IS JESUS REALLY THE REASON FOR THE SEASON?
(by Tommy Thornhill)

At this time of year, when people want to ignore, downplay, or do away with what is known the world over as Christmas, well-meaning people speak out saying, "Don't you know Jesus is the reason for the season?" Many people sincerely believe this, but is it true? Please think with me on this matter.

Speaking as a Christian and a preacher, I must always be truthful in teaching on any Bible subject. Concerning the birth of Jesus, the Gospel of Matthew and Luke record that Jesus was born of the virgin Mary, in the little town of Bethlehem, during the reign of king Herod. The time has been determined by well-meaning men, NOT by God. God did not choose to tell us the date Jesus was born because He never intended us to remember Jesus' birth in a special way. He never intended us to isolate Jesus' birth from the rest of His work as our Redeemer, so we should not overemphasize it. So, when people tell me Jesus is the reason for the season, I reply, "Jesus is not the reason for the season (Christmas), He is the reason for our salvation."