Was the First Christmas Just a Nice Story?

"Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?" cries out Charlie Brown in a classic Christmas special scene. "Sure," responds his friend Linus, "I can tell you what Christmas is all about." Linus takes center stage, and tells Charlie Brown and everyone present the story of the first Christmas. He recites the gospel of Luke in chapter 2 from verses 8 to 14:

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.”

From the first time Linus said these words on national television, audiences have admired this scene. It's been embraced by Christians, but also non-believers. Some of those who are anti-Christ have said they admire this scene, because it tells a nice story about how people should be kind to each other. It's not a story about worshiping Jesus. It is instead about generosity, and how people helped each other out. So, is that all the story of the first Christmas is? Is it just a nice story?

If the first Christmas is just a "nice" story, then reading it
is just as useful as reading other "nice" stories about
Santa, reindeer and presents (1 Corinthians 15:14).

Taking a look at the Christmas story, as it's written in Luke chapter 2, there are a handful of central characters. There is the young woman named Mary who gives birth to a baby named Jesus. There's also the shepherds who live just outside of the town where Mary and Jesus are, and there's also the angels who tell the shepherds about Jesus' birth. If this story is just a nice story about people helping each other, then these characters (or at least one of these characters) should demonstrate an observable kindness to someone else, or exhibit an act of generosity from which readers are supposed to learn.

Based on Luke chapter 2 from verses 8 to 14, there doesn't appear to be any moment where the characters do anything apparently kind. At face value, the story revolves around shepherds listening to a message from angels about a pregnant woman who gave birth. There's no display of charitable giving in that. Well, what if the scope of our text was widened to Luke chapter 2 from verses 1 through 20? Now, there's even less signs of apparent kindness. There's an inconsiderate king who forces his subjects to move hundreds of miles, for the sake of one census (1-2). There's a whole town of people unable to let a pregnant woman stay somewhere else other than a place for animals (7). Even the shepherds, after they receive the angels' message, go into town, find the baby, and then promptly go away (17). Considering the shepherds didn't give anything to Mary or Jesus (they didn't even stay to change a diaper), it doesn't look like they helped her out. Plainly looking at this "nice" story, it doesn't seem to be about kindness or generosity. Actually, it looks like it's about nothing at all.

Nativity sets represent a condensed telling of the Christmas
story. To unbelievers who put them up Paul might say, they are 
"objects of worship...to an unknown god. So [unbelievers]
are ignorant of the very thing [they] worship," (Acts 17:23).

If this story really is what Christmas is all about, then what is this story all about?

This story is about Jesus. Everything written in Luke chapter 2 centers around Him, who He is and how the characters respond to Him. Before Jesus is born, the writer addresses that His earthly father is from "the house and line of David," meaning Jesus is of a royal line, even though His family is clearly not treated like royalty (4). When the shepherds are told about Jesus' birth, the angels say they have brought, "good news that will cause great joy for all the people," (10). This news is that a savior has been born; one who is the Lord (11). Then the angels praised God, and said there would be peace on earth to those on whom His favor rests (14). The shepherds hurry to see their savior and their Lord (16), and after they see Him, "they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them," (17-18). Mary considers the shepherds' response to her newborn to be worthy of treasuring (19), and all the shepherds return to their field, "glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told," (20).

The events in Luke are not just a story, but are history.
In the same way Jesus was born just as the shepherds
were told, (Luke 2:20), Jesus lived just as the
gospel writers have told (Luke 1:1-4).

Everything that happens in this story occurs, because Jesus is born. At first glance it seems rather odd how everyone reacts to the birth of an infant who cannot do anything for them. A clearer focus, though, reveals this child is described as the Lord, and our characters in this story "know that the Lord is God; besides Him there is no other," (Deuteronomy 4:35). This means Jesus is God. Not only this, but He is also the Savior, and everyone whom He loves will have peace (Luke 2:11,14). He came to rescue people as their benevolent king from heaven (John 18:36), but many people did not receive Him (John 1:11). These people did not believe what was said of Him, "yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God," (John 1:12). Those who believe in God are not blind to who Jesus is, for God opens His children's eyes to see Him clearly (Luke 24:31). Only those with opened eyes know that the first Christmas tells of when "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. [Those who believe] have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth," (John 1:14).

The Christmas story is not a "nice" story, but a powerful story! It is about Jesus, the one who came to save those who made no room for Him. He came to the earth out of more than just generosity and kindness, for He came out of grace and peace. Those who know Him have seen His glory and are filled with overwhelming joy. They will praise God in a cold dark night and for the rest of their days.

"That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."

Do you hear the sound?

A thousand angels are singing out

To God Almighty we're bowing down

And that's what Christmas is all about!

Light me up and I'll show you the way

Every year can't wait for Christmas day

Light me up, I finally figured out

What Christmas is all about!

- Owl City

Sources

• The Bible (New International Version)
• A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
• Owl City: Light of Christmas

Isaiah 7:14 (Immanuel is God with Us)

Isaiah 7:14

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel.

God is with us! "Really?" some of my readers might say. "Have you looked around? Would God really be here and let this kind of stuff happen? Is God asleep, then? Is God dead?" God is with us! "And that's great, but..." some of my other readers might say. "I'm glad God's here, but I can't just go and visit Him, and it's really hard to hear Him sometimes. Couldn't He be here stronger? Am I keeping Him away?" God is with us! "Amen," the Bible says.

"God with us" is proclaimed throughout Scripture. The prophet Isaiah wrote to the city of David, Bethlehem, that God was with them. He wrote, "the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel," (Isaiah 7:14). So, God's sign to prove His promise appeared on the first Christmas night. Just as Isaiah prophesied a virgin woman did give birth to a son (Luke 2:7), and He was called Immanuel which means "God with us." This baby boy named Jesus grew up to become a man, and after He accomplished everything He wanted to do with His life on earth (John 19:30), He lifted Himself up into heaven (Acts 1:9). So the one called Immanuel is no longer here on earth, but this does not mean that God is not with us. Isaiah gave the prophecy about Immanuel so the people of Bethlehem would know God is with them, and that promise was sealed by the sign of a virgin birth. The promise, though, was true, even before the virgin gave birth.

God lived among His people as a baby, who was
born in a real stable and laid in a real manger (Luke 2:7).
He was here on earth as someone who could be
held and fed, and He's still here as Immanuel.

Before Isaiah was born, God has said He is with us to many of His followers. One of these followers was a leader named Joshua whom God told, "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go," (Joshua 1:9). Another of God's chosen was a great king named David who wrote by the power of the Holy Spirit, "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me," (Psalm 23:6). There was also a prophet named Zephaniah who wrote to the people of Israel, "The Lord has taken away your punishment, He has turned back your enemy. The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm," (Zephaniah 3:15). He even further wrote, "The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing,” (Zephaniah 3:17). God has always been with us.

Even when the waters won't stop rising

Even when I'm caught in the dead of a night

I know, No matter how it ends

You're with me even then

- Micah Tyler

God is present in everyone's life, for his hand has written all the people's days before any one of them came to be (Psalm 139:16). His Spirit is present in the hearts of His followers, for they are His holy dwelling place and He lives in their midst (1 Corinthians 3:16). The Lord says to His obedient servants, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand," (Isaiah 41:10). Indeed God will be with His people "always, to the very end of the age," (Matthew 28:20).

"Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from
Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if
I make my bed in the depths, You are there," (Psalm 139:7-8).

Yes, God is with us; no matter how anyone may respond to this. If anyone looks around they will see God's fingerprint on all of creation (Revelation 4:11). He has not abandoned the world (Hebrews 1:3), but is using all of the chaos within it to bring about goodness for His people (Romans 8:28). He is not asleep, and He is not dead (Psalms 121:4). It is for the good of His followers that no one can physically visit Him on earth, because if He remained here in flesh His Spirit would never come (John 16:7). He continues to speak to us through His word in the Bible (Hebrews 4:12), and He does not need to give us new messages as our days progress (2 Timothy 3:17, Hebrews 1:2). His Spirit is as strong in our lives as He has ordained to be so (1 Corinthians 12:11). There is nothing any of His chosen people can do to lessen His Spirit or remove themselves from God's presence (Romans 8:38-39). We know God is with us and will always be, for the virgin conceived and gave birth to a son, and we still call Him Immanuel.

Can you feel your heart begin to race?

Can you see the tide begin to change?

With all of our futures rearranged

The world will never be the same

For God is with us

Oh, God is with us!

- for KING & COUNTRY

Sources

• The Bible (New International Version)
• Open Bible Info: God is with Us
• Micah Tyler: Even Then
• for KING & COUNTRY: For God is With Us

Should Christians say "Happy Holidays"

Picture this, you're at a store in December and the cashier says to you, "Happy holidays." There are a lot of different ways you could react to this seasonal salutation, but you're not likely to act surprised. Saying "happy holidays" is common these days, especially in stores, on the radio or over social media. What would happen, though, if this exchange between you and the cashier took place at a Christian book store? How about if you heard "happy holidays" on Christian radio? How would you react if you heard "happy holidays" at church...from the pastor? Now, that might be surprising. It may even raise this question: Should Christians say "happy holidays"?

To be fair, "happy holidays" rolls off one's tongue a little bit easier than the cramming of consonants that is "merry Christmas." Just because something is easy, though, doesn't necessarily mean it's worth doing. It's easy for someone to ignore Jesus and keep the course of their life, but doing so would be the greatest mistake they could make (Luke 9:57-62). There's also a lot of joy that can come from overcoming a difficult obstacle. Jesus says, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God," (Mark 10:25). Despite this, Christians continue to preach to the greedy, knowing Jesus did "not come to call the righteous, but sinners," (Mark 2:17). Think about how audiences still cheer when rich man Ebenezer Scrooge is born again on Christmas day (yes, it's a fictional example, but it's also festive). So, just because "happy holidays" is less of a tongue tier than "merry Christmas," doesn't mean it's a better seasonal salutation.

Some people dislike hearing "merry Christmas," and that might
be because the world hates Christ (John 15:18). Now, Christians
should not be ashamed to speak Christ (Romans 1:16), and
should also be gentle with their words (Galatians 5:22-23).

Now, what if a Christian said "happy holidays," and truly meant to wish that others have enjoyable holidays, more than just the big one on December 25th? That would be interesting, but it would not go against Biblical precedent. Paul wrote to Christians who were being ridiculed for celebrating certain Jewish and Gentilic festivals saying, "do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day," (Colossians 2:16). It wasn't morally wrong for one of the Christians in Colossi to celebrate Passover and Easter. It's not disobedient to God for anyone to take part in Christmas or its neighboring festivities (in fact celebrating Saint Lucia's Day on December 13th has some Biblical value). If a Christian were to truly wish another person "happy holidays," doing so would not be a sin.

Even though Christians can say "happy holidays," this doesn't mean Christians should say it. Christians can certainly say, "'I have the right to do anything,” but not everything is beneficial," (1 Corinthians 10:23). A big reason Christians may want to avoid saying "happy holidays" is because it implies that all celebrations in December have equal value. It's rather disingenuous for a Christian to imply that embracing the birth of their savior has as much merit as ringing in the calendar new year. If someone had a birthday on Valentine's day, then it wouldn't be wrong on February 14th to wish them "fun festivities." Wishing them that alone, though, is inconsiderate, since the obvious celebration that matters more to them was not acknowledged. Here in December, the value behind Christmas obviously matters more than other winter holidays, and it definitely should for Christians. Christmas reminds people of the Gospel message, while all other winter celebrations center around lesser things. Honoring Jesus is more important than honoring something else, and (let's all face it) Jesus is the reason for the season.

Jesus is the reason

We celebrate the season

Christmas is the birth of our King

And, Christmas isn't Christmas

Without the love of Jesus

He is the reason that we sing

- Tom Brooks

Sources

• The Bible (New International Version)
• Got Questions: War on Christmas
• Tom Brooks: Super Duper Christmas

Matthew 1:21 (Jesus is Savior)

Matthew 1:21

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.

Have you noticed how many Christmas stories involve "saving"? When it comes to Christmas, someone or something is nearly always in crisis. People are in peril and need to be rescued by a brave superhero or a wild cop just before December 25th. There's also stories where the holiday itself is in danger, until some elf, toy, girl, or boy steps in and saves Christmas. Most of these stories even have the words "save Christmas" in their name (even I wrote such a story). There's something about "saving" and Christmas that go hand-in-hand. In fact this is the case with the first Christmas story ever told.

Long ago in the town of Bethlehem there lived a carpenter named Joseph. He was betrothed to a young woman named Mary, and their pledge to each other was so strong it was as if they were already married. Before they could wed, Mary was discovered to be pregnant. She told Joseph that another man was not the cause for this, but it was by the power of the Holy Spirit that she conceived a child. Joseph was in a tight position. Because he understood the letter of God's law, he was concerned what might happen to his wife, if his neighbors thought Mary was unfaithful. Joseph was also faithful to the spirit of God's law and did not want to disgrace Mary in her hometown. So, Joseph decided it would be best for him to divorce his wife, but keep the matter private. After he considered this, an angel appeared to him. The angel said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins,” (Matthew 1:20-21). Moved by the angel's words, Joseph took Mary to be his wife. The two of them were formally married after Mary's child was born, and Joseph named the child Jesus.

And as he held the Savior in his arms

He must have thought

Why me, I'm just a simple man of trade

Why Him with all the rulers in the world

Why here inside this stable filled with hay

Why her, she's just an ordinary girl

Now I'm not one to second guess

What angels have to say

But this is such a strange way 

to save the world

- 4Him

This is the story of Jesus Christ's birth, according to the Gospel of Matthew. It's only seven verses long, which is a lot shorter than its counterpart in the Gospel of Luke. Just because it's short, though, does not mean it holds any less value. After all, this little part of the Bible holds a big piece of knowledge that can shape our understanding of the rest of the Gospel. In this text we learn the origins of Jesus' name.

The name "Jesus" in Greek is Ἰησοῦς (Iésous). According to the footnotes for Matthew 1:21, "Jesus is the Greek form of Joshua, which means the Lord saves." The name "Joshua" is Hebrew and it is יְהוֹשׁ֫וּעַ (Yehoshua). In the Old Testament there is a man named Joshua who became the leader of God's people (Joshua 1:1-2). He followed God's commands and saved God's people from their enemies time and time again (Joshua 6:2, 8:1, 10:8, 11:12). Joshua lived up to his name proving that the Lord saves. Jesus, too, would do the same. He would be the savior of the world given at Christmas.

Here they are, the world's own self-made saviors of Christmas,
and each one of them is an imperfect weak imitation
of the one whose name is "Savior."

Jesus was born on Christmas; not to save the holiday but to make the holiday. The reason He came was to save His people, by giving His life for them, for He came "to give His life as a ransom for many,” (Mark 10:45). When Jesus was an adult, He took the wrongdoings of the world, and paid the price for them, as if He had been the one to commit them (1 John 2:2). He never sinned once in His life, but He bore God's anger against the earth's sin (2 Corinthians 5:21), an anger so strong that it crushed Jesus (Isaiah 53:10). This way in which Jesus saved the world was foretold in the Old Testament, long before He was born. One of Jesus' loyal followers named Peter related Jesus' saving work back to several Old Testament texts. He wrote this about his friend Jesus in the book of 1 Peter in chapter 2 from verses 24 to 25:

“He himself bore our sins” in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by His wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

When Jesus was born, He was wrapped in cloth, (Luke 2:7), but
after He saved the world from the power of sin, He took off His
cloth wrappings and laid them aside (John 20:6-7), for
He had done what He was born to do (Matthew 18:11).

Because Jesus was born of the virgin Mary and raised by a father named Joseph, He was able to grow up and save God's chosen people from their sin. Like a shepherd gathers a scattered crowd of sheep or a parent puts their kid's toys back in the box, Jesus found those who were lost from God and brought them back to Him. He still does this today, for just as Peter said, "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved," (Acts 2:21). The only one who can truly save people is Jesus. He is the reason why Christmas will always be about saving.

Don't You know that you are the reason

That He came, oh, He came to save us

When He gave His life for us, He suffered and died

To a world that was lost He gave

Everything that He had, He gave

To show us the reason to live

- Avalon

Sources

• The Bible (New International Version)
• 4Him: Strange Way to Save the World
• Bible Hub: Strong's Greek Jesus
• Bible Hub: Strong's Hebrew Joshua
• Avalon: We are the Reason

What does Ebenezer Mean?

If you love Christmas stories, then you are likely familiar with Charles Dickens' squeezing, wrenching, grasping, clutching, covetous old sinner, Ebenezer Scrooge. This mean old meiser is the main character of the masterpiece known as A Christmas Carol (1843). It's a fictitious novella that on its own reads as a well written ghost story with a happy ending, but in combination with the spirit of Christmas and greater understanding of the book's symbolism and characters,  A Christmas Carol is a story about salvation, new life beyond the grave, good will  and the hope that one life can change for the better. That's a lot of great messages to gather from the story, but there's even more that can be gained from simply examining the main character's name. Though the last name "Scrooge" has little meaning beyond sounding cold and twisted, the first name "Ebenezer" has meaning and roots found in the Bible.

"Ebenezer" was not a name Dickens would have heard on the streets of 19th century London, but it is a title he might have heard in church. The word "Ebenezer" appears in 1 Samuel. In the days before David and even Saul ruled, the Israelites "had no king, and everyone did as they saw fit," (Judges 21:25). During this age, when Israel's own priests had blasphemed the Lord (1 Samuel 3:13), the Isrealites were enemies with the Philistines. One time "the Israelites went out to fight against the Philistines. The Israelites camped at Ebenezer," and the Philistines "deployed their forces to meet Israel, and as the battle spread, Israel was defeated by the Philistines," (1 Samuel 4:1-2). The Israelites believed they lost that battle at Ebenezer, because God was not with them, so they went out to face the Philistines again at the same place (1 Samuel 4:3). This time they brought the Ark of the Covenant with them. The Ark was a beautiful hand carved golden box placed in the most holy place in the Tabernacle, and once a year the high priest would put the blood of a sacrifice on the lid of the Ark and ask God for forgiveness for all of Israel's sins (Exodus 25:22). The Israelites believed that if they took the Ark of the Covenant, God's physical dwelling place on earth, into battle then the Philistines would be crushed, but instead the Philistines defeated the Israelites, killed thousands of them and stole the Ark of the Covenant (1 Samuel 4:10-11).

The Ark of the Covenant's lid was known as the Mercy Seat,
and this was where sacrifices to God for the forgiveness of
all of Israel's sins would be made (Exodus 25:17-22).

The Philistines took the Ark of the Covenant from Ebenezer to their home in Ashdod, but God's power overwhelmed them, and after seven months the Philistines sent the Ark of the Covenant back to Israel. After this, "all the people of Israel turned back to the Lord," and they assembled at Mizpah to fast before God and confess their sins (1 Samuel 7:2,5-6). The Ark of the Covenant was not with the Israelites at Mizpah. The Philistines, though, discovered the Israelites there, and they mounted up an army to attack them. The Israelites were scared, but instead of mounting up their own army, they went to their high priest Samuel and said to him "Do not stop crying out to the Lord our God for us, that He may rescue us from the hand of the Philistines," (1 Samuel 7:8). The Isrealites prayed that God would be their salvation; that He would help protect them from their enemies. Then Samuel made a sacrifice to God for all of Israel and God answered Samuel's prayers (1 Samuel 7:9). The astonishing history of what happened next is revealed in the following text of 1 Samuel chapter 7 from verse 10 to 11:

While Samuel was sacrificing the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to engage Israel in battle. But that day the Lord thundered with loud thunder against the Philistines and threw them into such a panic that they were routed before the Israelites. The men of Israel rushed out of Mizpah and pursued the Philistines, slaughtering them along the way to a point below Beth Kar.

On that day the Isrealites were reminded of a truth David would one day
write down; that God is their salvation; their help in time of need (Psalm 27:1).

The Israelites were amazed at the supernatural victory the Lord had given them, and they did not lose a single man in battle. It was then that the high priest Samuel "took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, 'Thus far the Lord has helped us,'" (1 Samuel 7:12). The title "Ebenezer" literally translates to "stone of help." During this time period when a stone was placed somewhere specific, it was meant to serve as a reminder of something important. When the Isrealites saw Ebenezer they would be reminded of how God had helped them when they called on Him. Of course, the name "Ebenzer" would also remind them about their earlier battle against the Philistines, back when they had turned away from God, lost many lives and even their closest connection to the one true God. The stone of help would remind them how much they needed God's help.

The story of "Ebenezer" in 1 Samuel reminds readers of two moments in Israel's history, a time when Israel turned away from God and a time when they sought God above all things. One word, "Ebenezer", illustrates the wickedness of Israel and their salvation as well. This is the same with Charles Dickens' character Ebenezer Scrooge, whose name first evokes thoughts of a cold hearted man and then turns to thoughts of one described as the most kind hearted man to keep the spirit of Christmas alive. So, how does a whole nation of wicked misguided souls become a people crying out to God alone, and how does a greedy wretch become a merry old man? Neither can do it on their own. They need help.

Ebenezer Scrooge commits his life to honoring Christmas all year with all his heart,
and we can commit our lives to honor Christ's life, by crying out to God,
believing in Him and receiving His help; His salvation (John 1:12).

We all are like the nation of Israel or Scrooge, that we were once self obsessed sinners wandering in the dark to our certain demise. Yet, we have hope and a chance of leaving this darkness, for "the people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned," (Isaiah 9:2). Even though we cannot help ourselves, God has come to help all those in need (Romans 5:8). We were in need of help and rescue from our evil hearts, and for those who believe, God has heard their cries and has given them new hearts so that they may be free from their darkness (Ezekiel 36:26). God freely gives salvation for all those who believe in Him, so that may have a new life beyond the grave (John 3:16). For a world of sinners, Christ came to shed His blood as a sacrifice for forgiveness, and this sacrifice has ended the need for any more (Hebrews 10:15-18). God came down to earth to help those in need; to bring peace on earth and good will to all who seek Him (Luke 2:14). This is something we should always remember, and we do remember through the celebration of Christmas.

Here I raise my Ebenezer;

Hither by thy help I’ve come;

And I hope, by thy good pleasure,

Safely to arrive at home.

Jesus sought me when a stranger,

Wandering from the fold of God;

He to rescue me from danger,

Interposed his precious blood.

- Robert Robinson

Sources

• The Bible (New International Version)
• Charles Dickens: A Christmas Carol (1843)
• London Guidedwalks: Why Choose the Name Ebenezer Scrooge
• Bible Gateway Dictionaries: Ebenezer
• Knowing Jesus: Verses about Ark of the Covenant
• Chris Tomlin: Come Thou Fount

Matthew 2:1-2 (Magi from the East followed a Star)

Matthew 2:1-2

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him.”

Nativity displays primarily feature four main characters, baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the shepherds. Past these characters are three others who can be in the Nativity, near it or sometimes even far away to make a journey towards it. These characters are the three wisemen, or, as they are known in the Bible, the Magi. Not much is known about these Magi, but quite a great deal has been sung about them. So, what does the Bible say about the Magi?

First off, the Magi were not present at Jesus' birth on that first Christmas night. While the shepherds were hearing the voice of angels (Luke 2:8-14), and Mary and Joseph were laying the savior of the world in a bed of hay (Luke 2:7), the Magi were more than 800 miles away living comfortably in the kingdom of Persia. They lived in the kingdom that was once Babylon, which is where Daniel and his friends had all been sent into exile. While in exile, Daniel had risen through the ranks in king Nebuchadnezzar's court and he became one of the king's trusted seers and advisors. Daniel's job in Babylon was the same job that the Magi had in Persia. They were tasked with examining and interpreting dreams, along with various signs and wonders observed in the sky. One day the Magi discovered a wonderous star that demanded interpretation. This star was not like others, as it did not appear to move, and it seemed to rest over a specific spot on earth.

There have been many scientific theories as to what the star over Bethlehem
might have been, however none of them have yet to perfectly explain the Biblical celestial
sign that remained in the sky for a long time at a perfectly fixed point, despite the earth's rotation. 

The Magi, unlike Daniel and his friends, were not Jewish, and so they did not always interpret the stars according to what the Bible says. This wonderous star's mysterious sudden origins were so perplexing, though, that the Magi consulted the Jewish Scriptures; likely copies of the holy scrolls brought into their kingdom during Israel's exile. In those Scriptures the Magi found this written in what we now call the book of Micah chapter 5 verses 2 and 4:

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,

    though you are small among the clans of Judah,

out of you will come for Me

    one who will be ruler over Israel,

whose origins are from of old,

    from ancient times.

He will stand and shepherd His flock

    in the strength of the Lord,

    in the majesty of the name of the Lord His God.

And they will live securely, for then His greatness

    will reach to the ends of the earth.

From this verse, the Magi interpreted that in the far off nation of Israel in the lowly town of Bethlehem a great King who was equal to the God of the Jewish people would be born (This is what is meant by the words, "out of you will come for Me"). Though the Magi found no writings in the Jewish Scriptures saying this great King's birth would be marked by a star (because there are no verses in the Bible giving such specific prophecy), the Magi knew that the star had to relate to this great King's birth. Now, the Magi were not twisting Scripture to confirm their own findings; something we should avoid doing. What they were doing was interpreting their observable reality based on the reality written in Scripture; that this great King who is to come will be announced through signs and wonders (Isaiah 7:14). Certainly, the star they saw would apply as a sign and wonder. The Magi may have also been aware of a verse in Numbers that says, "A star will come out of Jacob," (24:17). Though this verse does not say the star is a visible sign in the sky, it does give the prophecy that a king will come from Israel, and so the Magi saw the star over Judea as a sign of this coming king.  In this way the Magi were practicing a Biblical principle of interpretation known as hermeneutics. Simply put, using hermeneutics is interpreting reality based on Scripture, and then interpreting Scripture that is unclear based on other Scripture that is very clear. This practice of the Magi is one we should all adopt.

Knowing the star they saw would show them the way to the newborn King, the Magi set off on a long journey across two vast deserts, two large rivers and a series of roads that measured out to be a little bit over 1,000 miles. (For perspective, a road trip across the continental United States is about 3,000 miles long.) They likely traveled on camelback in a caravan and had to stop and rest in many towns on their way to Bethlehem. Their whole trip may have taken four to six weeks, and that's only if their caravan didn't stop at many towns, which it likely did for supplies and picking up and dropping off travelers.

The Kingdom of Persia was located in modern day Iran,
and the town of Bethlehem was and still is in Israel. 

When the Magi finally made it to Bethlehem they were overjoyed, when they saw the star they were following resting directly above one house (Matthew 2:9-10). In Mary and Joseph's house at this time was not a newborn baby, but a young toddler between one and two years old (Matthew 2:16). When the Magi saw the child with His mother, they worshiped Him immediately. There is no other greater response to finding the King of all creation, than falling down and honoring Him for all He has done (Psalm 96:4-5). The Magi presented Jesus with three gifts: Gold appropriate for the King of King's glory (Isaiah 42:8), frankincense as an offering of priestly incense (Isaiah 9:6) and myrrh which is a resin used for preparing the dead for burial (Isaiah 53:10).

One king held the frankincense

One king held the myrrh

One king held the purest gold

And one king held the hope of the world

- Point of Grace

The Magi were the first Gentiles (non-Jewish people) to worship Jesus as their King, Lord and Savior. Jesus would say when He was older that He was sent in His life only to those in Israel (Matthew 15:24), and Paul would later write that the life of Christ "brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile," (Romans 1:16). We see this truth demonstrated clearly among the characters in the Nativity story. Mary, Joseph and the shepherds were Jewish and all of them were verbally told that Mary's child was their long awaited Savior and King. The Gentile Magi, though, were not told directly, but had to interpret the Scriptures and signs in their observable reality. While this may seem like God is being favortistic to the Jews over the Gentiles, it should be noted that God is not favortistic (Romans 2:11). There is a reason behind Jesus' choice to make Himself known to some people over others. Even if Jesus' actions were favortistic, then they could only be considered favoritism towards the Gentiles, especially the ones He never met. Jesus Himself says those who believe in Him and have never met Him in the flesh are considered far more blessed than those who did (John 20:29).

Only in God's Kingdom could people of differing upbringings,
homelands and understanding of God's Word be considered
all equals in the eyes of their King (Galatians 3:28).

We are like the Magi. We were not there when Jesus was born. We were not told of His birth in a vision or by angels. Instead, God has made Himself known to us through many signs of Christ's power and saving work. Because of this, we have all been tasked with choosing to believe and follow where these signs lead or to reject them and stay where we feel comfortable (Romans 1:20). Christ promises to make Himself known to anyone who seeks Him, for He says, "You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart," (Jeremiah 29:13). Have you found the King of Kings, are you traveling the long road towards Him, or have you yet to look up and see the clear stars shining in the sky proclaiming His glory (Psalm 19:1)?

Sources

• The Bible (New International Version)
• Got Questions: Three Wisemen
• Got Questions: Hermeneutics
• Bible Ask: Magi
• Point of Grace: One King
• Desiring God: To the Jew First

1 John 4:16 (God is Love)

1 John 4:16

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.

Love is a virtue traditionally associated with Christmastime, however love is not only present in a Christian's life during the Christmas season. More than any other virtue; love must abide in a Christian's heart all year long. So, what is "love"?

Perhaps more than any other virtue, the world misunderstands "love". "Love" in the Bible is nothing like what love is in the world, and there is no near equivalent to Biblical "love" in the world to help us understand "love" outside of the Bible. "Love" in the New Testament is ἀγάπη (agapé). Agape is a type of love; a type of affection, benevolence or appreciation for something much like the love the world understands. Agape, though, is not a love found in the world but a "love" all its own. It's so seperate from the world, that according to the Bible Dictionary, it "is rarely used in extrabiblical Greek texts. It was used by believers to denote the special unconditional love of God." This "love" has been made known to humanity through the Word of God and the person of Jesus Christ.

The Bible clearly says that this "love" is not just from God, but that it is God. God is "love." The disciple John wrote to devout believers, "We know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them" (1 John 4:16). John says that those who believe in God rely on Him, and God lives in them. Since God is "love" and only Christians can have God in their hearts, then only Christians can truly "love." With this knowledge we, as believers, know that we are the only people on earth capable of showing true "love," as a demonstration of the "love" God has for us. The "love" God displays for us, and that we can display for each other, is described by Paul in some very famous verses. Paul wrote this of "love" in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7:

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

This is the "love" believers have. This is the "love" God has given us, and He gave this "love" to us in the person of Jesus Christ on the first Christmas. This gift of "love" is powerful. Paul describes that the gift of "love" will not pass away, even after the gifts of knowledge, languages and prophecies all cease (1 Corinthians 13:8). Paul concludes on "love" with the following, "these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love" (1 Corinthians 13:13).

Paul wrote of what the virture of "love" is, while John wrote of who the person of "love" is. John writes, "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters" (1 John 3:16). God is "love", and God came to us on Christmas, as an act of "love." He laid down His life for us, so that we may know what true "love" is, and that we may show that "love" to the world. The world will wonder and ponder at this until the end of time. It is our mission, as Christians, to point those in the world to what "love" is, so that "love" may abide in the hearts of everyone on earth. We must cry out, "Make way for God," because He is with us. He is here.

Here is our King

Here is our Love

Here is our God who's come

To bring us back to Him

He is the One

He is Jesus, Jesus

-David Crowder Band

Sources

• The Bible (New International Version)
• Bible Hub: Love
• The Bible Dictionary
• David Crowder Band: Here is Our King

What did Mary Know?

Mark Lowry's "Mary, Did You Know?" tells of the true nature of Jesus Christ through the perspective of an omniscient narrator asking Mary, the mother of Jesus, if she knows all the amazing things that her baby will do when He becomes an adult. It is a beautiful work of musicality, especially in how it builds in power and passion the more the lyrics reveal about Jesus' divine nature as God's perfect son. It is a truly wonderful song.

Mary, did you know that your baby boy

Is Lord of all creation?

Mary, did you know that your baby boy

Would one day rule the nations?

Did you know that your baby boy

Is heaven's perfect Lamb?

That sleeping child you're

Holding is the great, I Am

-Mark Lowry

Of course, with the existence of this song comes the existence of an important question: What did Mary know?

Mary first knew she would give birth to a son when the angel Gabriel appeared before her. In the first chapter of Luke Gabriel tells Mary that even though she is a virgin she will give birth to a son. Gabriel then says the following about Mary's son, "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; His kingdom will never end" (Luke 1:32-33). There's alot of amazing parts to what Gabriel promises about Mary's son, but they might not all be clear upon first read. 

One thing Gabriel tells Mary is that her son will be the Son of the most High. The one who is most high is God. The Son of God is typically refered to in the Old Testament as the Son of Man. The Son of Man appears predominantly in two prophetic books in the Old Testament. The first one is Ezekiel. In this book the Son of Man appears before God's prophet in a vision. Ezekiel writes that he saw "what looked like a throne of lapis lazuli, and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man" (Ezekiel 1:26). Ezekiel also writes, "brilliant light surrounded Him. Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around Him" (Ezekiel 1:28). When imagery of bright light is primarily used in Scripture, it refers to God and His goodness. This is shown at the beginning of the Bible, where God's first words are, "Let there be light" (Genesis 1:3). This is also evident in Isaiah where it is written, "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned" (Isaiah 9:2). Knowing that light Biblically siginifies God's glory and goodness, it makes sense why Ezekiel's response to seeing the Son of Man was to fall down before Him, as one falls down and worships the LORD (Ezekiel 1:28).

The Son of Man appears also in the book of Daniel. One night in a vision the prophet Daniel sees, "one like a Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven" (Daniel 7:13). Daniel then says that the Son of Man entered into the pressence of the Ancient of Days, which is a title for the LORD Almighty, God the Father. Daniel then writes of the Son of Man, "He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed" (Daniel 7:14). From this vision the Son of Man is a figure who is like a man, but is as holy and almighty as God, for only someone like that could stand in God's pressence. The Son of Man is also worthy of worship, the same way only God is. His reign as King over all will never come to an end. This description of the Son of Man is directly related to how Gabriel says of Jesus, "He will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; His kingdom will never end" (Luke 1:33). 

The Son of Man also appears in the New Testament in Revelation 14:14-16
where He is shown as one who reaps the harevest of believers on earth.

Based only on what the angel Gabriel told mary about her child being the Son of Man, and Mary's likely knowledge of these great prophecies from Ezekiel and Daniel, Mary knew that her child would be one who is like God, who is Light, King and has all power and autority and is worthy of worship. The only one who is like God can be someone who is God. This is why it can be concluded that Mary knew she would give birth to a son, and He would be God on earth with us (Isaiah 7:14).

Mary knew this, because she heard the angel Gabriel tell her this, but how come others besides Mary would come to know this as well? They would know because their eyes and hearts would be made open to this truth. Simon Peter after his first encounter with Jesus, upon seeing Jesus demonstrate signs and speak wonders, went up to Jesus fell at His knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" (Luke 5:8). He rightly knew that Jesus was holy and Lord of all creation, despite that no angel told him. Later in Peter's life, Jesus tells Peter how it is he came to recognize Jesus' true nature. Jesus says to him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven" (Matthew 16:17). Peter knew who Jesus is, because God made it known to Him.

God does not make known the nature of Jesus to everyone, though. Jesus Himself said of some of those who heard Him speak and preach, "they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!" (Mark 4:12). This is also similar to what God told the prophet Isaiah to tell His people. God said, "'Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed" (Isaiah 6:9-10). What all this means is that knowing about God and His ways is entirely in God's hands. God knows who will be His followers, and He has put this destiny in place for them that will believe before they were even born (Romans 8:29). Don't forget, though, that you, as a believer, still had your own part in knowing God. You had to turn from your wicked ways and desire Him, so that you may be forgiven for your sins. It is written that those who turn from their sins and seek God will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13).

We live in an age where we know about Jesus not from seeing Him physically, but from God revealing Him to us through what we hear about Jesus and learn about Jesus through God's words, the Bible. If the true nature of Jesus as the Son of Man and God in flesh has been revealed to you, then consider yourself truly blessed. Jesus said of believers like you and me, "blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29). Though we have not seen Jesus in His physical body, nor have we seen Jesus perform signs and wonders in person before our eyes, we know who He is, because God has revealed this to us. Just as Mary knew, so do we in Christ know, because God has revealed Himself to us. We know that God is here.

Love has come

For the world to know

As the wise men knew

Such a long time ago

And I believe that angels sang

That hope had begun

When the God of glory

Who is full of mercy

Yes, the God of glory

Sent His son

(Yes! We know that!)

-Amy Grant

Sources

• The Bible (New International Version)
• Pentatonix: Mary, Did You Know?
• Amy Grant: Love has Come
• WWUTT: Why do You Believe or Don't Believe in God?

Luke 2:10 (Great Joy for All)

Luke 2:10

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people."

Christmas is a time of joy! The happiness that comes at Christmas effects nearly every aspect of this holiday. Many people are singing, smiling and laughing together. We bake sweets and treats that put smiles on our faces and dimples in our cheeks. It seems each and every holiday special and Christmas movie is required to have a happy ending full of the merry-making we desire this season.

Boy, the happiness of Christmas sure is wonderful, but it doesn't take much to derail this joyride. Does it? A fight erupts. A turkey gets burned. A relative offends. A news story is haunting. Your brother doesn't get that one thing he was wanting. Your sister will cry, your father will sigh, and your mom gets up and says "Bye-Bye." It is very hard to hold onto joy at this season. Perhaps, we, as believers, would hold on to it better, if we understood what Biblical "joy" really is.

Now, unlike most Greek words in the New Testament that are translated with one or two word equivalents, there are many Greek words that illustrate and depict "joy." It's the same way in English, where we have the words happiness, gladness and delight that all signify "joy." The word for "joy" used in Luke chapter 2 verse 10, though, is χαρά (chara) and it is used 59 times in the New Testament. Chara comes from another Greek word χαίρω (chairó), which means cheerfulness or calm delight. The Bible Dictionary defines "joy" as "a state of delight snd well being that results from knowing and serving God." Based on this, "joy" is delight and happiness that cannot come from just anywhere. "Joy" can only come from God, and God fills His children who trust in Him with great "joy" and with the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).

We, as Christians, have a right relationship with God and are filled with the Holy Spirit. Why don't we have "joy" all the time? It's because we forget to be joyful.

We forget to have "joy" in the LORD our God. We forget that we, as believers, have a reason to be joyful in all circumstances; that God is in control of everything, and everything that comes about to us is for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28). If we know this, why should we be sad? The greatest problems in our life have already been solved, by our joyful Father in heaven. We forget this, and so God through His words continually reminds us and commands us to rejoice, to remember to be joyful again. Paul writes to a group of outcasts Christians, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near" (Phillipians 4:4-5). We must remember to have "joy" in all our circumstances, because we know that God is with us.

Mary's child, Jesus, was filled with so much "joy", He gave some
 to John the Baptist and his mother even before He was born (Luke 1:44).

We in Christ have every reason to be joyful, and God takes great "joy" in us. In three different parables in Luke chapter 15 Jesus illustrates that God and all His angels are overjoyed for each person who comes back to Him (Luke 15:7,10,24). Our Father is filled with great joy, when we repent of our sins and return back to God. He is so overjoyed by this, that He made a way so that not just some people could come to God but that everyone throughout all of time and the world could come to God. This is the good news that the angels said would bring great "joy" to all people (Luke 2:10). The angels told the shepherds long ago as they tell us today, "In the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:11-12). We have a savior, so we have every reason to rejoice with those who rejoice (Romans 12:15). God is with us. With this good news in our hearts let us always remember to "rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). We have a Savior, so we have "joy!"

Rejoice! 

Rejoice! 

Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel

-John Mason Neale

Sources

• The Bible (New International Version)
• Biblehub: Joy
• The Bible Dictionary
• for KING & COUNTRY: O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Did you hear about the time St. Nicholas Saved Christmas? (Origin of the Nicene Creed)

Around Christmastime we can hear alot of stories about Santa Claus. Those stories can be fun sources of entertainment, but they are just ficticious fairy tales. Did you know, though, that Santa Claus is a fantastical interpretation of the real St. Nicholas? There is even a true story about a time when St. Nicholas saved the teachings of Christmas. There are several accounts of how this true event happened, however I have written this based on an account to which church tradition typically holds. Grab yourself a chair (if you got one), get cozy next to the fireplace (if there's one close by) and get ready to hear the story (if you read this out loud) about the time St. Nicholas had a part in saving the celebration of Christmas.

'Twas the year A.D. 325 and all through the world, there was contention in the church felt by every boy and girl. 

Men and women gathered to worship on bended knees, wondering if what they just heard may have been heresy.

The Deacons and Bishops argued all through the night, 'cause none of them could agree if what they were preaching was right. 

In every Roman city the pastors caused quite the scene, so a great meeting was called by the Emperor Constantine. 

Across all of Rome from a select group of households, Christians gathered in Nicaea for the first Ecumenical Council.

A depiction of the first Ecumenical Council

To this council came two preachers who were more than opposed, and they may have even thought of each other as foes.

The first was a bold Bishop who was not at all quaint. He is widely known as Nicholas the God fearing Saint.

His love for the Scriptures was deep in his heart. He believed preaching from the Bible is a perfect place to start.

He knew as it is written that on the first Christmas day, God came to the earth as a baby born in a bed full of hay.

If we all read John 1:14 as literal as anyone can, we'll agree with Nicholas that Jesus was fully God and fully man.

Unfortunately opposing this truth was a belief that was scariest, and no one promoted it more than the heretic Arius.

This man showed his followers what every blind heart can see, that God is not Jesus and there is no Trinity.

He told everyone things contrary to Colossians 1:15, that Jesus isn't God but merely a divine created being.

If you believe Jesus was good but maybe not perfect, then you'll be stuck wondering if the cross was all worh it.

You can see how this false preaching caused quite a schism, and you know about the heresy known as Arianism.

During the council when Arius was giving a speech, Nicholas thought his words were just a terrible screech.

On and an on Arius went winning Constantine's ear, and Nicholas couldn't stand it each time the Emperor cheered.

In that room Arius spread such evil and blite, going against what the shepherds heard on the first Christmas night.

Arius believed God didn't come as flesh or the Word, but angels said that Jesus was Savior and He is Christ the LORD.

Every last heresy that Arius cried and did spout, just made Nicholas want to get up and shut close his mouth!

So that's what he did.

"AUGH!!!" They all gasped at what they had seen, Nicholas just struck a Bishop which goes against Psalm 105:15.

So quickly they grabbed Nicholas with sorrowful wails, and threw that Biblical man out and right into jail.

In a prsion all chained up he had time to measure, what might have come about if he kept reign on his temper.

Yes, Christians should fight falsehoods as we understand, but we fight with the Bible and not with our hands.

So Nicholas now apart from that grand council room, wondered if the teachings of Christmas might well meet their doom.

After a long night in prison of thinking and praying, Nicholas was invited back to hear what the council was saying.

And to his astonished surprise what should he hear, that Arius was kicked out that night sent flying on his rear.

The council decided what he preached was a lie, and they hoped Arianism would just shrivel up and die.

They ruled in favor of a literal view of the Scriptures, that you have to hold fast to God's words with fervor and stricture.

And with the council finished as their final deed, they sat down and wrote out the affrimed Nicene Creed.

And it reads as follows:

So at this Christmastime with your sons and daughters, think back to the history of your dear church fathers.

To sing of the virgin birth and the greatest gift, Arianism was kicked out with some thanks to St. Nick.

It's assured in our Bibles we always will read, about the promised offspring from way bach in Genesis 3:15.

He would be called Ruler and Master among us to dwell. He is Messiah, Savior, and King. Emmanuel.

Yes, God came to earth and this we should know, He came to save everyone just as the Bible tells us so.

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Sources

• The Bible (New International Version)
• St. Nicholas Center: "Persecuted, Jailed and Passionate" and "Bishop Nicholas Loses his Cool"
• Open Bible Info: Jesus Fully God and Fully Man
• Got Questions: What is Arianism?
• Britanica: First Council of Nicaea
• Reformed Church: Nicene Creed