Christmas Day is approaching when Christians throughout the world will celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. When exactly was Jesus born? Probably not on Dec 25 A.D. 1 as some may believe. The birth date of Jesus was unrecorded. It is estimated that He was born about 3-6 B.C. And his birth probably took place in summer and not winter as popularly believed.
When exactly was Jesus crucified? This date is also uncertain and estimated to fall sometime in the period between A.D. 30 and 33.
What about Jesus’ life? Outside of the Bible, the life and ministry of Jesus Christ is only very briefly mentioned in the contemporary literature of that time. And except for a brief disputed passage written by Josephus, other records are generally ambiguous about Jesus’ true nature.
| “We often look to people of greatness and power and fame to accomplish big things but God chose to work through the weak, humble and common.” |
Jesus was born to ordinary parents. To the world, He was just another member of an oppressed race living in a corner of a vast empire. Yes, He was a prophet and was reputed to have done unusual things. But there were many prophets in Israel at that time. Even His cruel death was in itself not uncommon. The Romans crucified thousands of Jews. Yes, there was a time when He was very popular. But all He did was quickly forgotten … by the masses.
But note what the Bible says. Jesus was born “in the fullness of time” (Gal. 4:4). All human history had been preparing for and had been pointing to His coming. Jesus was the Messiah awaited by all mankind. When Jesus died, He declared, “It is finished”. His death changed the destiny of mankind forever. He had overcome the power of sin and death. And for the past two thousand years, Jesus transformed countless of lives who believe and trust Him as their Lord and Savior.
Yes, He had obscure and humble beginnings. We often look to people of greatness and power and fame to accomplish big things but God chose to work through the weak, humble and common (Philippians 2:8). The Bible says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord” (Isaiah. 55:8).
Isn’t it the same today? The world gravitates to the successful, the powerful and the beautiful. They get featured in influential magazines. They appear on TV. They write books on how to succeed. They conduct motivational seminars and people flock to listen to them.
But who pays attention to the weak and insignificant? This Christmas let us consider our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted for their faith in many countries around the world today. They are poor, they are bruised, and they are hurting. They have little to show to indicate any level of success in life. Who cares about them? Some Christians even think they are in that condition because they lack faith!
But God sees their “treasure in earthen vessels” (2 Cor. 4:7). Their faithfulness in the midst of persecution has more power over the ultimate resolution of human history than all our petty successes put together. And one day, their true significance will be revealed.
What has this to do with us or Christmas? Remember, a seemingly ordinary Child was born to a persecuted people on the very first Christmas. He lived a life of obedience to the Father and His faithfulness even unto death, has changed human history.
As we celebrate Christmas this year, let us praise the Lord for who we are and what we have and remember those who do not share our blessings. They are precious to our Lord.
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