Church Sign - 12/24/2008

Church: Zion United Methodist Church (1807 Duncan Road; Knoxville, TN 37919)

Sign: “Don't leave Christ out of Christmas.”

Commentary: This expression has become cliche but that makes it no less relevant. As its name should suggest, Christ should be as much a part of Christmas as the word itself. The term "Christmas" originated as a compound meaning "Christ's Mass". It is derived from the Middle English Christemasse and Old English Cristes mæsse, a phrase first attested in 1038.

"And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end." (Luke 1:31-33, NASB)

The sign reminds its reader of the "reason for the season". It is so easy to get caught up in the commercialism of the Christmas holiday. Remember to celebrate the Savior's birth this Christmas season.