I found out some shocking news yesterday; Santa’s reindeer are all female. Can you believe that? I’m not sure I can celebrate Christmas now. I read an article that stated male and female reindeer both have antlers. I did not know that. The male reindeer shed their antlers in the winter. I did not know that. The female reindeer keep their antlers in the winter as a way to protect their young. I did not know that. So, most likely the reindeer guiding the sleigh are all female. This explains why Santa’s sleigh never gets lost; he’s being guided by females. I’m still going to celebrate Christmas even though the reindeer are female.
There are plenty of Christmas traditions that are not completely accurate. How about the tradition of celebrating Jesus birth on Dec. 25? Was Jesus born on Dec. 25? No one really knows, but it was most likely not December 25. The Bible says that there were shepherds keeping watch over their flocks by night (Luke 2:8) and that would have been highly unlikely in the winter. Lambing (when sheep give birth), occurred in a short period of time between the middle of March to early April. Shepherds would “watch over” their flocks during this critical birthing season. This is most likely the time of Jesus’ birth. The “Lamb of God” was born when lambs are usually born.
It’s not when we celebrate Christ’s birth that’s important, it’s how. We celebrate because Jesus’ birth is the good news that God is providing for us salvation in His Son, Jesus Christ. Let’s break down this good news the angels shared with the shepherds from Luke 2: 10-12.
1. Good news that means no fear – “Do not be afraid”
2. Good news that comes from God’s throne – “I bring you good news” This was unearthly good news.
3. Good news that brings great joy.
4. Good news that is global in scope – “for all people”
5. Good news that is current – “today”
6. Good news that is saving - “a Savior has been born”
7. Good news that is personal – “to you”
8. Good news that is Messianic – “He is Christ” which means the “Anointed One of God”.
9. Good news that is life changing – “the Lord” when we make Christ our Lord our lives are changed forever.
10. Good news that can be discovered – “you will find the baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger”
11. Good news that allows us to worship – “Glory to God in the highest”
12. Good news that is to be shared – “they (shepherds) spread the word” verse 17.
Jesus’ birth is a celebration of Good News from God. We celebrate this all the time for all time. I don’t care if the reindeer are male or female – I’m still celebrating Christmas. It doesn’t matter to me when Jesus was born – what matters is why He was born. He was born to save me from my sin. That is reason to celebrate!

Merry Christmas,
Pastor Tim