When we think of Christmas, we think of the manger and the shepherds and many other images. How many of us think of the cross? The word Christmas actually comes from Christ’s Mass. If you know anything about the Catholic concept of Mass, you will know that is a celebration of the crucifixion of Jesus. Built into the idea of Christmas is the anticipation of his death. This idea sneaks into Christmas in some surprising ways. The colours of Christmas are green and red. Green is the colour of life and red is the colour of death. The purpose of the incarnation is not just give us a glimpse of God (although it does do that) but to provide atonement for us through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. By the death of the God-Man, the bridge between us was crossed and we have the opportunity to be made right with God. So enjoy Christmas, celebrate the traditional symbols, but remember that the baby was born to die.