Here are a couple of blurbs from the news today:
(1) BEIJING - The Chinese-made toys children [in the U.S.] receive for Christmas this year will be safe, the head of China's product safety agency said Wednesday, pledging that problems over the use of dangerous lead paint will be resolved in time for holiday exports.
(2) A well known leader of a house church in China was behind bars Sunday, September 9 after receiving a shipment of 3 tons of Bibles donated by South Korean churches. He was allegedly beaten according to fellow believers. A crackdown on house churches has been linked to concerns by Chinese officials about the spread of Christianity, ahead of the Olympics in Beijing next year.
I just find it paradoxical that any aspect of our Christmas celebration would depend on China...even toy gifts. This is a Communist country that persecutes Christians who actively share their faith. I am reminded that the power of money drives so much of our world, even linking the USA with Communist China in trade. These days, 87% of all toys imported into the U.S. come from China. I think it's time for us to export Christ more effectively to those folks and to work and pray hard on behalf of the Christians who must celebrate and serve their Lord with great discretion. I am also reminded that the celebration of Christmas has nothing to do with the material aspect...only the spiritual adoration of our Savior!
Matthew 5:10-12 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
blessings,
Rob Smith
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