Faith.
There are many beliefs, traditions, teachings and practices during the Christmas season. All of these fall into one of three categories:
A: They are Biblical – B: They contradict Scripture C: They are not in Scripture, and they may or may not be true
- When they traveled the 80 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem Joseph walked while leading the donkey on which Mary was riding. This falls into category “c” above. We don’t know. Was it possible? Yes. But there were other methods of travel in that day and time including a horse, camel or an animal drawn cart. The Bible doesn’t say how they travelled.
2. There were three wise men. Another category “c”. This common misconception probably comes from the fact that the wise men brought three different gifts. Some religious traditions actually have three names assigned to the wise men.
3. “the little Lord Jesus no crying he makes” so goes the beautiful Christmas Carol “Away In A Manger”. Possibly “c” but there is no Biblical evidence for this belief, and it probably is not true. Yes, Christ was sinless, but a baby crying is natural for a baby and doesn’t automatically indicate sinfulness. (Later, when they are older and intentionally cry just for attention, the sin nature we are all born with, is evident!).
4. “We Three Kings of Orient are” so goes the song. We already addressed the “three” issue. Were they kings? Probably not, as the recorded appearance before Herod doesn’t indicate a meeting of equals. They undoubtedly were high ranking advisors in the government and astronomers. They probably knew about the coming Jewish Messiah from prophecies of Daniel when he was a ruler there, and possibly also from Balaam (Numbers 24) who was from their region.
5. The wise men worshipped the Christ child while he was in the lying in the manger. This contradicts Scripture. After observing the star that appeared, announcing his birth, it would have taken at least a few months to travel to the Holy Land. The Bible clearly says both that Christ was a “young child” and living in a “house”. Matthew 2:11- “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him:” Also Herod ordered the killing of all under two years of age in order to be sure he included the Christ child.
6. December 25th is the birth date of Christ. Another category “c”. We don’t know and scholars are still debating the date. Some argue it was fall and some say summer. It was not until the 4th century that the state church grabbed December 25th as the date, probably to pacify the pagans who celebrated a major festival at that time. What is important is that the Son of God came to this earth to live as the only sinless person in all of history. However, we make a huge mistake when we celebrate Christmas as the “end all.” While the incarnation was important, what is most important is the ultimate crucifixion and resurrection of our Savior. Only putting our faith and trust in what Christ did on Calvary for our salvation is what meets the Father’s requirement for entrance into His presence, upon the passing of our physical being.
Dr. Lonnie W. Stine, Pastor
Badger Community Church
11198 Badger Drive, Waupaca, WI
An independent, Bible teaching, local church
Sunday: 9:00 am Bible Study, 10:00 am Morning Worship
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