Sunday, December 21, 2008

Christmas - Date Doesn't Matter

Here's a comment that puzzle's me every year:
"We'll, nothing in the Bible says that Jesus was born on December 25th, and besides, that's really just co-opting a previously existing Winter solstice holiday..."
Therefore, the dismissive reasoning goes, Christ-mas is irrelevant and Jesus is too.
But nothing could be further from...the Truth.
None of the four Gospel accounts of Jesus' life require any dependencies for his redemptive role on calendar dates for his birth. There are two descriptions of Jesus' birth (read the Gospels of Matthew and Luke), but those speak of the census conducted by Caesar - an event, not a date.
Just as George Washington's birthday has become co-opted as "President's Day" in America - the 40+ Presidents who really don't share that birthday are no less real; the day was just chosen for the convenience of those celebrating it.
Jesus lived - no serious historical accounts debate that. He was born - it stands to reason.
When we celebrate the birth of Jesus - December 25th has become the commonly shared day to do so - there are better questions to ask than, "is this really the date?" 
Why did God choose to reach out to us in the person of Jesus - showing us that he understands our human condition?
What is the significance of Jesus' shockingly humble arrival - in a stable, to a poor family in an occupied country?
What was his ultimate, singular purpose as the Saviour?
What does it mean to me and my family?

I love Christmas-time. I love the special music, the special gatherings and fellowship, the special kindness and gift giving. It's unique, and it works. But, pick any other day or date to celebrate the arrival and life of Jesus -- and I'll join you !
Merry Christ-mas !

What do you believe?