Why does the Devil hate Christmas?

This morning I awoke to the familiar panicky feeling I get every year, mid-December:  How am I going to get all my gifts in the mail in time; do I have enough stocking-stuffers; have I adequately taught my kids (teenagers) that "it's better to give than to receive?"  SO many things on my mind; SO easy to get lost in the distractions. And why am I surprised.  According to The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, today, Christmas is largely secularized and dominated by gifts, decorated trees, and a jolly Santa Claus.

But this is a trick from the One who hates Christmas and wants me to be distracted enough to miss its true meaning.  This is a trick from the Devil - the master of all tricks - because he HATES Christmas.

And why does the devil hate Christmas?

• because the very origin of the word Christ-mass comes from the word "Christ"
• because "Christ-mass" gives "Christ-ones" (Christians) an annual opportunity to commemorate their Savior's birth
• because it's the time when, even in a shopping mall, you can hear sacred words being piped through the speakers
• because the tenderness of the season often causes the renewal of broken relationships
• because many, during their bi-annual visit to a church, will hear the 'good news' of the gospel of Christ
• because Jesus, born on Christmas day, was born to die.
• because Jesus' death signifies the beginning of the end for the Devil and his tricks.

Hallelujah!

Don't let the Devil win this season.  Fight him today by repeat the familiar words of any one of a number of Christmas carols.  Here's a good one to start with (the 3rd stanza of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing):

Hail! the heaven-born Prince of Peace!  Hail! the Son of Righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, risen with healing in His wings. Mild He lays His glory by, born that man no more may die; born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth! Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King."