“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 New International Version
It is a well-known fact that the origins of Christmas and December 25th are founded in pagan beliefs honoring false gods.
December 25th was adapted as the birth date of Jesus by early Christian clergy in Europe to draw attention to Christ and away from paganism.
For all of modern history, December 25th has been associated with Christ’s birth and the celebration of Christmas.
Two important points
1—Jesus is the child spoken about in Isaiah’s prophecy. He was born just as the New Testament books of the Four Gospels say. God the Father determined that his son’s birth date was not as important as his birth. Centuries ago, a date was selected, which has remained constant since. December 25th celebrates the birth of God’s son, sent into the world to redeem lost humanity.
2—To focus on what December 25th meant to people in the distant past is to miss what it means to Christ-followers. It is a celebration of a promise fulfilled. The Bible says that the civil authority wanted him dead and set out to kill him. God protected him by speaking to the natural Father about moving at specific times in Jesus’ life. Joseph’s (Jesus’ natural father) obedience allowed Jesus to fulfill the Father’s desire to redeem lost humanity.
Christmas is about a celebration of life, redemption, and restoration. My prayer for you is that this day will:
1—bring a remembrance of the reality of Jesus into your mind
2—allow you to celebrate God’s love and his greatest gift as you enjoy family and friends
3—find a renewed strength and hope in God’s son to boldly face the challenges of the coming year
Merry Christmas.
It is time to know Jesus.
A close personal relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit is an unexpected journey of discovery.