'Tis the season to be jolly': A Biblical take on the Nativity of Jesus
A replica of a manger. (Photo by TheWonderOfLife from Pexels)
On a brisk and clear Christmas Eve and Day in 1914, the echoes of rifles fell silent. Thousands of British, Belgian, and French soldiers left their trenches to share an unexpected Christmas camaraderie with their German adversaries along the Western Front. Regarded over the past hundred years as a miraculous interlude, this Christmas Truce unfolded just months into a war that would ultimately claim more than 15 million lives. But what transpired, and did the soldiers genuinely engage in a spirited game of soccer on the battlefield?
Historical accounts depict the truce commencing with carol singing emanating from the trenches on Christmas Eve. Germans and Allies took turns singing carols until a unifying moment occurred when both sides joined in singing the Latin hymn Adeste Fideles.
On the subsequent morning, German soldiers emerged from their trenches, cheerfully greeting their English counterparts with a hearty "Merry Christmas." Allied soldiers cautiously reciprocated. In other areas, Germans displayed signs with the message "You no shoot, we no shoot." Throughout the day, troops exchanged gifts such as cigarettes, food, buttons, and hats. The Christmas truce also allowed both factions to lay to rest their fallen comrades finally. Their bodies had lingered for weeks in the no man's land between opposing trenches.
However, it was undeniably a truce on the Nativity of Jesus, not a lasting peace. Hostilities resumed, in some regions, later that day and in others, not until after New Year's Day. Although the Christmas Truce is a singular occurrence amid conflict, its enduring commemoration underscores a deeply human yearning for peace. However fleeting it may be, they knew the season was jolly.
The Nativity of Jesus Christ
The Christ Child: A Nativity Story | #LightTheWorld
The expression "'Tis the season" frequently resonates during Christmas's holiday months, bringing anticipation, joy, and celebration. This phrase is a condensed version of "It is the season," with its origins traced back to a centuries-old Welsh hymn titled "Deck the Halls."
Deck the hall with boughs of holly, 'Tis the season to be jolly:
Fill the meadcup, drain the barrel, Troul the ancient Christmas carol.
Christmas is a joyous celebration, marking the birth of Christ, the second member of the Trinity and the embodiment of God. This divine incarnation represents God's gracious gift to humanity, as articulated by the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 2:8-9. It emphasizes salvation through faith rather than works. The significance lies in the birth of Jesus, the Savior, born of the Virgin Mary. His entrance into the world as an infant is a pivotal moment, essential for our redemption.
Jesus' life, death, burial, and resurrection reconcile us with God, offering forgiveness and eternal life. The essence of Christmas, then, lies in commemorating this transformative event—a celebration of God's profound plan for salvation through the birth of Jesus.
The prophecy fulfilled and the gift of hope
"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." - Isaiah 7:14
As twinkling lights adorn homes and the sound of carols fills the air, the season of joy and celebration is upon us. At the heart of this festive period lies the age-old story of the Nativity of Jesus, a narrative rooted in the pages of the Bible. Beyond its historical and religious significance, the Nativity is relevant today.
The Nativity story begins with the fulfillment of ancient prophecies, a theme that resonates with the anticipation of hope. In a world often fraught with challenges, the promise of a Messiah brought hope to people in need. Today, the Nativity serves as a reminder that amid uncertainty, hope is grounded in fulfilling promises.
For many, the holiday season can be a time of reflection and contemplation. The Nativity narrative invites individuals to ponder the fulfillment of promises in their own lives. We can find solace and inspiration in the idea that hope, like a guiding star, can lead us through even the darkest nights.
Reflections and relevance
The Annunciation to Mary exemplifies profound humility as she willingly accepts the divine plan, challenging contemporary values of success. The journey to Bethlehem emphasizes simplicity and trust, urging a reevaluation of priorities during the holiday season. Jesus' humble birthplace underscores the significance of genuine moments and connections over opulence. The manger symbolizes inclusivity, calling for open hearts in a divided world.
The shepherd's role emphasizes universal joy and God's love. It prompts a search for fulfillment beyond material pursuits. The Magi's arrival adds a global dimension, encouraging reflection on seeking meaning beyond superficial distractions. Their intentional quest challenges us to find significance beyond the material. Their symbolic gifts inspire worship and service to others, capturing the season's true spirit. The Nativity story collectively teaches the enduring lessons of humility, simplicity, inclusivity, and the pursuit of more profound meaning and joy.
The claims of paganism about Christmas
Many people assert that Christmas is a pagan holiday or celebration. In the ancient world, paganism, characterized by worshipping multiple gods through statues and images, was prevalent in non-Israelite cultures.
However, the God of the Bible demanded exclusive worship as the one Almighty God, forbidding the use of images or statues in His worship. While paganism and polytheism are less common in the Western world today, certain traditions, like Christmas, still bear impious elements, mainly when celebrated with unbiblical motives.
These connections to Christmas are explored in three aspects. Firstly, the timing of Christmas, celebrated during winter, contrasts with biblical festivals occurring in other seasons. The winter solstice was historically associated with heathen celebrations, notably on December 25 when the Roman Emperor Aurelian elevated the sun god. In the fourth century, the Catholic Church repurposed this celebration to commemorate the birth of Jesus. There is no conclusive passage or historical account that Christ was born on December 25.
Secondly, some Christmas customs exhibit nature worship. Evergreen trees, symbolic of life enduring through winter, were revered by pagans. This tradition evolved into the modern Christmas tree, accompanied by decorations like holly and mistletoe, echoing unholy practices.
Thirdly, the myth of Santa Claus has pagan origins, intertwining with the figure of Krampus, a half-goat/half-demon creature. The combination of Santa Claus and Krampus reflects the assimilation of heathen elements into Christmas traditions.
The claimants assert that Christmas is a lie, pointing to various aspects such as the uncertain date of Jesus' birth, inaccuracies in nativity scenes, and the perpetuation of the Santa Claus myth.
The sanctity of the Nativity
While Scripture doesn't explicitly command the celebration of Jesus' birth, it doesn't prohibit it either. The absence of a direct mandate doesn't negate the value of commemorating significant events, as seen in Jesus' participation in the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) in John 10. Hanukkah itself, although not prescribed in the Bible, symbolizes God's work and the preservation of His people during the inter-testament period.
The incarnation and birth of Christ, like His death and resurrection, represent pivotal moments in human history. Celebrating these events, as advocated by Paul's words in Colossians 2:16, doesn't contradict Scripture. Just as Jesus willingly engaged in festivities not explicitly commanded, Christians can celebrate their Savior's birth.
The notion of Christmas traditions having pagan origins lacks clear evidence, and the focus should be on the profound significance of Christ's birth. Setting aside specific times, like Advent, offers a purposeful and communal way to anticipate and honor the exceptional arrival of the Savior. Recognizing the parallel between Jesus' participation in non-mandated celebrations and the significance of His birth encourages believers to commemorate the miraculous event joyfully.
To worship in spirit and truth
Two persons praying. (Photo from cottonbro studio from Pexels)
"God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth." - John 4:24
The phrase originates from the Bible, specifically from a conversation between Jesus and a Samaritan woman as well, as recorded in the Gospel of John. This statement emphasizes the importance of sincere and genuine worship beyond external rituals or superficial actions. Worshipping in spirit involves a deep, heartfelt connection with God, engaging with Him spiritually. Worshipping in truth implies authenticity and sincerity, aligning one's beliefs and actions with the truth of God's character and teachings.
Applying this concept to Christmas and everyday life means approaching worship with a genuine and sincere heart. It expresses gratitude, love, and devotion to God. Most importantly, it also involves living according to one's faith, not just during special occasions like Christmas but throughout one's life. This notion could include acts of kindness, compassion, and love towards others, as well as a commitment to living out the principles and values of Christ.
In the aura of tinsel and traditions, the Nativity of Jesus stands as a timeless narrative with lessons that transcend generations. As we celebrate the season with festive cheer, let us also pause to reflect on the enduring relevance of the Nativity story. It beckons us to embrace hope, humility, simplicity, inclusivity, and joy in the transformative message of redemption.
Unlike the Christmas Truce of 1914, let us set aside hatred and bitterness toward others not just for a day but for all times. The idea is to cultivate a continuous and authentic connection with God. This notion means allowing faith to shape and guide daily actions, extending beyond specific religious holidays like Christmas.
