Psalm 65:8 – Those living far away fear your wonders; where morning dawns and evening fades you call forth songs of joy. (NIV)

Watching the news the other day, I saw the unveiling of an atheist declaration of unbelief that was placed next to a menorah and a nativity scene. I can't remember in which city this occurred, but I couldn't help feeling sorry for the people who demanded that their own non-religious beliefs be put next to symbols and images of Hanukkah and Christmas. It was like seeing Ebenezer Scrooge come to life.

I guess it made them feel happy and sense that their own dignity was preserved. However, their statements about myths and no gods were farthest from the minds of the people who came to see the baby Jesus in the manger. The atheists had eyes only for a good old-fashioned nativity scene and for the feelings that it evoked. If anything, the atheistic declaration only heightened the spiritual awareness that God exists, and that our Redeemer came into the world 2000 years ago.

It makes me wonder what atheists fear about Christmas. Do they revel in their own misery rather than rejoicing in the mystery of God? Are they expecting folks to go and be fearful, instead of encouraging others to come and be faithful? No matter what they think they have achieved in that city mall, the sounds of hope and laughter, mixed with carols and songs of joy, will continually be heard across the world till the end of time.

So, no matter what the atheists in our society believe or don't believe, Christ is still the King of Christmas and always will be throughout eternity.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we thank You for the laughter and joy we experience each Christmas. We praise You for the warmth of Your Spirit and the wonder of Your birth. We welcome You into our hearts and homes, our towns and cities, our meeting places and shopping malls. Gloria in excelsis Deo! Amen.

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John Stuart <traqair@aol.com>
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
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