Today is Tuesday, December 13th, 2016; Karen's Korner #3457

Actor Kirk Cameron says in "Saving Christmas" DVD that as Christians, we can't let the culture steal what is ours, as we celebrate.  The nativity, Christmas trees, Santa Claus, Joy, and Jesus Christ......are all what our celebrations are all about.

Cameron asks, "WHO IS SANTA CLAUS?"

"Sometimes we work hard to minimize the influence Santa has on our family's Christian celebration. We think, 'The more focus that is given to Santa, the less we are focused on Jesus.' But that is if our only understanding of Santa Claus is the caricature we see on animated Christmas specials.

"The original St. Nicholas was much more than a plump old man in an oversized red parka. Instead, Nicholas was the Bishop of Myra in modern-day Turkey. He was know for his generosity, especially to the poor and children, but that' s not his only claim to fame.

"He was a real defender of the faith. He was at the Council of Nicea in AD 325, one of the most important events in church history because one of the most important doctrines of the faith was being challenged. There were leaders in the church who had begun to deny the deity of Christ. Nicholas did not take kindly to those who wanted to reduce Jesus to mere man. He was willing to fight---literally---for the Truth of Christ to be known  (Out of this came the Nicene Creed.)

"Those were difficult and desperate times. Truth was on the line and it was not time for a pastor to go soft on truth or stay quiet for the sake of being politically correct. Nicholas was a hero who became legendary. That legend became larger than life and reach mythic proportions."

"When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, 'Who do people say the Son of Man is,' They replied, 'Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.' 'But what about you?' He asked. 'Who do you say I am?' Simon Peter answered, 'You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.''"

~ Matthew 16:13-18

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"Father God, help our attitudes this Christmas be one of celebrating---and one of sharing---Christ. Help us remember the example of St. Nicholas, who was willing to risk his career and his standing to point people to the Truth about Jesus. May we be as bold as Nicholas this Christmas. And if 1500 years from now, people are still talking about us to their children, and have us dressed in a silly suit, riding around with flying animals, we will be so excited to hear what it was we did that made such a powerful impact on the world.  In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen."

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