Christmas in America

Since my forced sabbatical I've learned to deal with down time in several different ways: Reading, meditating on my blessings, and when I feel like slumming, I watch a lot of TV. I guess it would be fair to say that I'm pretty much "up" on current events and to some extent pop culture. Much pop culture that I see only serves to take me out of a Godly attitude and moves me into the attitude of "how stupid can we become and still survive?"

The reason for this post is the sickening debate that I hear daily about the word Christmas verses the word Holiday, the banning of nativity scenes on public property, the word Jesus being removed from our childrens' "holiday songs" at school, and the over all removal of anything resembling Jesus in our Christmas celebrations.

I heard someone say on TV the other day, "If you did not already know the story of Jesus, based on the way we celebrate Christmas today....you would have no idea that he was ever born at all." Pretty strong words but true. I'm so ashamed that the 95% of people in this country who claim to believe that Christmas is about the birth of Christ, have been quieted by the 1% who object to Jesus. (my math is not wrong. 4% just don't care either way)

This is not a post meant to stir you up to be belligerent with your faith. On the contrary...I want to encourage you to live your faith in a more grace filled way than you ever have before. I do have a couple of suggestions.

1. Don't fall into the "Happy Holidays" trap. True, there are other holidays that we must respect...but ask yourself a question, would you be offended if a jewish friend were to say to you "Happy Hanukkah"? Of course not, you would smile and return the greeting and here's where you add "and a Merry Christmas to you!" We live in a country where our freedom of both religion and expression provides us with the right to joyfully live our faith. The ACLU and all the lawyers from coast to coast can't change that unless we allow it. Don't be naive, there are small groups who seriously want to see us shoved back into the dark ages when the mention of our faith in Christ was by law relegated to our homes only. They won't win but we must be aware of their tricks.

2. Don't become filled with anger and become in the eyes of the world exactly what they always thought Christians were anyway, people full of hate who are determined to rid the earth of all who disagree with them. The Word says we will be known by our love. Don't misunderstand, I'm not saying smile and be run over. Quite the contrary, smile and never waiver! Never give in! Never stop living a spirit filled life in the midst of a lost world that is itself full of hate. We MUST be the ones who point others to the source of joy....our Lord Jesus.

It's a great time to be a Christian. The world is hungry for the message of the manger. The story about a baby who was born to save the world yet was sleeping in the hay that night. The most humble beginnings of a story that was to become the greatest ever told.

So use this blessed time of year to shout from the house tops Jesus Saves and He loved the world so much that he came to die for our sins!"

I think that's a pretty good message not only for this time of year, but for every time of the year.

All because of the manger,

Roger

Comments

[HELEN WOOLLEY]

Hi Roger,

Amen and Amen! You sure have hit the nail on the head with your posting today. I have been getting several emails that want to put Christ back into Christmas, and that is encouraging in itself, but we need to do more. Thank for taking time to share your views with us, because they are very important to us, and you have a wonderful way with words, and cutting to the chase.

I can't believe I am the first one to post tonight! I can't get to sleep so thought I'd come up and check your website to see if there was any word as to what is going on with you. Is it today (it is now today even though it is still dark out!) the day you were to return to the hospital and begin the chemo?

We the ropeholders are all praying and looking forward to the news that things are moving along as expected and that the transplant will soon be done and you can start getting better.

I know that Christmas will be different this year, not being home and all, but we do join with others in wishing you and yours a blessed Christmas and all God's best in the New Year. I imagine Chelsea and Jordon will be in Houston with you and Debbie.

Helen in frigid MI.

[Frances]

Hello Roger
Your deep thoughts... so early in the morning ....have stirred me to reconsider how I approach the modern day attitude of banning Christ from Christmas. Here in South Africa the broadcasters, politicians and those whose voices are heard are all reluctant to express the words "A Very Blessed Christmas to You" it is Happy Holidays, Seasons Greetings, Compliments etc. etc. - but the real reason for it all is forgotten and overlooked by so many. Your challenge to live it out gracefully and through my actions re-direct the lost to His Wonderful Love is gladly accepted. Thanks for your ongoing faith, encouragement and please know that your recovery to good health, return to the stage (we have heard L5 via Gaither videos here in SA) and to your family home is on my wish list.
God Bless You & Yours at this very special time of the year, as we remember the child laying in a manger, surrounded by the few who were willing to believe.
Sincerely
Frances

[LaVonne Ham]

Hi Roger, I have been reading your journel for a while and have been praying for you and your family. I loved your words today and agree with all my heart. I check my email at least two times every day to see if you have posted. We were at Nashville in May, the quartet convention, and at Brainard this fall. We love Legacy Five and your ministry. Your faith is so strong that you encourge me. I believe that God will heal you and have you back on the road before you know it. We have many friends here in Cambridge MN that are praying and keeping up with how you are doing. God Bless You! Love in Christ, LaVonne

[Vicky]

I, too, am one of those who are upset with what "Christmas" has become. When I dare to suggest that we stop and think WHY we celebrate the season, a lot of people look at me as if I'm crazy. Christmas isn't about how many presents you can get, or how much you can spend on other people, but realizing that without the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, there would be no "Christmas" to celebrate. After all, when someone gives you their Son, there is no greater gift. I guess I should just really say, Roger: PREACH ON, BROTHER!!!! (That's how we talk here in Texas)

[Clara]

If I remember one of your LegacyFive songs correctly, the words are something to the effect of: "Shout it from the rooftops, proclaim it from the mountaintops! Jesus Saves!! Jesus Saves!!" How wonderful to think that such a great gift was so freely given, and that - as you say - so many are reluctant to even mention the name of Jesus Christ during this season that celebrates his birth. Many many (!!) years ago, when I was younger, there was no such reserve. No fear that someone in government would suggest that there was a mixing of "state and religion", or that talking about Christ might offend someone else. We did, as you mention, wish each other a "Happy Holidays", and mean it. I read the other day where a V.A. Hospital in Vermont had to take down a cross decorated with red/white/blue lights because it offended a FEW people. The MAJORITY of people thought it was a wonderful tribute to the many young men and women who, throughout the years, have given their lives for the freedom of our country. How sad that someone objects to such a visible object of gratitude. Those same people would probably demand today that the cross on which Jesus Christ died be taken down also, lest it "offend" a few people. Were it not for the baby in the manger and the man on the cross, neither of which - as you say - were very "royal", we would have neither the gift of Christmas nor the gift of eternal life. And as I come closer to the glory of that eternal life, I find that any other gift pales in comparison. May God continue to bless you and your family, and keep you strong, during your coming medical procedures. I can't begin to love as Jesus Christ did, but please know that I do love you and your family, and pray for you daily. Another "ropeholder" (and still learning how to do it) in Texas.

[Carol]

Dear Roger:

Thankfully the name of God and the reason for the season has not been relegated to the closet at my local public high school. While the concert was billed as the Winter Concert, many of the songs that the various groups presented told the message of Christ's birth. To me the most outstanding presentation was by a young man singing Mark Lowry's song "Mary Did You Know?" The closing song was the "Hallelujah Chorus."

Wishing you and your family a joyous Christmas. You are in my prayers.

Carol

[Joy N. Lee]

GLORY...what a wonderful way to start the morning..reading a really good message..you were on a roll..Keep preaching Bro. Roger.
May you and your family have a very Blessed Christmas Holiday. You will continue to be in our prayers as the countdown begins on the 22nd..GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

Holding tightly to the Rope...

[Berdella]

I was dreading coming in to work at 4:30am this morning, but was delighted to catch your early morning posting. How true that the celebration of our Christs arrival is now related to how much we can spend. And thank God for Mark Lowry's song that reaches all audiences with his blessed song Mary Did You Know? How sad that the next question would be, "Mary, did you know that your sons birthday would one day be a source of argument in this blessed United States ? God Bless you and your family, Roger, during this Blessed Christmas Season.
And what a blessing you are to all of us who needed to hear this message, this morning, this season.
Always praying for you and your ministry.
Berdella in Illinois.

[Lula]

Hi Roger, as usual, your wisdom shines
through and points us in the right direction.
I hope you and your family will be especially Blessed this Christmas season.
Love and prayers from Virginia,
Harold and Lula

[Janet Evans]

Roger,

All I can say if AMEN and Have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Janet

[Ruth Mc]

Thanks, Roger, for your post with your words of wisdom and reminder of what this season is really all about. Our prayers are still for you and your family. Praying for you as you get the Chemo and are prepared for the transplant. Take care. Ruth Mc--Miss

[Lucille "Lou" May]

You are such an encourgement. I check Legacy Five web daily to get an update on you. We are continuing to pray that God's healing touch will touch your life and you can be back on the road ministering to all of us through your music. God Bless you and your family and ust you have a very Merry christmas and that 2005 will be the year your are totally heal. God Bless.
L May-Wisntson-Salem, NC

[Nancy]

AMEN! And a very Merry CHRISTmas to the Bennett family. We love you all dearly, and are praying for you as we count down to transplant #2.
Holding the rope tight,
Nancy

[Peggy B.]

Roger and Family,
I hope that all of you have a Merry Christmas. God Bless all of you as we celebrate the Birth of Christ.
Hanging on to that Rope,
Peggy B.

[Julie]

Amen and Amen! May the Bennett's have the most blessed Christmas ever and a wonderful 2005!

[Terry]

Hi Roger,

You are a prime example of "blooming where you are planted." God has put you in a place where you are ministering to people you all over the world. Thank you for your attitiude of gratitude! There is something special that happens to so many cancer patients...they look at the world differently, with a thankful heart for the little things (the precious things)that we all take for granted because we are too busy to just reflect. So many of us even take Christ for granted...thank you for reminding us again to be grateful for our Savior, Jesus Christ, and to lift Him up with a joyful heart! Praying for you in TN. Terry

[Pat in NJ]

Bless you Roger for your faithfulness to this group of friends and family who check up on you through the internet. Your words are such an encouragement to be who I am in Christ as I go about life. A very Merry Christmas to all the Bennetts. Pat in NJ

[Marlene Doerksen]

Hi Roger
A loud AMEN to your journal entry today! The situation here in Canada is exactly the same--every effort being made to be "politically correct"and take Jesus out of Christmas in order not to "offend" anyone of a different faith. It's perfectly alright to offend Christians however! But you're right--we must treat people with the love of Christ,and we must remember that,as believers,we are always Christ's representatives,either for or against Him,and how we portray the gospel is what will draw people to Him. As Paul Heil so aptly puts it in this week's Gospel Greats newsletter--we are to be "keepers of the light".
Again,have a blessed Christmas!
Marlene Doerksen,
Port Rowan,Ontario

[Cindy]

Amen, Brother & Merry Christmas!!:)

[LaVella & Janice]

ROGER
WE AM SO BLESSED AS WE ARE NEARING THE DAY OF CHRISTMAS, AS WE CELEBRATE THE BIRTH OF JESUS. WE TOO, ARE ASTOUNDED OF TAKING THE REAL MEANING OF CHRISTMAS. THANK YOU FOR THIS MESSAGE. WE ARE PRAYING DAILY FOR OUR RECOVERY AND THINK OF YOU DAILY. MAY YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR WILL BRING YOU A FULL RECOVERY OF HEALTH.

[Carolyn & Harold McClure]

Good Morning Roger,
Amen and Amen. I agree with you completely. And, apparently there are others that are taking a stand. I read an article in the newspaper this week that a parent had gone to bat for his child to be able to hand out candy canes for the class "holiday party" with the meaning of the cane attached. They won and so at least a few children will be able to read where the candy cane came from and the meaning it has to us as Christians. Just thought I would share that with you and ask for your prayers. As I have said, I am a cancer patient and it seems that my system is extremely sensitive to this cold weather right after chemo. I have my second bout of bronchitis or one of the viruses floating around. Feels the same no matter what they call it. Please just pray that the antibiotics work and I can enjoy Christmas with our son and family in their new home. I hate being pinned in. lol
Take care and know that we are praying and STILL HOLDING THE ROPES.
The McClures in bitter cold Burton, MI

[Gail in San Jose, CA]

And all of God's people said, "Amen!"
Roger, I have a suggestion for the future. I'd love to see Legacy Five put out a Christmas project with all the songs being about Jesus, no Santa Claus stuff. I have bought Southern Gospel groups' Christmas CDs only to find songs on there about Santa Claus. I wanted to heard good, old fashioned Christmas music about the birth of my Lord! How about it?

[Peggy]

Hi!
Good news on the Merry Christmas issue. Our schools have FISH clubs and our three elementary schools got together on Dec. 11 for a party. Each group presented a song or skit. Kids were worshipping, singing, lifting their hands...It was amazing. As long as the club is student led, we are allowed to have this club. In our county, it is 4th grade all the way through high school. Also, praise the Lord, our chairman of the board of education accepted Christ this past Sunday. That was a true miracle.

My son Mitch, is now on maintainance chemo. He only has to go once per month now, and he will start school full time after Christmas. I'm so exicited, but scared at the same time. I know that he's only getting small doses of chemo, so I'm a little nervous. I just have to remind myself to trust God and not chemo.

Our prayers are with you constantly. We look to you for courage and inspiration. You have been through so much. Thanks for your postings.

Peggy in Kentucky

[Bernie and Terry]

Very well said Roger!! I know that as a Christian, I have always felt good about Christmas and Easter. At least twice a year; we know there are more times of course, but a least twice the world hears about the Lord Jesus,about His coming to earth and about the reason He came-to die for each one of us sinners and to make us a home in heaven. There will be no excuse for anyone who does not accept His free gift-especially those people who live in USA and Canada!!
Hoping that you and your family have a good Christmas! Love always, Bernie and Terry Shirkie

[Bill Featherston]

Roger, I say "AMEN" to your posting today. I agree with you 100 percent and see no reason why the majority of us should have to bow to the wishes of the minority. I believe the tide is beginning to turn in that respect.

We wish you, Debbie and your family a very Merry Christmas. We also hope and pray that the year 2005 will be the year of your complete healing so you can be back doing the things that are dear to your heart. We will keep you and your family in our prayers and continue to "Hold the Rope".

Love in Christ,
Bill & Nell Featherston