CHRISTmas

Somehow, this title looks strange, incomplete, mis-typed, a computer glitch . . . Yet countless people honor Jesus at Christmastime and some even all year long. But others ask why? Really, not a bad question for those who only know Jesus Christ from a distance. Here are some answers that invaded my computer back in November:

• He had no servants yet they called Him Master
• He had no degree yet they called Him Teacher.
• He had no medicine yet they called Him Healer
• In Biology—He was born without natural conception
• In Chemistry—He turned water into wine
• He fed 5,000 men with five loaves of bread and two fishes
• He walked on water and ascended into Heaven.
• He promised to return to the earth again some day.

Christmas is a wonderful, exciting time for many who are not well-acquainted with this Person who lived over 2,000 years ago. Yuletide, Noel and even Xmas are not fully understood by many. But as a public holiday it gives so many an opportunity to decorate their home, place colored lights on their house, purchase gifts for loved ones, display a manger scene even with humans and live animals, with either a doll or on some occasions an infant for a short time, weather permitting.

Santa Claus also dominates the landscape and is seen on rooftops with his sleigh, flying into the heavens or seated on a beautiful chair surrounded by little ones waiting to sit on his lap. Saint Nick is known by some as Kriss Kringle or even Father Christmas. Naturally, this is done not only to make Christmas more fascinating but also by some to enhance or distract from manger scenes. After all, at its heart, Christmas is a commemorative occasion celebrating the birth of the Baby Jesus.

Christmas is for sharing. Christmas gift ideas, wish lists, Christmas recipes, Christmas traditions, Christmas games, photos. Some small towns go absolutely crazy at Christmas time and much of the world celebrates for days or weeks. Old traditions blend in with modern innovations.

How do you plan to spend Christmas this year: will Santa Claus or the Baby Jesus be at the center of your celebration?

HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS!