The Word Became Flesh....

So here goes the preacher in me....

I just heard an amazing revelation (to me)about the date of Christmas. If you have been a believer for any amount of time, you've probably heard the Biblical Historical evidence that Jesus was almost certainly NOT born on December 25th.

Unlike my son Thor -- who was was trying to assure me that baby Jesus really was born at midnight on the 24/25th. (Got to LOVE that childlike faith... he doesn't need all the reasons why... he just believes). On the other side of that argument, I don't think there is anything wrong with going through the historical records, or scientific evidence to prove the Word of God. I know God's Word is true, because the Spirit living in me has given me the internal and external proof I need....

The clues given in Luke and Matthew's accounts of the birth of Jesus, give us a timeline for the actual birth date of our Savior -- likely sometime between September 25 - 29th. If you remember, there is an account of Jesus being circumcised on the 8th day, and is mentioned that is was also the Great Feast of the Tabernacles. This feast lasts for 8 days, meaning her was born on the First Day of the Feast of Tabernacles. Isn't it interesting how God chooses to have significant things happen on the same dates... consider also Passover and Easter. I really do love that about God.... His Word says that he will give us signs, all we have to do is keep a watchful eye open for them. (I think that also means a watchful Spirit, since not everything that is REAL is "visible" from our human perspective).

Is there any spiritual significance to December 25th, or was it really just a Pagan holiday turned "Christian" by the early believers/church? I have to say that in my heart of hearts it never bothered me if Dec. 25th was just a day someone "picked" to celebrate the birth of Jesus... In our modern world, people have tried to take Christ out of Christmas -- and focus on the material and commercial aspects of the Season... but for centuries before that Christmas really was (and is) a Holy Day for believers. The word "Holidays" derives from the Jewish "Holy Days." God created us with a need to celebrate and to honor special events.

Did God have a hand in helping the early church in choosing December 25th? I happen to believe so... and now there is evidence** of the significance of the 25th of Dec. In Jewish tradition there is a Holy Day late in December that is called the St. Michael and the Angels Feast... not recognized much now... but it is in their historical records. Isn't it interesting that we have a lot of Angels in our Christmas account too? ."


This is the MOST fascinating point.... If you count back 9 months, from the date of Jesus assumed actual birthday - September 25th, you arrive at a conception date of December 25th!! This was the day when the Angel Gabriel visited Mary.... and to quote John 1:14 "The Word became flesh, and made His dwelling among us."

How Awesome is that!!! I believe that life begins at the moment of conception... and perhaps this was God's way of marking Jesus REAL entry into this world... the day of his conception! The Holy Day for St. Michael and the Angels Feast was one small sign set in place centuries before... to mark the time when another Angel would play an important role in our Christmas Story!

**from Bruggerman's Bible Commentary - Appendix, page 198.