Wanted: Your Two Cents about Today’s News…
Was Jesus born on December 25th? Why do we think that is the case? Does the Bible tell us when our Savior was born? One interesting opinion, held by some, is that the Bible seems to indicate that Jesus was born during the Feast of Tabernacles (feast of Sukkot). Of the seven feasts of Israel, the Feast of Tabernacles is the last of the three fall feasts. The Feast of Tabernacles is celebrated beginning on Tishrei 15, on the Jewish calendar, and is equivalent to a day in September or October in our Gregorian calendar. What facts, if any, can be found in scripture regarding Jesus’ birth?
Christmas Message Jesus Came Into Our World
The real meaning of Christmas is the message that God gave hope to all of mankind through the birth of Jesus Christ. The Rev. Larry Szyman of Faith Community Church said Jesus came to our world to allow the forgiveness of sins and give peace and hope to all. “Christmas is the message of Christ,” Szyman said. “God, through Christ, became flesh — human. The real message is that the ‘great creator’ — God — broke into time and history through the life of Jesus. God is not distant and aloof; he’s up-close and personal.”
Who Were the Magi?Each year, as we approach the holiday season, our preparations for Christmas include revisiting the events surrounding the birth of Our Lord. Bethlehem, (1) the shepherds, and the angels are familiar to us all. But not much is generally known about the mysterious “Magi” who came to worship the infant Jesus. The following background may be helpful to stimulate conversations around the fireplace as our thoughts turn to this incredible event from which we measure our very calendar.
Who Were the Magi?
Traditions
Most of what we associate with the “Magi” is from early church traditions. Most have assumed there were three of them, since they brought three specific gifts (but the Biblical text doesn’t number them). They are called “Magi” from the Latinized form of the Greek word magoi, transliterated from the Persian, for a select sect of priests. (Our word “magic” comes from the same root.)
A comet, an eclipse, a supernova, an alignment of planets – was the Star of Bethlehem, said to have led the wise men to the Baby Jesus, a real astronomical event? Some 2,000 years ago, wise men saw an incredible star shining over the Holy Land. It was their signal to embark on an epic journey to visit the new Messiah. But what exactly was the Star of Bethlehem?
Thousands of Pilgrims Flock to Bethlehem For Christmas
Thousands of Christian pilgrims from around the world arrived in Bethlehem on Wednesday, to spend Christmas Eve in the birthplace of Jesus. For many Christians, visiting Bethlehem remains a moving experience. “This is the home of Christmas,” said Dennis Thomson, an American working in Jerusalem, who visited earlier in December.
“This is so important to our world,” said Violetta Krupova, a retired Russian doctor from St. Petersburg, who was visibly moved as she left the church where local priests wafted incense and chanted Latin. “I have wanted to come here for so long.