The Birth of Christ Jesus
Regardless of our personal view or feelings about Christmas as a celebration of the birth of Christ, all of us should consider Paul’s teaching about being considerate and tolerant of each other in matters in which God allows freedom.
Romans 14:5-6, “One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks.” (NKJV)
The actual date of Jesus’ birth is unknown. It is not revealed in scripture nor does early church history point to a specific date. Actually much is unknown- for example:
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- The number of wise men, estimates as high as forty.
- How long Joseph and Mary stayed in Bethlehem.
- How long the family stayed in Egypt.
- The actual date that they took up residence in Nazareth.
- When and where Mary gave birth to her other children.
- How long Joseph actually lived.
- How many boys are two years old and under were put to death because of Herod’s decree.
Christmas, as we know it today, was established by men and has come down to the modern era through a long history of tradition. We could say, Christmas is a manmade tradition with roots in pagan worship. However, the birth of Christ itself is truth, but the modern occasion that celebrates and acknowledges that truth is largely tradition.
Today, the birth of Christ is the most observed and celebrated birth in the world.