Years ago, when a friend visited me during Christmas, we would go to the Stanford church to attend the Christmas mass there. It was quite a spectacle, what with all the candlelights, prayers, and chorus music. It was very "holy". At the same time, I didn't know what the big deal was in that quiet hall, where everyone looked very pious and serious.

Shouldn't Christmas be...merry?

A few days ago, my older brother asked me where church meets this Sunday so he could take his kids there. I felt a sense of joy as I detected a sense of envy coming from him. Wow...my brother waming up to my faith...to Christ the Savior!

As a Christian (a young one at that), it is during this time of year where I feel a sense of connection to my faith. During the rest of the year I may go around professing my faith, being nicer, kinder, and more compassionate. Well, not that it's perfect during this time of year, but the inhibition goes down a bit I think as I openly express my convictions—giving cards with a gospel tinge, asking my co-workers, my nieces and nephews if they know the real meaing of Christmas. (It's not finding the perfect gift, waiting in line to return the not-so-perfect gift, or making a list to Santa.)

As I am reflecting on it, there is some mysterious thing at work to make me want to celebrate Christmas, not in the old gift-giving sense, but in the fact that I am now part of Him. He came to bring me back into Him, because He loves me. And that is His gift for me.

So yeah, you don't have to be a Christian, nor holy, nor serious, nor reverent to attend Christmas service. My wish is that you go check out a church and listen to the Christmas story this coming Sunday.

Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. —Luke 2:10-11

Merry Christmas everyone.