There will not be many of you reading this during the week before Christmas.

Most are busy with church functions, family obligations, and maybe gone on vacation; hopefully with thoughts full of the joyous time we celebrate in the birth of our Lord!

Unfortunately crime against Christians and Christian organizations does not stop for this holy time; in fact it appears to increase.

This was what I wrote on some websites, like LinkedIn, where there are several key Christian groups. I felt it was important to point out that crimes seemed on the increase against churches and, as we prepare to celebrate Christmas, we must remain vigilant.

Most are receptive and appreciative of the message and reminder, but there is always at least one person out there who tells me what a shame it is that I am being so "commercial" when our thoughts should be on the birth of Christ.

Huh?

First, as I stated above, crime doesn't stop against churches or Christians because it is a holy time of the year for us. So my thought is always to remind fellow believers to not take their eye of the ball during these celebrations because nothing will ruin yours and others Christmas than to have your church burned down, property stolen, or worst, someone hurt or killed.

This doesn't mean we all have to focus and worry throughout the holidays; we are Christians and have the protection of the Lord, But we don't need to be the simpleton who pushes forward blindly and suffers the consequences, as the Bible warns us in Proverbs.

Second, it is always disheartening to have a "fellow Christian" make accusations that I am being "commercial", when he doesn't know me, my heart, or my calling. It doesn't hurt my feelings, but it hurts that a fellow believer would be so judgmental; I feel bad for such a person.

One of the major security associations used the slogan "Security Never Sleeps" a few years ago and I thought that summed the idea up very succinctly.

Security personnel, law enforcement, our military, and other protection professionals do not become complacent; security is a 24/7 concept.

The number of crimes against Christian churches is up this year and we will have a report shortly after the first of the year.

I hope you thoroughly enjoy this Christmas and wish you and everyone peace, but we will continue to monitor and report so you learn and become more aware.

Being in formed is the first step in being prepared and we are here for you, no matter what time of the year.

Have a joyous and safe Christmas!

In Christ,
Jeff Hawkins
Executive Director

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Comments from last week:

"JEFF: I THOUGHT THAT "EVIL" NEVER SET FOOT ON CHURCH GROUNDS! I AM BEING SARCASTIC OF COURSE JUST TO PROVE THAT IF A CHURCH IS "FEARFUL" ABOUT PROVIDING SERVICES FOR A BURIAL GOD HELP US ALL IF THEY ACT THIS FEARFUL DURING REGULAR SUNDAY SERVICES.TELL THE PASTORS TO READ NEHEMIAH AND MAYBE THEY WILL GET THE POINT. GREAT ARTICLE AS ALWAYS!!!!" K.W.