"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors! (from Luke 2:1-20 ) Can you imagine Christmas without manger scenes, children's pageants, candlelight services, caroling, and gift giving? Gift-giving, a pagan Winter Solstice ritual, evolved with Christianity, spread with the Three Wise Men, finally becoming Black Friday and last-minute shopping. Luke intended the Nativity story to define Jesus as Savior by comparing the political and economic differences between Jesus and emperor Augustus, an aspect overlooked by Christmas celebrations. Scholars point to these four verses: 1. "Emperor Augustus decrees a registration." (Luke 2:1 NRSV). This census counts people and properties for taxation and social control by making the rich richer and exploits the poor making them poorer. By decree, Joseph and Mary leave Nazareth, go to Bethlehem regi...