Written Testimony of Douglas Roy

In continuing this dream theme, one difference that I would note  is how the economy of  our country would be in a much weaker condition were it not for Christ. During the weeks that surround this yearly celebration of his birth an amazing transformation takes place in our society. Many otherwise frugal and spend thrifty folks open their wallets to buy presents for their children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews, friends and colleagues.  It's a truly remarkable occurrence and it has a remarkable beginning.

In Bethlehem of Judea, over 2,000 years ago, the baby Christ child was born. His birth was heralded by the angels of God to humble shepherds watching their sheep at night. They went to see "the little baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, laying in a stable manger" meant for feeding animals. They told all around what the angels had told them and went their way rejoicing. This greatest gift  to mankind, God's only Son, the Savior, Christ the Lord, born to a poor virgin, born in a lowly stable, created a great stir among the people and an amazing sign in the sky.

A bright star began to show in the sky over Bethlehem. Three wise men from the East saw the star and pondered its meaning. Through their devotions, they came to realize it signified a great event, the birth of the King of the Jews. This was not an ordinary king. This was the promised Messiah! They prepared special gifts for this amazing child: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Then they headed out on their long journey.

It had been two years since they first saw the star by the time they reached Jerusalem. The cloudy weather had caused them to lose sight of their guiding light, so they stopped at the capitol to inquire of the current king and leaders. Surely they would know where the Christ was born! Unlike these wise men, the Jews and King Herod, were greatly troubled by the pronouncement of the meaning of the recent star. They had no idea that he had been born, but the religious leaders knew where he should be born: Matthew 2:5 - 6 (KJV) ⁵And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,  ⁶And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.  The wise men thanked their hosts and set out again toward Bethlehem. Soon the weather cleared and the star appeared again and they rejoiced with great joy as they were about to meet this mighty Messiah, this young child, now living in a home with his mother Mary, and supposed father, Joseph.

As they entered the house, "they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him." After presenting their special gifts, they departed with great joy, directed by God in a dream to return home another way. The giving of gifts, signifying the birth of Christ, had begun!

Years later, a Christian elder learned of a poor young woman who wanted to marry, but had no dowry to give the husband, as was the custom. Legend tells us that this kind man secretly threw a bag of coins through the window of this poor girl's home and the story of Saint Nicholas or Santa Claus was born. Secret giving in the name of St. Nicholas soon caught on, as the Christian spirit of giving took hold. As time went on the tradition of Christmas with old St. Nick giving gifts to the children became part of nearly every home in the land of  Christian America. Secret giving in St. Nick's name continues and as the season approaches each year, this amazing spirit of giving enraptures millions of souls, even those who don't understand the true meaning of Christmas.

And just who or what is this spirit that takes hold of millions, working an amazing transformation of so many souls? Who is this spirit that lifts up the birthday celebration of the Lord Jesus Christ every year, stimulating the buying of many gifts, small and great for millions of loved ones? Here is a clue: John 16:13-14 (NKJV)... for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. ¹⁴He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. Who was the Lord Jesus talking about?  "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth," said the Lord. Just who is this Spirit of truth? None other than the Holy Spirit of God.  Luke 1:35 (NKJV) ³⁵And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.  Yes, the Holy Spirit is that wonderful Spirit of giving and the one who brought about this most amazing and wonderful gift ever given to man from God.

The Holy Spirit is the one who moved kind St. Nicholas and he continues to glorify the Christ of Christmas.  If we should stop this wonderful tradition which He began, it would seem that the very stones would cry out  in praise to God (Luke 19:40) for the wonderful gift of His dear Son, who gave His life a ransom for all - but only appropriated by those  who believe (I Timothy 2:6, John 3:16). Yes, it is the Holy Spirit of God who is the booster of the American people and our economy. Let us recall the nightmare of an America without Christ and bow and worship like the wise men of old before this man, born of a virgin, the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, and soon coming King of all kings.