Merry Christmas!

This week I join with billions of followers and admirers of Christ in celebrating his birth.

Many followers of Christ call themselves Christian as I do, having dedicated their lives to studying and following the example he set for us in his life and accepting Christ as our sole personal Saviour and relying upon his mercy or grace for salvation from sin.

Other religions such as Judaism and Islam admire Christ as a prophet, a wise and noble leader, a rasul or rabbi. Still others admire Christ's teachings from a philosophical, secular viewpoint with an admiration for his ability to lift the human spirit.

I find nothing not to like about Christ. I am grateful for a federal holiday we have to honor the birth of such a person who promoted so much good in the world and has inspired so many to persue love, kindness, truth, forgiveness, and charity.

In the spirit of Christ, let me wish you and your family a "Merry Christmas"!