Luke 2:21-24 KJV
21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

Preamble:
Santa has always been a part of Christmas in my growing up years, it is a fun tradition, but if it takes away what Christ as done have we lost focus. I say it with love, but I also know how rooted the traditions of man are. And though good moral lessons, we must acknowledge that St. Nick was testimony to love of Christ to the orphans. He never would of wanted to be idolized, but continued to see the traditions of Christ carried out. We need to know to carry Christ message in action is possible with one act of kindness and many more.

Devotion:
Today is Christmas and the manger been done, but the story does not end at the manger. It interesting that many churches have finished their celebration of Jesus birth and move right into Santa and the gifts being given out. The need for giving and the need for the sharing with each other the love of Christ. Yet is Christ mention in the giving of gifts? What is our thoughts this morning on traditions of the way we celebrate or on the true meaning of Christmas. One birthday that is celebrated all over the world, or the act an kindness of one man named St Nick who gave to orphans that one winter day. The thought of gift giving is never an evil thing, but it is why are we truly giving. Why are we sacrificing time and money for another person's joy. Why are we focused on the sharing and caring for another. Traditions are as sacred as the legalism of faith, necessary to practice the traditions of love and good cheer. Better to give of oneself at least one day a year. Yet it truly is the celebration of Christ.

We continue the story of the Christ's child of him going to the temple. Going eight days after his birth. Going in tradition of the laws of Moses, the laws God gave to man concerning the sacrificial laws and laws concerning giving birth and so forth. These are tradition not necessarily carried out today in the Christian world beyond the dedicating of our infants to the Lord. The celebration of family by giving and thanking God for a new addition to the family. It was to be done for any child openning their mother's womb. For every child that enter life in the way of humanity. It was a part of culture and part of religious culture. This child was special his name would be Jesus. He was the only begotten of the Father full of grace and truth. A gift to the world who understood not, who this baby would be. Sacrifices given for his life and dedication to God.

It easy to celebrate the manger scene, but do we celebrate his death and resurrection, do we celebrate his life on earth and good will toward mankind. We celebrate one act of kindness by Santa, but Christ would grow up and perform many miracles, and do many marvelous work and yet do we celebrate. The law and traditions of man are only a reminder of the celebration of Christ birth. However do we celebrate his life upon the earth and in our world today. Do we rejoice that our Savior is born, the works, he would, did and continues to do in our world today.

Let our Christmas be a reminder of the love of Christ to the world that continues on today. His love continues through you and through me, His love continues through miracles, and blessings he gives each of us. Let our sacrifice of praise be given. Our traditions are sacred, but our celebration by following in Christ footsteps and God's footsteps out way the footsteps of man. May this Christmas be extra special as we think on all Christ did while on earth. Let us praise and give to God because of his blessings on us.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for Christ birth and the tradition of temple Mary and Joseph carried out in celebration of this new life. Lord helps us to remember to thank and praise you for your Son Jesus, who walked this earth, person wonders and signs, along with healing. In Jesus precious name, Amen.

Continual Scripture Study: Psalm 53:6 KJV
6 Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When God bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.