Our families and communities speed up during each holiday season as they rush to meet the demands of parties, gifts, family celebrations and community events, scarcely leaving time to even catch a breath. It is my heart to remind those close to me and those around our nation that this season really has another purpose, and the story that we celebrate about the birth of Christ has an even deeper purpose. This child was born to introduce us to our estranged heavenly father, He humbled Himself and became a man to demonstrate his likeness and then pay the price for our sinful hearts and acts-- He was born for the cross. This Christmas join me in remembering and resting in the gift of eternal life offered freely to us in the cross.