WHY CHRISTMAS

WHY CHRISTMAS

As committed and professing Christians now more than ever we need to reaffirm our basic faith that the story of Christ’s incarnate birth, actually happened:

There was the undeniably historical figure named Caesar Augustus, the Roman Emperor who issued a call for a census.

The journey from Nazareth was indeed long and difficult and dangerous.

The Virgin Mary truly was pregnant.

Joseph was going home for Christmas.

Bethlehem was in fact a small village.

The village Inn was full and there was no room.

Jesus was born in a stable and took his first nap in a feeding-trough.

The accounts in the Gospel of the birth of our Lord is true. These things are not legends or myths or fairy tales. It happened in the history of mankind, when God decided to enter our world, taking a most unusual route. Taking on human flesh, born as a man, born into a human family, to Jewish parents, born in poverty, in a forgotten village, in a stable.

Unexpected and unknown to the religious and political leaders of the time, the Son of God came to this earth, leaving His throne in Heaven.

Because the Gospel records this to be true, our faith does not rest on vague speculations. No, it rests on sober historical fact. Let there be not the slightest doubt among us today.

“Joy to the world, the Lord is come, let earth receive her King.”

“O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant.”

It is true not because we sing it or because we say it or because we believe it. 

It is true not because our parents told us the story a long time ago. It is true because it happened.

There is left to each of us a choice. What will we do with the Christ-child this Christmas?

Will we run to meet Him and welcome Him in our hearts?

Or will we post a “no vacancy” sign again this year?

Do we sing with the angels, “Hark the herald angels sing, glory to the new born king” or are we too busy feasting, receiving gifts, and merry making without deeply reflecting on the significance of Christ’s coming to this earth.