There are other things we do not know about Jesus. We do not know what He looked like. There is no physical description. He was a He. He was healthy enough to do a lot of walking. Beyond that there is nothing but guesswork.
We do not know what He liked to eat. We do not know His favorite colors. We don’t know if He liked traditional or contemporary music. We don’t know if He was a KJV man or into the NIV.
There is a reason for that kind of ignorance. It forces us to focus on the real issues instead of developing a bunch of superstitions and traditions based on fools’ gold. Recently I heard a podcast talking about the opening of Jesus’ tomb in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The speaker, William Lane Craig, who is usually very scholarly was positively giddy about being able to see into this tomb. He gave a run-down of the history of the spot and felt like it could very well be the real tomb of Jesus. I hope not. We don’t need another “holy spot” for the gullible to rush to for some magical cure. If you want to read what National Geographic has to say it is consistent with what Craig had to say.
What we need to know, we know. We do know why He was born. It is wrapped up in His names.
(Matthew 1:21 KJV) And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
(Matthew 1:23 KJV) Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
So keep in mind what we do know and what we don’t. What we know is important. What we don’t is not. If you don’t want to celebrate Christmas because the date is associated with a pagan holiday then pick a day to remember, mediate on and celebrate the incarnation. And don’t look too deep because whatever day you pick you will probably find that pagans are doing something too.
Merry Christmas and Happy Incarnation.
homo unius libri
I get amused when some folks insist that Jesus was born on December 25. There is all kinds of evidence that winter was the ONE time of year when He WASN'T born. Just an example of what you were speaking about - we tend to dwell on the wrong things, instead of what matters.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing what people will not process like how the Orthodox world celebrates the birth on Epiphany.
DeleteGrace and peace.
And a Happy Christmas to you too my very old friend.
ReplyDeleteAnd getting olders
DeleteGrace and peace.