[1] The Birth of Christ
1.
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)
2.
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:
a.
The number
of wise men, estimates as high as forty.
b.
How long
Joseph and Mary stayed in Bethlehem.
c.
How long
the family stayed in Egypt.
d.
The actual
date that they took up residence in Nazareth.
e.
When and
where Mary gave birth to her other children.
f.
How long
Joseph actually lived.
g.
How many
boys are two years old and under were put to death because of Herod’s
decree.
3.
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.
4.
Today, the
birth of Christ is the most observed and celebrated birth in the world.
[II] Ten Truths About the Birth of Jesus:
1.
The birth
of Jesus was a long prophesied and long anticipated event.
a.
Jesus
would be born of the "seed" of a woman. Genesis 3:15/Luke
1:34-35
b.
Jesus
would be born of a virgin. Isaiah 7:14/Luke 1:34-35, Jeremiah
31:22, Matthew 1:18-20
c.
Jesus
would be Immanuel, "God with us." Isaiah 7:14/Matthew 1:21-23
d.
Jesus
would be called by his name before he was born. Isaiah 49:1/Luke
1:30-31
e.
Jesus
would be born in Bethlehem. Micah 5:2/Matthew 2:1-2
f.
The birth
of Jesus. Isaiah 9:6/Luke 2:11
g.
Jesus
would be protected by God. Isaiah 49:2/Matthew 2:13-15
h.
Jesus
would grow up in a poor family. Isaiah 11:1/Luke 2:7, Isaiah
53:2, Luke 2:7
i.
Jesus
would be aware of his Father from his youth. Psalm 22:9/Luke
2:40
2.
God
himself orchestrated a major celebration involving believers. This celebration involved people from all walks of life,
various ethnic, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. These included
shepherds, angels, wise men from many countries, prophets, etc.
3.
The birth
of Jesus was unique in the ancient world:
a.
It was
unique primarily because Jesus was born of a virgin, however, this truth
could only have been accepted by faith. For only Mary would have known
for certain that she was a virgin. Everyone else had to accept this by
faith.
b.
Jesus’
conception was a miracle but it was not observable.
c.
The virgin
birth was not something that could be proven!
d.
The idea
of a virgin birth was not significant to an unbelieving world, because
it was only hearsay.
e.
Note:
artificial insemination is a modern procedure not possible at that time
f.
God
brought the Messiah into the world by the birth of the Holy Spirit. It
was not an observable witness to confirm his deity like the miracles,
his teachings, or his resurrection.
4.
The birth
of Christ is unique for at least three reasons:
a.
Jesus was
born of the Holy Spirit. No one else has ever, nor will ever be
born/conceived physically of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 1:20)
b.
Jesus was
living before he was earthly born. No one has ever been born into this
world who was already living prior to their conception. Jesus came to
earth from eternity and was born into time. (1 Timothy 3:16, Philippians
2:5-8).
c.
Jesus’
birth was specially noted. It was announced beforehand and surrounded by
notable events. The births of most historical figures only become
significant after they have a accomplished something great. Jesus’ birth
was significant before he did anything and no one's birth has been or
ever will be predicted 700 years before the actual birth.
5.
God's
message in the birth of Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us. Jesus birth is a
declaration of relationship. God highlights this relationship.
a.
“Son”
(Father and Son) (John 1:12, Romans 8:14, 1 John 3:1-2)
b.
“God With
Us” (Matthew 1:23)
c.
“He was
made like us” (Hebrews 2:17)
6.
The birth
of Christ is an important event, but other events transcend its
importance. For example:
a.
His
ministry of healing, miracles, and teaching.
b.
His
crucifixion.
c.
His
resurrection.
7.
The birth
of Christ identifies with our spiritual birth:
a.
Like
Jesus; We are called to be born of God, John 1:1-14
b.
Like
Jesus; Our spiritual birth is celebrated by believers.
c.
Like
Jesus; Our spiritual birth is the beginning of a new life, Romans 6:1-4,
“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may
abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in
it? 3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ
Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him
through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead
by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of
life” (NKJV).
d.
Like
Jesus; our spiritual birth is considered a lowly birth from the world's
perspective.
8.
The birth
of Christ confronts all believers with certain truths:
a.
Our hope
does not rest in his birth, but in his resurrection.
b.
We do not
worship an infant in a Manger, but a risen Lord.
c.
Believers
are not baptized into his birth, but into his death.
d.
Disciples
are called to celebrate his death and resurrection in the Lord's supper.
9.
Histories
testimony confirms the significance of his birth, thereby affirming his
status as the son of God.
a.
His birth
influenced the way the world measures time:
i.
B.C.
Before Christ
ii.
A.D Anno
Domini, Latin, meaning the year of our Lord.
b.
His birth
is still the most celebrated birth in all the world. It transcends
nations and cultures.
c.
His birth
is inspiration for the greatest season of goodwill among men.
[III] What Is The Christmas Season All About?
No birth has ever been more celebrated, inspire more hope, or generated
more goodwill. The Christmas season Has inspired great hymns, songs,
movies, poetry, TV programs, writings, commentary, etc. No birthday of
any man has its own season associated with it, having been celebrated in
some fashion beginning with His birth.
1.
PROCLAMATION/CELEBRATION/RECOGNITION:
(Originated by God).
a.
God (Announced Jesus’ birth with a star).
i.
Matthew
2:9-10, “When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the
star which they had seen 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 exceedingly great joy.” (NKJV)
b.
Angels:
i.
Luke 1:35,
“And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come
upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore,
also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.”
(NKJV).
ii.
Luke
2:8-14, “Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in
the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an
angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone
around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to
them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great
joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in
the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be
the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, 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, goodwill toward men!" (NKJV)
c.
Shepherds:
i.
Luke
2:15-20, “So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into
heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go to
Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has
made known to us." 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and
Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him,
they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this
Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were
told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and
pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying
and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it
was told them” (NKJV).
d.
Wisemen:
(were led to Jesus’ location by His star provided by God.)
i.
Matthew
2:1-2, “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of
Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2
saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have
seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him." (NKJV).
ii.
Matthew
2:11, “And when they had come into the house, they saw the young
Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when
they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold,
frankincense, and myrrh.” (NKJV) (Inspired the modern custom of
giving of gifts).
e.
Simeon
celebrated:
i.
Luke
2:25-32, “And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was
Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of
Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to
him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen
the Lord's Christ. 27 So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when
the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the
custom of the law, 28 he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and
said: 29 "Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,
According to Your word; 30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation 31 Which
You have prepared before the face of all peoples, 32 A light to bring
revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel."
(NKJV).
f.
Anna the
Prophetess gave thanks:
i.
Luke
2:36-38, “Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of
Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived
with a husband seven years from her virginity; 37 and this woman was a
widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple,
but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38 And coming in
that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those
who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” (NKJV).
g.
Holy
Spirit
i.
Luke 2:26,
“And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not
see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.” (NKJV).
2.
FAMILY:
A time for the Gathering of Family (Joseph, Mary, Zecharias, Elisabeth)
3.
TRADITIONS:
(Societal, Religious, & Family)
a.
Lights
represent Jesus as the light of the world and God as the creator, “let
there be light”, God is the father of lights.
b.
The
Tree
Represents life. The Evergreen is always living. Jesus is alive and is
eternal.
c.
Gifts
Reflect the gifts given by the wise men but more importantly represents
God's gift of his son.
d.
The
Season of Celebration
Represents the joy surrounding God's love and the hope and salvation
that resides in him.
4.
FRIENDS:
Meaningful relationships honored and renewed.
5.
REFLECTION: A
time to reflect on Jesus as our Savior and the true meaning and purpose
of life.
6.
GIVING:
it is more blessed to give than to receive. It's a time for generosity,
for blessing lives.
7.
RECEIVING:
Time to thankfully receive God's blessings with a thankful spirit.
Accept God's gifts as did Joseph and Mary. God’s gifts, lovegrace,
forgiveness, mercy, encouragement, talents, etc.
8.
LOVE:
“love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and spirit, and love
your neighbor as yourself.”
THE WORLD’S MOST SIGNIFICANT LIFE:
He
was born in an obscure village in a remote corner of the Roman Empire
karma to parents who enjoyed no financial advantage or social status. He
grew up in a village of little importance, where he worked as a
Carpenter for most of his adult life. At around the age of 30 he became
a wandering teacher whose message was considered offensive to some.
He
never wrote a book built a great building or achieved what most would
consider worldly success. He never held a political office, own the
house or property. He never attended a college and never traveled to one
of the world's great cities like Rome, ephesus, or athens. He never gave
the world a great invention, a cure for a dreaded disease or a notable
scientific discovery period he never personally painted a celebrated
painting or wrote a great song or piece of music.
He
was never cited for bravery but is remembered for his courage. He led no
earthly army or was ever a decorated war hero. He was never awarded an
Olympic gold medal or a Medal of Honor. He never won a championship at
any level. He did none of the things that the world recognizes as
greatness.
The
ministry that he is primarily known for lasted around three years. He
lived on this earth for only 33 years period he was still a young man on
the tide of public opinion turned against him. He was unjustly turned
over to those who held him in contempt. In his darkest hour, most of his
close friends deserted him. He went through a mockery of a trial and was
unjustly condemned to death by crucifixion. He was a victim of a
campaign of lies, slander and false accusations orchestrated by
religious leaders. His own countrymen called for his crucifixion, and he
was executed by the state as a criminal. While he was dying his
executioners gambled for the only possessions he could say was his own,
an article of clothing. When he was taken down from the cross he was
placed in a borrowed tomb. Three days later he was resurrected and some
40 days later he ascended back to heaven. Today he exercises all power
and authority, and he reigns over God's Kingdom from his throne in
heaven. At some future point he will return.
More than 20 centuries have come and gone since Jesus was crucified and
resurrected. Today he is history's most significant figure and the most
important person to ever set foot on this earth. Jesus of Nazareth is
the world's most significant life.
[IV] THE BIRTH OF CHRIST, SIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER
Joseph told of the conception:
Matthew 1:18-25, “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as
follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came
together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph
her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public
example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought
about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a
dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you
Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy
Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name
Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." 22 So all this was
done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the
prophet, saying: 23 "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a
Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God
with us." 24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of
the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and did not know her
till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name
Jesus.” (NKJV)
This took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:
Isaiah 7:14, “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a
sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call
His name Immanuel.” (NKJV)
When Joseph woke up, he did what the Angel of the Lord had
commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with
her until she gave birth to a son.
Jesus, the Messiah, is Born
Luke 2:1-7, “And it came to pass in those days that a
decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be
registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing
Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 4
Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into
Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was
of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his
betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were
there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she
brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths,
and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”
(NKJV)
Angels Proclaim His Birth:
Luke 2:8-14, “Now there were in the same country shepherds
living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And
behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the
Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel
said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of
great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this
day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this
will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling
cloths, 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, goodwill toward men!" (NKJV)
Shepherds Visit the Child Jesus:
Luke 2:15-20, “So it was, when the angels had gone away
from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, "Let us
now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the
Lord has made known to us." 16 And they came with haste and found Mary
and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen
Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning
this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which
were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and
pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying
and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it
was told them.” (NKJV)
Jesus Circumcised and Named:
Matthew 1:25, “and did not know her till she had brought
forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.”
Luke 2:21, “And when eight days were completed for the
circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by
the angel before He was conceived in the womb.” (NKJV)
Jesus Presented in the Temple at Jerusalem:
Luke 2:22-24, “Now when the days of her purification
according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to
Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the law of
the Lord, "Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the
Lord"), 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the
law of the Lord, "A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons."
(NKJV)
Simeon Expresses His Heartfelt Joy:
Luke 2:25-35, “And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem
whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the
Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had
been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death
before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 So he came by the Spirit into
the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for
Him according to the custom of the law, 28 he took Him up in his arms
and blessed God and said: 29 "Lord, now You are letting Your servant
depart in peace, According to Your word; 30 For my eyes have seen Your
salvation 31 Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, 32
A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your
people Israel." 33 And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things
which were spoken of Him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary
His mother, "Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of
many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against 35 (yes, a
sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many
hearts may be revealed." (NKJV)
Anna the prophetess greets Joseph and Mary:
Luke 2:36-38, “Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the
daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and
had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; 37 and this
woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from
the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38
And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him
to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” (NKJV)
The wise men come to king Herod:
Matthew 2:1-8, “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea
in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to
Jerusalem, 2 saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?
For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him." 3
When Herod the king heard this, 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 inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5
So they said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by
the prophet: 6 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the
least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who
will shepherd My people Israel.'" 7 Then Herod, when he had secretly
called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8
And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the
young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I
may come and worship Him also." (NKJV)
The wise man visit Jesus:
Matthew 2:9-12, “When they heard the king, they departed;
and behold, the star which they had seen 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 exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had
come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and
fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures,
they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 Then,
being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod,
they departed for their own country another way.”
The family flees to Egypt:
Matthew 2:13-15, “Now when they had departed, behold, an
angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, "Arise, take
the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I
bring you 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 for Egypt, 15 and was there until the death of Herod, that it
might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet,
saying, "Out of Egypt I called My Son."
Herod orders the death of the innocent:
Matthew 2:16-18, “Then Herod, when he saw that he was
deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and
put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its
districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he
had determined from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken
by Jeremiah the prophet, saying: 18 "A voice was heard in Ramah,
Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her
children, Refusing to be comforted, Because they are no more."
The family returns to the land of Israel:
Matthew 2:19-23, “Now when Herod was dead, behold, an angel
of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 saying, "Arise,
take the young Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for
those who sought the young Child's life are dead." 21 Then he arose,
took the young Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel.
22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea instead of
his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned by God in
a dream, he turned aside into the region of Galilee. 23 And he came and
dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was
spoken by the prophets, "He shall be called a Nazarene."
Luke 2:39-40, “So when they had performed all things
according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own
city, Nazareth. 40 And the Child grew and became strong in spirit,
filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.” (NKJV)
[V] Objections to Christmas as a Religious Holiday
Christmas is an object of debate and
controversy by many because its celebration did not originate in the
Bible, and because many of its customs contain a mixture of
non-Christian ideas which evolved from various secular and pagan
cultures over a period of centuries. Christmas is never mentioned in the
New Testament, and we have no evidence that it was ever celebrated by
the earliest believers.
Constantine, Emperor of Rome (306-337)
converted to a form of Christianity and legalized it in the Empire. In
an effort to promote acceptance of Christianity, Constantine combined
numerous pagan customs with his version of state Christianity. This
action introduced many of the traditions observed by pagan worship of
that era into state Christianity. Such mergers became common practice
for Constantine. After legalizing Christianity, these mergers of
religions became the foundation of Christmas as a religious holiday
today.
December 25 was the day
when people in Roman empire celebrated the winter solstice and the
birthday of the pagan sun god Sol Invictus: the day was called ‘dies
natalis Invicti’. Sol Invictus (the ‘unconquered sun’ or ‘unconquerable
sun’) was depicted as driving a racing-chariot (quadriga) drawn by four
horses. The Romans interpreted the sun as Sol racing his chariot or
‘quadriga’ across the sky from sunrise to sunset. The Circus Maximus in
Rome included a temple of Sol (dedicated to Sol Invictus) and featured a
statue of Sol driving his chariot and four horses. Roman circuses around
the Roman empire featured statues of Sol in their central barriers.
December 25th was the day when the Roman Empire celebrated this pagan
god with the festival of Sol Invictus.
This date coincided with
the winter solstice. To understand the origins of Christmas on December
25, one must understand the festival of the winter solstice. Solstice
means “standing-still-sun.” Winter solstice is the day of the year when
sunshine is the shortest and the sun is at its lowest point (arc) in the
sky. The sun appears to be “standing still.” The ancients knew of this
yearly event (usually December 21st-22nd by the modern calendar) and
made the days and weeks surrounding the solstice a time of renewal,
sacrifice, and celebration. Celestial bodies were worshipped to
supposedly prevent disaster and calamity from destroying the world. They
feared that the daylight might not resume if the proper reverence was
not shown.
The Roman emperor Aurelian
created the cult of Sol Invictus during his reign in AD 270-275 (in the
3rd century) and, on his coins, Sol was described as ‘Dominus Imperii
Romani’, the official deity of the Roman empire. The cult of Sol
Invictus was centered in Rome but it was followed across the Roman
empire. Sol Invictus, the pagan god of the sun, was one of their most
important gods and symbolized victory, as he defeated darkness and rose
every morning. Sol Invictus was also the patron of Roman soldiers.
In AD 274 the Roman
Emperor Aurelian made December 25th the focal point of the Roman
Saturnalia. The date was chosen in honor of the sun god, and echoed the
ancient belief that worship of the sun insured its return to rescue the
earth from eternal winter. The customs of Saturnalia were very similar
to those of modern Christmas: work was suspended, students were released
from study, gifts were exchanged, and homes were decorated with candles
and greenery.
The Romans had an entire
pantheon of pagan gods. Saturnalia was an ancient Roman festival and
holiday in honour of the god Saturn, held on 17 December of the Julian
calendar and later expanded with festivities through to 23 December. The
holiday was celebrated with a sacrifice at the Temple of Saturn, in the
Roman Forum, and a public banquet, followed by private gift-giving and
partying.
When Constantine was the
emperor in 306 to 337 he sparked a huge change in the religious culture
of the Roman empire by ending all persecution of Christianity and forced
the empire to be tolerant of it. Christianity began to spread all over
the empire and later in the century it became the official state
religion. However, as a state religion, it bore scant resemblance to
authentic Christianity of the first century.
While the Roman Empire
worshipped many man-made Gods, true Christianity was intolerant of it on
any level whatsoever. To make things easier for everyone, the Son of
God, (Jesus), which represented light took the place of the sun God,
(Sol Invictus) and inherited his birthday. The pagan god Saturn was
also worshipped during this period of the year. It was a match that
was easy to make and everyone was tolerant of it. Emperor Constantine’s
policy of tolerance led to the melding together of Christianity and the
pagan worship of Saturn and Sol Invictus and thus formed the foundation
of the Christmas religious holiday observed today.
This adoption of new
religious holidays was nothing new. The Judaizers of the first century,
eager to see their traditions observed in Christianity, tried to get the
sabbath day and their festivals and religious holy days accepted into
Christianity.
In Galatians 4:8-11, Paul
wrote, “But then, indeed, when you did not know God, you served those
which by nature are not gods. 9 But now after you have known God, or
rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and
beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage? 10 You
observe days and months and seasons and years. 11 I am afraid for you,
lest I have labored for you in vain’” (NKJV).
The days, months, times
and years mentioned by Paul here are a reference to traditions and
elements under the law of Moses. Paul was very clear in this letter to
the Galatians that to observe the old Jewish traditions carried the
consequence of falling from grace (Galatians 5:4). In Colossians
2:20-23, Paul wrote, “Therefore, if you died with Christ from the
basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do
you subject yourselves to regulations — 21 "Do not touch, do not taste,
do not handle," 22 which all concern things which perish with the using
— according to the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 These things
indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false
humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the
indulgence of the flesh.” (NKJV).
Matthew 15:8-9, “These
people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips,
But their heart is far from Me. 9 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching
as doctrines the commandments of men.'" (NKJV) See also a parallel
in Mark 7:7.
Colossians 3:17, “And
whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (NKJV) we are
commanded to do everything in the name of Jesus. This means if it does
not have His endorsement, we cannot do it. Anything that is not
supported in His Word does not have His endorsement and cannot be done
in His name. Jesus is the Word of God, (John 1) and as such, His Word
is His endorsement. Anything not found in His Word, does not have the
necessary credentials.
Romans 10:1-3, “Brethren,
my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be
saved. 2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not
according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God's
righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have
not submitted to the righteousness of God.” (NKJV) Paul is
contrasting the Law of Moses with the Law of Faith here. But the fact
remains, we cannot approach God with our ideas of righteousness. We do
not tell God how we are going to serve Him. Paul echoes this in
Philippians 3:9-11.
There is not one verse of
scripture that commands, suggests, implies, or asks anyone to turn the
birth of Christ into a religious observation. And yet here we are with
one that has been going on for centuries. It’s the exact same thing
with Easter. These are manmade religious activities that quite simply
are condemned in God’s Word. We do not have the authority or permission
to decide how God is to be worshipped. Romans
14:5-6 provides us with the authority to observe secular days in
accordance with custom or tradition. But if we go beyond that and
elevate Jesus’ birth to something beyond that, we have crossed a line
for which there is no authority. A great many people choose to abandon
any observation of Christmas whatsoever, choosing to separate themselves
from it as far as possible. To them, the very association of it with
its pagan roots is reason enough to utterly shun all activities of it
completely.
Jesus’ birth, while
heralded by God and the angels, is not the event in His life that is the
most significant to us. His sacrifice for our sins through His death is
an event Christians remember every week through the observation of the
Lord’s supper. We are not commanded to commemorate His birth. We do
however remember and celebrate the sacrifice that reconciles us to
fellowship with God every first day of the week as done by the first
century Christians (Acts 20:7). We do not know what Jesus’ actual
birthday is. We can be certain that if God wanted His birth celebrated,
that information would be provided in His inspired Word. The fact that
His birth is celebrated on the same day as the supposed birthday of the
pagan god, Sol Invictus, seems an incredible coincidence.
Timothy and Titus were
both circumcised to facilitate the spreading of the Gospel because
without it, they could not get a proverbial foot in the door to
evangelize Jews that were so hung up on the law of Moses and
circumcision, they wouldn’t even consider it. The Christmas season is a
time when people’s hearts may be open to the reception of Jesus.
We all love Christmas. It
is a time of family, goodwill, and fellowship. But it is not Christ’s
birthday, nor is the celebration of His birthday as a religious
ordinance sanctioned within His Word. Romans 14:5-6 gives us the
authority to gather and remember the life of Jesus as a matter of
tradition and custom, but if we try and make it into a religious event,
we have crossed a line that is condemned in God’s Word. We must operate
within parameters given to us by God. These parameters are designed
with our best interests, and those of the Kingdom of God in mind. We
would do well to make sure we stay within our limits and to avail
ourselves of every opportunity to spread the gospel.
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