The season is upon us when we should be celebrating the birthday of the one who was called the Prince of Peace. As we find ourselves in a festive mood, it is then that we should be at peace in our own hearts. It is through this avenue that we could be at peace with others and, ultimately, the entire world.

May this be the year the we find ourselves so immersed in God's love that we leave little time for commercial celebrations. Christmas should always be a time of remembering ... remembering the real reason for the season.

Speaking of remembering, I honestly believe I can remember each of my childhood Christmases. One thing that stands out above all else was when we would gather around the fireplace to hear Mama tell the Christmas story. I would like to share with you the way I remember it being told.

God created the world and all that is within. This was his handiwork. The only thing that surely must have disappointed God was mankind. His creatures were terribly disobedient. They wanted things their own way. God in his great wisdom decided to give man 10 simple rules to live by. These proved to be either too difficult for man to obey or either man enjoyed breaking the rules. It was then that he thought of a new plan. He would go down to earth and show man how to live.

In fulfilling his plan, he selected a young woman named Mary and a young man named Joseph to be the earthly parents of his only son that was to be named Jesus. God's only son was destined to be the savior of the world. As this young couple fulfilled the law of Caesar Augustus, they along with the caravan of people headed for Bethlehem. The governor had ordered everyone to be registered in order to pay taxes. The little group, after a hard day's journey, found themselves at an inn. Mary, expecting her child any minute, needed a room with a good bed. Joseph, however, was told that there was no room, that the place was filled with guests.

In searching for a warm place for Mary to give birth to the Christ Child, Joseph found refuge in a manger. It was here that the baby Jesus was born. Not too far away, there were shepherds tending their flock on a cold winter's night. They saw a bright star that settled some distance away. The brightness of this star aroused their curiosity.

Far away in another land, there were three wisemen who were preparing to go see this baby that had long been expected. They carried with them gold, frankincense and myrrh. These were precious ointments and jewels befitting a king. When King Herrod learned of their plans, he told them to go find the babe because he might visit him, too.

After following the star for a long time, the wisemen arrived where the savior of the world lay in a manger. Being told in a dream to return another way, these men were aware that King Herrod was not interested in worshipping the little boy but in killing him.

Since then, mankind has sought for 2,000 years for means to destroy the savior of the world. But those of us who believe know that the ground couldn't hold him. He arose back to Heaven where he waits on those of us who believe to come and live with him through all eternity.

What a reason for rejoicing at Christmastime!

Lest we forget ...

* T&D Columnist Rinehart Chewning is a longtime resident of Holly Hill. His column appears every Saturday.

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