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     Pre-Note— An obvious circumstance is that over the past few decades, this National Holiday has become more and more secular. Instead of addressing the numerous negatives, however, I’d like to articulate the positives. But first, below is what the Encyclopedia Britannica says about our December 25 holiday.—Buff.


     ENCYCLOPEDIA BRITANNICA— “The precise origin of assigning December 25 as the birth date of Jesus is unclear. The New Testament provides no clues in this regard. December 25 was first identified as the date of Jesus’ birth by Sextus Julius Africanus, Christian Historian, in 221 A.D. and later became the universally-accepted date.
 
    “Indeed, after December 25 had become widely accepted as the date of Jesus’ birth, Christian writers frequently made the connection between the rebirth of the sun and the birth of the Son. One of the difficulties with this view is that it suggests a nonchalant willingness on the part of the Christian church to appropriate a pagan festival when the early church was so intent on distinguishing itself categorically from all pagan beliefs and practices.”— https://www.britannica.com/topic/Christmas .


    Of all the positive factors surrounding the Christmas Holiday, millions of people, both regenerate and unregenerate, saved and unsaved, are pointed upward and toward a Savior by the name of Jesus Christ. His name is revered and spoken more often this time of the year than any other time. If receptive hearts are to be influenced by heaven’s glories, the proclamation of His Name this time of the year will play a major role.
 
    Another Pro is that this is a beautiful time of the year for families to reunite and express their loyalty to and love for each other. It is a season of sharing and giving—a time to cheer, a time to enjoy God’s bounties, a time to grow stronger, a time to create a closer relationship with each other and with our Creator, and a time for recommitment.

    An additional Pro is that the Christmas season gives us a majestic and favorable time to take a deep breath and refresh ourselves, relax, and do a self-evaluation in advance of the upcoming New Year and how we are going to fit into it. May we resolve to be humane and benevolent to others, not only during the Christmas season, but throughout the New Year and beyond.
 

Mere Nick:

Blessings to you, my brother. May your Holidays be joyful.

Buff