The pastor of a church in California put a sign in front of his church during December that said, “Jesus is the reason for the season. Merry Christmas.” He received a complaint from a woman in the community who took offense at the message. She closed the conversation by saying, “I don’t think the church should try to drag religion into every holiday.”

Two ladies were shopping at the mall when they happened upon a large nativity scene in one of the department store windows. In disgust, one turned to the other and said, “Just look at that. Now the church is trying to horn in on Christmas!”

What ironic reactions these are, when we can’t even spell Christmas without Christ. Some abbreviate it “X-mas,” but even the “X” represents the Greek letter “Chi,” which is the first letter in “Christ.”

Christmas is the celebration of the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ, God in flesh, born of the virgin Mary to save us from our sins. Although society tries to marginalize the church 11 months out of the year, in December it bursts to the forefront with good news of a Savior.

So, Christian, seize the day! Put up your nativity scene and Advent wreath, play “Silent Night,” and bake a birthday cake for Jesus. December is the month for Christians to come out of the closet and drag religion into the holiday!

(Copyright 2012 by Bob Rogers. Email: brogers@fbcrincon.com. Read this column each Friday in the Herald. Visit my blog at www.bobrogers.me.)