By Bishop Durrell Watkins, DMin

Christmas is a Christian Holy Day calling to mind the birth of Jesus Christ. In that sacred story, a young and pregnant Mary travels from Nazareth to Bethlehem where she goes into labor. 

The town is packed, ostensibly for a census, and as a result the inns are full. Luckily, there is an innkeeper who offers his stable where Mary delivers her baby. It’s not much, but he gave what he could, and Mary found safety and privacy when she needed them most. 

The one we call “Lord” was born in a barn and his first bed was a feeding trough. This reminds us that all people, no matter their station in life, have sacred value. 

As Christmastide continues, we will also hear about Magi (priests) from a different country and religion finding and protecting Mary and her family, and then the family seeking asylum in Egypt. 

The Christmas season reminds us to care for others, including those who struggle most, who are often forgotten, vilified, silenced, or erased. Christmas reminds us that sometimes life can be uncertain, frightening, or lonely, but there are good people from innkeepers to influential dignitaries willing to lend a hand. 

How are we treating the lonely, frightened holy families among us? This Christmas is a time to see them and offer them solidarity, compassion, and grace. It’s the Christmas thing to do.

Bishop Durrell Watkins is the Senior Minister of the Sunshine Cathedral which offers Christmas Eve services at 7 pm and 9 pm on December 24, 2025.