And we spoke not a word as they took away our faith

A couple of weeks ago, I purchased a t-shirt that I intend to wear often this month. It simply says: "Christ IS Christmas." I've already worn it shopping a couple of times and can tell when someone actually reads it. The look in their eyes is unmistakable. I just smile at them because I have plenty to smile about. I intentionally tell every store clerk I interact with "Merry Christmas!" Sometimes, but not very often, they respond in kind.

A friend sent me one of those "forward" emails this morning that I just have to share here. Perhaps it's not new and everyone else has seen it, but it's the first time I've seen it and it really struck a chord in my spirit.

Twas the month before Christmas
When all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying
Nor taking a stand.
See the PC Police had taken away
The reason for Christmas - no one could say.
The children were told by their schools not to sing
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say
December 25th is just a ' Holiday '.
Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit,
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!
CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod,
Something was changing, something quite odd!
Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.
As Targets were hanging their trees upside down,
At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.
At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears,
You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.
Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.
Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen,
On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton!
At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith,
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace.
The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded,
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.
So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree,'
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say.
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday !

Please, all Christians join together and wish everyone you meet during the holidays a MERRY CHRISTMAS . Christ is The Reason for the Christ-mas Season!

I believe with all my heart that we are nearing the end of this age. For years now, we have been snubbed by the world for our faith. Little by little, our freedom to express our faith is being taken away. The time may come very soon when we are openly persecuted in this nation for our faith - just like Christians in other countries. And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith, forbidden to speak of salvation and grace.

The time has come for God's people to take an unwavering stand.

So while you are standing, look up! Jesus is coming soon. How cool would it be for Him to come back for His Bride ... on His birthday?