The world's celebration of Christmas has stripped the profound significance from the biblical accounts of Jesus Christ's birth, reducing them to mere lyrics for songs and trivialized portrayals. These passages, found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, are often overlooked or avoided due to their association with worldly traditions, yet they hold great importance as part of God's inspired Word. They deserve deeper consideration beyond the commercialized depictions. Luke, a masterful historian and literary writer, presents the birth of Jesus Christ with concise and artistic storytelling. In Luke 1, the angel, likely Gabriel, announces to Mary that she has found favor with God and is blessed among women to bear His Son. Luke emphasizes that the glory belongs to God for bestowing this grace upon her, not to Mary herself. She, though specially prepared for this honor, was an ordinary Jewess of David's line, and her favor came from God's graciousness. Mary, described as thoughtful and wise, was perplexed by the angel's words but remained composed, keeping these matters in her heart with patience. The angel quotes Messianic prophecies from Isaiah, informing Mary that the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son named Jesus, meaning Savior, and also called Immanuel, meaning God with us. Similarly, in Matthew's account, an angel appears to Joseph in a dream, confirming that Mary's Child, conceived by the Holy Spirit, will be named Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins, and He will be God with us. Joseph, depicted as kind, humble, and obedient, accepts the angel's message without complaint and complies fully, despite the potential shame and disruption to his life. God, in His sovereignty, chose Mary and Joseph as the ideal couple to raise His Son, both exemplifying submission to His will. Despite the upheaval caused by His intervention, they selflessly yielded to His plan, ready to follow His guidance.

The birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, as recounted in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, presents a vivid and glorious narrative of earth's most significant event. These accounts detail a divine impregnation and birth, potential scandal, angelic announcements, visions, dreams, magi with regal gifts, a murderous king, and a mysterious guiding star, rendering any embellishment unnecessary. An angel, likely Gabriel, visited Mary and Joseph separately to proclaim the human advent of Immanuel, God with Us, into their lives. They learned that this divine Being would be born of Mary, with Joseph, as her betrothed, taking on the role of the Child's human father. They were instructed to name Him Jesus, akin to the Hebrew name Joshua, meaning savior. Both Mary and Joseph accepted this immense responsibility with humility and without complaint, ensuring that Jesus would be in good hands. Later, Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem for a tax registration decreed by Caesar Augustus, likely around the fall harvest, near the end of September or early October in 4 BC, coinciding with the Feast of Trumpets. Due to the timing and the influx of people for the fall holy days, there was no room for them in the inn. Bethlehem, close to Jerusalem, was likely overcrowded with travelers, forcing the couple to find shelter in a grotto or cave, possibly used for housing animals. There, Jesus was laid in a manger, a trough for animals, which, with cleaning and fresh straw, provided a basic shelter. The swaddling cloths mentioned were customary strips of cloth used to wrap a child, not indicative of poverty, but a common practice of the time. Luke describes the announcement of the Messiah's birth to nearby shepherds, occurring in September or early October, as shepherds would not have been in the fields at night during the rainy winter months. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared with shocking brilliance, causing great fear among the shepherds. The angel reassured them, proclaiming good tidings of great joy, evangelizing the news that the way of salvation was opening to all people, especially to common folk like these shepherds. The angel declared that a Savior, Christ the Lord, was born that day in the city of David, linking Jesus' birth to Old Testament prophecies and intimating that this Child was God born as a human. Immediately following, a multitude of the heavenly host appeared, praising God with a hymn of glory to the Most High and peace on earth among those of His good pleasure. Their presence and song underscored the monumental importance of this event, reflecting their joy at this significant step in God's purpose. The angels' message highlighted that true peace begins with the birth of God's Son in Bethlehem, extending especially to those with whom He finds favor.

Despite the secularization of society, fascination with the historical basis of Jesus Christ's life persists, particularly around Christmas when His birth is celebrated. Many mainstream Christians observe Christmas on December 25 or January 6, though most acknowledge that evidence for this early winter date is limited. Scholarly discussions often highlight the lack of historical certainty about the exact date of His birth, with early Christian leaders not marking it until the late-third century. Origen of Alexandria, for instance, mocked celebrations of birth anniversaries as pagan practices, indicating that Jesus' birth was not commemorated in his time. Around the year 200, Clement of Alexandria noted various proposed dates for the Nativity, none of which were in December. By the fourth century, December 25 in the Roman West and January 6 in the East emerged as competing dates for this significant event in Bethlehem. Theories about the origin of these dates include influences from Roman pagan festivals like Saturnalia and the feast of Sol Invictus on December 25, as well as ancient beliefs tying Jesus' conception and death to March 25, exactly nine months before December 25. Biblical details, such as shepherds tending flocks at night, are often downplayed by scholars in favor of extra-biblical sources, yet these details suggest alternative timing for His birth.

The Nativity, marking the birth of Jesus Christ, is detailed in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. A specific birth date for our Savior is absent from these accounts, and a winter date is considered highly unlikely. In Palestine, December heralds the rainy season, a time when shepherds would no longer leave their flocks in the fields at night, suggesting Jesus' birth more likely occurred in autumn, possibly near the fall festivals of Trumpets or Tabernacles. Additionally, traditional depictions of the Nativity often err in details. The Gospels do not specify that there were three wise men, nor are their names recorded; the number three likely stems from the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh presented to Him. When the wise men arrived, Jesus was not a newborn in a manger but a young Child in a house, indicating their visit occurred weeks or months after His birth. Traditional manger scenes also mistakenly combine the shepherds' immediate arrival after His birth with the later coming of the wise men. These accounts in Matthew and Luke provide the sole biblical information on Christ's birth, as neither Mark nor John include details of this event, focusing instead on later periods of His life.

As we approach the annual celebration of Christmas, it is acknowledged that God became flesh and that Jesus was born in Bethlehem. He was laid in a manger, and angels sang at His birth. However, Scripture suggests a different timing for these events. Calculations based on Zacharias' priestly service indicate that Jesus' conception occurred in December, pointing to His birth during the fall holy day season rather than late December. This challenges the traditional date associated with Christmas, which coincides with pagan festivals like Saturnalia, highlighting a discrepancy in the historical and cultural context of the celebration.

The accounts of Jesus Christ's birth, as presented in the gospels of Matthew and Luke, hold significant meaning that has been overshadowed by worldly portrayals. These passages reveal fulfilled prophecies, build faith and hope, and offer instruction and edification. In Luke 1, the angel Gabriel announces to Mary, a virgin betrothed to Joseph of the house of David, that she has found favor with God and will conceive a Son named Jesus by the power of the Highest. Gabriel assures her that the Lord is with her, and she is blessed among women, emphasizing that this honor originates from God's grace. Mary, though initially perplexed, thoughtfully considers the message and submits unconditionally as the handmaiden of the Lord, ready to fulfill God's will. In Matthew 1, Joseph, upon learning of Mary's pregnancy, contemplates a quiet resolution to avoid shame. An angel appears to him in a dream, revealing that the Child is conceived by the Holy Spirit and will be called Immanuel, meaning God with us, and will save His people. Joseph, a humble and obedient man, accepts the angel's words without complaint and complies with the divine instruction. This couple, chosen by God, exemplifies submission and selflessness despite the disruption to their plans. The birth of Jesus occurs in Bethlehem during a time of taxation, likely around the fall, as there is no room in the inn due to the influx of people. Mary and Joseph find shelter in a grotto or cave, and Jesus is laid in a manger, wrapped in swaddling cloths. Shepherds in the fields, watching their flocks by night, are suddenly visited by an angel who announces good tidings of great joy for all people, declaring that a Savior, Christ the Lord, is born in the city of David. A host of angels then appears, praising God with a hymn of glory to the Most High and proclaiming peace on earth among those favored by God. The shepherds, initially terrified, are calmed and go to witness the Child as described, marking the beginning of the gospel message to the humble and overlooked. These events underscore the profound significance of Jesus Christ's birth as a pivotal step in God's plan, far beyond mere seasonal celebrations.

The life of Jesus Christ serves as a perfect example for us to follow in every aspect. Regarding His birth, some argue that He was born under the law, implying He was bound to observe Old Covenant rules and regulations. However, a closer examination reveals that Jesus Christ was not under the law from His birth in the sense of being obligated to keep these rituals. Galatians 4:4 states that God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law, emphasizing His humanity and the miraculous nature of His conception through the virgin Mary by the Holy Spirit. This verse does not indicate that He was bound by the Old Covenant at birth but highlights His human condition, subject to the same terms as any other man. Furthermore, scriptures often cited to suggest Jesus was under the law, such as those detailing His circumcision and the offerings made by His parents after His birth, refer to actions performed by Joseph and Mary, not by Jesus Himself. At eight days old, He was unaware of these events. Additionally, Jesus Christ was only placed under the law at the time of His crucifixion, when God the Father laid the burden of the world's sins upon Him, as seen in Galatians 3:13. Throughout His life, He led a perfect, sinless existence, and thus the Old Covenant rituals, meant to remind Israel of their sins and need for a Savior, did not apply to Him. His example remains one we are to follow in all respects, unencumbered by the notion that He was bound by laws we are not required to keep.

We are approaching the time of year when the world celebrates the supposed birth of Jesus Christ. The celebration of Christmas is founded on the premise that Jesus was born on December 25, yet a person striving to follow biblical accounts will see that this date is based on falsehood. The accounts in Matthew and Luke provide no specific dates or seasons for Jesus' birth, but Luke, as a well-regarded historian, offers a sound, orderly narrative that helps determine the general time of His birth. In Luke 1:5 through 2:8, a chronological series of events begins with Zacharias, a priest of the course of Abijah, who was visited by the angel Gabriel while performing his duties. Gabriel announced that Zacharias and his wife Elizabeth would have a son named John. In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, Gabriel visited Mary, declaring that she would conceive and bring forth a son named Jesus. Mary then stayed with Elizabeth until the latter's ninth month, indicating that Jesus was born approximately six months after John. Historical details in Luke's account, combined with other chronological markers, suggest that Jesus was born sometime in 4 BC. Knowing the true time of Jesus' birth destroys the foundation of the Christmas holiday and renews faith in the historical accuracy of God's Word. The Christmas season promotes a lie concerning the date of His birth, and it is necessary to study and follow what is true to avoid being deceived by counterfeit beliefs.

Jesus Christ's birth is often associated with the celebration of Christmas, yet there is no command in God's Word to commemorate His nativity. The actual date of His birth remains unknown, and there is no evidence of celebrating it before the third century. The wise men who followed the star to the house where Joseph and Mary stayed brought gifts to Him, not exchanging gifts among themselves. Despite claims that Christmas marks His birthday, the Bible offers no proof to support His birth in December, nor any scriptural authority for such a celebration. Instead, He instructs us to commemorate His death, highlighting a contrast between divine commands and human traditions.

The birth of Jesus Christ holds a significant place in the discussion of Christmas origins, revealing a stark contrast between historical customs and biblical evidence. Jesus was not born on December 25th, as this date aligns with pagan festivals rather than scriptural records. When the Christ-child was born, shepherds were abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night, a practice impossible in Judea during the cold, rainy December season. Historical authorities confirm that shepherds brought their flocks in from the mountainsides by mid-October to protect them from winter weather, indicating that His birth likely occurred in early fall, possibly September, well before the winter months. The exact date of Jesus Christ's birth remains unknown, hidden by God, suggesting that if He had intended for us to celebrate it, He would have provided clear evidence of the day. The celebration of His birth was not observed by the early Church or the apostles for the first two or three centuries, only becoming an official festival in the Roman Church by the fifth century, tied to the pagan feast of the birth of Sol on December 25th. This adoption stemmed from deeply entrenched pagan customs like the Saturnalia and Brumalia, which Christians of the fourth century embraced under a new name, despite protests from some early Christian leaders against the frivolity and idolatry associated with this date. Regarding the custom of gift-giving at Christmas, the wise men did present gifts to Jesus Christ, but not on His birthday, as they arrived days or weeks after His birth. Their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh were offered to Him as King of the Jews, following an ancient eastern custom of presenting gifts to royalty, not as an exchange among themselves or to set a precedent for modern Christmas traditions. This act stands in contrast to the current practice of trading gifts, which finds its roots in pagan customs rather than in honoring Him.

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was born into this world as a human being through the impregnation of Mary by the Holy Spirit. He developed in her womb and was born as any other human, emerging from her body to live among us. Though His Father is God, a spiritual entity, Jesus Himself was human, embodying as much of God's nature as a man could hold while retaining His humanity. His birth, as recorded in Matthew and Luke, verifies His humanity, showing that He was the Son of Man through Mary, and the Son of God through His divine origin. Named Jesus, meaning Savior, He was conceived to redeem His people from their sins. Prophecies from Genesis and Isaiah foretold that this Savior would be the Seed of a woman, born of a virgin, and known as Immanuel, God with us, highlighting both His human and divine nature. Through His life as a fleshly human being, He retained His essential character as God, full of grace and truth, allowing the glory of God to shine through His actions and words. His humanity is further confirmed by His visibility, His ability to be touched and heard, and His possession of blood, which He shed for our redemption. Born under the law, He was subject to it like any other human, yet His unique nature as both Son of God and Son of Man made Him the perfect Redeemer to pay for human sin.

Christ was born, and the story of His birth is recorded in the Bible, specifically in the book of Luke. Despite this, God nowhere speaks of making Christmas a part of Christianity, nor does He command the celebration of His Son's birth. Instead, He instructs not to add to His worship anything that is a tradition of the heathen, as such additions hinder the journey to His Kingdom. The inclusion of Christmas in Christianity, centuries ago, had nothing to do with true worship but was a deliberate attempt to win converts from paganism. This addition has led people away from the truth, failing to glorify God or clarify man's spiritual life. God's Word emphasizes not adding to or subtracting from His commands, and Christmas, not being part of His revelation, stands as a foreign practice that should be stepped away from once the truth is known.

The birth of Jesus Christ, as presented in the book of Matthew, introduces Him as a King from the very beginning. He is shown as the Son of David and the Son of Abraham, the lawful heir to the promises made to them. His genealogy in Matthew ascends from Abraham up to Him, emphasizing His kingly line and rightful claim to the throne. Unique to Matthew, the name Immanuel is given, signifying His divine nature and authority beyond that of any earthly ruler, ensuring that His kingdom will never fail. Following His birth, Matthew recounts specific events that highlight His royal status. Herod and all of Jerusalem are alarmed at the news of His birth, while wise men from afar rejoice and bring gifts, as one would when appearing before a king. Matthew alone mentions Bethlehem in this context, underscoring the theme of rulership. These accounts contrast with other perspectives, focusing on the kingly aspect of His arrival into the world.

In the book of Luke, the birth of Jesus Christ is presented with a deeply human perspective, emphasizing His connection to all of mankind. Luke introduces intimate circumstances surrounding His birth, detailing the infancy of Jesus and His family ties to John the Baptist. Unique to Luke are the inspired songs of Mary, His mother, Zacharias, His uncle, and Simeon, who was promised by God to see the Savior of Israel before his death. Only Luke mentions the census, showing Joseph and Mary responding as any couple would to be taxed, and portrays Jesus beginning life in the humblest of circumstances, born in a manger, a setting common to many of that time. Luke contrasts this beginning with the typical expectation of kings born in palaces, highlighting that Jesus shared a human start akin to everyone else. The message from the angels to the shepherds underscores this humble entry, presenting Him not as a king coming to rule, but as a Savior for all people, not just Israel. This universal approach establishes Jesus as the Messiah for all, a theme distinct to Luke's account. Further, Luke alone records specific details of Jesus' early life, such as the offering of turtledoves or pigeons at His dedication, indicating the modest economic status of His family. Like every other Jewish boy, He was circumcised on the eighth day, and He grew up in the minor village of Nazareth, far from the cultural and religious center of Jerusalem, reinforcing His commonality with ordinary men. These elements collectively illustrate how God draws mankind with the bands of a man, presenting Jesus as sharing humanity with all, living on common ground as a Savior for everyone.

God's church does not observe Christmas, yet we firmly believe in the miraculous nature of the human birth of Jesus Christ. We accept the biblical record of His birth as entirely true, as described by Matthew and Luke. However, nowhere in the entirety of Scripture, whether Old Testament or New, is there a command to observe or celebrate His birthday. Jesus Christ was not born on December 25 nor anywhere near that date. Furthermore, Jesus and His early church adhered to the holy days commanded by God, the same ones we in the church keep today, rather than adopting other holidays.

The One we call Jesus Christ gave up His prerogatives and privileges as God and became flesh to be born of a virgin, Mary, who was betrothed to an upright Jew of David's lineage named Joseph. As announced by angels, Mary gave birth to Jesus in Bethlehem of Judea in a stable or grotto used as a stable, and she wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger. Soon, shepherds came from the fields to see Him and spread the word of His birth, praising God. Sometime later, star-following wise men from the East visited, presenting Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh and worshipping Him.

Advent, derived from the Latin word adventus meaning arrival or appearance, often brings to mind Jesus Christ's first coming as a human being, born in Bethlehem to Joseph and Mary. At this time of year, manger scenes appear at churches and in yards across Christendom, while Christmas carols extol the story of His birth. However, the New Testament writers never use the term parousia, equivalent to adventus, to refer to His birth, focusing instead on other arrivals or His future return. While Matthew and Luke detail the incarnation story in their gospels, the Bible places far greater emphasis on His finished work as the sacrifice for sin and His present role as High Priest, alongside the hope of His future coming as King of kings. Scripture nowhere commands or hints at celebrating the day of His birth, and history cannot pinpoint the exact date, with December 25 being an unlikely candidate. Had God desired such an observance, He would have made His birthday clear in Scripture. Instead, Scripture directs attention to His accomplishments and finished work, culminating in His death as a sinless sacrifice, rather than the mere beginning represented by His birth when He was a helpless baby, yet to fulfill the mission His Father sent Him to do.

The celebration of Christmas, as it relates to Jesus Christ's birth, is intertwined with pagan origins and traditions that obscure the truth. The date of December 25 was assigned to His birth in the fourth century by the Roman Catholic Church, aligning it with the winter solstice and the pagan feast of the birth of the sun god, Sol. This was influenced by Emperor Constantine, who converted to Christianity and facilitated the blending of pagan festivals with Christian themes, renaming the day as Christmas. By the fifth century, the Church officially ordered the observance of Christ's birth on this date, despite no biblical command or record of the exact date of His birth. The emphasis in Christmas on the mother and child often distracts from the Father-Son relationship central to God's Word, reducing Christ to a helpless infant while elevating Mary. Additionally, the custom of gift-giving, often justified by the gifts brought by the wise men, is misrepresented, as those gifts were given to honor Him as a king, not to celebrate His birth, and were presented when He was a young child, not an infant.

The birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior, through a virgin is a remarkable event, presenting both profound significance and inherent challenges. The accounts in Matthew and Luke detail this extraordinary occurrence with clarity and dignity. Matthew presents the facts straightforwardly, emphasizing Mary's virginity at the time of conception and throughout her pregnancy, as seen in multiple references within a few verses. He underscores that her conception was by the Holy Spirit, fulfilling ancient prophecy and marking Jesus as the Messiah through an event beyond human manipulation. Luke, with precision and grandeur, sets the miraculous birth in the real world, providing concrete details of time and place. His account highlights the measured and dignified responses of both the angel and Mary, focusing not on the uniqueness of the virgin birth itself but on the divinity, nobility, and capability of the One it produced. The emphasis is placed on Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and His purpose to bring salvation and establish the Kingdom of God on earth, with the virgin birth serving as a miraculous means to mark His astounding entrance for far greater future accomplishments. Despite its significance, the virgin birth carries certain disadvantages. It invites stigma and rejection, as cultures often demean children born out of wedlock, branding them as illegitimate and hindering their societal standing. Additionally, the event lacks believability to carnal-minded individuals who might scoff at the notion of supernatural conception, viewing it as a fabricated story. The virgin birth also parallels supernatural birth stories in pagan literature, though the accounts of Jesus' birth stand apart in their sobriety and majesty. Lastly, its lack of verifiability poses a challenge, as it relies solely on the testimonies of God, Mary, and Joseph, leading skeptics to dismiss it as hearsay or fantasy. Yet, the angel's assurance that nothing is impossible with God reinforces the miraculous nature of this event, eliciting Mary's faithful submission to God's will. The virgin birth, while a significant sign, is ultimately a gateway to recognizing the transcendent nature of Jesus Christ and the wonderful works He performed as a human being among us.