As a veteran receiving benefits, I am asked quite often to give my name and date of birth to prove who I am (and that I have some memory left). There is an official record of my date-of-birth in Indiana that is used on my driver’s license, social security and other forms of identification. In just three days, we will celebrate the birth of Jesus over two thousand years ago. Is December 25th year 0001 Jesus’ official birth date?
The only official record of Jesus’ human life is found in the four Gospels of the New Testament. His official date of birth is nowhere to be found. The date of His crucifixion is determined to be March 25th because of its proximity to Passover. Some “experts” believe that is also the date He was conceived 33 years earlier, so exactly nine months later, on December 25th they estimate his birth took place. Other “experts” claim it could not have been that late in the year if the shepherds were still out in the field at night watching their flocks.
None of this matters. Everything that matters is spelled out clearly in God’s inspired word. What does matter is that we celebrate every year the fact that He became human to share God’s love with us and save us from the penalty of our sins. Angels rejoiced in praise and song. Shepherds were in awe of Him. Wise men brought valuable gifts to present to Him. May those of us who are the recipients of His mercy and grace rejoice with praise and songs; be in awe of His presence and love; and dedicate our lives to His service as the most valuable gifts we have to present to Him. The very first king sized bed was that manger in a stable in Bethlehem. Merry and blessed Christmas everyone.