Merry Christmas, brothers and sisters!

I love this holiday. Christmas makes me feel peaceful... happy... joyous... compassionate...

But this holiday also makes me a little sad. Why? Because all around me I see people turning this holiday into something it's not. Christmas is not about consumerism, and retail store profits. Christmas is not about being politically correct, and making sure all songs/decorations are "PC." Christmas is not a time for racking up debt, buying presents that we can't afford.

Christmas is about the birth of our savior -- plain and simple.

Today is his birthday. Whether it's Jesus Christ's actual birthday or not remains to be seen. But we observe his birthday today, and rejoice in the one simple fact that God sent His son down to earth, to take punishment for our sins and die on the cross so that we can have eternity in Heaven. There are some folks who celebrate Christmas who aren't Christians. There are some who claim to be Christian but who don't recognize that Christ is their salvation, and they use this holiday for gifts, food, parties, etc. It's their freedom to do that, and their right as an American do observe and celebrate in any way they choose.

But I'll tell you one thing. This holiday is about salvation. It's about recognizing the birthday of this man who was crucified for us. If anyone celebrates today without acknowledging that fact, then they are missing the point. And not only are they missing the point of this holiday, but they are also missing the whole point of life. Every New Year that passes by that someone is not saved by Christ is another year wasted. Every day that goes by that you don't have the Holy Spirit is another risk that you take -- because today might be your last day on earth. Our lives here on earth are about one main point: Finding God through Christ. Anything else is just extra.

And if you're missing out on that one main point of salvation, then none of that "extra" counts. You can be as nice or as generous or as compassionate as you want, but you still do not have the ticket that earns you passage into Heaven when your life ends.

And at that point, when you've realized that you missed out on the one main point of life... you will then know that all the presents, lights, trees, decorations and treats were for nothing. Because none of that represented the true reason you were celebrating Christmas.

My Christmas wish for each and every one of you is this: For those of you who are Born Again and saved by Christ, may you be blessed and filled with His love this holiday season and in 2009. It's been an interesting year -- a tough one for some. But God is always with you, and He will guide you and give you wisdom so that you come through any difficulties that might come your way.

And for those who don't consider themselves to be "Born Again" know this: If you truly would like to celebrate Christmas the right way -- for the right reason -- ask Jesus into your heart. Just going to church every once in a while, or being baptized as a baby doesn't do it. The Bible clearly states that we have to "ACCEPT" Jesus Christ as our savior and "RECEIVE" the gift of salvation. It's the only way. Think of it like a Christmas present. It's not enough that someone bought it for you. You actually have to receive the gift, and accept it, and open it. Which means you physically must take a moment... pray to the LORD and acknowledge that you want Jesus Christ to come into your life and save you from your sins. In turn, you will be filled with the Holy Spirit. You'll be "tagged" so to speak, with a presence in your soul that will guide you throughout your life.

Do this, and I'll be seeing you in Heaven where they REALLY know how to celebrate. :o)

Peace, love and many blessings to you in the name of Christ...

Merry Christmas!