From the Pulpit...

We began reading through a harmony of Matthew and Luke birth accounts of Jesus. We looked at a few debated issues, like whether Mary and Joseph wanted to stay in an "inn" but were turned away; whether December 25 was really the date of Jesus's birth, Christmas trees, the abbreviation Xmas, and who the "three kings of orient" are.

Why Christmas? Because of the incarnation. And why the incarnation? Because Christ came to reveal God to us, to die for us and rise again, and to call us to repent and receive life instead of judgment. The whole Christian faith is the reason for Christmas. Do not be a grinch that steals the real meaning of Christmas. And do not let the secular society define your belief and practice of Christmas!