What is the main conflict in The Collected Tales of Nikolai Gogol by Nikolai Gogol?

In "Night Before Christmas" Gogol refers to everyone going "caroling and glorifying Christ." He talks of the Devil being angry that the town blacksmith is painting religious pictures. Once the blacksmith invokes the Devil's help, the Devil fears that the blacksmith will cross himself. Making the sign of the cross is a direct reference to Christianity. The blacksmith uses this as leverage against the Devil which prevents him taking over his soul. The blacksmith is at first tempted by the Devil but ultimately defeatshim, is repentant and continues to paint religious renderings.