Blessed Christmas

Sunday, December 20, 2009

What do you know about Jesus’ birth?

Did Mary ride a donkey to Bethlehem? The Bible doesn’t say. It only says she came with Joseph to Bethlehem.

Did Mary arrive in Bethlehem the night she gave birth? The Bible doesn’t say. Mary and Joseph could have arrived there weeks earlier. Luke 2:6 says, “while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.”

Did Joseph or Mary talk to any innkeepers? The Bible doesn’t say. There is no biblical record of an innkeeper at Christ’s birth. They may have stayed with family members who were also participating in the census.

Was Jesus born in a stable? The Bible doesn’t say. It only mentions that Jesus was placed in a manger because there was no room in the inn. The Greek word kataluma means guest chamber. Mary and Joseph may have stayed in the guest room of family members.

Did angels sing to the shepherds outside of Bethlehem? The Bible doesn’t say. Luke 2:13 says an angel appeared and spoke and “a multitude of the heavenly” praised God.

Were angels present at the birth? The Bible doesn’t say. We may assume that there is no evidence that Mary and Joseph saw the angels.

Did three kings riding camels come to Jesus’ birth? The Bible doesn’t say. There is no mention of kings or camels. The Bible says that wise men or magi came, but we do not know how many. The magi did not arrive until after Jesus was presented at the Temple in Jerusalem.

Was Jesus born on December 25? The Bible doesn’t say. It is unlikely that shepherds were “abiding in the field” at this time of year. Normally flocks were kept in the field from spring to autumn.

Christmas carols, movies, stories, and manger scenes don’t always get the facts straight about the birth of Jesus. However, we know that the birth of our Savior was a marvelous miracle. We must read God’s Word to know the true story, the greatest story ever told. Jesus was born of a virgin in the humblest of means in a tiny village. The Son of God had come in human form in order to die and save us from our sins.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Let us follow the example of the first visitors to Jesus: the shepherds. After the angels announced to them that the Savior of the world had been born, they hurried to see him and then they spread the Good News glorifying and praising God. This week let us feel the sense of urgency to spend time with Jesus. And let us be bold in spreading the Good News of our Savior.

Blessed Christmas!

Source: Paul S. Taylor, Eden Communications