“December 25 is not Jesus’ birthday!” That is what I wanted to shout from the rooftops when I discovered my life was a great lie. Society and prominent Pastors had led me to believe December 25 was Jesus’ birthday. So we celebrated, decorated, and did the whole nativity scene play. I was Mary as a young child. And then I studied my Bible, not just read my Bible, but learned God’s word.
During the process of intense Bible studies, I came upon the fact that the Catholic Church made a deal with the Pagans of the day to join our most important holiday, Jesus’ birthday, with their most important holiday, Winter Solstice. The Church was hoping for a massive conversion to Catholicism and Christianity. I was so angry! How dare the Catholic Church change Jesus’ birthday to suit their human purpose. But, on the other hand, maybe they did believe somewhere deep down that it was a divine inspiration. I don’t know.
FYI, shepherds do not watch their sheep in the fields during winter. The lights, trees, decorations, and parties are all a part of Winter Solstice celebrations. Suddenly my own Christmas decorations looked disgusting to me, and what about all I led my children to believe? I was trying to figure out what to do. Celebrating their way seemed like a cop-out against my Lord and Savior. I could eat some hay with the goats in the barn!
Fortunately, my biblically intelligent sister, Ibiba, took me into her hands. She explained that people worldwide celebrate the baby in the manger, whether they believe in God. They are kind to one another and generous to those in need. Some people begin searching for their Lord and Savior during this time. Through God’s majesty, something created to bring Glory to man was turned into Glory for the babe in the manger!
The more I thought about Satan and his opposing plans, an agreement between Christians and Pagans was right up his mischievous alley. If Winter Solstice were meant to supersede the babe in the manger, then the babe would become obsolete. Easy plan. But, instead, the babe became more popular, and each Christmas, people searched for the “babe in the manger!”
Throughout my life, God has taken my stupid decisions designed to cause me more harm than they did, and if I received what I deserved, then I would be ash. But the Bible informs us of God’s immense powers! And His plans are unchangeable! Even when we try to take control and make our plans. Then there is Satan, who keeps throwing us monkey wrenches in, but God supersedes Satan every time.
By the way, Jesus’ birthday is in April, probably around the same time He was crucified. Of course, I like to imagine Jesus was born on May 21, my birthday!
My Favorite Reminder Bible Verse
Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God and those who are called according to his purpose.
Now I celebrate Christmas just like I always did, except this time I do it to the Glory of the babe in the manger, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I put our tree up, fill it with lights and ornaments, and try to spread joy. If I can show people the “babe in manager,” maybe I can point to the “man on the cross,” too!
God Bless You!
