Brian's Story of Christmas

7 Things to Know about Bethlehem, the Birthplace of Jesus

Christmastime holds a sacred spot in the heart of every believer. As we unpack our nativity sets, practice our Christmas plays, sing our favorite carols, and reread the beloved scriptures—we’re transported back in time to a very different culture and setting where the Word first became flesh.

The miraculous event that forever changed humanity’s future happened in an unlikely place, but not by accident. Where was Jesus born? The Gospels of Matthew and Luke state very clearly that the location of Jesus' birth is Bethlehem. But let’s look in the Bible to see God’s miraculous plan of redemption unfold through Scripture and time.

https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/things-to-know-about-the-place-jesus-was-born.html

Federal commission declares Christmas holiday is 'religious intolerance'

The Canadian Human Rights Commission — an agency with broad judicial powers that is fully funded by the federal government — has declared that the celebration of Christmas is evidence of Canada’s “colonialist” religious intolerance.

https://nationalpost.com/opinion/federal-commission-declares-christmas-holiday-is-religious-intolerance

Yes, the war on Christmas is real

Christmas has arrived, like Santa’s sleigh filled to the rim with packages.

Americans made it to the finish line, dodging the perennial “war on Christmas” during which they are shamed into uttering alternate, politically-correct greetings (i.e., “Happy holidays!”) or hiding their Christmas cheer.

https://thehill.com/opinion/civil-rights/422753-yes-the-war-on-christmas-is-real/

Donald Trump Said He Brought Back The Phrase 'Merry Christmas' Because He Fought The 'Woke Culture' That Tried To Eliminate It: 'You're Going To Say Merry Christmas Again. And Now People Are Saying it'

Former President Donald Trump claims he is responsible for bringing the phrase “Merry Christmas” back into prominence at the White House.

Trump suggested that the phrase was not commonly used during the Obama administration and that he made it a priority to restore its use. But Trump's claim has been a subject of debate. Some argue that the phrase was never absent, while others believe Trump’s emphasis on it created more division than unity.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/donald-trump-said-brought-back-225221247.html

Who is St. Nicholas?

The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara in Asia Minor. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey.

His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering.

He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.

https://www.stnicholascenter.org/who-is-st-nicholas