Thoughts on Discipleship by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

CHRISTMAS FACTS AND FALLACIES

1. Jesus was born on December 25th in the year zero A.D.

This is a fallacy. No one knows the date of Jesus’ birth nor the exact year.

2. Jesus was born in a barn.

This is a fallacy. He was born in a “stable” but this was most likely a cave like structure

that shepherds often used to house their animals. There are many such in that area.

3. Three wise men came from the east to worship him.

This is a fallacy. The Bible does not say there were three. It simply states that wise men

came from the east. There may have been three or perhaps more. Three is usually

associated with the three types of gifts

4. The wise men found Jesus lying in a manger.

This is a fallacy. They found Jesus and his mother in a house. So, it was quite some time

later that they found him. It may have been up to two years since Herod diligently

inquired of them the time of the star, then he killed all males in Bethlehem two year old

and younger.

5. Christmas has been celebrated by Christians since His resurrection.

This is a fallacy. Christmas is a combination of the words “Christ” + “Mass” evolved

over time, incorporating several “winter festivals” of different countries and cultures. It has

come to incorporate many religious and secular ideas.

6. Christmas is a federal holiday in the United States of America.

This is fact. It was passed into law in 1870.

7. It is O.K. for Christians to celebrate Christmas.

This is fact. It is a federal holiday. But as in all things, Christians must remember and

emphasize that Christmas is to us a remembrance and a joyful telling of the glad tidings

to all people. That unto us a Son is given, unto us a Savior is born.

8. Gifts should be given at Christmas.

This is fact. The giving of gifts is an expression of love and joy. Moreover, it is a

testimony of blessings received from God. It is sad that so many “churches” use the

occasion to raise funds just like the secular, business world does. Normally, gifts are given

to the one whose birthday it is. So what shall we say about a gift for Jesus? Give Him

your heart. There is no gift so precious to Him as a commitment of our very life – the life

He died to save.

FOR THOUGHT: What does Christmas mean primarily to you? What does it mean to the business community? What does it mean to some religious organizations?