FROM THE PULPIT: HUMAN LIFE IS PRECIOUS AND SACRED

In just a few days, we Christians will once again celebrate the fact that the Son of God chose to become one of us at a given moment in the history of this world. In doing so, Jesus has sanctified all human life. And, before returning to the Father, He gave his life that all humans might be restored to friendship with their Creator.

When one looks at our secular culture and our culture's manner of observing the birth of the Savior, I feel we are missing the primary liturgical emphasis on the Christmas celebration, namely the sacredness of human life.

To illustrate my contention, today's (Dec. 18) "Headline News," reported that Americans are spending more than $5 billion on gifts for their pets this Christmas season. While I do not begrudge any pet his/her gift, I do see "pet life" as a lower (i.e. lesser) form of life than "human life."

The celebration of Christmas is primarily a celebration of the sacredness of human life because God has chosen to become one of us.

So, when does human life begin? The Scriptures (Matthew and Luke) tell us the Savior was conceived in a miraculous way prior to his birth and after normal passage of time, the Savior was born into this world.

Quite obviously, the Scriptures see life as beginning with conception.

The culture in which we live wants to argue that life does not begin until after the baby has been fully born.

Both the governor of this state and the president of our country have vetoed legislation that would outlaw the medical procedure known euphemistically as "partial-birth-abortion."

Our nation has been greatly blessed by our God and if our nation wishes to continue as a nation favored by God, I believe it is imperative that we correct the error our Supreme Court made some 25 years ago when abortion was legalized.

As long as abortion is legal, it means that our country is denying the sacredness of human life. My Christmas prayer is that our 1997 Christmas celebration may lead all peoples to accept the basic teaching of Christmas that all human life is precious and sacred.