Anyone who has been to the mall or Wal-Mart recently can see that the Christmas season is upon us. The stores eagerly hock their wares to the wall-to-wall frenzied customers soon to be fighting over the last Tickle-me Elmo, Beanie Baby or whatever over-priced new toy that takes the spotlight this year. In the hustle and bustle of this commercialized Christmas, the true meaning of the season is obscured materialism.

Christmas is about giving. This takes on a much deeper meaning when you look at the roots of this holiday. For Christians, this is a holy time of year. It is a celebration of the greatest gift ever given. Through the scriptures, the Lord declares For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish, but will have everlasting life (John 3:16). The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23). And also For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given:and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

As a Christian, this is a time of rejoicing as we commemorate the birth of Jesus the Messiah. Jesus was born of a virgin almost 2,000 years ago in a small town in Palestine called Bethlehem, as was foretold by the prophets Isaiah and Micah (Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2).

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As you go about your way this holiday season, take a moment and consider the greatest gift of all. Jesus is the reason for the season.