The word Christmas cannot be found one-time in God’s Word. That means it is impossible to put “Christ back into Christmas,” since He was never there! Christ was born prior to 4 B.C., since Herod died in 4 B.C. But, Herod was alive at the birth of Jesus Christ (Matthew 2:1).
Contrary to what you have heard, Jesus Christ is NOT “the reason for the season.” Catholicism and Visa and Master Card and Macy’s are the “reason for the season.” The corrupted church introduced the “mass of Christ” which was then shorted to “Christ’s Mass”, and now we have CHRISTMAS!!!
We can read prophecies and fulfillment of prophecy in regard to the Savior’s birth (Isaiah 7:17; 9:6; Micah 5:2; Hosea 11:1; Matthew 1-2; Luke 2). Many religious groups will have large crowds at this time of the year, made up of many folks who will not darken the doors of the church building until “Easter” Sunday. Some of my brethren now host “Christmas” parties to compete with their “Easter” celebrations and “dedication” of babies and elder reaffirmations!
MISTAKE # 1: December 25th is the exact date of Christ’s birth. This date was arbitrarily set by the corrupted church in the 5th century. Dates for His birth have been set in almost every month of the year. It is not at all likely that His birth was in the winter time. Jesus prophesied the coming destruction of Jerusalem in Matthew 24:19-20, “But woe unto them that are with child and to them that give suck in those days! And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter…” Travel in the cold rainy season would be more difficult for a mother. Joseph and Mary made a 65 mile journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem to be enrolled (Luke 2:1-5). This was by decree of Caesar, and was to insure all paid their tax. The powers that be, like today would want all to be counted. They would pick a time when travel would be easy, not difficult.
MISTAKE # 2: The Bible commands us to commemorate His birth! Nowhere does the Bible authorize Christians to celebrate the birth of Jesus. We are commanded to commemorate His death, burial, and resurrection. This we do each Lord’s day (Acts 20:7; Matthew 26:26-29; I Corinthians 11:20-ff; 15:14). We celebrate the “birth” of Christ from the tomb, through His glorious resurrection! The “trees” in our homes, decorated with baubles of various shapes and colors are borrowed from the fatherland: Germany! Our “feasts” with loved ones come from pagan feasts to the god of harvest (Saturn); and the god of light (Mithras). Let us keep our traditions separate from paganism and enjoy time with friends and family.
MISTAKE # 3: The Bible says there were THREE wise men who came! WHERE does the Bible tell me so? Matthew 2:1-3 begins, “Wise-men from the east came…” There were at least two magi who desired to give three types of gifts to the Messiah. There could have been 2 or 20; or 4 or 40. The Bible does not say. Haven’t you ever wondered why three strangers inquiring about a baby caused such a stir?? “And when Herod the king heard it, he was TROUBLED, and all Jerusalem with him.” (Matthew2:3 Emphasis mine, JW). When you look on a nativity scene, a Christmas pageant, or one of your cards, take a moment and count ‘em! There are always three (3) wise-men!
MISTAKE # 4: The wise men (3 or 30) visited the baby in the stable! Again, look on church lawns with the manger scene, and there you will see the THREE wise men. The Bible does not say they came to the stable where Jesus was born! Let your fingers do the walkin’ and let the Bible do the talking’: “And they (the magi, JW) came into the HOUSE and saw the young CHILD with Mary His mother; and they (the magi – JW) fell down and worshipped…” (Matthew 2:11 – Emphasis mine, JW). The shepherds were at the manger. Tradition dictates the animals; not the Bible. The wise-men came into a “house” to see the “child,” not a babe. Their arrival was at least 40 days after His birth, could have been much more! Herod’s decree was to kill all male children up to two years of age (Matthew 2:16). 1 Thessalonians 5:21 still reads, “Prove all things…”
MISTAKE # 5: Mary rode a donkey and the 3 wise-men rode camels! Let me challenge you to find book, chapter, and verse authority for either of those traditions! The Bible nowhere teaches any such thing. Christmas cards influence more people than the Word of God. The weather conditions for the night of the Savior’s birth are likewise unknown to man today. Let us be careful to separate FACT from FICTION, whether it is in regards to the birth of Jesus Christ, or any other subject of God’s Word!!
We rejoice that Christ Jesus was born. Without His coming, we would be without a perfect sacrifice, without the conquering of death, without hope of resurrection; hence, no salvation attainable or possible. We do celebrate the coming of the Messiah, and His coming again! Let us not celebrate in a religious way, those things that God has not commanded nor authorized! “And whatsoever ye do, in word or indeed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17).
Jess Whitlock