WAS JESUS BORN ON DECEMBER 25? History shows that December 25 is popular as the date for Christmas, is it because Christ was born on that day, or is it because it was already popular in pagan religious celebrations as the birthday of the sun. A study of Scripture, however, clearly indicates that December 25 couldnt be the date for Christs birth. Here are two main reasons: First, we know that shepherds were in the fields watching their flocks at the time of Jesus birth (Luke:2:7-8) Shepherds were not in the fields during December. Since December is cold and rainy in Judea, it is likely the shepherds would have sought shelter for their flocks at night. Second, Jesus parents came to Bethlehem to register in a Roman census (Luke:2:1-4). Such censuses were not taken in winter, when temperatures often dropped below freezing and roads were in poor condition. Taking a census under such conditions would have been tiring and impossible, especially for Mary, who was heavily pregnant. The belief that Jesus was born on or around December 25 simply has no basis, even if 2 billion people have accepted it without question. If the Christmas holiday is an important celebration to honour the birth of Jesus Christ, why is it nowhere mentioned in the Bible? Why didnt Christ instruct His closest followers, His 12 chosen apostles, to keep Christmas? Why didnt they institute or teach it to the early Church? Why is it that most people follow blindly others and never stop to ask themselves what the major symbols of Christmas mean—Santa Claus, reindeers, decorated trees, holly, mistletoe and the like—have anything to do with the birth of the Saviour of mankind. The crucial question is, do we worry more about what others think or about what God requires? Also, can other human beings give us salvation? If honouring Gods truth determines our salvation, then why honour men over God? Jesus never told His followers to celebrate Christmas, but He did warn us not to adhere to false, man-made religious doctrines: And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men (Mark:7:7). The truth is, Christmas and other non-biblical religious holidays constitute vain or empty worship of Christ. Jesus Christ said to those who appeared religious but denied the power of His true teaching, But why do you call Me Lord, Lord, and do not do the things which I say? (Luke:6:46; compare Matthew:7:21). Since Christ is opposed to Christmas, why would any thoughtful Christian observe it? Walking in Jesus footsteps in a world that doesnt is never easy. But it is much better and more rewarding than following the empty ways of the world.
Posted on: Wed, 10 Dec 2014 09:45:56 +0000
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