History
People
may think that the Christmas story has about as much historical basis as Father
Christmas, Raymond Briggs’ Snowman and Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer. But that
isn’t the case. While we don’t know the exact date on which Jesus was born, the
Gospel writers are careful to lay down clear historical markers. Caesar
Augustus was Roman Emperor at the time, a chap named Qurinius was governing
Syria and nasty old Herod ruled in Jerusalem as king of the Jews. Jesus Christ was a real historical figure and
there are references to his life and teaching outside the pages of the New
Testament.
Besides,
if the Gospel writers were trying to wrap Jesus in myth and legend, they went a
funny way about it. Why say that as a baby he was laid in a manger, basically
an animal’s feeding trough? Why record that despised shepherds were the first
group of people to pay homage to the new born King? That’s a fine way to
establish Jesus’ messianic credentials.
Mystery
Jesus
was truly born of Mary in the town of Bethlehem and grew up to be a preacher
and miracle worker the like of which the word had never seen before or since. Millions
people are counted as his followers today.
What makes Jesus so special? Christians believe that he was the Son of
God who became human to rescue human beings from sin; the wrong things that we
all do. His very name ‘Jesus’ means the ‘Lord Saves’. He died on the Cross for
the sins of the world. He rose again from the dead to give all who believe in
him the hope of everlasting life. In the Son of God made flesh we see the
mystery of God’s love for people like you and me.
Destiny
God
made human beings that we might enjoy him and be with him for ever. Sin messed
things up, but through faith in Jesus that destiny can be restored. That is why
Christmas is such a joyful season, as we remember the Saviour’s birth. In the
words of the angel of the Lord to the shepherds,
I bring you good news that will cause great joy for
all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; who
is Christ, the Lord.
* Christmas message for Phab Magazine.