Every year I hear a lot of talk among friends, family and on TV about whether December 25 was the actual birth date of Jesus. There is always discussion about the date being taken over by early Christians from a pagan festival that used to be held on that day. Debate swirls around which calendar, Gregorian or Julian, should be used to calculate the date. And there is talk about whether Jesus was actually born in the Spring, or maybe 3 years earlier than we thought - and on, and on.
I have come to realize that it doesn't really matter. Our Christmas Day, December 25, is the day we set aside every year to celebrate the birth of our Savior. It makes no difference whatsoever whether he was born in winter or mid-August. To me, it is the symbolism of the light of Christ coming into the world that is important. It is important that we set aside a day to worship by celebrating Christ's birth. We use the occasion to share our joy by giving gifts to others - again a symbol that reflects the gifts of the Magi.
I have learned to tune out the debate over which day Jesus was born and focus on what is really important: the fact that our Lord sent his only son to us, in human form, as an immense act of love and compassion.
Merry Christmas.
I have come to realize that it doesn't really matter. Our Christmas Day, December 25, is the day we set aside every year to celebrate the birth of our Savior. It makes no difference whatsoever whether he was born in winter or mid-August. To me, it is the symbolism of the light of Christ coming into the world that is important. It is important that we set aside a day to worship by celebrating Christ's birth. We use the occasion to share our joy by giving gifts to others - again a symbol that reflects the gifts of the Magi.
I have learned to tune out the debate over which day Jesus was born and focus on what is really important: the fact that our Lord sent his only son to us, in human form, as an immense act of love and compassion.
Merry Christmas.
