The grace of God has appeared, offering salvation to all men. It trains us to reject godless ways and worldly desires, and live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age as we await our blessed hope, the appearing of the great God and of our Saviour Christ Jesus. It is he who sacrificed himself for us, to redeem us from all unrighteousness and to cleanse for himself a people of his own, eager to do what is right. Titus, Chapter 2, Verses 11-14 (New Testament)

December is a very special month for all Christians. It is the month when we celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ, who came to redeem us from original sin. God who created all came back to us in Christ to restore us to himself.

Over the last two thousand years, Christmas has been celebrated in many different ways throughout the world. In the fourth century, Christians in the Holy Land festively celebrated the birth of Christ for eight days. In that same era, The Coptic Christians remembered Epiphany calling it the feast of Immersion and they celebrated until dawn of the next day.

One custom of the Middle Ages was the blessing and drinking of "Saint John’s wine" took the place of the wine when non-Christians drank to honor one of their gods. What we know as the Christmas tree is drawn from the belief that trees which remain green in the winter reflect the special power of God. Eventually people began to decorate evergreen trees and they were even called "Paradise trees." The earliest ornaments were apples to remind the early Christians of the fruit which tempted the dwellers of Eden. Evergreens eventually were decorated with religious designs and were called "Christbaum" in honor of Jesus Christ.

Today we celebrate Christmas by decorating our home with lights, wreaths, and Christmas trees. Some families will have more than one tree which is decorated. Festivities are found in the parties people have at home, in restaurants, and private clubs. Many families make cookies and exchange them with relatives and neighbors.

For children and adults, the opening of Christmas gifts is an event which brings surprises, laughter, and joy. Those who are fortunate have generations of relatives joining the celebration. Others recall the holidays when their departed loved ones were at the table. Many who have moved far from home bring their close friends to their Christmas table.

For a Christian, it is the presence of Christ our God at the Christmas table with us who is our most treasured guest. Christ comes to our table giving the greatest gifts of all, God’s grace and salvation. These two gifts given by God through the teachings of our faith and the practices of our parents are the only gifts which are forever. These teachings are the ones which show us how to live temperately, justly, and devoutly.

Christian stewards strive for a life in which the cleansing of Christ is evident by their daily actions and behaviors. We decide to live in ways which will lead us to salvation and an eternity in Heaven. What are Christians expected to do for their God and their faith? What will you do?