The Birth of Jesus and Christmas
The message below was delivered by Todd Hinson on Sunday morning December 26, 1999.
This morning I would like to speak on a lesson that up until recently I thought was a bad idea for this time of year. It probably would have been a better lesson for last week or the week before but you get the idea. Some of you probably cringed or shifted uncomfortably in your seat when you heard the lesson text read a moment ago not knowing exactly where I was heading with this subject. I’ll admit that every year around Easter or Christmas I too cringed when the preacher started a lesson on the resurrection at Easter time or the birth of Jesus around Christmas. The reason for that is that as Christians trying to worship as the New Testament would have us to, we simply do not find such religious celebrations in the New Testament. Having said that, the so-called religious world in general treats Christmas as the birth of Christ and to many this event is the very center of their faith and for many is the only time this year that they will attend any worship service. But I want us to open the scriptures this morning and see what they say.
As I thought about it more and more, I have decided that what better time to preach on the truths surrounding the birth of Jesus than a time of year when that is so much the focus. All around us we are bombarded with the images of Jesus’ birth. No matter what kind of music you listen to on the radio there are likely songs that reflect on the birth of Jesus. Just about every television show has some special holiday episode and even children’s educational programs focus on the birth of Jesus. We try to teach our children Biblical truths but what convinced me this lesson is needed at this time of year more than anything was my own son Andrew. One evening after I had gotten home, he said, daddy did you know that Christmas is Jesus’ birthday? So, already at 4 years old he is being influenced by the world. We drive down the road and see the nativity scenes setup in people’s yards and Andrew again says look, there’s baby Jesus. As parents what are we to do? Well, I simply told Andrew that a lot of people believe that Christmas is Jesus’ birthday but we have go by the Bible and the Bible doesn’t say that. For now that is sufficient. Later, we’ll need to sit down and open the Bible and have the same lesson I’d like to share with you this morning. So, I’ll consider this lesson my preparation for that conversation.
At the same time, though, I think we must ask ourselves if we are sending a mixed signal when we stand up here today and preach on the birth of Jesus. Brother Clem Thurman addressed this subject in the June 6, 1994 issue of the Gospel Minutes paper. He said, "It seems to me that when the world is thinking of certain Bible events is a good time to teach on them. It is a time when people are thinking about, and talking about, the birth of Jesus. Why not use that spiritual climate to teach on the subject. I don’t think we have to avoid truths on various subjects found in the Scriptures just because some people pervert the teaching of God on those subjects."
And perhaps that is where we as Christians face the dilemma. What do we do during the Christmas season? Most of us recognize that a religious observance of Christmas is wrong so how can we observe the day without it being in a religious sense. So, first, let’s address the issue of "holy days" as found in the scripture. Secondly, there are many falsehoods that have worked their way into acceptable teaching by the world that we also need to address this morning such as when Jesus was born and who came to visit Jesus and when and where did these visits take place.
First let’s address the issue of "holy days" in general and then bring that down to the specifics of Christmas. There are several passages that we need to look at.
(Rom 14:5) "One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind."
The practice of observing certain days as a religious observance was rooted in the Old Testament laws such as the Sabbath day and the many feast days. Paganism also contributed many of these so-called holy days to be observed. Obviously, some of this crept into the lives of early Christians, which resulted in the warnings from the inspired apostles. One such example is the next passage.
(Gal 4:9-11) "But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? {10} Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. {11} I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain."
Here the apostle Paul makes it clear that the observance of special days is absolutely wrong. The context of this passage has to do with the Jewish feast days in which Christians were no longer to observe. The zeal for these special days showed a decreasing faith and interest in the law of Christ. Observing such days really showed indifference toward Christ primarily because they are special days ordained by man and not God. Christ had removed that burden of the observance of special days with his death on the cross. We can see that in the next passage.
(Col 2:14-17) "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; {15} And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. {16} Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: {17} Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ."
The feast days, new moons, and the sabbath were all done away when Christ died on the cross. Therefore there is no Biblical authority for Christians to observe religious holidays or holy days. Christians should not permit themselves to be bound to Jewish festivals in their worship to God, nor in the various feasts. That applies to any other type of worship to God not found in his word but ordained by men. We do not find "Lent", "Good Friday", "Ash Wednesday", "Easter" or "Christmas" in the law of Christ. We are not taught to observe the birth of Christ but we are told in several passages to proclaim His death "till he come" which we do each first day of the week in partaking of the Lord’s supper.
So, let’s get to answering that dilemma of a question. What do we do as Christians during the Christmas season? Can we observe Christmas without doing so in a religious sense without leaving a false impression on our friends and neighbors? Again, I turn to Brother Clem Thurman for one answer. Paraphrasing his various comments he says that we celebrate many other events and holidays such as New Years, July 4th, Valentines, Thanksgiving and others without a religious context. We give gifts at other times of year for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, weddings, and we even give gifts without a special occasion just because we want to. When the gift is to celebrate some "holy day", it is wrong. But when the family simply uses a national holiday as a convenient time to get together, I see no violation of Scripture.
Brother Guy N. Woods who I know was a very respected gospel preacher and known by many here also discusses this in his book Questions and Answers from the Freed-Hardeman Lectures.
Brother Woods says: While some today regard Christmas as a religious festival, "many people consider it as no more than a holiday around which many family, social, and national traditions have gathered, and there is in it for them no religious implications. I grew up in a home where these views prevailed and though the season contributed much to my happiness and enjoyment, I was never under the impression that we were observing Christ’s birthday. Christmas, when thus regarded, is simply an occasion when gifts are exchanged, families get together, and hearts are warmed by the happy festivities. I have always felt that children, not privileged to experience the innocent joys of the holiday season, are being deprived of rich blessings rightfully theirs. Christmas is not a ‘mass for Christ’, but a day of joy, gladness, and warmth when friends and loved ones take occasion to meet and mingle, exchange gifts and good wishes, and relax in a season of happiness and good will."
There you have two comments by well-respected individuals about how we as Christians should approach this holiday. Now, let’s briefly address some other issues surrounding the birth of Jesus. For that, let’s go to Scriptures and read from three passages and note the errors that have crept in to the mainstream from them.
(Luke 1:26-27) "And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, {27} To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary."
If we take this passage literally it would appear that Mary became pregnant in June (the sixth month) thus the birth of Jesus would be in March. There are two problems with this. First we need to look at the whole context. Go back to verse 24. (Luke 1:24) "And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months." Then we read of Gabriel coming in the sixth month. The sixth month of verse 26 refers to the sixth month of Elizabeths pregnancy, not a literal sixth month. In addition, the Jewish calendar is different concerning the beginning of the year. So, from this passage there is no way to determine the date of Jesus’ conception and thus his birth.
The next passage is quite familiar. It is a bit lengthy but in it are many truths and the source of many falsehoods. (Luke 2:1-22) "And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. {2} (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) {3} And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. {4} And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) {5} To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. {6} And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered." Verse 7 now starts a very familiar passage heard in many places….one of which is a focus in the Peanuts Christmas cartoon special. "{7} And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. {8} And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. {9} And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. {10} And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. {11} For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. {12} And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. {13} And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, {14} Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. {15} And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. {16} And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. {17} And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. {18} And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. {19} But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. {20} And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. {21} And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. {22} And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;"
Several points need to be made concerning these passages. First, let’s talk about the timing of Jesus’ birth again. We are given a tidbit of information at the beginning concerning the Caesar’s requirement. The American Standard uses the word enrolled and the New King James uses the word registered and the King James word is taxed. It is suggested that this is a census possibly for taxation but whatever the case, both Mary and Joseph were required to travel to Bethlehem. No date is given for this in the Scriptures and even historians disagree as to the date.
Another commentator wrote that it was Jewish custom to send their sheep to the deserts around the time of Passover, which corresponds to our spring and would not bring them home again until the first rain, which would correspond, to our October or November. The shepherds would watch the sheep day and night. Since the sheep were still in the fields it is assumed then that the birth of Jesus was prior to October. Whatever the case, there is no passage in the Scriptures nor historical evidence that can provide any indication of a date of Jesus’ birth.
Brother Woods also comments on this by saying that in the years immediately following the apostolic age that the birth of Jesus was celebrated in the spring often as late as April or May and that it was not until the 4th century that December 25th was set aside to observe the Lord’s birth. The term Christmas was not even coined until the 11th century.
Another point needs to be made from these passages. As commonly depicted, there was no room at the inn. As I understand it, inns were very different from our concept. An inn typically was a large open area where a person could sleep but they had to provide their own bed and food. Out behind the inn would be stables for cattle and other beasts. It is assumed that it was in one of these stables where Joseph and Mary had to go. Mary gives birth here and the baby Jesus is wrapped in bands of cloth and laid in a manger or what is a feeding trough. Who visited them in this stable? Verses 8-16 tell us that the shepherds were told of the birth of Jesus by an angel and they went and saw Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger. But what about those wise men?
(Mat 2:1-16) "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, {2} Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. {3} When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. {4} And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. {5} And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, {6} And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. {7} Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. {8} And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. {9} When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. {10} When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. {11} And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. {12} And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. {13} And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. {14} When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: {15} And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son. {16} Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men."
I read the whole context of the wise men and their dealings with Herod because there are numerous misconceptions derived from these passages. First, when did the wise men visit? Luke 2:22, and 39 talks about the days of purification which was 40 days. Matthew 2:16 has Herod killing all of the children under 2 years old. This suggests that the wise men visited in a period when Jesus was between 40 days old and 2 years old. Whatever the timing, note again verse 11 which says "when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother." The wise men did not visit on the same night as the shepherds nor was the baby Jesus still in the stable but they were now in a house.
Lastly, we often hear of the three wise men. As we’ve read from the previous passages there was no mention of the number of wise men who came to see Jesus. It is falsely assumed because there were three different types of gifts presented (gold, and frankincense, and myrrh) that there were only three in attendance. Again, the scriptures simply do not say. In fact, some believe that there could have been a huge group traveling together possibly numbering in the hundreds. For safety’s reason typically more than 3 people would be traveling together. Remember this was a dangerous area filled with robbers so typically large groups traveled together.
We’ve seen this morning how man turned the birth of Jesus into a holy day that for many is the center of their faith. We’ve seen though that the Christian can celebrate Christmas as a time for family and friends to get together and share gifts and fellowship in a non-religious sense. We’ve seen several misconceptions concerning the birth of Jesus. Most importantly we’ve seen the truth surrounding that birth. But of greatest significance is the life that Jesus led and the death that he suffered on the cross for you and I and that glorious resurrection. It is because of that supreme sacrifice that we have a hope of eternal life in heaven.
It is my opinion, and I want to stress that this is my opinion but I think we should celebrate the birth of Jesus every day in the way we lives our lives. I believe that because Jesus gave up heaven and came to this world to seek and save the lost and to be an example for us in how we should live our lives. We celebrate his coming into the world by living after his example. End of opinion. Jesus sacrificed himself on the cross which he has commanded us to commemorate each first day of the week when we partake of the Lord’s Supper. We are to remember his body that he gave and the blood that he shed. He was buried and then rose again which is symbolic of our obedience through baptism into Christ which in turn gives us the hope of that eternal life in heaven.
One can only have that hope if they have followed after Jesus’ commands. One must believe that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God, confess His name as your Savior and repent of your sins that nailed him to the cross. Then be baptized for the remission of your sins to rise up and walk in newness of life.
If you don’t understand that or if you have some questions about it, let us know. We would be more than happy to sit down with you and open a bible and answer the questions that you may have and study with you. If you have questions about the lesson this morning and what has been said, please ask and I’ll do my best to give you a biblical answer. Our desire is simply to worship as God wants us to as set forth in the New Testament.
There may also be someone here this morning who has done those things that God would have us to do but for whatever reason has fallen away back into the world of sin. You now have the opportunity to also come forth requesting the prayers of this congregation and seek God’s forgiveness. If you’re subject to the invitation we invite you to come as we stand and sing.