Micah 5:2 (RSV)
"But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for Me One who is to be ruler in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days."

The Christmas season is one of the best (if not the best) of the year. It seems during this time, more than any other, there is a general feeling of warmth and charity in the air that affects just about everyone. People rush to and fro to stores and shopping centers buying gifts for family and friends. They go to parties and other festive events.

Sometimes in the hustle and bustle, we forget the reason for the season. We sing, "Joy to the World", and forget, "the Lord is come" In all the holiday activities and commercialism we sometimes lose sight of the true reason why the birth of Christ is something to hold dear and celebrate.

Because of Adam and Eve's sin, we are all sinners and our deserved fate is eternal death. And there is nothing we of ourselves can do to avoid such a fate. But Gods incredibly wonderful grace and love was shown when He gave His own Son to pay in full the penalty for our sins on the cross. He even provided us all with a measure of faith so that we could believe and accept Him (Romans 12:3). We did not deserve access to this doorway to salvation. It is totally unmerited. All we must do is go through the open door in faith and salvation is assured.

Such a priceless gift! Yet it is free to all who accept it by faith. During the days of Christmas, as we spend time with family and friends and enjoy the blessings of the season, let us not forget the true reason for the holiday. May we remember with awe and gratitude that long ago, in a little town called Bethlehem, God became flesh in order to provide salvation for us all, and a home with Him in heaven.