By Ed Wrather

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. - Romans 12:2. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. - 1 Corinthians 2:12. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. - 1 Corinthians 3:19a.

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you

once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince

of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of

disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts

of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were

by nature children of wrath, just as the others. - Ephesians 2:1-3.

(See also: Philippians 2:14-16; Colossians 2:7-9; 2 Timothy 4:12; James

1:27; James 4:4; 2 Peter 1:4; 2 Peter 2:20; 1 John 2:14-17; 1 John 3:13; 1

John 4:4-6; and, 1 John 5:4-5.)

Happy Holidays!! Or, would you prefer "Merry Christmas!!" I hope you do read

the rest because there is currently a controversy about the use of the

greeting, "Happy Holidays," instead of the traditional, "Merry Christmas."

Wal-Mart and Target are persisting in their directives to employees to use

the greeting "Happy Holidays," instead of "Merry Christmas." Lowes was

selling "Holiday Trees," however; they have now decided that their trees are

actually, "Christmas trees." At Auburn University, their Christmas tree ban

was initiated with a Christmas tree burning. Now they only have Holiday

trees. Also, this Christmas season there is a new type of Christmas tree, an

upside down tree. The reasoning behind this tree by one retailer is

described this way, "The inverted shape makes it easier to see ornaments

which hang away from the dense needles, allowing more room for the

accumulation of presents underneath."

It does appear that our Christmas traditions are under greater attack this

year than ever before. The world is offended by the mere mention of the

word, "Christmas." The world demands that Christmas in every form be

expunged from our vocabulary and symbols. The upside down Christmas tree is

so innocuous and yet it represents the insidiousness of the attack of the

world upon all of Christianity.

For some the upside down cross is just as innocent as that of the upside

down Christmas tree and is a symbol of humility. This is based upon the

apostle Peter's reported refusal (according to tradition) to be crucified in

the same manner of Christ preferring to be crucified upside down. However,

for those of the world and the forces of evil the upside down cross is an

emblem of Satanism. According to exposingsatanism.org the upside down cross,

"Symbolizes mockery and rejection of Jesus. Necklaces are worn by many

satanist's." There is also a proliferation of occult stores and websites

selling a wide selection of upside down crosses. Do your own search on

Google or another search engine and you will find a massive amount of

similar information. The world has appropriated the upside down cross as its

anti-Christian symbol. My point? I believe there is a similar symbolism that

the world wishes to portray with the upside down Christmas tree.

Christmas is under attack there can be no doubt about that. The question for

us is whether or not we will be conformed to the will of the world. Or, will

we seek the wisdom of the Spirit of God for the renewing of our minds

rejecting the spirit and wisdom of this world? This Christmas we really do

have a choice and the privilege of being His witnesses. It may result in

persecution, and it may result in ridicule but what joy in being counted

worthy to follow in the footsteps of our Lord!

Merry Christmas!!

Used with Permission