By Steve A. Hamilton

 Introduction:  Tis the season… in which we are mindful of the birth of Jesus Christ.  Sadly, most accounts given by society concerning Christ’s birth are wrong.  The typical nativity scene depicts Mary with Christ in a manger surrounded by three wise men, and a bright star above the manger.  Does that truly represent the scriptures?  In our lesson today, we are going to set the record straight.  We might even answer some of the questions found in today’s bulletin. J

I. The date of Christ’s birth.

          A.  The world tells us Christ was born on December 25^th.  Yet, the scriptures give no date at all.  Where did this date come from?

                   “The eastern church celebrated Christ’s birth by a feast called Epiphany, which means manifestation.  They chose January 6 as the date for this feast, for they reasoned that if the first Adam was born on the sixth day of creation, the second Adam must have been born on the sixth day of the year!  The western church celebrated Christ’s birth on the 25^th of December by a feast called Natalis, which means nativity.  But Pope Julius I (A.D. 337-352) designated December 25^th as the proper day, and the eastern churches soon united with the western churches in observing this day; and the custom has become universal.” (J. W. McGarvey, The Fourfold Gospel)

          B.  Though the Bible does not tell us when Christ was born, it does give us some significant hints. 

                   1.  Notice where the Shepherds were when they were notified of Christ’s birth (Luke 2:8).  What shepherd in the northern hemisphere is going to be outside in a field with their sheep in the middle of the winter at night?  This clearly indicates Jesus was born in a warmer season as shepherd’s coral their sheep in the winter.

                   2. A better hint is found when Jesus’ birth was announced.  When Gabriel told Mary that she was with child, it was the 6^th month of the year (Luke 1:26).  At the same time as this announcement, Gabriel tells Mary that Elizabeth, her cousin, is 6 months pregnant (Luke 1:36).  Upon hearing this, Mary made haste to Elizabeth’s house (Luke 1:39-42).  Mary was with child when they met.  Further, Mary left Elizabeth’s house 3 months later and before Elizabeth delivered her child (Luke 1:56-57).

                   3. Normal pregnancy last 9 months.  The 6th month of the Jewish calendar is our September.  Add 9 months to September and we get June (a warm month in the northern hemisphere).

                   4. Just a humorous note: we are more likely celebrating John the Baptist’s birth in December then we would Christ’s birth.       

II. Christ’s birth.

          A. Let’s read one of the only two accounts of Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:1-7).

                   1. What did Joseph and Mary do while in Bethlehem?  It seems they paid there taxes and got married (Matt. 1:24-25).

                   2. It is true that Jesus was born in a manger.

          B.  Who came to see Jesus (Luke 2:8-20)?

                   1. An unknown number of Shepherds saw Jesus in a manger.

                   2. There were no wise men, no gifts and no star.

          C.  What about the wise men (Matt. 2:1-12)? 

                   1. An unknown number of wise men went first to Jerusalem to see Herod (the one who wanted to kill Jesus).

                   2. The wise men followed an eastern star to Joseph and Mary’s house (not a manger, vs. 11).

                   3. The wise men gave three gifts though that is not an indication of the number of wise men.

III. What happened next?

          A.  Joseph and Mary departed Bethlehem (Matt. 2:13) for Jerusalem (Luke 2:22-24).  The days of purification after a birth of a male child were 40 days (Lev. 12:2-4).

                   1. They went to Jerusalem to offer a sacrifice according to the law and while there they meet with Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:25-38).

                    2. Being warned by an angel, they departed Jerusalem for Egypt (Matt. 2:13-15).

          B.  Jesus stayed in Egypt until the death of Herod when they returned and settled in Nazareth of Galilee (Luke 2:16-23).    

Conclusion: It is nice that the world remembers Christ during this season when it is trying hard to eliminate God from society.  However, the rendition given by the world of Christ’s birth is wrong.  Christ was not born in December, there were no wise men at the manger, the shepherds gave Jesus no gifts, and the star came later with the wise men to a house. 

    If you feel mislead, we need to study with you to set all truth before you.  If you have been studying and understand your responsibilities to Christ please come. 

Last modified: 05/02/08