The Who, What, When, Where, and Why of Christmas

We live in a society that moves ever closer to believing issues can be solved by a war of words, separatist ideologies, and the use of guns.

At the same time, we claim to be a Christian nation, living out the principles of Jesus.

During this time of Christmas, may we remember the Who, What, When, Where, and Why of Christmas.

Jesus is the "Who" of Christmas. Jesus, God's gift to the world. Emanuel, God with us, the Son of God, Rabbi. The reason for Christmas is not so much giving gifts but receiving God's love and sharing love with others.

Jesus' birth, life, and death define the "What" of Christmas. God did not send a king or ruler who lives for him or herself. Instead, God sends a "babe in the manger." Jesus showed us how to live, help, and care for all humankind.

The "When" of Christmas first happened approximately 2,000 years ago. God chooses to intervene in human history. However, the "When" can happen anytime we allow the way of Jesus to be born in our hearts.

The "Where" of Christmas was Bethlehem, not Jerusalem, not Washington D.C., not a big city, but a small town which reminds us God is everywhere.

The "Why" is because left to our own, we get it all wrong. We allow our self-centeredness, unforgiveness, and anger to rule our lives. Our society desperately needs the eyes and heart of Jesus. We need to remember the great commandments to "Love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. And to love our neighbor as our self."

May we remember the Who, What, When, Where, and Why of Christmas. May we receive the gift of Jesus and share the gift through our words and actions.