"Jesus is the reason for the season." That is a quote widely known amongst Christians who celebrate Christmas each year. But when we take a closer look we can honestly ask is he really the reason for the season?

Weeks before Christmas people start their Christmas shopping. Names are drawn and gifts are bought for family, friends, coworkers and neighbors. When the money runs out extra hours are worked, or credit cards are pulled out in order to be able to afford to cross off each person on the list. This is no time to come across as someone who can't afford to buy the finest gifts.

Christmas music is played in each and every store you enter to promote the shopping spirit. Santa Claus sets up his station along with his elves in every mall where children are brought to sit on his lap and have their picture taken.

Children are encouraged to write letters to Santa telling him about all the stuff they would like for Christmas. Movies are watched, books are read, and songs echo off the walls about Santa, his elves and his reindeer.

Roads are temporarily closed to allow Santa and his crew to have their parade and hand out candy to the youngsters.

Colorful flashing lights are put up outside around the houses and trees for those passing by. On the front lawns you'll Christmas scenery such as Santa and his reindeer, Frosty, and every once in a while if you’re lucky you'll see the nativity scene of Joseph and Mary hovering over the manger with a fake Baby Jesus and a few farm animals surrounding the scene.

Christmas trees are set up and decorated with bright colors. Stockings are hung, and presents are wrapped in festive wrapping paper and neatly placed underneath the tree waiting to be opened on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning. Children and adults alike can hardly wait for the time to open their gifts.

Festive family dinners are planned with the finest turkey, potatoes and corn, and to top it off the most delicious picture perfect deserts are baked and brought out. Differences are put aside and joyous times are shared during this festive holiday season.

Churches are decorated with wreaths, poinsettias, lights and the nativity scene is proudly displayed at the front by the pulpit in preparation for Christmas Eve.

Children are taken to church and yes they are told that "Jesus is the reason for the season." Songs are rehearsed about the Baby in the manger, and that magical night of the birth of Jesus Christ is recreated and acted out.

Finally when the night arrives, friends, neighbors and unbelievers are invited to this Christmas Eve program. Children are excited to sing, dance and recreate the magical night of Christ's birth in front of an audience. Then when the play is over the children are rewarded with a gift to take home.

Then as soon as Christmas day is past the stores open with highly reduced prices to attract the largest shopping crowds throughout the whole year. The spending continues as gifts are returned and exchanged and gift cards are redeemed. Retailers once again smile as they count the money which they made all in the name of religion.

So once again, is Jesus the reason for the season, or is it Santa and the presents. Ask yourself these questions:

If you were to take away the Christmas tree, Santa and his reindeer, Frosty, the colorful lights, and most importantly the presents under the tree, would there be any Christmas spirit left in you.

Would your children be as thrilled to participate in the Christmas program at church if they knew there was no gift waiting for them when the show is over?

Would you rejoice to wake up on Christmas morning if you knew there were no presents waiting for you?

If the answer to any of these is no then you can be assured that Jesus is not the reason for the season. But if you can honestly answer yes to all, then to you Jesus is the reason for the season. And if Jesus is the reason, the season will not end, not at the end of the year, nor at the end of winter, spring, summer or fall. If Jesus truly is the reason for the Christmas season, you can celebrate Christmas all throughout the year, till the end of time and it will not end.