Christmas in South Africa today is celebrated basically in four ways:
1. Celebration of the coming of Santa Claus
2. Celebration of the coming of Christ and the coming of Santa Claus
3. Celebration of a secular nature (no Christ, no Santa Claus)
4. Celebration of Christ's birth
How about those who celebrate the coming of Santa Claus? Santa Claus: "He knows when you are sleeping. He knows when you're awake. He knows if you've been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake." These words describe a god (only a god could do such things worldwide). Santa Claus is a false god (an idol, 1 John 5:21). Even though it's all "make-believe", it still is evil. He looks good and clean. 2 Corinthians 11:14 warns us of the schemes of the Devil and his crafty ways. Satan transforms himself into an angel of light. The whole Santa Claus concept is evil to the core (a false god), yet sugar coated to deceive the unsuspecting.
How about those who celebrate the coming of Christ and the coming of Santa Claus? In our culture, it is not unlikely to see a nativity scene along with Santa Claus and his reindeer (some even have Santa Claus in the nativity scene). Is such a thing pleasing in the sight of God, mixing a false god with Christ? No way (e.g. Zephaniah 1:4-5-)!
How about those who celebrate Xmas secularly (no Christ, no Santa Claus)? These folks usually just have a feast, Christmas tree, exchange gifts, etc.. Have you ever pondered the "ghost of Christmas past" in the story of Ebenezer Scrooge? In this story there is no Santa Claus. This "ghost of Christmas past" teaches Mr. Scrooge to "keep Christmas in his heart." (p. 43 in Christmas, by Jane Duden). From a Biblical perspective, it's the demon of Christmas past. Knowing the whole world lies in the sway of the wicked one (1 John 5:19), this is an interesting well-known and common tale. The story may be fictional, but there is an agenda nevertheless (1 John 5:19; Revelation 12:9).
It's a false christ.
The world (overall) adores (loves, worships) the Christ of Christmas. The world abhors (hates, rejects) the true Christ (John 1:11; 7:7). Mormons have their Christ. Jehovah Witnesses have their Christ. Unitarians have their Christ. Catholics have their Christ. Christmas has its Christ (which is basically a Catholic Christ).
Phillip and I preaching in English / Zulu. The small group in front of us had just been witnessed to by Dylan and Qin and came over to listen to the Law and the Gospel of Grace again!!
Qin and Dylan -- Dylan attends Maritzburg College and will be in Matric in 2009. During the 3rd Term this year Dylan was instrumental in inviting me to conduct 'The Way of the Master Basic Training Course' after hours on the school premises and sixteen teenage scholars completed the course!!We preached the Law and the Gospel of Grace and once we had finished we were encouraged by an elderly African lady named Zanele Dlamini (no picture available) who spoke to Phillip in Zulu -- and this time he translated for me -- as she encouraged us that the message is not only for the ears, but it 'pricked' her heart. She said that the preaching was not for entertaining or motivating purposes which they are accustomed to, but it is for true convicting of the heart. Ms Dlamini also told us that we must come to Parliament (the local legislature) when it re-opens in January 2009 as they have Monday prayer sessions. Kindly keep us in prayer for God to open this door that we can evangelise the corridors of local government. And bless Ms Dlamini and keep her in prayer that she will remain steadfast in her Christian faith within local government.
It was as always a wonderful morning's fishing the streets, sowing good seed for lost souls. Thank You, Lord Jesus!!
