IS THIS THE LAST CHRISTMAS

Date: Fri Dec 24 18:37:26 2010

The famous 19th century minister, Dr. Charles H. Spurgeon is quoted as saying, "In many cases sheer fanaticism has been the result of exclusively dwelling on prophecy, and probably more men have gone mad on that subject than on any other religious question."

Most of you probably know that Harold Camping of Family Radio has predicted that Christ will return May 21, 2011. That would mean this is the last Christmas! It is hard enough to get people to say "Merry Christmas" now - with all the Christians gone, the world will have its way and they can see what Macy's bottom line would really be just celebrating Hanukah and Kwanza!

Now, I believe Dr. Spurgeon's wisdom has been amply proven with the Y2K and endless other prophecies that never came to be. In fact, I don't think it would be a bad idea to make a list of all the false prophecies and who made them so we won't be alarmed when a new one is making the rounds and so we will know who has a less than stellar track record. Such, of course, applies to Mr. Camping's previous prophecies which did not come to be. Then and now, I am no follower of Harold Camping, and not simply on his convoluted reasoning in setting the May 21st date, but as strange as it may seem, I do earnestly hope with all my heart that he is right this time and that this IS in fact the last Christmas and we will be living in incorruptible bodies on May 21, 2011 - in fact, I would be even happier if it were TODAY! Even so come Lord Jesus!

Regardless of whether or not this is the last Christmas, we should live as though it were. We are to live EACH DAY as though it is our last! We should be certain this Christmas to let no loving thought left unsaid, no gift we want to give someone ungiven, and no adoration of Christ left unoffered. We must leave no sin unconfessed, no command unobeyed, and no burden for prayer unprayed. We cannot count on another day let alone another Christmas. Let's make THIS Christmas Day the very best Christmas ever!

That said, we must also be prepared if Christmas is celebrated into the next century by our grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We must work so that every tribe and tongue hears the gospel, concentrate so that we are faithful in discipling the nations and obeying the Lord in everything, and advocate and pray so that religious freedom is maintained and expanded in our nation and in all the world to facilitate an even greater expansion of the Kingdom of God worldwide for all those who come after us.

Have a Merry Christmas this year - and, who knows, maybe next! God bless you!