Why … we celebrate the birth of Jesus
What a gift God has given to us through God’s life on this earth in the person of Jesus Christ. How do we know this?
… God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 1 Timothy 3:16 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son [Jesus Christ], and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Matthew 1:23
When Jesus was in the manger, consider what the Heavenly host sang: Glory to GOD in the highest … Luke 2:14
From the prototype of a living “tree” in Bethlehem, Ephratah (where the nativity: birth of Jesus took place) to a dead “tree” –on a hill on Calvary (where God shed His blood as an atonement to pay for the sins from which we repent), God came as a baby to die as an adult all for our benefit. This encapsulates the life of our LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ. How is this possible?
For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. Acts 20:27-28
Is Christmas Pagan or Christian?
First, some misunderstand that many names we use today are from pagan sources. That’s true; HOWEVER, that does not mean we are pagan in our beliefs if we recognize such nomenclatures. This includes pagan names such as Sunday, Monday, Tuesday; January, February, March; Christmas and Easter, as well as some Jewish names such as Nisan, Elul, Adar, Sebat, and Chisleu (the latter according to the Jewish Encyclopedia). Similarly, the Christmas tree, which some consider a pagan symbol displayed by many Christians, has surely lost for us any pagan connections it may or may not have once had.
What does the word “tree” have to do with Jesus?
The important thing is that we KNOW Who our Saviour is and that we have turned our lives over to live according to the precepts preserved for us in the Bible. However, it’s fascinating to study the “tree” and its branches as they are presented throughout the Old and New Testaments and how Jesus is represented as a tree or parts thereof.
In the New Testament there are two Greek words Stauros and Xulon which can refer to a tree or parts thereof. Stauros refers to a stake or post such as a cross; symbolic of the atonement of Jesus.The word stauros never means tree. However, the Greek word Xulon is a word which is used both for a tree and the cross (including wood or a piece of wood; i.e. anything made of wood). This use of Xulon references the cross in Luke 23:31; Acts 5:30, 20:39, 13:29; Galatians 3:13 and 1 Peter 2:24.
For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry? Luke 23:31Here Jesus is using the analogy of a green tree to represent himself—innocent and pure as he responded to women who were mourning what was happening to this totally innocent, perfect Jesus as He was making His journey to the cross.
Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness … 1 Peter 2:24
Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree. Galatians 3:13
Xulon is also used for a tree in Revelation, 2:7, 22:2, 14 as the tree of LIFE.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Revelation 2:7
In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life … Revelation 22:2
Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. Revelation 22:14
In the Old Testament, Jesus is prophetically referred to in terms that relate to a tree. Also, In the Old Testament, this prototype of Jesus is often used as a Branch.
And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch [Jesus] shall grow out of his roots. Isaiah 11:1
… for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the BRANCH. Zechariah 3:8
Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch [Jesus], and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. Jeremiah 23:5
In that day shall the branch of the LORD be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel. Isaiah 4:2
… Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH [Jesus]; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD. Zechariah 6:12
God’s tree has eternal gifts under It.
God’s TREE in both the Old and New Testaments is representing the Son’s work on behalf of the Father. However, under this “TREE,” is a gift that cannot be measured; cannot be purchased or sold by man—eternal life.
Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 1 Peter 1:18-19
The monetary “exchange” of this gift cost God the price to lower himself to come to this earth starting in that manger in Bethlehem and to voluntarily permit man to spit on him, beat him, bear false witness against Him, and to be nailed to a cross. Without the latter act of God, there would not be a payment or atonement for the sin debt that we create every time we sin. We know that He did not remain as a baby in that manger, but He was obedient even unto the death on the cross; yet, He exhibited and knew even as a young boy of 12 that he was always to be about His father’s business—going to the cross for you and me.
And he said unto them, How is it that ye [Joseph and Mary] sought me? wist ye not that I [Jesus] must be about my Father’s business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. Luke 2:49-50
The greatest gift we can give is to turn our lives over to the LORDSHIP of Jesus Christ. In return, the greatest gift we can receive is the blessing of eternal life.
In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation [payment] for our sins. 1 John 4:9-10
Who celebrated the birth of Jesus?
Whether you choose to enjoy a Christmas tree—not as an idol—or to choose to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ is a personal choice. If you are convinced that December 25th represents a pagan holiday, then whatsoever day you choose to celebrate this gift of God, is your choice. When you acknowledge Christ’s Nativity, you are in good company Biblically when you celebrate this awesome gift; whether it be on December 25 or any other day. Many Biblical references are made to those who celebrated this special day:
Mary and Joseph
Zacharias
Shepherds
Angels
Heavenly host
Simeon
Anna
Wisemen (approximately two years later)
God did not specify in one place the day, month, nor the year of the birth of Jesus, nor a Jewish festival or what season of the year. However, there are some strong hints in the Scripture, especially Luke 1:5 and 1 Chronicles 24:10. If you’re interested in further investigating the date of the physical manifestation of God as Jesus Christ, watch our video:
A Perplexing Christmas Celebration
A video based on this teaching is available on our website: www.RestorationOfTheFamily.org. Click on Teachings: Media: YouTube: (scroll down to A Perplexing Christmas Celebration). We HOPE you will watch it.
https://www.restorationofthefamily.org/a-perplexing-christmas-celebration/
However, what is more important is not the day but the PERSON.
Merry Christmas from us at Restoration Of The Family.
If you need prayer or have questions, please contact us. We are blessed when we hear from you.
www.RestorationOfTheFamily.org; RestorationoftheFamily@gmail.com; Restoration Of The Family: PO Box 621342; Oviedo, FL 32762-1342
