In Mosul, Iraq the persecution of Christians continued this Christmas with the bombing of St Thomas Church last Wednesday killing two men and wounded five others. Even more astounding was the attack upon the Christian community of Bartilla in Northern Iraq on Christmas Day.

Over 100 Shiite Muslims attacked the Assyrian Christian town on Christmas morning taking over the entry checkpoint, destroying Christmas decorations, throwing rocks at the Christians during a procession into the church, and then attempting to enter the church during the Christmas service and wounded 4 in a gun battle.

Meanwhile, the Christians in Bartilla are fearful of continued persecution in 2010 against their community where they have been safe for over a thousand years. For some, particularly Christians, the regime change in Iraq has ended poorly at best.

Since 2003, more than 200 Christians have been killed and thousands have been wounded by Muslim radicals in Iraq. Also, over 65 churches have been attacked or bombed. In addition, thousands of Christians have been forced to leave their homes along with all of their possessions. In the process over half of the Christian population have left the country—nearly 500,000. Meanwhile, neither the American soldiers nor the Iraqi officials have been able (or even tried) to protect the Christian community.            *Top

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The Christmas story is found in Matthew (Matt. 1:18-2:18) and in Luke ( Luke 1:26-56, 2:1-40). However, Isaiah should never be ignored:

Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

Matthew gives us the story largely from the perspective of Joseph, including the dreams that he had and his family genealogy. In this gospel the ‘Kingship’ of Jesus is the major topic. Starting with the Davidic Kingly genealogy through Joseph and the coming of the Magi (Wisemen) who are looking for the new king. Also King Herod’s reaction is in Matthew.

The events in Luke are given to us from Mary’s view. The angel Gabriel appears to Mary and announces the coming of the child. Mary’s genealogy is also given in Luke (Luke 3:23-38), she was also a descendant of David, but not in the ‘Kingly’ line. Chapter 2 begins with the Christmas story that everyone is familiar with:

1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

However, nothing explains the real reason for the season better than John 3:16-17:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.  -KJV

*Top

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A Christmas tree in the ‘Blue Room’ of the Obama White House includes some curious choices for ornaments this year including one which features China’s mass murdering atheist Red leader—Chairman Mao. A great example for a ‘peace on earth goodwill to men’ message for Christmas?    <<Read the rest on the main AFTF page>>

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Embedded deep within a NY Times article about White House social secretary Desirée Rogers was the surprising news that the Obamas were planning a “non-religious Christmas” at the White House this year.

There were even initial plans to discontinue the traditional WH nativity display in the East Room but after much discussion the manger scene was set up after all along with most of the traditional Christmas decorations.

In talking about the Obama’s overall White House PC philosophy Ms. Rogers indicated that the Obama’s had a real concern that Americans of all faiths or even no faith would feel welcome:

“What do we want the personality and the tone of the (White House) experience to be?”

“We want it to be inclusive, diverse, representative of all Americans, celebratory, authentic. So you sit and you say, O.K., how can we make this event” — “Obama-tized.”

Response: This President is going out of his way to make everyone feel at home which is fine and dandy. But in his haste to be diverse, inclusive, and PC he has actually alienated many Christians.

First by his non-participation in the National Day of Prayer. Next in his rather secular statements and proclamations on Thanksgiving which thanked everyone except God. Now in his goal to have a PC “non-religious” Christmas.           *Top

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(Picture by Road Fun via Flickr)

Pastor Rick Warren has been in the news lately as Barrack Obama’s controversial choice to say a prayer at the inaugural.

Here’s an excellent article written by Warren on the real meaning of Christmas. It’s actually an excerpt from his recent book:  The Purpose of Christmas–a timely message posted in Christianity Today Magazine online:

“Christmas is a party. Specifically, it’s a birthday party — for Jesus — and birthdays are meant to be celebrated. It’s why we say “Merry Christmas!”

Ironically, at most Christmas parties the person whose birthday we’re supposed to be celebrating is completely ignored. He’s never even mentioned. Although Jesus is the reason for the season, he’s often overlooked or merely mentioned along with Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus, the Grinch, elves, and a long list of celebrated fictional characters.

As I was writing this little book, I decided to take a survey of Christmas shoppers. I asked, “What are you celebrating this Christmas?” Most answers had nothing to do with Jesus:

• “I’m celebrating that I made it through another year.”
• “I’m celebrating being home with my family.”
• “I got a Christmas bonus.”
• “My son is home from Iraq.”
• “The candidate I voted for got elected.”
• “I’m celebrating that I’ve finished all my shopping.”
• “I’m not celebrating anything. I’m just trying to survive.”

Preparing for Christmas can be a lot of work, especially for moms. With the pressure of buying gifts, sending greeting cards, decorating our homes, putting up lights, cooking, attending parties, and cleaning up afterward, we have little time to actually enjoy the meaning of Christmas.

The first purpose of Christmas is celebration! We learn this from the angel’s opening statement to the shepherds of Bethlehem. God had wonderful news for us that would cause us all to rejoice, celebrate, and throw a party: “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Luke 2:10 (NIV)

The good news of Christmas is worth celebrating for three reasons. It is personal: “I bring YOU.” It is positive: “GOOD news of great joy.” And it is universal: “for ALL the people.” It doesn’t matter who you are, what you’ve done, where you’ve been, or where you’re headed — this news is for you.”  <<Read the complete article>>            *Top

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*Top

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1. Christians look at the virgin birth as a sign and demonstration of his divinity:

Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (God with Us).  -Is. 7:14

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  -Is. 9:6             

And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”   And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.  -Lk 1:34-35

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.  -John 3:16-17

2.  Islam teaches that the virgin birth was ordered by Allah but accomplished by the angel.  Jesus is merely a creation, a man who will die like other men, but a prophet-the last prophet sent to Israel. Also Muslims teach that there is a curse upon all those who believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ:

Mary said: “O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man hath touched me?” He (angel)said: “Even so; Allah creates what he wills.”  -Surah 3:47

And He will teach him the Book and the wisdom and the Tavrat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel).  And (appoint him) an messenger to the children of Israel.  -Surah 3:48-49 

The similitude of Jesus before Allah is as that of Adam; He created him from dust, then said to him: ‘Be’: And he was.  -Surah 3:59

And the Jews say: Uzair is the son of Allah; and the Christians say: The Messiah is the son of Allah; these are the words of their mouths; they imitate the saying of those who disbelieved before; may Allah destroy them; how they are turned away!  -Sura 9:30 

Comments:  Both Islam and Christianity believe in the virgin birth of Jesus.  However, for Christians, Jesus is the Son of God sent to save the world; but for Muslims he was just the final prophet sent to his people Israel. 

For Christians, the baby Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and was the Only Begotten Son of God the Father.  According to Muslim tradition, Mary became pregnant when the angel Gabriel blew up her dress, and the child was merely a prophet and a man like any other.  Also the Koran teaches that Jesus was equal to other prophets except Muhammad who was greater.

Fellow Christians: Praise God the Father, that he sent his Son Jesus into the world to save us and give us eternal life.  For Muslims:  The teaching of Muhammad gives you no assurance that you will spend eternity in Paradise.

References:  “Islam and The Bible: Why Two Faiths Collide”, By David Goldmann (Chicago: Moody Pub., 2004, 174 pgs.) Pg. 36; 

“Unveiling Islam”, by Ergun Mehmet Caner & Emir Fethi Caner (Grandrapids, MI: Kregel Pub., 2002, 256 pgs.) Pg. 215-217;

“Differences: The Bible and The Koran”, by Ben J. Smith (Nashville, TN: Cumberland House Pub., 2002, 157 pgs.) Pgs. 65-70, 79-80;

“The Religion of Islam”, by Maulana Muhammad Ali (Dublin, Ohio:The Ahmadiyya Anjuman Isha’At Islam, 1990, 617 pgs.) Pg. 169; 

“The Qur’an” English Translation, by M.H. Shakir (Elmhurst,NY: Tahrike Tarsile Qur’an, Inc., 15th edition, 2005)

“The Holy Bible, English Standard Version” (Wheaton, Ill.: Good News Pub., 2001)

*Top

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Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.  (Is. 7:14)  

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  (Is. 9:6)

    Matthew gives us the story largely from the perspective of Joseph, including the dreams that he had and his family geneology.   In this gospel the ‘Kingship’ of Jesus is the major topic.  Starting with the Davidic Kingly geneology through Joseph and the coming of the Magi (Wisemen) who are looking for the new king.  Also King Herod’s reaction is in Matthew.

The events in Luke are given to us from Mary’s view.  The angel Gabriel appears to Mary and announces the coming of the child.  Mary’s geneology is also given in Luke (3:23-38), she was also a descendent of David, but not in the ‘Kingly’ line.  Chapter 2 begins with the Christmas story that everyone is familiar with:

1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

*Top

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