Sound The Midnight Cry

“The Christmas Nazi Society – Part Deux”

Well, it’s that time of year again when the “Christmas Nazi’s” come out of the closet to impose their agenda to disrupt if not depose any public display of the Christmas message. In their usual manner, these people are bent on doing everything they can to prohibit anyone from seeing or hearing a ‘religious’ Christmas.

For those people that don’t understand the “Nazi” reference, I refer you to the 116^th episode of NBC sitcom, Seinfeld. The main characters of the show (Jerry, George and Elaine) go out to a soup stand that Kramer (another character—and I mean ‘character’) has been raving about. Its owner is referred to as the “Soup Nazi” due to his temperament and insistence on a strict manner of behavior while ordering. Jerry explains the procedure for ordering which George accepts.

When they get to the soup stand, George follows the procedure but notices that he did not get bread with his soup. Jerry tells him to let it go but he asks for some, and is told he will have to pay for it. George quickly objects claiming everybody in front of him got free bread, and quickly has his money returned and his soup taken back with the catchphrase “No soup for you!” The episode has become a timeless classic from the series.

The term “Nazi” is used as an exaggeration of the excessively strict regimentation the character in the TV show constantly demanded of his patrons. There was no allowance from the demanded protocol and anyone that objected, was quickly ostracized.

For weeks leading up to December 25, scarcely a day goes by that towns, cities, schools and other organizations are presented with a lawsuit by a member of the “Christmas Nazi Society.” They want the named changed to “Happy Holidays”. In actuality, that would apply to every holiday—New Years, Valentine’s Day, and July 4^th among all the others. They want nativities removed, angels taken down, carols banned and even Christmas trees outlawed because of the association of Christmas with Christianity.

This past week in Springhill, Louisiana, plans to include a living nativity scene in the courtyard of the Springhill Branch Library were abruptly stopped. Letha Dew, who is leading the Christmas season planning for the Main Street community program, said library officials refused to permit anything with "religious tones" on the library grounds. The group was told that it applied to not just anything religious based but also “religious sponsored”.  

So the Christmas Nazi Society members are not only obsessed with making sure that everything from public offices to the stores you shop conform to their cultural beliefs, now it applies to anyone that is professes to be ‘religious’.  

King Herod tried to wipe out the “Reason for the Season” before it ever began. For 2000 years, those opposed to the blessed event have tried their best to spread their message of “No Christmas for you”! Yet the angelic words uttered that glorious night continue to transcend the time continuum, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.”

The irony is that the very thing a “Christmas Nazi” fears the most is the good news of a Savior…Jesus Christ. The message from the gift of Heaven is still there for all that will receive it! 

 

“How Can I Give Thanks With All My Problems?”

Wouldn’t it be great to know the outcome of a situation before it ever happens? Many books and movies have been put together on the premise of knowing the future before it comes to pass.

The prophet Isaiah instructs us that biblical prophecy starts at the end and works back to the beginning. Isaiah 46:10 clearly states, “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.”

In 1948, for the first time since Nebuchadnezzar captured Jerusalem (and Daniel) the nation of Israel was revived and restored to the same piece of real estate from which they had been ejected by the Romans in AD 70.

For a nation of ancient times to be conquered, scattered and then restored—has no equal in annals of time.  As incredible a feat that it is, it is even more so the direct and specific fulfillment of Bible prophecy for the last days.

While at the exact same moment in the timeline of Israel, elsewhere six nations of the Benelux formed a cooperative economic union that marked the beginning of the resurgence of the former Roman Empire.  

These two events that we have witnessed are without equal in the chronicles of history. To assume both events happened at exactly the same point in history by coincidence, takes a faith greater than I can muster up.

The world is in a state of chaos and confusion unlike anything in living memory. Uncertainty and fear color every waking moment as we wonder if our world will look the same in the morning as it did when we went to bed the night before.

Our systems and infrastructure are in shambles, people are rioting in the streets, the economy is steadily eroding and everywhere one turns, they are talking about a New World Order. This is not a doom and gloom perspective; all one has to do is honestly assess what is happening to realize the truth.

As much as this is true, if you personally know Jesus Christ (and He knows you) than you have a source of strength, a resource of hope that others are desperately looking for in this day.

Jesus clearly stated for the times in which we live: "Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." (John 14:1-3)

What is unfolding in our world is proof positive that the world is wrong; God is not dead; Jesus Christ remains on the throne and remains intimately involved in the affairs of men. 

The One who was before time began has everything under control—even in your life. The plan of the ages and His plan for those that follow Him will come to pass for He has decreed it and nothing can stop it.

So no matter what problems you are facing today, your future is secure in Him…so give thanks!

 

“A Historic Date—Again!”

It’s a unique date not to be seen again: November 11, 2011 or as it is known on the internet “11/11/11”! And whenever there is a distinctive calendar phenomenon, inquiring minds begin to wonder a possible “hidden” meaning attached to it. (I think we did this last year on 10/10/10).

Mathematicians are quick to note that 11 is the fifth prime number (contrary to popular belief, the number “1” is not a prime number). The base numeric number system lends itself to some interesting peculiarities as relates to the number eleven. Base 10 for example:

• (2 digits) 11 x 11 = 121
• (6 digits) 111111 x 111111 = 12345654321
• (9 digits) 111111111 x 111111111 = 12345678987654321

Okay, I see most of you yawning but it is interesting even if you don’t understand it.

Historians look back (that what historians do) and try to connect any noteworthy event of the past centuries with the current date. I searched online and noted that even when taking into account the differences between the Gregorian and Julian calendars, nothing significant appears to have happened during the year 1111, 1011 or 11. However, I am not a not a historian, so you might take a look yourself.

Then there is the everyday kind of person—folks that talk on the job, at church or other gathering places and share their speculation as to what the importance the date reveals. The majority of people would choose one of the following three outcomes to the meaning of the date 11/11/11:

One - Something good happens. There is no scientific basis for this belief. The belief that something good will happen is usually based solely on one’s religious faith, a natural positive outlook or a ‘gut’ feeling. This belief is not necessarily a bad thing; however, a ‘good feeling’ is not something you can lean on everyday (faith “yes”, good feeling “no”).

Two - Nothing happens. This is the most likely scenario. Why? Just because an unusual string of numbers forms a date on the calendar, doesn’t mean that something extraordinary will happen; the date usually comes and goes.

Three - Something bad happens. Once again, there is no scientific foundation for this belief. The idea that something bad will happen is based solely on superstition or a pessimistic outlook of life. This belief is not necessarily wrong; after all, bad things happen on a regular occurrence. So the probability is not zero,  but again, not something to live your life by.

So at the end of the day, what can anyone learn from this?

Psalms 90:12 says, “So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

That speaks to me that every day is precious. It tells me that every day has purpose—now and for eternity. It tells me to take advantage of every moment of every day knowing that the One who holds tomorrow, is walking with me today. Whether it’s a good day, bad day or just a regular day that transpires, if I live it with the understanding that one day I will give an account for my life, it doesn’t matter what date is on the calendar. It’s when the last day is over that the importance of 11/11/11 (and every other day) will be determined.

So live your life on purpose and with purpose and we’ll do it again on 12/12/12!

 

“When Pure Enough, Isn’t Good Enough!”

I remember as a child a TV commercial for Ivory Soap. They touted how it was 99.44% pure. The idea was that this brand was more pure than any other soap.

The idea behind this was to develop a new marketing angle for the product. Then as now people were impressed by scientific testimonials, and it was decided that if they could present a lab test showing Ivory was "purer" than other soaps, they would win sales.

Trouble was, there wasn't a standard for purity in soap, so an independent scientific consultant in New York to concoct one. Once this was done, a new comparison was done against the leading soap product and it won. The slogan was attached to everything to do with Ivory and a major advertising campaign was born.

Now when it comes to soap, I guess the idea of being 99.44% pure is something to brag about. However, when it comes to other things, that .56% isn’t something to just gloss over such as drinking water. Ask your self, would you purchase and drink a bottle of water that said, “99.44% purified water?” The other .56% of “other things” would make a big difference!

This has been on my mind for over a week since reading in the news Joel Osteen’s response concerning Mormon beliefs. He stated, “I believe that [Mormons] are Christians. ... I don’t know if it’s the purest form of Christianity, like I grew up with.” He affirmed Mormon statements that Jesus is the Son of God and that He is Savior.

Let me state that I am not on a Joel Osteen bashing trip! However, the problem with his statement is that the “devil” is in the details—literally. Mormon theology teaches that Lucifer is Christ's spirit brother, that Jesus' birth was the product of sexual intercourse between God and his daughter Mary. Their central tenet of their faith is: "As Man is, God once was, as God is, Man may become."

As I have stated before, I am not saying that Mormons are not good people. They put great emphasis on moral values and personal character. But their beliefs concerning Jesus Christ are not those found in the Bible, and their understanding of salvation doesn’t reflect the teachings of the New Testament.

It is obvious that it isn’t a matter of being the “purest form of Christianity”—it’s a counterfeit at best. The Apostle Paul warned the believers of his day concerning those that would change the truth.

There’s an old saying of “What you don’t know, won’t kill you.” However, logic says otherwise especially when it comes to poisons, toxins, pollution and contamination. To ingest something that is almost pure is playing with fire. To accept the word of someone based upon their perception of what is okay is foolishness.

Second Corinthians 11:3-4 says, “But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent. You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach a different Jesus than the one we preach…”

It’s time to stop compromising and stand for 100% pure truth and not a watered down opinion that is contrary to the Bible!