Nougat 26

How do you cope when Christmas Day falls on a Sunday? Are you among those whose festivities are today, or are you resting after the fun of yesterday? I pray that you have enough time and energy left for today’s Holy Nougat

“And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Although we sometimes speak to the lack of calendar precision in sharing factual events, it’s a bit surprising to many that the details surrounding Jesus’ birth are so sketchy. When Isaiah had his epiphany moment, he stated that it occurred in the year that King Uzziah died. Several of the prophetic books, especially those written during/about the Exile have been cross referenced with other historical facts and precise dates have been allocated to events.

We are all familiar by now with the debate surrounding the actual birthday of Jesus. Although December 25 is widely accepted as ‘the date’, many of us believers recognize that it’s not necessarily Jesus’ actual birthday. Luke’s historical account is somewhat sketchy … experts are unable to agree about when Quirinus governed Syria. There’s questions about the census that resulted in Joseph’s trek with his very pregnant wife to Bethlehem.

Luke offers others supporting evidence – Anna and Simeon (there’s a theory about the power of two people for confirmation and evidence) – yet with the destruction of the temple, nothing confirms their death (We don’t know how long they lived after they met Jesus in the temple). So once again, there’s really not enough evidence with which we can definitely determine when Jesus was born.

For some, this becomes a point of major concern, as they harbor a legitimate fear of being caught celebrating Christ’s birth on a pagan holiday. Others have done the Maths, but celebrate on December 25 regardless. There are those who are all about the secular aspects – the parties, decorations, gifts and festivities – and that’s all good. What is of major import to me is that Jesus was born, and why Jesus was born.

And though Luke didn’t provide exact details, he offers us a critical detail to corroborate all the celebration and festivities: the time came for Mary to be delivered … and she gave birth to her first born son. Jesus was born. His life, death and resurrection all confirm why He was born. So then the most important thing becomes when was Jesus Christ born in our hearts? For, these days, that becomes the indisputable and life- altering data. That determinesour future* with Jesus. The rest is the prelude.

So whether you celebrated yesterday, or are celebrating today or will celebrate later, I pray that your Christmas is about The Gift of eternal life through Christ Jesus.

God bless you.

—

May all we seek be found in Christ