FROM THE PULPIT: "TODAY IN THE TOWN OF DAVID A SAVIRO HAS BEEN BORN TO YOU; HE IS CHRIST THE LORD." (LUKE 2:11)

As we bask in the afterglow of Thanksgiving, we have only to open the newspaper or turn on the TV to be reminded that for many, it seems Thanksgiving is but a brief interruption (for shopping, food, and football) in the Christmas season. And when we think of December, we automatically think of Christmas.

While visiting the site of Jesus' birth (the first Christmas) in Bethlehem this summer, I was struck by a couple of things. We were amazed that busloads of Muslims also come to the Church of the Nativity to see the place of Jesus' birth. And we were surprised (and a little inconvenienced) by the fact that Israeli tour guides would not (could not?) take us to Shepherds' Fields.

The angels told the shepherds, "A Savior is born to you." He was not born only to Mary and Joseph, He was born "to you." He is for all of us, and for each of us. "I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly," Jesus said. (John 10:10) Whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16) The site of Jesus' birth being open to all, and visited by all bears witness to God's love to all in Jesus Christ.

But Bethlehem is in the West Bank. Although millions of people take the beaten path from Jerusalem to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, the Shepherds' Fields are enough out of the way, a Palestinian tour guide only will take you down there. Or the current crisis over whether to build a mosque near the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth is instructive. Is this why Jesus came? To foster division among people? To encourage hatred and division and exclusion and fighting? Jesus did warn his followers they would experience rejection or persecution-but over land, travel, territorial control, buildings? The only division God sees between people is that some believe and do His will and some do not. But at Christmastime, we call Him "Prince of Peace?" Where is that peace.

Before we dismiss this question as an Israeli-Palestinian question, let us look in the mirror? Am I selective in choosing whom I will share Jesus with? The shepherds did not leave us this example. (Luke 2:17) Nor did the Christ-child, who later said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (Matt. 9:12-13) Very often the people we withhold good things from are the very ones who need it most.

Do I love only those who love me? Jesus said, "Pagans and tax collectors" (we might say "non-Christians) "do this much. But love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Mt. 5:43-48.

How do I treat my family and friends? Do I put up a good front to others, being polite, pleasant, courteous, and then act irritable and rude to those closest to me? Am I faithful to my spouse, my parents, my children, my friends.

The abundant life Jesus came to give may or may not include many personal positions. It certainly does include a heart full of the Holy Spirit, a heart full of love. One cannot have God without having love.

We may pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Ps. 122). But why not give our hearts completely to Jesus? Perhaps this would be the best Christmas gift of all. After all, He gave Himself to us and for us. Can we, should we do any less than give ourselves completely to Him?