Christmas is Here!
Church Family,
Christmas is here, and so is lots of misinformation. Over the centuries, the details of Christ’s birth were distorted for songs, plays and other forms of entertainment. A close reading of the Bible provides the truth.
May I share a few corrections?
There was no innkeeper found in the Bible who turned Mary and Joseph away. Matthew 2:7 tells us,”… there was no room for them in the inn.”
The innkeeper character probably was created by a playwright who was composing a stage play about the birth of Christ.
Despite the popular carol, “Away in a Manger,” the line that says “the cattle are lowing,” there were no animals surrounding the newborn baby Jesus in the Bible. The song writer perhaps imagined a stable as the scene of Jesus’ birth, but no animals are listed as being present.
We do not know the exact number of Wise Men or Magi who came to visit Jesus. The number three was suggested, perhaps since they brought three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Also, the Wise Men were not present at the birth of Jesus. Yes, Christmas pageants, plays, cards, and nativity scenes place the Wise Men with the shepherds, but this is Biblically incorrect. According to Matthew’s gospel, the Wise Men meet Jesus months later.
Here is the best news of all. Despite the errors and inaccuracies, Jesus came to save us from sin. God stepped down from heaven and the Word became flesh. He is Immanuel — God with us. The birth of Jesus shows us that God is in the new beginnings business! The new baby gives us new life, new hope, and new joy!
Let us adore Him!!
Your Pastor,
Dr. Sheron C. Patterson