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Postmodern

Saving For Christmas: Jesus is Savior Above All and For All (Lk. 2:1-14)

This Friday most of us will celebrate Christmas, a day on which we mark the birth of Jesus.  Author Max Lucado reflects on the many ways people view this Jesus whose birth Christmas celebrates.[1]  Some, Lucado writes, see Jesus as the “Rabbit’s-Foot-Redeemer.”  Jesus is a good-luck charm.  The Rabbit’s-Foot-Redeemer’s specialty is getting you out of a jam.  If you can’t find a parking space, just ask him.  If you need help quickly, just pull him out.  Others, Lucado writes, see Jesus as the “Aladdin’s-Lamp-Redeemer.”  Whatever you wish is his command.  He’ll give you new jobs, pink Cadillacs, and improved spouses.  And when you’re done with him, he’ll go back into the lamp.  Third, some view Jesus as a “Monty-Hall-Redeemer.”  He’s ready to make a deal.  If you will put on a coat and tie, or dress and hose, 52 Sundays a year and endure sermons and contributions, he’ll make sure you get the heavenly prize behind door number 3.

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Revolution: Turning People to Faith Through Compassion (Matt. 9:35-36)

We’re talking on Sunday morning’s about how to be salt and light. Scholar John Stott writes these challenging words:[1] Our Christian habit is to bewail the world’s deteriorating standards with an air of rather self-righteous dismay. We criticize its violence, dishonesty, immorality, disregard for human life, and materialistic greed. “The world is going down the drain,” we say with a shrug. But whose fault is it? Who is to blame? Let me put it like this. If the house is dark when nightfall comes, there is no sense in blaming the house; that is what happens when the sun goes down. The question to ask is “Where is the light?” Similarly, if the meat goes bad and becomes inedible, there is no sense in blaming the meat; that is what happens when bacteria are left alone to breed. The question to ask is “Where is the salt?” Just so, if society deteriorates and its standards decline until it becomes like a dark night or a stinking fish, there is no sense in blaming society; that is what happens when fallen men and women are left to themselves, and human selfishness is unchecked. The question to ask is “Where is the Church? Why are the salt and light of Jesus Christ not permeating and changing our society?” It is sheer hypocrisy on our part to raise our eyebrows, shrug our shoulders, or wring our hands. The Lord Jesus told us to be the world’s salt and light. If therefore darkness and rottenness abound, it is largely our fault and we must accept the blame.

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