Most of you have probably heard about the controversy over the Satanist statue placed in the Illinois Statehouse alongside the Christmas tree and menorah.

Many were outraged by this provocative act of the Satan worshipers, but I have come to regard it in a different way.

Seeing this juxtaposition of the depiction of Satan’s temptation of Eve in the Garden, promising that she could have all knowledge and be like God, next to the Jewish menorah and the lighted celebration of Christ’s birth, I couldn’t help but think about what a fitting illustration it was for the Bible message:

From the beginning, Satan has tried to convince humanity we can be like God, if only we have enough knowledge. God’s chosen people were tempted, over and over, to turn to the gods of popular culture, but kept returning to the one true God. With Christ’s birth, the gentiles were welcomed into God’s family and offered Salvation from Satan’s lies which lead only to sin and death.

Now, if only the display were to add the Cross to celebrate the Resurrection, how powerful the visual message would be.

As his brothers learned when they sold Joseph into slavery, as recounted in the Old Testament book of Genesis, what is meant for evil can be wondrously used for God’s purpose.

Thanks, Satanists, for providing this expensive prop to spread the Bible message.

Merry Christmas!