The Miracle of Christmas

by Aleta Kay



There seems to be a lot of confusion about this holiday. So let met attempt to clarify a few things. It is called CHRISTmas because it is the day set aside to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is not an X (yes, I’ve heard the story that early Christians used an X to symbolize their faith during times of persecution. Actually, they used the symbol of the fish because the first disciples called were fishermen and because Jesus said he would makes us fishers of men.

          Also, holiday is a combined word to mean holy day.

          I realize there are other celebrations for other cultures going on around this same time of year: Kwanza, Hanukkah, etc. However, around the world, for centuries, the 25^th day of December has been celebrated as the birth of Christ. I agree everyone has a right to celebrate their own traditions and holidays and festivals. But does that mean we have to cover up Christmas with other days? Why can’t Christians wish someone a merry Christmas? It doesn’t take away anyone else’s right to wish someone Happy Hanukkah or Happy Kwanza. Why are people so easily offended?

          There seems to be some confusion about whether or not Mary, the mother of Jesus, was a virgin. I know it sounds impossible. But if God could create the whole universe with a multitude of galaxies from nothing, if He could create man from the dust of the earth, woman from a rib, why would He not be able to plant His seed in a virtuous young woman who had never been with a man? How big, how mighty is your God? My God has no limits. There are things He will not do, such as override man’s will. He will not go against His own nature. He is consistent. He doesn’t change.

          There was another miracle even before Mary was overshadowed by the Holy Ghost and conceived Jesus. Her cousin, Elisabeth, well past child-bearing years, conceived in her old age. Her husband, Zachariah was a priest performing his duties in the temple when the angel came to him and announced that his barren wife would conceive. Zachariah could not imagine such a thing. He doubted and was struck dumb for nine months. The next words he uttered were at the birth of his son, John, when he pronounced his name.

          When Mary went to see Elisabeth, her cousin was in her sixth month of pregnancy. As soon as Elisabeth saw her, the baby in her womb leaped for joy and Elisabeth broke out in song and asked what the mother of her Lord was doing coming to her? She did not feel worthy to have the mother of the Lord Jesus Christ in her home. They rejoiced together.

         So you see, there were many miracles, some of which have been discussed in previous posts. The bottom line is: “The just shall live by faith: and if any draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” Hebrews 10:38.