God's Greatest Gift

Pastor Glen Caneel from our church (First Grace Church of Plantation) has a daily devotional website: http://mychangedmind.com/ , and here is what he posted today about Christmas. I've could not explain it better myself.

Check Your Facts - Christmas
Posted by: Pastor Glen Caneel

(Matthew 1:18) “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise:..”

We visited a re-enactment of the birth of Christ last weekend. There was an entire Bethlehem village set up. Roman soldiers were wandering around yelling at people. And of course, there was a manger scene with angels, animals, Mary and Joseph, and a live baby. A great deal of research had taken place to ensure the historical accuracy of everything we saw. But how many people take the time to ensure they understand the Biblical accuracy surrounding the birth of our Savior? Let’s take a few minutes to check our facts. See if you can answer the questions before reading the answers.

How many wise men were there?

The Bible doesn’t tell us. We only know there were three types of gifts - gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Was Jesus born on December 25th?

The Bible doesn’t say but it is likely that he was born in April or September.

Did Mary remain a virgin the rest of her life?

No, she actually had more children - yes Jesus had half brothers and half sisters! (Mark 6:3).

Were the wise men present at the manger?

No, they probably didn’t show up until Jesus was about 2 years old. (Matt 2:8-11).

Did Mary give birth the day she arrived in Bethlehem?

The Bible doesn’t tell us.

Were angels surrounding the manger singing?

No, there is no indication there were angels at the manger.

Did an angel tell Mary or Joseph to name the baby Jesus?

Both Mary and Joseph were told as we see in the accounts in both Matthew and Luke.

Did the animals at the manger speak miraculously the night Jesus was born?

No, there is no indication this occurred.

How many of the answers surprised you? We are continually influenced by culture and religion. It is so critical for each of us to have a Biblical literacy that extends beyond these influences. If we have difficulty sorting through the facts of the birth of the Savior, how can we be sure the other doctrines we believe are actually “sound doctrine?” Ignore the manger scenes and television programs a few days. Spend some time this week learning the truth by reading it for yourself and coming to an appreciation for the truth of God’s gift to us in His only begotten Son.

Renewed Thought - Invest yourself in the written Word of God. The Living Word has invested everything in you