Have you ever wondered if it is right for a person of faith to sing and talk about Santa as if he was real, when we all know that he is a fake myth? Should we simply throw out our Christmas trees, ornaments, yule logs, socks on the wall, presents, wreathes, and Santa suits and replace them with nativity scenes, creches, Bibles, lambs, and wise men? For many people of faith, celebrating Christmas evokes a conflict of values.

On December 16 we will learn from the Bible and tradition that Christmas is like an iceberg; beautiful and dangerous. Perhaps there is a way to celebrate the beauty without a titanic tragedy. If you listen, you may find out why “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” is a more truthful lyric than “Twas The Night Before Christmas.”

Scripture: John 17:14,15, Ezekiel 8:7-16, Matthew 2:1-12

“Merry Christ-mass” preached by Pastor John K. McGhee on December 15th, 2018 at the Mount Vernon Seventh-day Adventist Church in Mount Vernon, Washington