The Birth of Jesus

It is certainly timely to discuss the birth of Jesus; Christmas is only 9 days away, eight more shopping days.  In this blog we will discuss some of the facts of Jesus' birth....and some of the misconceptions about it. 

First, I must say that Jesus likely wasn't born in December.  The shepherds weren't in the fields this time of year.  And the beginnings of celebrating His birthday came not in the days of Jesus, not soon after, but much later.  And the Bible doesn't say anything about us making a religious holiday of it.  But the day was picked, and people enjoy the celebration, and many even emphasize the importance of putting "Christ" back in Christmas.

It probably should be said that the New Testament, and Jesus Himself, put the emphasis on His death.  It is His death that gives us life, the sacrifice of His blood.  And when Jesus met with His disciples before His death, He told them to remember His death through the taking of the communion, the Lord's supper.  He made no mention of His birth being remembered.  Still, the birth is a beautiful thing, a wonderful story that resulted in us having a Savior.  So we look a little closer:

The birth of Jesus is recorded in two places in the Bible.  Luke 2 tells of the birth.  I won't try to tell the whole story since you are familiar with it, how Jesus was born in Bethlehem, was wrapped in swaddling cloths and placed in a manger.  The shepherds were visited by an angel, followed by a "multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!' "  The shepherds went to Bethlehem and visited him, then went out and spread the word. 

Matthew tells of the birth from a different standpoint, telling about the wise men.  "....behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 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..'  "  They brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  It is interesting that most people talk about the "3 wise men,"  when there is no number given for the wise men at all.   They brought 3 types of gifts, but that is the only reference to "3." 

It is a beautiful, wonderful story/event, at which we can marvel and enjoy now, and really at any time of year. 

Thanks for reading.  Have a great week!