Where were the shepherds?
The root of
αγραυλουντες (agraulountes), the original
Greek word translated “living out in the fields”
(Luke 2:8), is
αγρος (agros),
which refers to a field cultivated for agriculture. So the shepherds
were living in crop fields.
Why is that significant?
Shepherds with flocks of sheep could not enter crop fields during the spring
or summer, lest the sheep eat the crops, and the winters were too cold
for sleeping outside overnight. The time of the year
when shepherds and their sheep could enter and stay in these crop fields was
the fall after the harvest, when farmers invited the shepherds into their fields with their flocks so that the sheep
can “clean” their fields by eating the straw. This means Jesus was born
in the fall, not in December.
What month in the fall?
Mary's pregnancy began during the “sixth month”
(Luke 1:36)
of Elizabeth's pregnancy, which began just after her husband Zacharias, who was of the
“division
of Abijah” (Luke 1:5) had performed his duties of
“priesthood” in the “sanctuary of the Lord” (Luke 1:9).
The division of Abijah performed its priestly
duties in the temple during the latter half
of the fourth month in the Jewish calendar, which starts after Passover. Since
Passover is in March/April of our Gregorian calendar, Elizabeth conceived in June/July
(fourth month from March/April),
and Mary
conceived in December/January (sixth month from June/July). And since
“the days were fulfilled for her to give birth” (Luke
2:6), Mary gave birth at full term, so Jesus was born about nine months thereafter in September/October.
Then why does the world celebrate Christmas
on December 25th?
After the Roman Empire officially switched from paganism to Roman
Catholicism in the 4th century AD, it re-branded a pagan holiday in late
December as Jesus’ birthday so that a big feast could continue to be
held around the winter solstice, which is the shortest and the darkest day of the year.
How did the Romans celebrate the pagan
holiday before this re-branding?
They spent money and had parties.
How does the world celebrate Christmas
today?
What do the Christmas tree, tree ornaments,
Santa Claus, mistletoe, and yule log have in common?
None of them are in the Bible; all of them are pagan entities parading
as Christian traditions.
How does telling children about Santa Claus
impact them later?
They associate the birth of Jesus with a lie, and a free gift with their
own goodness.
Is saying “Merry Christmas” Christian?
The “mas” in “Christmas” refers to the Roman Catholic mass, during which
the priest claims to turn bread and wine into the actual human flesh and
blood from Jesus' crucified body, which are then eaten and drunk by
those gathered (see
I am the bread of life). When the Santa Claus says, "Ho, Ho, Ho,
Merry Christmas!", he is mocking Jesus' crucifixion.
What should Christians share on December
25th?
The Gospel, as on all other days.
What was the angel doing above?
Making an introduction of Jesus to the people on earth.
Why make this introduction to shepherds?
Jesus is the “Lamb
of God” (John 1:29).
Who is more qualified than shepherds to welcome a lamb into the world?
Does the angel introduce Jesus as the “Lamb of God”?
No, as “Savior,” “Christ,” and “Lord” (Luke 2:11).
What do they mean?
“Christ” means “the Anointed One” or “the
Chosen One.” The penalty God mandated for sin is death (see Romans
6:23), and only Jesus was sinless and therefore could be anointed/chosen to pay the death penalty
for others. Jesus is
our “Savior” because He saved us
from our sins and everlasting torment in hell. And Jesus is our
“Lord,” who is someone to be obeyed
unconditionally.
Do you unconditionally obey the
One you call, “Lord”?