1. Observing the Birth of Jesus

2. This week the world is observing Christmas It is a festive time of the year For many, this is a holiday to remember the birth of Jesus Many believe it to be an observance we find in the Bible. Some seek to bind it on society. What does the Bible teach about the birth of Jesus?

3. The simple birth of Jesus Event surrounding His birth are recorded in Matthew 1 & 2 and Luke 1 & 2 His birth was the fulfillment of prophecy – Micah 5:2-3 (Matt. 2:6); Isaiah 7:4 (Matt. 1:23)

4. The simple birth of Jesus It was a joyful occasion in many ways Because of Him we have hope: Gabriel - Luke 1:11-17 Elizabeth - 1:39-45 Mary – 1:46-55 Zacharias – 1:67-80 Simeon 2:27-35

5. The simple birth of Jesus His birth means: He reveals the Father to us He died for our sins He brings us together in faith He established the church …

6. The simple birth of Jesus But WHEN was Jesus born? The Bible is silent (other than we are told it was related to a census declared by Caesar Augustus - Luke 2:1-3 It was likely NOT in December, because shepherds were in the field – Luke 2:8 Thought: If we are to set aside a particular date to observe the birth of Jesus why do we not find it in the Bible?

7. Should we celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus? Are all things done at this time of year evil works? No! Much good happens – 1) a spirit of giving 2) Christ is thought about 3) Family opportunities 4) Concern for the needy But does such good make it right?

8. Should we celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus? The Bible is silent as to the observance of Christmas The church of the 1st century did NOT observe it It’s origin dates to about 350 A.D. or later

9. Should we celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus? The Bible is silent as to the observance of Christmas Best sources say December 25 originated to appease the pagan solstice (cf. 1 Kings 12:25-33 ) Colossians 3:17 – what we do must be by His authority

10. Should we celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus? The church belongs to Christ Matthews 16:18, 1 Corinthians 3:11, Ephesians 2:19-20, 1:22- 23 The church was according to His eternal purpose – Ephesians 3:10-11 Can we improve upon God’s purpose, work and worship?

11. Should we celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus? The traditions of men Christmas is full of men’s traditions. It is ABOUT these traditions! The Bible warns against creating and binding traditions Matthew 15:3, 8-9

12. Should we celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus? The traditions of men The observance of this holiday is treated as something expected Colossians 2:8

13. Should we celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus? To participate in this “holy day” with others is to partake in their errors 2 John 9-11 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Ephesians 5:11

14. How should be observe the birth of Jesus? Preach about it! Live as if He lived – by example and profession (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:26, 15:1- 4, etc.)

15. How should be observe the birth of Jesus? Give the gift of yourself – Romans 12:1-2, Gal. 2:20 Observe His life as He commanded – Romans 13:14, Colossians 2:6, John 14:16 Remember His death with Lord’s Supper, etc. “God does not want His Son remembered as a baby lying in a manger, but as the suffering Savior and now resurrected Redeemer.”

16. Personal observances But under the Old Law various feasts were observed, why can’t we observe Christmas (and Easter)? Yes they were! But we are not under that Law today – Colossians 2:14, Galatians 3:19-25 A study of the feasts show that God gave dates and details! Where do we find the authority for Christmas?

17. Personal observances What about observing the secular holiday? There are 2 aspects of this holiday. In America we have traditions that may or may not have religious connotations – it depends upon our motives! We can observe secular aspects of a day or activity without attaching religious significance!

18. Personal observances What about observing the secular holiday? Consider Romans 14:5-8, what you do is to the Lord. 1 Corinthians 8:4-6, speaks of eating meats offered to idols. Paul notes that the idol is nothing, and it is ok to eat the meat

19. Personal observances What about observing the secular holiday? There is a warning! – 1 Cor. 8:7-13, don’t cause a brother to fall Also consider Romans 14:22- 23

20. Personal observances What about observing the secular holiday? Does decorating imply to the world you are observing the birth of Christ? No. Does NOT decorating imply one is an atheist? In our society it is NOT automatically assumed you are observing the birth of Christ.

21. Rather than putting Christ back in Christmas, Let’s put Him back in our lives!