This is another message I send out every year around Christmas. In this world which is doing everything possible to take Christ out of the season and day, it’s important for us to be reminded what this day is that we call Christmas. What exactly is December 25th?
The early church didn’t give much thought to the birth of Jesus. Of the four Gospels only Matthew and Luke even mention His birth, and these accounts are relatively brief. Certainly, the emphasis of the Gospels was on Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection. And after Jesus ascended to Heaven, the focus of the church was on living for Him, sending out His message, and waiting for His return.
No one is really sure when Jesus was born. The first recorded celebration didn’t occur until 200 years after His birth, and it wasn’t until the year 330 that the birth of Christ was assigned to December 25th. Some say Jesus was actually born in September or October and others are sure He was born in March or April (in fact, a case has been made for His birth in each of the twelve months). But it’s generally agreed that, due to the relatively colder weather, December was an unlikely time for the birth of our Savior. So what really is this day we call Christmas?
John 1:1,14
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.”
These verses refer to Jesus Christ as “the Word” who was with God in the beginning and at the same time was God Himself. Jesus then left His Heavenly dwelling to begin life with us as a little baby. He “made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2:7). This represents a whole lot of love!
Christmas is a day to remember the most profound event in the history of the world. On that first Christmas (whenever it was), God came to earth to live among us! He was born into the most humble circumstances, grew and taught us His truths, died on a cross for our sin, and was raised to be with The Father – all so we might live with Him for eternity.
December 25th is a day to celebrate with quiet reflection, as Mary “treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). It is also a day to celebrate with great rejoicing, as the shepherds “returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen” (Luke 2:20). The world has tried to remove Christ and insert many activities into this season which do not glorify God. But this need not hinder our worship. We have the ability to turn away the evil and embrace that which is honoring and good.
We can (and should) glorify God and celebrate the gift of our Savior every day throughout the year. But let’s take the opportunity to make this season and this day special. Let’s celebrate with a focused and thankful heart, and make December 25th a blessed day of remembrance.
Have a Christ Centered Day!
Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries
>I like this word. However, I choose not to celebrate the birth of Christ on the 25th of December because history tells us it is the date used to celebrate the births of various God's from pagan religions. I choose not to join God Almighty's treasure with those of the world's pagan gods. Christ has never been in Christmas. It's a trick of the enemy and as Christians, if it were to honor Jesus, the need for Christmas trees and Satan Clause would not be needed. We would acknowledge that God is the giver of gifts and that Satan is the giver of lies and deceit. Isn't that what he's doing when he is has so many lying to their children and asking and thanking some made up idol for gifts provided by God? Something is truly wrong with this idea.
>I share your concerns about this day we call Christmas. What would you think about celebrating the birth of Christ on another day – I was thinking about something like two weeks prior to Easter. And what would you do as a way of remembering His birth?
>I don't think we need to celebrate Christ's birth. No where in the Bible is the birth of Christ Celebrated. The record of His birth is noted because it fulfills the prophecy and quite frankly had to happen to enable Him to die for our sins. God gave specific holy days to those of the old covenant and Jesus also followed those holy days. Now with the new covenant we are told by Jesus to do one thing in remembrance of Him. Luke 22:19 and 1 Cor 11:24,25. And that is not "Easter" another pagan celebration. The New Testament Passover is what He was referring to as a memorial of His death. I know, people have told me that I take things too literal but that's the way the Holy Spirit leads me. Praise God. We are all at different places in our walk with the Lord. If He tells me, I am taking things too literally, then I will change. I am walking in the Spirit by the power of the Holy Ghost. I have a deep relationship with God and I love Him deeply. I try to share with others but no one really wants to hear because things are just too much fun to give them up and according to them "it's just not that serious". So when I read your word and I have been with you for a couple of years now, I could not help but respond. God bless you. You are doing a great work.