“How many observe Christ’s birthday! How few, his precepts! O! 'tis easier to keep Holidays than Commandments.” – Benjamin Franklin
When I stumbled upon the above quote, I was a bit surprised. Surprised, because Benjamin Franklin was not a Christian. He was more of a Deist, although he wouldn’t have claimed it in his mature years. A Deist is one who believes in God but doesn’t believe in miracles or that God intervenes in human affairs in any way, including sending his Son. Whatever Franklin’s faith was, he certainly didn’t believe Jesus is God’s Son, the Savior of the world. Yet, he offers this keen insight about Christmas.
I can’t help but think the reason he felt this way, strongly enough to put it in print, was that the Christians he knew weren’t the best witnesses to the faith. They were all about celebrating a holiday, but not so much about following the words and ways of Christ in their everyday lives.
This Christmas, let’s be good witnesses to our friends and family who aren’t committed to Christ as Lord and Savior. They’re watching us. What better Christmas present to give than a genuine commitment to Christ that reaches out in love and concern for those who have yet to put their faith in him!
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