Friday, November 5, 2010

Christ Mass

CHRIST MASS
11 of 12
Luke 2:8-20
vv. 8-11: “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flock at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.’”

Miguel threw the ball to Jules, saying, “I’m excited for Christmas already!”

“Hanukkah’s closer than your Christmas” Jules said, catching the ball. “Our Festival of Lights begins December 2nd this year.”

Bobby fielded the grounder Jules sent him, saying, “I don’t celebrate Jesus’ birth, but the excitement that starts in December is contagious. I’m almost jealous.” Examining the ball with furrowed brow, he threw it to Miguel saying, “Did you know Jesus wasn’t really born on December 25th? It’s all fake!”

Bobby’s correct. The word “Christmas” comes from the Catholic “Christ Mass”. The term was used first in 1038, A.D. (Anno Domini means “year of our Lord”). The exact date of Christ’s birth is unknown, but the best guess is spring, around 4-7 B.C. (Before Christ). Let’s examine Scripture: Luke says the shepherds were with their flock in the fields at night. December is too cold; their flocks would have already been corralled: The Jews sent their flocks to the mountains and desert during the summer months, returning when it got cold.

Hippolytus, (official from the Church of Rome ~215, A.D.) concluded that Christ’s life—from conception to crucifixion—was precisely 33 years, both events occurring in March. December is nine months later.

The pagan (worldly) festival, Saturnalia, celebrates the shortest day of the year. December 21st ushers in a ‘new sun’ making days longer. The Roman emperor Constantine (306-337, A.D.), merged two festivals of the sun, “Mirtha” (embodiment of the sun) and “Saturnalia,” with the birth of God’s Son into one holiday. He then added another pagan celebration, “Brumalia”, and declared a legal festival on December 25 for all four holidays. Romans embraced disorderly merriment on that day, so it was convenient for new Christians to hide their faith’s Holy Day. (Constantine also changed Christian worship to the first day of the week—breaking from the Jewish seventh-day Sabbath).

“I don’t care if December 25 isn’t really the birthday of Jesus, it’s when I choose to celebrate.” Miguel insisted.

“That’s cool, Miguel” Jules said. She and Bobby went over to him. “You and billions of people can’t all be wrong!”
Take Home Nugget


Pray: We thank and praise You, heavenly Father, for sending Jesus to us—no matter which day! Amen.
J.D. Griffith
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