Christmas is commonly thought of as the day that Jesus Christ was born. However, there are some people that raise objections saying that His birth was not on December 25th as many might think.
1. The Taxing
Luke 2:1-3
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2 ([And] this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
In verse 5 of the book of Luke we see a very pregnant Mary. She was “great with child.” During this time Caesar Augustus was ruler. He made a decree that everyone should be taxed, and to pay that tax everyone needed to go to their hometown to do so.
With Joseph being from the city of David, aka Bethlehem, that was where he was supposed to go pay his tax. So Joseph and Mary made the journey from where they were, Nazareth of Galilee, to go to Bethlehem to pay their tax, which was approx. 70 miles in distance.
One objection is that winter would have been a more difficult time to travel to pay taxes.
2. The Shepherds
Luke 2:7-8, 10-11
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
…
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Another objection is that winter would have been an unusual time for shepherds to be “abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.” (v.8) since it was “at this cold time of year when fields were unproductive. The normal practice was to keep the flocks in the fields from Spring to Autumn.” (1)
But regardless if Jesus was actually born on December 25th or not the thing to focus on and to be thankful for is the fact that He was born.
God came to man
“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” -Matthew 1:23
God became a man
John 1
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
…
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Jesus took our place
“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:” -1 Peter 3:18
God’s gift
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” -Romans 6:23
“…God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.” -1 John 4:9
A Very Merry Christmas
to you and yours
from all of us here at Exit Realty!
If you would like more information, please Contact Kathy Vetten
Cell Phone: 828-361-0360
Office Phone: 828-837-2288
Web: www.kathyvetten.com
FOR ALL YOUR Real Estate needs.
Sources
1. http://www.christiananswers.net/christmas/mythsaboutchristmas.html
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