I’m not a Scrooge but if we are honest, Jesus is not “the reason for the season.”  The early church didn’t celebrate Jesus’ birthday, they remembered His death, burial, resurrection and ascension.  If you study the history of the entire Christmas hubbub you’ll find that it originally had very little to do with Jesus.  But I really don’t want to get hung up on that stuff because even though there are pagan roots to this Holiday there are pagan roots to a lot of things that we have embraced as a culture, we could get worn out fighting them all.  We are in the world but we are not of it.  We can celebrate this season culturally and still rise above it spiritually.  Our challenge as Christ followers is not to fight the culture but rather to keep our minds set on things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.  Let’s work hard to keep Christ in this season.  The Advent remembrance helps with that challenge.  These weeks before Christmas can be used to remember Biblical themes like Hope, Faith, Joy, Peace and Love.  Whether people realize it or not, these are the things that people are really looking for.  Hope etc. will not be found in Santa, Frosty or Rudolph.  The reality of these themes will not be found in giving or receiving gifts.  Hope, Faith, Joy, Peace and Love are found ultimately in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  He is the One who came to bring life.  So I’ll not “bah-humbug” the culture or those who lean on it this season.  I will however be looking for opportunities to point people to the One who can give them real meaning this season.  I hope you’ll join us in that endeavor.  Merry Christmas!