while we are here in the world.
If you can celebrate or recognize the holiday in good conscience, my bid to you is - Merry Christmas! If you can't celebrate or recognize the holiday in good conscience, my bid to you is - God bless you brother/sister! Never violate your conscience and sew the seeds that yield a hard heart. I not only respect your conviction but encourage you to continue to follow after the Spirit.
God bless all my brothers and sisters in Christ. I love you all very much. If you are reading this and you haven't received the Holy Spirit, then my love goes out to you as well. My hope for you is for God to open your eyes, ears and heart and receive the conviction of the Gospel so that you may believe. With God, nothing is impossible and there is a reason you're reading this right now at this very moment. There is no coincidence, only God's will.
