Most everyone knows the number of legal attacks on Christmas has exploded over the past few years.

Groups of people in positions of influence and power are systematically working to remove all vestiges of Christianity from Christmas.

Their fervent desire is to completely redefine and secularize the season by removing every mention of Christ from what has traditionally been the celebration of His birth.

Like the persistently invasive, ever proliferating mounds of fire ants that appear around my home and inhibit outdoor activities with their threat of poisonous, stinging bites, these enemies of the cross cannot be ignored. However, also like fire ants, their antagonistic, venomous methodologies make them readily identifiable and, with the proper line of countermeasures, they can and have been effectively neutralized.

I thank God for the diligent work of Christian attorneys in organizations such as the Alliance Defense Fund and the Christian Law Association, who work tirelessly to assist those under attack thereby defending our right to hear and speak the Truth.

Their aggressive defense of religious liberty through strategy, training and where necessary, direct litigation has been a major force in stemming the tide of bully tactics by those bent on redefining Christmas.

Yet, as serious as these overt legal attacks on Christmas may be, I believe there is a potentially and equally dangerous weapon in the arsenal of the enemy being used that is not so easily spotted. Satan, the father of lies and master of spin, knows he can neither completely erase nor undo the miracle of Christmas.

Therefore, he has twisted it and marketed a beautifully orchestrated, magnificently portrayed, subtle and satisfying substitute.

What is this substitute?

The warm and fuzzy philosophy that Christmas is a time to celebrate the highest of human values.

With a subtle shift of focus, Satan has endeavored to make Christmas all about us instead of Jesus.
Sadly, we cheerfully sing along extolling the spirit of peace, brotherhood, charity and kindness proclaiming goodwill toward men while barely noticing we have moved Jesus further and further into the background.

Like jello slowly firming in a pretty mold, I see myself and others gradually being conformed to this subtle shift of focus.

I will go to extreme measures to gather with family and friends and somehow find time to assist with goodwill and community projects, yet I recently called my prayer partner to say, "I just don't have time to meet with you right now. Let's wait until after Christmas when things settle down a bit."

How can that be?

How can I have reached the place where the celebration of Christ's birth has become so focused on good works, family and friends that spending time with the One whose birth I am supposedly celebrating has become a hassle?

Thankfully, with God's help and the conviction of His Holy Spirit I have recognized where I was headed.

Moreover, with repentance, God's forgiveness and prayer, I have chosen to follow the directive of Romans 12:2 that states, "Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out." (The Message) I almost bought into Satan's cheap imitation of Christmas and transparently write this in hopes that you will not.

I pray you will join me in giving Jesus the place of honor and worship He alone deserves this Christmas and every day.

May you and yours have a blessed and happy Christmas season.