The recent stink about Starbucks cups is silly. A cup is a cup is a cup. Unless someone out their is literally (not implying or suggesting) attacking Christ's claim to the Throne - we might need to chill out a little. And even then - a loving reply is certainly not only preferred, but required.
I think most people who call themselves Christians get this - THAT there is nothing in the world that can unmake Jesus's birth significant.
No cup. No slogan. No greeting. No amount of money. No attitude. No following.
Christmas is Important because of Christ. If there were no one on earth who agreed - it would NOT change the fact that God came to earth in the from of a baby, lived in holiness and wisdom, was crucified, raised from the dead - and is now seated at the right hand of the Father.
Jesus isn't worried that He will be less popular or accepted. He is over all things. The beginning and the end. The earth is His footstool. Nothing is outside of his control. Nothing is beyond His reach. He is not rattled by red cups, or snowmen, or gifts or Santa.
Don't waste your time, Christian, condemning the world. It is already condemned. Each man has been condemned because of his inability to live up to God's standards. Condemned because of the condition of his heart - not his cup. This includes you, dear one.
In the moments that you have "red cupped" your holiday time by thinking particularly gifts must be bought even if it means putting your family into deeper debt.
Red Cupping - when you respond in anger and impatience with our spouse because he has "ruined" a Christmas dinner with guests.
Red Cupping - when you yell at a child for their enthusiasm when it inconveniences your plans for the weekend.
Red Cupping - when you think ill or unkind thoughts toward your neighbor or family.
Red Cupping - when you doubt God's love or faithfulness.
Let's be honest! We all have some serious Red Cupping going on - yet Christ is still on the Throne! He is over all things. He will not disappoint. We are condemned. Not Him.
Yet IN CHRIST - IN CHRIST WE ARE NOT CONDEMNED.
Christian - Spend your time pointing to Christ and His love. Reminding the world that in Christ there is NO condemnation. Show your neighbor that your confidence in Christ is not so easily shaken as by a popular holiday beverage. Christ brings rest to those who put their hope in Him.
Rest today in this risen Lord. He ain't a tiny baby anymore. He is exalted over all. Rules over all. And we can put our confidence in Him.
