Merry Christmas!

You probably have heard these words several times over the past few weeks, but what do they really mean?

Some believe the meaning of Christmas is the birth of Jesus Christ, while others believe Christmas is merely a holiday to express peace and goodwill toward men through sending cards, exchanging gifts and spending time with family and friends.

Christmas originated from a pagan holiday, a winter festival. Religious people worldwide observe seasonal days of celebration in the month of December.

It is commonly believed that in the fourth century AD, Christians embraced the Yule festival and set aside Dec. 25 to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Concord Baptist Church Pastor Daryle Nichols stated people are under the false assumption that all religions lead to God. “People think all religions are the same,” Nichols said. “Theoretically speaking, some faiths believe God is on top of a mountain and it doesn’t matter how you get to the top to reach him. Christianity is God coming off the mountain to reach mankind.”

Nichols is preaching a sermon series entitled “The Miracle of Christmas.” The first message, “The Miracle of the Moment,” presented God’s timing — past, present and future.

The second, “The Miracle of the Message,” explained how God has communicated with mankind throughout history.

Dec. 19, 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., Nichols will expound on “The Miracle of the Method,” how God uses ordinary people to accomplish his extraordinary work. The series concludes Dec. 26 with “The Miracle of the Manger,” the birth of Jesus and its significance to mankind.

Calera First United Methodist Church will hold a prayer service Dec. 15 at 6:30 p.m.

A come-and-go communion is offered Dec. 24 from 5 p.m.-6 p.m.

The Church at Shelby Crossings Pastor Ken Letson will deliver a Christmas message Dec. 19 at 10 a.m.

The service includes music of the season to celebrate Jesus’ birth.

Dr. Hal Warren, pastor of Calera Baptist Church, is preaching an advent series that concludes Dec. 26.

The church family will share the Lord’s Supper Dec. 24 at 6 p.m.

Christian Life Fellowship invites everyone to hear Santa read the Christmas Story on Dec. 15 at 6:30 p.m. “Each year Santa stops by to shed light on the true meaning of Christmas,” Pastor Mark Davis said. “Pictures are available at no charge.” Communion will be observed Christmas Eve at 6:30 p.m., along with traditional carols and a short message.

Mollie Brown can be reached at dmjhb1@bellsouth.net.