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THE MIRACLE IS IN THE CONTENT!
ROMA WATERMAN, MELBOURNE, VIC, AUSTRALIA
Have you ever wondered about the story behind why we celebrate Christmas at this time of year?
Did you know that the earliest Christians didn't celebrate Christmas at all? They focu...
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THE MIRACLE IS IN THE CONTENT!
ROMA WATERMAN, MELBOURNE, VIC, AUSTRALIA
Have you ever wondered about the story behind why we celebrate Christmas at this time of year?
Did you know that the earliest Christians didn't celebrate Christmas at all? They focused primarily on the resurrection! It wasn't until the fourth century that Christians began officially celebrating Jesus' birth, and yes—they chose December 25th. But it is most likely that Jesus was not born at this time of year.
Many scholars believe Jesus was born during lambing season or harvest time in Israel. The clues are fascinating—Luke tells us shepherds were in their fields watching their flocks by night. In Bethlehem, shepherds typically kept their flocks in the fields from March to November. The census that brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem would likely have been conducted after harvest time in Israel, when travel was easier.
Some biblical scholars point to September/October as a likely time, connecting it to the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles—a beautiful picture of God coming to "tabernacle" among His people. Others suggest March/April, during lambing season in Israel—how fitting for the birth of the Lamb of God!
So... why December 25th?
By the fourth century, when Christians began officially celebrating Jesus' birth, the early church fathers chose December 25th with beautiful intentionality, particularly noting its proximity to the winter solstice—the darkest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere where Christianity was first spreading. They saw deep meaning in celebrating Christ's birth at the very time when daylight begins to increase, viewing it as a powerful symbol of how Jesus, "the Light of the World" (John 8:12), came to dispel darkness.
They chose the shortest day, from which subsequent days begin to lengthen, as a picture of how Christ's coming brings increasing light into the world. This timing wasn't about adopting pagan festivals (which happened during the same time) but rather making a bold declaration about Jesus being the true Light, fulfilling John 1:9, "The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world."
But here's what fills my heart with joy: Whether Jesus was born during lambing or harvest season doesn't change the magnificent truth we celebrate that God became human to draw near to us! Every time we gather to celebrate His birth, we're declaring this miracle anew.
So this Christmas, whether you're having a backyard barbecue (like me in Australia) or sitting by a fireplace, remember you're part of a beautiful tradition that spans cultures, crosses hemispheres, and unites hearts in celebrating the greatest gift ever given. The date doesn't diminish the miracle. If anything, it amplifies it—showing us how one holy moment can transform every season, every culture, and every heart that makes room for it.
The date is just the container. The miracle is the content!
Websites: www.romawaterman.com | training.romawaterman.com
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