You're Not Going to Like This
by Terry J. Ward

 OK, correct me if I'm wrong, but weren't people just freaking out about kids going to school with guns and mowing down everyone in their pathway? And, if I'm not mistaken, aren't we inundated with specials on kids who have killed their parents, serial killers, and sadistic rapists? Of course, there are many elements that have gone into the makings of these people and their deeds. And no two are completely alike. However, there is one element that makes a significant showing in the statistics that have been gathered regarding these crimes. Interest in the occult, Satan worship, an in-general forsaking of God.

 Yet, what are we doing? Lining right up to expose our kids to the wonderful world of Harry Potter. You don't have to be a Christian fundamentalist to be able to appreciate the general drift of what God is saying about this stuff…. "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live (Exodus 22:18)….There shalt not be found among  you any one…that useth divination, or an observer of times (astrologers), or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard…for all that do these things are an abomination to the Lord…(Deuteronomy 18:10-12)"    Seems pretty clear to me. GOD DOESN'T LIKE THIS STUFF. I didn't make this up. Believe me, there's a lot more of that same message throughout the Bible. Whether or not you believe that it's the divine word of God, there's certainly a strong message.

 Some people might think that it's harmless and fun for kids. Some people are in love with Harry Potter books because their children love to read them…and encouraging your children to read is good…isn't it? Taking your child to the movies as a family is good…isn't it? But, if current events over the past twenty years have taught us anything, it should be teaching us to be careful about what we're exposing our kids to. Opening the door, heck, shoving your kid through the door, and encouraging them to take up practices that will take them that much farther away from God is a prescription for disaster.

 Am I on a soapbox? Yup, you'd better believe it. I don't know about you, but I've seen what happens when kids grow up without God in their lives. I've seen the kids that dabble in magic and seances and tarot cards, etc. etc. etc….and it's not pretty. And I've seen the parents that allow it to happen. There's a fine line between naivete and being too self-centered or afraid to be a real parent. It's not innocent fun. It's a very dangerous game.

 Well, now, that's a cheerful little Christmas message, isn't it? Maybe not, but someone's got to say it. I'd like to think that this Christmas, instead of getting something under the tree that will be like a slap in the face to God and His gift to us, that perhaps a few less kids will get Harry Potter books, or go to the Harry Potter movie. And maybe a few more will get gifts that are better examples of the event that we are supposed to be celebrating.