The Hopes of the Wicked

Proverbs 10:28 The prospect of the righteous is joy,  but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.  

            In our part of the world the focus has been on the rush to “Black Friday” shopping.  It’s the time of year when efforts to take “Christ out of Christmas” ramps up. We see nativity scenes being yanked from public areas where they once drew crowds. The celebration of the birth of the Savior of the World is overshadowed by the blaring advertisements for the newest, greatest, and most capable thing we cannot live without in our lives. Oh, excuse me while I check out the online Cyber Monday Deals. ;-)

            Okay I’m back. Now where was I? Oh yes, the take “Christ around Christmas” rant I was on. I’m somewhat sorry about that. But this time of year really causes me irritation over the lack of recognition for what Christmas is really about. The deliberate, and very focused effort to divert our attention away from the true meaning of Christmas is disturbing. As well it should be. We as Christians KNOW what Christmas is really all about. It is not about sales and tinsel and glitter. It’s about celebrating the birth of the Christ Child. It’s about the wonderful gift of salvation given to all who would believe in Jesus. It’s a gift covered in the blood of Christ and in the shape of a tomb opened one Easter Sunday long ago. A tomb that was found to be empty. The empty tomb is wherenthe body of Christ Jesus was lovingly placed there on the day we call Good Friday. And just as he promised, he rose from the dead. His birth, death and resurrection is the hope that all who believe grasp onto. There is hope beyond what we have at this time, in this place and in the short existence we call this life. Friends, that is the very message many seek to hide from public view. I struggle with why there is such a concerted effort to hide the hope and joy that is in Christ? Proverbs 10:28 tells us The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.  It is as if there is someone or something with a purpose and focus bent on keeping the good news from being heard or seen. It is as if someone or something wants to remove from view the hope that is in Christ. Now I wonder who would have an interest in doing something like that? If you haven’t already guessed it, do not be ashamed. Most do not see the deception that Satan throws around the not so subtle effort to go from freedom of religion to freedom from religion. Yet if we take Jesus away, then we put Job 11:20 onto play. “But the eyes of the wicked will fail, and escape will elude them;  their hope will become a dying gasp." That is a path I am not willing to accept of follow. Friends we need to stand firm for Jesus when all others would seek to hide Him or divert our attention from Him.

And what about you? Is the hope that is in Christ in your version of Christmas?

PRAYER: Father our broken world seeks to hide from public view Your love in the form of Your Son. We who know the truth are often shouted down or told to walk away. We can become discouraged and disheartened. Lord we ask for the strength and courage to stand tall. We ask for the faith to speak in love, Your love to those who act without love against You. Help us to be Your servants here on this earth acting as You would have us act. Fill is with more Jesus and less of this world. This we ask in the strong name of Jesus, Amen.