We are entering one of my favorite times of year, Christmas. I really enjoy all the decorations and festivities that occur during this time. I have also grown dismayed over the last several years as society becomes politically correct and refuses to even use the “C” word (Christmas).

I have, at times, actually become angry over the fact that store clerks will wish me “happy holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas”. My anger is probably not completely justified, at least not towards the clerk (who is only doing as their boss has instructed). At the same time I am dismayed that our politically correct society will not use the word “Christmas” because they fear it will offend someone.

This Christmas, those of us who know and love Jesus Christ, have a great opportunity to remind store clerks, friends, co-workers and classmates why we celebrate Christmas. It is one of the times when people are more open to hearing the truth about the beginning of Christmas than perhaps at any other time of year.

I have decided that instead of being angry at the lack of the use of the word itself, I will look for opportunities to share the true joy of this season of Christmas-the birth of Jesus Christ our Savior and Redeemer.

As a church we will have opportunities to celebrate Christ’s birth through worship, service and community involvement. See the following schedule for our events to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

I pray that this year you will take the opportunity to share the good news of Christmas with someone. As the angel declared to the shepherds, you have “good news of great joy. The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born…” (Luke 210-11, The Message) This is news too good to keep to ourselves. Be sure you tell someone why we celebrate Christmas. Share the good news that our Savior has been born!

Choir and Handbells on the Town Common • Saturday, December 1 at 4:00pm
Free Gift Wrapping • December 3, 4, 6 and 7, from 5:00pm–8:00pm and December 8, from 1:00pm–5:00pm
Christmas and Candlelight Service • Saturday, December 15 at 6:30PM at New Colony
Christmas Eve Service • Monday, December 24 at 5:00PM at New Colony