November 28, 2007 by craig.

Can you believe all the ways political correctness rears its ugly head during Christmas time? It seems like each year, things get a little more ridiculous. Christmas is now generically (and more importantly, unoffensively) referred to as “Holiday.” Nativity scenes are replaced with the Grinch or statues of gingerbread men (I’m sorry, gingerbread people). To keep kids from idolizing obesity, mall Santas have been asked to slim down (okay, that one may not be too bad). And now, I heard the other day on the radio that Santas have been advised to bellow a hearty “Ha Ha Ha” instead of the traditional “Ho Ho Ho” so that no women of questionable rebute will be offended. Where does it stop?

Let’s face it – there is nothing politically correct about Jesus. And that’s okay. He didn’t come to meet people’s expectations. He came to meet our biggest need – lostness, hopelessness, eternal separation from the Person and the destiny for which we were created. He came to save us – in spite of us. So, feel free to call it what it is – a birthday celebration for the King of Glory, the Word become flesh.

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November 19, 2007 by craig.

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”
- Romans 12:11

In advertisements and interviews, we are constantly hearing people declare that they have a passion for this, that, or the other. Forget about the car manufacturers, artists, and actors for a minute. What is your passion? What is it that draws your ardent adoration and boundless enthusiasm? Let me remind you that we need to focus our passion not on something, but Someone. Before we can love doing the work of the Lord, we must be head over heels in love with Him. Then, and only then, will we be passionate about what draws His passion.

And what is that? This season as we intentionally focus on the birth of our Lord and His mission to come to earth and change human history, people everywhere will be offered a vivid reminder of what makes the heart of God beat a little faster … them. Christ gave everything to show that people are His passion. He laid everything on the line for people … people like you and me. Let God be honored as our passion conforms to His!

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