CHRISTMAS

What was Jesus' last name? Was it Christ? No, No! They didn't have last names in those days. There weren't enough people around to require last names. Jesus was just known as Jesus of Nazareth when he grew up. There certainly could have been a Jesus of Jerusalem and a Jesus of Bethel.


Christ is a description of what Jesus was. Christ means messiah or expected king. (The Jews were the ones expecting a king but alas, to them, he was Jesus but not the messiah.) Properly, in English, its not Jesus Christ but Jesus the christ. Those of us who believe that Jesus was the christ, call him Christ - - call his life and those who emulate it, Christian - - call the celebration of his birthday, Christmas.


Yesterday we celebrated the birthday of Jesus - - the child born in Bethlehem to Mary and Joseph. He grew up in Nazareth working with his father who was a carpenter. He lived to show us how to live and he died to save us from our sins. Wish each other a Merry Christmas if you would - - I'm sure Jesus would have us be merry. But, don't be embarrassed to wish your friends a Holy Christmas as well.


Holy Christmas to you.

:o)