CHRISTMAS: Fables, Facts and Faith

CHRISTMAS:  FABLES, FACTS AND FAITH 

Christmas is probably the most popular festival in the world, celebrated all over the world, even in Communist and most Islamic countries. Yet many of the customs celebrated are part of the fables passed down as traditions. 

A) FABLES of CHRISTMAS 

Fables by themselves are not entirely wrong. They are not fairy tales. Most of the Christmas fables are based on some customs and traditions which are not directly opposed to Christian beliefs. However, the over-emphasis on such fables would replace the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas was not celebrated till the early 4th century. In the olden days, most people did not celebrate birthdays. The date itself, 25th December, originated from the widespread Roman festival to welcome the sun at the end of the cold winter. Since nobody knew the exact date of Jesus birth (not likely to be in winter, as the shepherds were out with the sheep), the early church decided to adopt the Roman holiday as the Christian holy day to celebrate the coming of the SON. The icon of popular Christmas is often the merry Santa Claus, in his red suit riding on the horse or sleigh. Santa Claus was based on the historical person of St Nicholas, who as a bishop was generous to the poor. From St Nicholas, he was called Sinter Klaus in Holland. Much later, he was made famous in America as Santa Claus, with the dress and mitre of the bishop modified in the familiar red costume. The Christmas tree was introduced by Martin Luther himself who was struck by the beauty of the fir trees glistening in the moonlight during the cold dark winter. Later Prince Albert, the German husband of Queen Victoria brought indoor the fir tree lighted with candles. The holly and mistletoe were used as decorations as they were among the few plants which survived the cold winter. Even some of the stories associated with Christmas are not found in the Bible. The donkey is not mentioned, neither is the inn keeper with his saying “there is no room in the inn”. It is not even mentioned that Jesus was born in the stable. Baby Jesus was placed in the manger, a feeding trough for animals. Eating of turkey and pudding, singing of carols and sending of greeting cards were introduced much later in the celebration of Christmas. 

B) FACTS of CHRISTMAS

 i) Facts of History (Luke 2:1-3) 
 Luke in his gospel mentioned several historical figures and events such as Caesar Augustus and Quirinus. Other figures mentioned were Pontius Pilate (mentioned in both Apostles and Nicene Creeds) and King Herod. Historically, there was a census taken around that time. The birth of Christ marks the centre of world history and the present calendar dates from that day.

 ii) Facts of Prophecy (Luke 2:4-7) 
 Jesus was born in God’s timing (kairos) Galatians 4:4-5. His birth was in the middle of recorded history, in the time of Pax Romana. There was widespread peace, good roads and a universal language of Greek, which were all favourable for the spread of the gospel after the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus was from the line of David, as prophesised by Isaiah (9:6-7). The parents had to travel to Bethlehem, to fulfil the prophecy in Micah 5:2. His mother, Mary fulfilled the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14, “the virgin with child.” 

 iii) Facts of Facts of Science 
The virgin birth was actually virgin conception. Mary conceived her pregnancy without any human contact but by the power of the Holy Spirit. The pregnancy and delivery would be normal, like any other mother would have gone through. Before in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) was known, God had introduced the miracle of incarnation. This would be the only way that the divine could manifest as human and yet remained sinless. The divine became as a human embryo that developed into a normal human baby during the nine months in the womb of Mary. She was called Theotokos, carrier of God. There is debate whether Jesus inherited Mary’s genes (thus the Roman Catholics had to make Mary sinless in the doctrine of Immaculate Conception). It would be more logical that Jesus is entirely free from the fallen human genes of his parents but has sinless genes incarnated by the power of the Holy Spirit. 
The Star of Bethlehem which drew the wise men from the East was probably the conjunction of Jupiter and Venus, two of the brightest planets and which moved (unlike stars) across the sky. 

 C) FAITH of CHRISTMAS

 The birth of Jesus Christ led to different responses of faith. In Luke 2:14, angels praised with proclamation “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom he favours.” Then the shepherds believed and began to evangelise, “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what has been told them about the child.” (Luke 2:17). The wise men (nowhere in the Bible was mentioned the actual number) came to worship and bring their offering. “..and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts.” (Luke 2:11) Let us continue to enjoy celebrating Christmas with all its fables adding to the merriment. Let us remember the facts of history, prophecy and science supporting this miraculous event. Jesus Christ has humbled himself from the glory of heaven to be born on earth, so that He can provide us peace and eternal life. Let our faith be enhanced by believing and praising, worshiping and offering. This Christmas, let us begin to share the GOOD NEWS to all.