We remain astounded by the massive number of Christian pastors and priests who meekly surrendered the observance the resurrection of Christ on Easter earlier this year.
It 's only the most important day in Christianity and the linchpin of the religion, for as the Apostle Paul wrote if Christ was not raised from the dead we are the most pitiable of people.
On Sunday, April 12, 2020 churches all across the United States were as empty as the tomb of Jesus.
Fortunately, that does not appear to be the case for Christmas services.
In August Pastor John MacArthur of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California decided he’d had enough of California’s unfair and unconstitutional church lockdown. He reopened his sanctuary.
Thousands returned to church services there as MacArthur welcomed the congregation, "I'm so happy to welcome you to the Grace Community Church peaceful protest."
What’s noteworthy about MacArthur is he didn’t wait for permission from Caesar to begin worship. The church was opened and services held.
Then church lawyers made its case in court to overturn the ban on worship.
Naturally the "Flustapo" came after the MacArthur.
Faithwire reports after Grace Community reopened, Los Angeles county dime store dictators terminated a decades-old lease held by the church.
Since 1975 the congregation has leased much of its parking lot from the county.
Without stating a reason — although we can guess — the department of Public Works banned parking on its property.
Lawsuits continue.
MacArthur and other pastors and priests who have finally decided enough-is-enough are to be commended.
Christmas worship should not be subject to the whims of petty government bureaucrats.
At the same time, we should not overlook pastors who never submitted to government control of worship and held Easter service and intend to do the same for Christmas.
Pastor Tony Spell of Life Tabernacle Church in Baton Rouge, Lousiana for instance.
As this is written, Pastor Spell has either been arrested or cited by the police 33 times for refusing to close his church to worshipers.
The paperwork is framed and covers much of one wall in his office.
He has been arrested by the chief of police in front of his entire congregation.
During one sermon Spell stepped from behind the pulpit and raised his pants leg to show attendees the ankle monitor a judge ordered installed on his leg.
It was part of the pastor’s sentence to house arrest.
That defiance earned Spell a 90-day jail sentence which is still pending.
The governor of Louisiana went on CNN and stated he is doing everything in his power to stop Tony Spell and his church.
A traffic ticket from 21 years ago was "found" and a bench warrant issued for Spell’s arrest.
And those are just the high points.
Through it all Pastor Spell has decided the 647 under–privileged children Life Tabernacle’s fleet of buses brings to the church each Sunday for a nourishing breakfast and Sunday School take priority.
Christmas services will see these children also get gifts.
Keeping Life Tabernacle open in spite of government threats also saw 350 baptisms, bringing those souls to Christ.
During the 10 months Pastor Spell has preached in defiance of unconstitutional government edicts, there have been no "Wuflu" deaths in his church and the government has refused to supply any case data.
It’s just "Do As We Say or Else."
Pastor Tony Spell choose "else."
We urge everyone who is not sick or vulnerable to attend Christmas services if your church is open.
And if your church is not open we urge you to contact your priest or pastor and demand to know why the church isn’t holding services.
This has gone on long enough.
Michael Reagan, the eldest son of President Reagan, is a Newsmax TV analyst. A syndicated columnist and author, he chairs The Reagan Legacy Foundation. Michael is an in-demand speaker with Premiere speaker’s bureau. Read Michael Reagan's Reports — More Here.
Michael R. Shannon is a commentator, researcher for the League of American Voters, and an award-winning political and advertising consultant with nationwide and international experience. He is author of "Conservative Christian’s Guidebook for Living in Secular Times (Now with addedhumor!)" Read Michael Shannon's Reports — More Here.