The Great Smoky Mountain Journal

Staff Reports

Posted: Sunday, January 21, 2018 07:29 PM

OUR VIEW: Merry Christmas From The Great Smoky Mountain Journal

It's been an eventful past twelve months for our nation and area and as we enter 2018 it's probably going to be even more interesting.

Here's a few thoughts about Christmas and what it means to us.

Christmas has always been centered on the message of the entrance into this world of the Christ child. We are certain that the Lord was not born on the day December 25. It doesn't matter what day He came, what matters is He came. Whether in the Spring of the year as some believe, or during the fall feast of Tabernacles as other do, the world was changed by His entrance. The world's only hope remains emboldened in the fact that He is soon to come again, this time without sin unto salvation.

Our nation is terribly divided right now and in need or renewal. We have lost the ability to love each other and accept one another for who we are. Wicked politicians, compromising church leaders and a world system controlled by Satan all have convinced us that good is evil and evil is good. We don't trust any thing and for good reason. Our institutions have been corrupted by greed and special interests while the common people suffer under decisions made a wicked few.

There was a time things were a bit different. I remember growing up in my hometown Atlanta, Georgia in the 1970s. We had neighbors then. We checked on them. We talked with them. We sat on their porch and fellowshipped. We got to know them and never one time cared whether they were Democrat or Republican. We just had each other's back. Our differences then were the same as they are today but we treated people better. We've lost our soul over the past three decades not understanding that just because we are different does not necessitate us being hateful to each other.

When Jesus came to this Earth, He came for all no matter their creed, color or financial standing. His love is greater than anything man can ever comprehend or ever will. It's truly beyond description. We need a baptism of that type love across America in the worst of ways. The truth is, we need a baptism of that love across the entire world!

The holidays can be hard on many due to depression, anxiety, loneliness and sadness. Let's be thankful for what we have and not worry so much about what we don't have. If we will develop that attitude then I believe the holidays will truly be merry and bright.

One quick political thought. Our hearts are full this season with the expectation that we have a President in the White House who has the nation at heart and by his actions over the past few weeks has displayed he truly has heart God can use to do mighty things in rebuilding America this coming year. We must pray for him and his family because the attacks against them are not going away anytime soon. If anything they may get worse.

On that note we will end it here. MERRY CHRISTMAS to all our readers and also our troops overseas this year. We thank you for your service and sacrifice being away from your family this holiday season.

May God bless each home this coming year with blessings untold as He continues to bless this Great Nation of America.!

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Christopher McDonald, Publisher, Editor in Charge

Great Smoky Mountain Journal