Christmas started as a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, who came into the world to be its Savior by the church a few hundred years after his actual birth. It has become a time when attention is given to the Christian faith second only to Easter.

This time of the year also is and has been a time when the secular world celebrates, as well. It may have started out as a celebration of the days beginning to get longer with more sunshine, but here in this country it has gotten mingled with the Christmas season.

There are several things I think we can do. First, as Christians we must never forget or stray from the true meaning of Christmas – we should truly celebrate the coming of our Savior into the world. We should use this time to draw closer to him and to share this good news with others.

Secondly, we can begin to look at things within the secular world as lessons and reminders of the spiritual. We can also use them to teach our families these truths.

For instance, when we see the many lights, it should remind us that Jesus said about himself, "I am the light of the world," and that he instructs us to also be lights, showing the way to the Savior when he said, "You are the light of the world."

When we see the many things that are red in color like poinsettias, bows and ribbons, it should remind us of why Jesus came to earth in the first place – to shed his blood on the cross for our sins.

When we see the many things that are green, like trees, wreaths and garland, it ought to remind us of the new life that we can have because Jesus has come into our life.

When we see pictures of snow or if by small chance we get some, it should remind us of the purity of Jesus Christ and how he can help us to clean up our lives. As you look around, you can find many more.

So I hope this Christmas, if you know the Savior, you will truly celebrate. But if you don’t, then you will do so and experience Christmas in a new real way.