In an era when naturalism prevails, our universe is considered a closed system. Anything that can't be explained naturalistically is discredited.

Part of what naturalism advocates is that if something can't be seen, heard, tasted, felt, experienced or proven it doesn't exist and isn't logical. To the naturalist the human mind must be able to understand a thing for it to be real. Naturalistic philosophy advocates reality is exhausted by nature, containing nothing supernatural.

God says - "Surprise." God made natural laws to provide for us a comfort zone. By utilizing them wisely we gain confidence.

He did not make natural laws as a straight jacket for Himself. He has chosen on occasion to abrogate a natural law and pull back the veil of the unknown. It is His way of saying, "I am here."

In a rare employment of this method, the laws of natural procreation were amended. Laws of biogenetics were given a reprieve and a virgin conceived. That is the foundation on the Christmas celebration.

It takes faith to believe that. That means it is believable because we live by faith. Every time you drive in the rain, fly on a plane, buy or sell on credit, go on a date or get married, faith is exercised. Every time you drive a car, it is an exercise of faith. There is no way you can tell in advance the brakes will work the next time you apply them. Yet, you have faith enough to tailgate going 75 miles an hour.

The issue is what we are willing to make an object of our faith.

Mary believed she was a virgin. When told she would conceive she asked, "How can this be since I do not know a man?" The expression means I have not been sexually active.

The angel assured her, "With God nothing is impossible." She responded, "Let it be to me according to your word." That is faith.

Joseph believed she was a virgin. According to their law a woman pregnant out of wedlock was to be stoned. He had such confidence in her he protected her and suffered the indignity. That is faith.

Nazareth was a little settlement about 100 yards wide and 300 yards long. The folks there obviously believed her and not any of the community's gossips or they would have stoned her. That is an act of faith.

Dr. Luke, who wrote one of the four gospels, was called a "beloved physician." That means he was a good doctor. He interviewed her and wrote of her, "Those things which are most surely believed among us." He concluded she was a virgin. That is an act of faith.

Because of the virgin birth He is called "Emmanuel," meaning "God with us." For naturalists who don't believe this - not believing it is an act of faith also. For those reading this who are not Christians, it is hoped this will help your understanding as to why Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus and wish for you as for all a MERRY CHRISTMAS!

The Rev. Dr. Nelson Price is pastor emeritus of Roswell Street Baptist Church. Contact Price at nlprice@aol.com.