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Christian Christmas – Celebrating The Birth Of Jesus

Christmas – Summary And Introduction

What do angels, a baby, a star, three kings and shepherds have in common? They are all images we associate with one of the most exciting holidays, Christmas. This is the day we celebrate the arrival of God’s Son on the earth. He entered the world, not as a mighty king as expected, but as a little baby born in a stable. The Word had become flesh and would dwell among us. Since that day, the world has never been the same. For the secular world, Christmas is about a fat guy in a red suit distributing gifts. But God gave the greatest gift ever given – himself, that very first Christmas.

This site is all about the Biblical story of Christmas. Learn about the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, and the various traditions. See below for many links to sermons, songs, stories and entertaining sites for the Christmas story. Thanks for visiting. And of course, Merry Christmas!

What Is The Meaning Of Christmas

December 25th is the accepted day that Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus. He was not just a prophet or a holy man, but the Son of God. He set aside his divine nature, to live as a Son of Man, eventually paying for all sin by his death on the cross. Prophets declared his name Immanuel, which means God with us, and that was exactly what happened. God lived with man for a time. He was the Last Adam, providing a Way for Believers to be Born Again, set free from the curse that came through Adam & Eve, and be reconnected with their Heavenly Father. (1 Corinthians 15:45-49, Philippians 2:5-8, Colossians 1:12-22)

What Day Is Christmas 2023

Christmas in 2023 is celebrated on Monday, December 25th. The other important events of the Christmas season include:

Advent – (12/3-12/24) Preparation for Christ’s arrival.
Christmas Eve – (12/24) The Night Before Christmas.
Christmas Day – (12/25) Celebration of the birth of Jesus.
The Twelve Days of Christmas – (12/25-1/5) Twelve days starting Christmas night until the day before Epiphany.

Epiphany – (1/6) Also known as Three Kings’ Day, celebrates the visit of the Magi.

Christmas Day Controversy – Alternative Birth Dates For Jesus

For many years people have debated and disagreed on the date of Jesus’ Birth. Evidence indicates that a birth in December is unlikely. Among the key points is the difficulty of travel for a census during the Winter months. And sheep in the field overnight during the winter is another reason that should be considered when attempting to find the actual date. The Bible does not say specifically, but there are no shortage of clues to help us make a reasonable guess. I will share two.

Birth of Jesus – E. W. Bullinger, an early 20th century theologian, and prolific author of books on the Bible, wrote extensively on this in the Appendix of his Companion Bible. He dated the birth on the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles Tishri 15 (Sept 29-30). Which so happens to coincide with the religious holiday – Festival of Michael and all Angels, The holiday, also known as Michaelmas, is celebrated on the 29th, but the reason for it has been lost in time. If this was the birthdate of Jesus, choosing this date – the very night the angelic host appeared to the shepherds, makes perfect sense. He also counts back exactly 280 days (normal human gestation) to arrive at an Annunciation date, the day Gabriel visits Mary and the Word became flesh, to December 25 (Tevet 1). Which might explain why early Christians celebrated the birth of Jesus on December 25. Check out the link above for his analysis.

Birth of Jesus 2 – The Associates For Biblical Research are an Apologetics Ministry dedicated to demonstrating the historical reliability of the Bible. They do this through archaeology and Biblical research. They have landed on a different date from tradition and Bullinger’s date. They place the birth on Nisan 1 (March 22), the first day of the Jewish calendar. And in favor of this date they offer Exodus 40:2-34. God instructed Moses to set up the Tabernacle on the first day of the first month, and when it was complete, God’s visible presence covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. But we still have to control for many other factors, such as the birth of John the Baptist, Mary’s journey to see Elizabeth, who was in the 6th month of her miraculous pregnancy. The journey of the Magi, and the death of King Herod. For a long, but helpful analysis, click the link above.

Mary & Joseph Travel To Bethlehem

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Beth-lehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
— Luke 2:2-5 <KJV>

God had everything carefully planned. The decree from Caesar Augustus forced the young couple to journey from Nazareth up to Bethlehem. And while there, it was time for Mary to give birth to Jesus. Everything had been orchestrated long before they made their trip. At Bethlehem, crowds of people overwhelmed the small community, and there was no room for Joseph and Mary. Instead, they found shelter in a place normally reserved for animals. It was there, Jesus was born. He was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger.

The Birth Of Jesus

6 And while they were there, the time came for her delivery,
7 And she gave birth to her Son, her Firstborn; and she wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room or place for them in the inn.

— Luke 2:6-7 <AMP>

Once the couple found a stable, Joseph made the most of the accommodations, trying to provide the most comfort and warmth he could, while Mary prepared for Jesus’ arrival. The Bible is quiet on the actual birth. There is no reason to believe it was exceptionally difficult, or miraculously easy. But all three survived and were healthy. No doubt there were angels prepared to protect the family, and it was likely the safest place on the planet that night. Mary took advantage of their surroundings by using an empty manger, as a crib. She swaddled Jesus, wrapping him snugly in soft cloths and laid him in the manger. The Greek word phatne (G5336) is used as both manger and stall. The former seems more applicable for this situation. Both make it clear that the couple was not staying in traditional lodging.

The Birth Of Jesus And Surrounding Events

Watching Over Their Flocks By Night

Near Bethlehem there were shepherds watching over their flocks by night. Because Jerusalem is so close, it is quite possible that these were the same sheep used for Temple sacrifices. That would add a special significance to the shepherds and the flocks. These were not “lowly” or “poor” shepherds. They had the responsibility to raise thousands of unblemished lambs for Passover. That means protect the flock, especially newborn lambs, keeping them free from predators and injuries for up to a year. There would be thousands of sheep, and certainly dozens of shepherds on watch at night. There are reports of a tower from Scripture that marked where Jacob buried Rachel near Bethlehem, and there is also a tower known as Tower Edal, or Tower of the Flock. Is it possible some shepherds were literally watching OVER the flock? A little speculation is permitted. If this was the herd that supplied the Temple, such a massive number of sheep might make a tower quite useful. (Genesis 35:19-21, Micah 4:8, 5:2)

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
— Luke 2:8-12 <KJV>

The shepherds wasted no time finding Jesus. They found Him just as the Angel had described. Whether or not they understood God’s plan and purpose for Jesus, that He was the Lamb of God, is uncertain. They raised the lambs that were sacrificed, so if anyone figured it out, surely it would be these shepherds. On the way home, they shared what they had seen and heard with everyone they met. It truly was Good News!

Christian Christmas Traditions

There are no shortage of secular and pagan traditions that are popular at Christmas. That is not the focus of this page. Our focus is the reason for the season – Jesus. His birth is second only to his death and resurrection as the greatest events in human history. Nothing is more important to a family, especially one with young children, than keeping Jesus top of mind during the Holiday season. My Mother was an extraordinary decorator and cook. Working with limited funds, she could still make the house look and smell like Christmas in Paradise. But there was no question that we were celebrating Jesus. A few traditions we had included:

Nativity Scene – I was always fascinated with the one we had. It was very realistic and durable. All the characters were large enough for small hands, but small enough for easy storage. It did include the wise men – which of course weren’t present the night Jesus was born. I once incorporated some of the animals from my Noah’s Ark set, but that didn’t go over very well. Years later my Aunt made an absolutely gorgeous ceramic set that remains with the family.

Christmas Tree – Every year My Mother chose the colors and themes for the decorations that would start on the tree. We had artificial trees, one green and one silver – remember those? The green one was in the Living Room for the world to see, and guarded the presents for the immediate family. The silver tree was in the den, watching over gifts for friends and extended family. The Blue/Green year was probably my favorite. It sounds weird, but it was gorgeous. Each Christmas a new, unique ornament would be added, plus the occasional ones made by us kids. Every decoration can be made to symbolize something. The Angel or Star on top are directly from the Nativity story. Even the colors or number of ornaments can mean something. Just get the entire family on board.

Advent Calendar And Advent Candles – We never did this at home because the denomination we attended took great effort to light the candles and share the story of the coming Savior. It would be very easy to replicate this at home, possibly add daily Scriptures as part of the calendar.

Jesus – In everything you do during the holiday season, look for ways to incorporate worship and awareness of Jesus. Daily prayer time and Scripture reading is a good start. You can even structure the Bible Reading to coincide with Christmas events. Santa gets plenty of letters and cards, why not Jesus? Or send a card or gift box to a soldier away from home, assuring him/her that you pray for them and love them. A gift or card to a stranger is as if you are giving it to Jesus. He loves that. Movies may occupy some of your holiday time, but can you find Jesus in the plot? The film just watched may be an opportunity to discuss how everyone would have acted in that situation, and what Jesus might have done. Even better, try to find some holiday movies that glorify Jesus, or at the very least LOVE!

For more Christmas Traditions

Christmas Carols – Praising Jesus With Music

After the Angel announced the birth of Jesus, he was joined by a Heavenly Host who joyously praised God by saying.

Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace,
Good will toward men.

From this beginning, people have shared the story, and the joy of the event, through music. These songs are collectively called Christmas Carols. And while many have been created that celebrate secular themes and traditions. The very best and most enduring are based on the Biblical birth of Jesus, and the surrounding events. Here are a few notable examples.

O Holy Night (1760) – Originally, a poem written in French, by a man who would later leave the Catholic Church to become a socialist. He asked a composer to write the music. The song was initially embraced by the denomination, and then rejected when it was discovered that a socialist wrote the lyrics, and an alleged Jew, the music. However, the laity still sang it in their homes. Years later a man who had at one time desired to be a pastor, but was prevented by severe panic attacks, translated the song into English. The results were a song that communicated the story of the Nativity and praised God for His Gift. As an abolitionist, he was quite pleased with the line, “Chains shall he break for the slave is our brother. And in His Name all oppression shall cease.”

O Holy Night became a staple of Christmas Eve services, especially midnight services in America and beyond. My Mother, an accomplished Soprano who was anointed to sing, would often perform this song at our church. If any demon dared to be present, her powerful voice would send him running. To this day, this song moves me deep inside, with its simple message of the birth of our Savior – the hope of mankind.

Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O Holy Night. O night divine!

Silent Night (1863), Stille Nacht (1818) – Originally written by an Austrian priest named Joseph Mohr and composed by Franz Xaver Gruber, Silent Night went viral long before the Internet Age. Translated into over 300 languages, there may not be a corner of the world that is unfamiliar with the tune. It was translated into English in 1863. Just those few facts are impressive. However the origin story makes this song especially unique. When the organ broke right before the Christmas Eve service, Mohr sought the Lord for an answer. Remembering a short poem he had written, he turned to his organist and schoolteacher friend Gruber to see if he could quickly create a melody for the words to be sung that evening. The Christmas Eve service was a huge success, mainly because of the new song, that was simple, yet so powerful. When the organ repairman heard the story and the song, he began sharing it around Germany. Now, it is likely the most beloved Christmas Carol on the planet.

Silent night, Holy night!
All is calm, all is bright.
Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child.
Holy infant so tender and mild.

Click here for additional Christmas Carol Stories, 5 Christmas Carols With Good Theology, I heard The Bells On Christmas Day, and Carol Of The Bells.

A Beautiful Interpretation Of Carol Of The Bells

Christmas Bible Verses In Five Popular Translations – AMP, KJV, HCSB, NIC, The Message

Matthew 1 – Genealogy and birth of Jesus .

Matthew 2 – Visit of the Magi and escape to Egypt.

Luke 1 – The birth of John and the conception of Jesus.

Luke 2 – The birth of Jesus, shepherds visit and early years.

Old Testament Bible Verses Prophesying The Birth Of Jesus

Genesis 3:1549:10Deuteronomy 18:15-19 – General prophecies of the coming Messiah.

Genesis 9:2612:317:2128:1449:8Isaiah 11:1Jeremiah 23:5 – Genealogical prophecies of Jesus’ birth.

Isaiah 7:14 – Virgin birth foretold named Immanuel (God with us).

Micah 5:2 – Bethlehem would be the birthplace.

Psalm 72:10-11 – Kings will present him gifts.

Jeremiah 31:15 – The massacre of Bethlehem’s children.

Hosea 11:1 – The escape to Egypt.

Check out all the wonderful Christian content linked below and learn more about the Christmas story.

Children’s Bible Stories – Scriptures and Adaptations of the Christmas Story

Mary, Gabriel & the Birth Of Jesus – The angel Gabriel announces to Mary of the birth of God’s son, Jesus.

Mary Gives Birth to Jesus – A story of Christmas based on Luke 1:26-2:20.

Children’s Stories – Original Fiction Based on the Christmas Story

Heli, The Star Of Bethlehem – A little star’s faith in God is rewarded when she is selected to be the Christmas star and announce Jesus’ birth.

Kirsi, The Little Lost Lamb – The story of a lamb’s determined search to find baby Jesus. Includes links to a Bible lesson and poem based on the story.

Mette’s Christmas Miracle – A little sparrow has the faith to save her small flock during a terrible Norwegian winter.

The Best Christmas Gift – Boris, a little black cat, learns the true meaning of Christmas. One in a series of online Boris Kitty Stories.

The Three Camels – A story about the camels that carried the Magi to see Jesus. Includes links to a Bible lesson based on the story.

Children’s Activities, Crafts, Coloring Pages, Music, Plays & Poetry for the Christmas Story

Christmas Coloring Pages – Several online and printable coloring pages including Mary, angels, animals, the Nativity, and the Wise Men (Scroll down to see Christmas pages)

Online Christmas Games & Activities – Arrange the Nativity scene by clicking and dragging your mouse. Includes links to other online Christmas games.

Christmas Greetings – Christmas e-mail greetings cards to select and send

Elizabeth & Mary – Lesson and craft ideas for Luke 1

Christian Christmas Greetings – Christmas e-Cards to select and send

Create An Angel – Create a bell angel. Includes lesson ideas

Christmas Plays For Kids – Several Christmas scripts for children

Christmas Puppet Plays – Several plays based on Christmas for puppets

Heli, The Star Of Bethlehem – A Christmas play based on an adaptation of a Christmas story (see link above in fiction category) about a little star who learns that God doesn’t look for the biggest or the brightest, but those willing to put their complete faith in what He can do in their lives.

The Three Camels – A Christmas play based on an adaptation of a Christmas story (see link above in fiction category) about the three wise men and their camels: Erin, Nina, and Penda. The camels asked God to send them on a great adventure and boy did He ever!

One Solitary Life – The greatest Christmas poem ever written

Christmas Music – Christmas lyrics and midi files for old favorites and new songs

The Christmas Story – A very simple Christmas play with music

A Whisper of Wings – A Christmas Poem

Children’s Sermons & Lessons on the Christmas Story

Angels & Shepherds – A lesson plan on angels and shepherds

Christmas Kids Sermons – Children’s sermons on Christmas and Advent

Good News Of A Great Joy – The shepherds here the Good News about the birth of Jesus. (Luke 1:1-20)

Gabriel Visits Mary – A Bible lesson on the birth of Christ

Devotions, Discussions & Sermons and Other Resources About Christmas

Christmas Resources For Teachers – Christmas stories and activities

Christmas Resources For Teachers #2 – Christmas stories, poems, skits, activities and much more

Christmas Stories For Older Kids – Short stories and articles on Christmas geared towards older kids and adults

Christmas Resources – Links to Christian Christmas resources and ideas

Christian Christmas Resources – Links to Christian Christmas resources and ideas

Christmas Poems And Stories – A collection of classic poems and stories

The Birth Of Jesus – An article by Daniel B. Wallace, PhD on the birth of Christ

The Coming Of Christ – A sermon by Rev. H A Matney (1868-1951) based on Luke 2:7&11

The Birth Of Salvation – A sermon by Rev. H A Matney (1868-1951) based on Luke 2:8-20.

The Search For Christ – A sermon by Rev. H A Matney (1868-1951) based on Matthew 2:1-12

The Origin Of “Xmas” – An article that debunks the urban legends concerning the symbol “X” in place of Christ. Good reading in preparation for all the Christmas chain emails claiming an evil plot to remove Christ from Christmas.

The Magi And The Star Of Bethlehem – A lesson on the Wise Men

The Christmas Star – A thorough site that discusses the Christmas star

The Christmas Season – A nice overview of traditions and meaning of the Christmas season

The Season Of Advent – An excellent source for information on Advent and related Church customs for the Christmas season

The Twelve Days Of Christmas – An overview of customs and history surrounding the Twelve Days of Christmas including the song by the same name

Christmas Greetings – Merry Christmas in many different languages

Christmas Cookies – Over 300 Christmas cookie recipes.

Why Christmas? – Information on how Christmas is celebrated around the globe as well as games and the Christmas story.

The Awakening Of Patootie – A cat learns that love is a gift that must be repaid.

The Christmas Truce – The story of the Christmas truce during World War I

Nativity of Jesus In Art – Nativity artwork throughout history

Nativity Scene – The origins of the nativity scene

See also: Luke 1:26-38 – Conception of JesusNativity of JesusWise Men- Epiphany

Image SourceGood News Productions International and College Press Publishing

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Suggested Search Terms: Advent, Christian Stories for Christmas, Birth of Jesus, Children’s Christmas Stories, Christmas Sermons for Kids, Christmas Crafts, Nativity, Projects for Advent, Christmas Sermons, Mary, Joseph, Three Kings, Christmas Lessons, Shepherds, Gabriel, Bethlehem, Angels, Star of Bethlehem, Magi, King Herod, Elizabeth

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