On the day after Christmas, it might be helpful to contemplate one of the great truths that comes out ofthe Christmas story. While our traditional understanding of the story is one of rejection and being alone, Iwould suggest a careful reading of the text, as well as an understanding of theBiblical world, actually leads tothe opposite view.
As an archaeologist, every year I teach the Christmas story to the men in our program. As we read throughthe Christmas story in Luke 2, I point out where itcontradicts our traditional nativity scenes and the children’s Christmas play we do every year in church. The text doesn’t mention a barn, a quote from the innkeeper or even a reference to an innkeeper!
To continue…baby Jesus was probably not born the night they arrived and the wise men did not make the manger scene at all.In fact, the manger was probably located on the ground floor of Joseph’s ancestral home in Bethlehem and the “inn” was the second floor guest room of the same house! Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus would have been surrounded by family that day. While my reconstruction of the story makes some people mad, I think it is the correct way to understand the Christmas story.
The overlooked messasge of the Christmas story is that it is notabout rejection and being alone – just the opposite.It tell us that God the Father made sure His Son was born into this world surrounded by family.The Christmas story is about inclusion and a reminder that family is important to us and to God.He doesn’t want us to be alone or try to do our spiritual walk by ourselves.Family is critical and essential for our own wellbeing.
But some would say their biological families aren’t available or are not healthy to be around.Jesus added some important insights to this idea about family.When His own mother and brothers came to speak to Him one day, He pointed out to the crowd that His mother, brothers and sisters are those who do the will of His Father in heaven (Matthew 12:50).Beyond biological family, there is spiritual family – and everyone should be connected somewhere.
One of the great lessons from the first Christmas is the wonderful truth that God wants us all to have family and be connected.Especially during the holiday season, when many who have suffered loss do feel alone, the Christmas story reminds us how important family is – biological or spiritual – and we need to be connected and help make sure others are, as well!
So, let’s work on this concept for 2009 and get plugged in somewhere. I can assureyou that it is God’s plan for your life.
Sincerely,
Pastor Gary Byers
Spiritual Life Director
P.S. I just finished writing a short article on this subjectthat will be published next Christmas. If you would like a copy of my draft, I will be glad to pass it along. Just email me and I willsend it to you.
FAQs
Because Christmas is about the birth of God's Son – Jesus. It is about how he came to give us love, hope and joy. That message doesn't change from year to year. When there is so much bad news and devastation in the world, this is good news worth celebrating!
What is the lesson of the Christmas story? ›
It's spotlighting God's unconditional love for us the way it should be done all year long. It's focusing on the good news of God's love and not the bad news of our failures. That's the Gospel of peace that the angels were singing about, and that should be our message too. Then there's the story of the wise men.
What is the greatest message of Christmas? ›
It is a time of God showing His great love for us. It can be a time of healing and renewed strength. Sure, enjoy the season but remember to rejoice as well! After all, the true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of God's ultimate gift: the birth of Jesus, the Christ child.
What does the Christmas story tell us? ›
It tell us that God the Father made sure His Son was born into this world surrounded by family. The Christmas story is about inclusion and a reminder that family is important to us and to God. He doesn't want us to be alone or try to do our spiritual walk by ourselves.
What was the secret message in A Christmas Story? ›
At the end of the latest episode, he decodes the secret message from Annie to her fans, only to be disappointed to learn it reads "Be sure to drink your Ovaltine." Ovaltine, the malted milk powder, was the sponsor of the program, and Ralphie had to drink so much to collect enough labels to join Annie's secret circle ...
What is the core message of Christmas? ›
Christmas is celebrated to remember the birth of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the Son of God. The name 'Christmas' comes from the Mass of Christ (or Jesus). A Mass service (which is sometimes called Communion or Eucharist) is where Christians remember that Jesus died for us and then came back to life.
What is the main theme of A Christmas Story? ›
It's entirely about young Ralphie's desire to get his dream present, a Red Rifle BB gun. That's exactly why the movie has endured. It's about the innocence and wonder of experiencing Christmas as a child.
What is the moral of the movie A Christmas Story? ›
"A Christmas Story" ultimately teaches us the importance of empathy in communication. Ralphie's journey revolves around his desire for understanding and compassion from the adults in his life.
What is the importance of the Christmas story? ›
Christmas is important to many Christians because it reminds them that: Jesus, the Son of God, came to Earth for all people, symbolised through the visits of the wise men and the shepherds. Mary and Joseph both had a strong faith in God, despite the difficulties they faced.
What is the moral of the story best Christmas present in the world? ›
Answer: The story 'Best Christmas Present in the World' has beautifully depicted the moral lesson. It conveys that war and fight only bring sadness and humiliation all around the world. One should generally follow the path of peace for attaining happiness in theworld.
Humility in the Circ*mstances of Christ's Birth
The Gospel narratives point to humility as they tell us about the environment the Godhead chose for the Messiah's birth. Luke 2:24 indicates that Jesus' parents were among the lowly in Judea.
What is the moral lesson of Christmas? ›
1. Giving to the less fortunate: Christmas isn't about just receiving presents, it's about giving them as well, especially to those who aren't as fortunate as we are.
What does the Christmas story mean to Christians? ›
The Christmas Story is the story of God sending his son from Heaven to Earth in the form of Jesus Christ. Christians believe God did this because of love. They believe that a Saviour was needed and Christmas is the celebration of the birth of the Saviour.
What is the summary of the Christmas story? ›
What is the story behind A Christmas Story? ›
A brief history of the making of 'A Christmas Story'
According to Vanity Fair, “The movie was based on a handful of monologues by the comedic radio personality and writer Jean Shepherd.” Shepherd went on to write the movie script with his third wife, Leigh Brown, and director Bob Clark.
What is the main story of Christmas? ›
The story of Jesus's birth (also known as the nativity) is often retold by children taking part in nativity plays. Christian church services at Christmas include carol singing.
