The REAL first Christmas

Christmas 2024: For many all over the globe, this is a special season. A special holiday like no other approaches in the week to come.

For Christians such as me (and maybe you, too), the holiday takes on more meaning than Santa Claus, gifts, family, and eggnog.

Was Jesus Christ born on December 25? Highly unlikely. But this event has been celebrated on December 25 for many generations now.

In past years, it was said that some people are "Easter and Christmas" churchgoers only. In other words, if it's a special day of modern times, you won't find them in a house of worship - on Sunday or on any other day.

The virgin birth, the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the ascension of Jesus Christ into Heaven are the three most "supernatural" occurrences described in the Holy Bible.

The birth of our Lord has been romanticized and glamorized far beyond what it likely really was. To learn more, turn to the early chapters of the gospels of Matthew and Luke, respectively. 

I won't delve into into all the details and scripture references. I will provide a few highlights, however:

Mary was pregnant prior to her marriage to Joseph. This undoubtedly cause quite the stir and nearly ended the engagement and upcoming marriage.

At the time of Jesus' birth, a census was ongoing. His parents, Joseph and Mary, found themselves in Bethlehem. No room at any inn during a busy season. Therefore, Jesus was born in a smelly stable that had no climate control, restroom facilities (as much as they existed at the time), etc.

While the visit of the Magi (wise men) did not happen immediately upon Jesus' birth, it caused a lot of havoc. King Herod tried hard to deceive the Magi and to kill God's son - ordering the slaughter of all infants two and younger in the area.

When this was happening, Jesus' parents had to flee to Egypt for a time. God used dreams to warn them and to save the child from harm.

Joseph and Mary had to be strong individuals. Miracles happened around the time of the birth of Jesus, and they continue to happen today. God may not act in the same way he did when his son was born, but he still acts.

Keep looking for our Creator. You'll find him.