Santa or Savior: What Christmas is really about

What is for many (especially children) the most exciting day of the year, Christmas, has drawn to a close.

There remains the New Year to be welcomed, in a more raucous manner by many – and "2016" is set before us, a time for "New Year's resolutions." (I'm really gonna keep them this time.) At some point, for some, there will be a time to pause and reflect after they say goodbye to loved ones and put away the yuletide decorations: "Did I really spend that much?" "Was it worth it?" And for some, a most pressing question, "What was it all about?"

Yes, it was great to spend time with the family, but we can do that anytime. It was good to see Uncle Fred, but we saw him at Lucy's birthday party a few months ago. Yes, I enjoyed the Macy's parade, but I saw great parades on July 4.

Of course, we saw all the movies about Rudolph, the Grinch, Charlie Brown and what was the old Maureen O'Hara movie about proving the existence of Santa in court? Well yeah, the shopping part was a challenge, but what would Christmas Day be without the wrapping and the ripping?

Am I gonna do this again next year? The kids will all be off to college, the wife and I know there ain't no Santa, so why all the fuss and bother about one day of the year? What is Christmas all about anyway? Certainly not some fat dude in a red suit saying "Ho-Ho-Ho!" and sliding down chimneys. (Heck, we don't even have a fireplace.)

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So what's up with this whole Christmas thing?

You know, I remember Mom and Pop back in the day. They would sit us down and read to us "The Christmas Story" (Luke 2: 1-20, KJV):

"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

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And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

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And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

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Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

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And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them."

Then Dad would say, "This is what Christmas is really all about; not Santa, sleighs, reindeer and presents."

As we put away the ornaments and decorations of Christmas, the question to be answered by each individual remains: "What is Christmas really about – a Santa or a Savior?"

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