Roman Catholic Bishop of Hamilton Robert J. Kurtz, CR.

As members of the Catholic Church and of all the Christian Faith Communities in Bermuda,

Christmas reminds us not to take the Giver of all good gifts for granted. At Christmas we

celebrate our belief that God sent his Son, Jesus, into the world to save us from the power of evil and gifted us with the promise and hope of everlasting life. We believe that the Child born in Bethlehem is God's promised Savior. We celebrate that gift at Christmas and we sing:

"Deo Gratias, to God be all glory and thanks!"

Rev. Malcolm L. Eve, JP, Presiding Elder of The AME Churches in Bermuda

In this Advent Season, we have seen the advent of modern technology which has given us the ability to copy something with such intricate detail, that it is impossible to determine what is authentic from what is not. The very fact that we are celebrating an event that occurred over two thousand years ago gives some credibility to its authenticity. It was on that first Christmas morning when God intervened in history, affirming that He was no respecter of persons. Heaven bypassed the temple hierarchy, the status quo, the power brokers, the proud, the rich and the sophisticated, and dispatched His angel to a hillside in Bethlehem, to a group of lowly shepherds to announce the birth of the Saviour of the world. That announcement was confirmed by a great choir praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest'. The shepherds responded to the heavenly message in their decision to "Let us go to Bethlehem". What a tremendous moment in one's life when they decide to go to see what the Lord has done.

Have you found Him this Christmas? Have you received Christ and the salvation He offers? Unless you have, Christmas will be futile instead of fervent…drudgery instead of joy. But to those who have found him, they will experience peace in their hearts and the days ahead will be a time of excitement that will be difficult to contain as we tell the story of our personal experience with our testimony that God cared enough to send us His only Son in the form of a baby, wrapped in swaddling clothes who reigns today as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

I challenge you to find Him for yourself so that Christmas will not only be celebrated today, but every day until eternity.

Rev. Harold Lambe of Evening Light Pentecostal Church

Some years ago a slogan was released which said "Jesus is the reason for the season." We saw these words on billboards, bumper stickers, Christmas cards or gifts and in magazines. They became the subject for sermons, etc. Whoever came up with this slogan was prophetic because the truth of the matter is, Jesus is the reason for the season.

The meaning of Christmas has to do with a person – but not just any person, but a baby who was both human and divine.

"For unto us a child is born" (Humanity)

"Unto us a son is given" (Humanity)

"His name shall be called Emmanuel, God with us" (Divinity).

Apart from this Christ child, this Savior, there would be no hope, no joy, no reason to celebrate. This wonderful gift from the Father is the reason we celebrate Christmas. The reality is - no Christ/Savior, no Christmas.

Think of it. If Jesus had not come, what would we celebrate that was significant, life-changing and eternal? Yes, Christ gives meaning to Christmas. He is the reason for the season.

Major Doug Lewis, Divisional Commander, Bermuda Division of the Salvation Army

Christmas is many things to many people. For some it is the hustle and bustle that they live for all year. Some actually enjoy the fuss of getting ready for Christmas. There is the sending of Christmas cards and the gathering with friends. But Christmas is more than warm greetings.

There is the tree to decorate, lights to be put up, and baking to be done. But Christmas is more than tinsel and lights and aromas.

We usually become "stuffed" from overeating and promise not to let it happen again, but it does. And we run from place to place to be with family and friends. But Christmas is more than making merry.

We look forward to exchanging gifts. Finding the perfect gift for someone special, and receiving just what we always wanted. But Christmas is more than giving and receiving gifts.

These are all wonderful traditions and they can certainly be acquainted with that first Christmas.

There was travel – by Mary & Joseph

There was light – the star and the angelic host

There was merry making – by the shepherds after their visit

There were gifts – brought by the wise men

But in all of this there was God's perfect plan; the gift of His Son.

The true meaning of Christmas is one of love, light and peace. May you experience each of these this Christmas.

Dr. Jeffrey Brown, President, Bermuda Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

If ever there was a message relevant to our island, it is the Christmas song of the angels, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men" (Luke 2:14).

Pain and death appear to be our daily diet. What a contrast to what Jesus came to bring:

Peace and good will to everyone. How can we become more like Jesus?

Some wise men from the east provide some clues.

Firstly, WONDER. The Wise Men asked, "Where is he that is born King of the Jews?" Decide that 2010 will be the year you find out more about Jesus.

Secondly, WITNESS. The Wise Men stated, "We have seen his star in the east." Discover Jesus for yourself by engaging in systematic Bible study.

Thirdly, WORSHIP. The Wise Men declared, "We are come to worship him."

Determine to follow truth when you find it – and may God's peace be with you.