Away in a Manger?

We do not know with certainty the precise date of Jesus’ birth. However, as I think about the birth of the Christ and consider the celebration of my own birthday (earlier this month), I view Christ’s birth as having far more significance than my own and therefore worth celebrating. And this time of year presents a wonderful opportunity for us to try to help others recognize the significance of celebrating CHRIST throughout the year. His birth was not only important from a Scriptural point of view, but also of great significance historically. It occurred in time and place! And Jesus’ birth and eternal existence are still impacting lives today!

A FACT of scripture is that we are exhorted to celebrate Christ’s death burial and resurrection. We do this through our observance of the Lord’s supper. We have not been expressly commanded to celebrate His birth. However, the FACTS regarding the coming of Christ in the flesh should be accepted as they are. This time of year I am often struck by the Biblical illiteracy revealed in various holiday displays. Perhaps the one which gets me the most is frequently associated with nativity scenes. For the world to not have the story correct is one thing, but when I see such displayed next to church buildings or in the yards of people who claim to believe the Scriptures, I am really taken back.

Note one FACT recorded by Matthew regarding the birth of Jesus.
“(1) Now AFTER JESUS WAS BORN in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, (2) saying, ‘Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’ … (10) When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. (11) AND GOING INTO THE HOUSE they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him.
Then opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.” ( Matthew 2:1-2 & 10-11 ESV)

Luke’s account reveals shepherds visited while Jesus was in a manger in the stable. ( Luke 2:15-16) However, from Matthew’s account we see that by the time the wise men arrived, Mary and Joseph and Jesus were in a house. He was AWAY FROM THE MANGER by that point! Since Herod decided he needed to have the male children two years and younger put to death (based on the timing told him by the wise men) in order to get rid of this new born king ( Matthew 2:16), it has been noted that the visit by the wise men may have been somewhere between Jesus being forty days and two years old.

Perhaps some would claim it is not important where Jesus was when visited by the wise men. But who are we to decide that some FACT (regardless of how small we might think it) regarding the life of Jesus is not important. Knowing where Jesus was when visited by the wise men may not be a matter of salvation. However, once we begin to disregard the FACTS on any level, where will the departure end? If we are going to tell His story, we ought to be prepared to tell it as it is! After all, how could we ever improve on such a wonderful story as His? May we be content to stick to the FACTS!

Have a great day HELPING OTHERS KNOW THE REST OF THE TRUE STORY!
Carl

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