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As a Christian, have you ever wondered what you should do regarding Christmas? Some of us celebrate Christmas and there are others who believe that we should totally abstain from all activities that refer to either Christian or pagan backgrounds of this annual holiday. Some of us are the first to put up our trees, decorate our homes and join in the activities of the Christmas season. At the same time, there are others who will not allow a Christmas tree in the house, nor will they participate in singing carols during this time of year.
During the Christmas Season, I'm reminded of the traditional story that we often hear at this time of year: three kings (with names hard to pronounce) begin their journey from different countries to follow a moving star. They ride on their camels until the star guides them to Bethlehem, where they find the newborn Jesus lying in a wooden manger surrounded by shepherds. After arriving, they present him with expensive gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Did you know that this scenario shares only one detail with the biblical account, and that is the gifts? Matthew does not count the Magi (or Wise Men), or tell their social standing, names, nationalities or mode of transportation. The star does not move in the biblical account, except perhaps the few miles from Jerusalem to Bethlehem (Matt. 2:9). The Magi do not find Jesus in a stable or in a wooden manger, but in a house (Matt. 2:11). Jesus is not a newborn, but perhaps up to two years old (Matt. 2:16). There are no shepherds anywhere in sight.
No one really knows the date Jesus was born -- but it was probably not on December 25th. One thing that we do know for sure -- the baby born to the Virgin Mary was and is the Light of the World. I believe that individual Christians need to decide for themselves whether to abstain or participate in special holiday activities this time of year.
The important issue at hand is, "Will we take this opportunity to be wise men and women and seize the privilege to bow before Him in adoration and in awe ... like the Magi of old?" Jesus truly is the reason for the season!
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