But Jesus probably was not born on December 25, just as King Charles was not born in June when traditionally we celebrate his birthday.
So why December 25?
One theory is that the Roman Emperor, Constantine adopted a popular pagan festival, and repurposed it to celebrate Jesus’ birth.
So does this mean we shouldn’t celebrate Christmas because it began as a Pagan festival? No! Of course not.
It is no longer a Pagan festival. The name, ‘Christ’ in Christmas celebrates Jesus Christ as the ‘Anointed One’ or ‘Messiah’.
The Jewish leaders expected the ‘Messiah’ to be a powerful political leader who would overcome the Roman Empire.
Instead, the Messiah was born into a very ordinary family and raised in the rough district of Nazareth.
As an adult He often slept rough.
This Jesus could not be the awaited Messiah! Wrong!
These Jewish leaders misunderstood the whole purpose of the first coming of Jesus Christ.
More than 600 years before Jesus’ birth, the prophet Isaiah foretold that the Messiah would be pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins, chastised so we could be whole, whipped so we could be healed.
This little baby that we remember at Christmas was God become man.
When Jesus died on the cross He demonstrated God’s love for us and took the punishment we deserve.
If we believe in Him and decide to live life God’s way, we will have eternal life.
Let us not reject Him as the leaders of His day did.
Come, celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with the Deniliquin Combined Churches, 6pm this Friday, December 6 at the children’s play area in Waring Gardens.
There will be great music, children’s games, and a free sausage sizzle.
Bring your own chairs, drinks, etcetera.
~ Contributed by Pastor Vivien McPherson of Ignite Life Church, on behalf of the Combined Churches of Deniliquin.
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