Is Christmas a Hoax? A mass dilusion of spiritual deception? An elaborate scheme of manipulation? A religious fable? If so, where does that leave Christians today?
In moments of reflection, many Christians have asked this question. I have. Because times of doubt are common in the Christian faith. And a favorite tool of our adversary.
Some people suggest that if the Christmas story isn’t true, the Christian lifestyle still presents a meaningful, moral framework for life. And therefore, worth following. But the Apostle Paul rejects that idea.
And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. (ESV, 1 Corinthians 15:14, 19)
In other words, if the birth of Jesus Christ two thousand years ago is simply a feel good story with a moral lesson, a Santa Claus inspired holiday celebration, and a menu of new Hallmark movies, Christians should be pitied. Because we follow a lie. A worthless faith. And the hope of eternal redemption is a grave illusion.
Therefore, I am all in on Jesus Christ and celebrating the meaning of his birth. And hold on to three reminders for Christmas hope.
Is Christmas a hoax? Christmas is faith in a historical event
“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (ESV, Hebrews 11:6)
The birth of Jesus Christ is a historical event. It was prophesied 700 years before it occurred and the historical facts surrounding it are undisputed. The Christian faith supplies the “why.”
It’s because humanity is relationally separated from God because of sin. And we cannot fix or save ourselves. So Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to live a perfect life and die as a sacrifice for those sins. Those who believe in Jesus and confess him as savior and lord are forgiven of their sins and granted eternal life in heaven.
Still, it requires faith. Either you believe or don’t. Furthermore, Jesus shouldn’t be considered simply a good man or moral teacher. Because he claimed to be God. So if he wasn’t, he was something else. Since history factually records Jesus’ birth it can’t be dismissed as a fairy tale. But your response to those events involves faith.
Is Christmas a hoax? The Word of God is Absolute truth
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (ESV, 2 Timothy 3:16)
God’s Word is absolute truth. A solid foundation to build your life on. And a common point of reference for everyone. Otherwise it’s your truth versus my truth and how do we ever agree on anything? Because eventually our truths will collide and then what? The truth backed by the biggest gun wins?
Without absolute truth life is a potpourri of human opinion riding a cultural tide that pulls you into a choppy sea of confusion. With nothing to hold you fast.
The absolute truth of Scripture anchors my beliefs. And provides sure footing that informs my faith. Its message is consistent and reliable for purposeful living. And while I must still exercise faith, it is not blind but based on evidence. And offers an eternal future.
Is Christmas a hoax? A Community of Faithful Followers Offers Assurance
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. (ESV, Hebrews 11:1-3)
Rather than ask, “How can so many people be deceived?” I ask, “How can so many people be wrong?” And, “why would anyone suffer or die for a something that isn’t true?”
In addition, I gather weekly with a local body of fellow believers. Broken and imperfect. Yet, positive and uplifting. A community driven by love and seasoned with grace that gives and receives assurance. Furthermore, we are unified by worship. Bonded in the fellowship of God’s Spirit in mutual encouragement and support. In short, doing life together.
And Christmas brings it all together with joy and hope.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (ESV, Luke 2:11)
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
The Christian faith in simple words
Christianity for the Average Joe explains the core beliefs of Christianity in clear, everyday language—without theological jargon or confusing religious talk. But in a friendly, conversational tone of voice.
The Christmas story satisfies these longings of the heart. The search for significance, the desire for completeness, and the yearning for peace. We ponder these longings, among others, in quiet solitude. And perhaps share intimate thoughts about them with a few close friends. Yet, wonder why they are so scarce in our world today.
Here’s how the Christmas story speaks into them.
The Christmas story satisfies these longings of the heart. The search for significance.
Does my life matter? How can I make a difference? What is my legacy?
These ultimate questions frequently surface during the Christmas season. Because the Christmas story is about ultimate meaning. It’s a time of warmth and celebration for people surrounded by close friends and families. But lonely and full of despair for others. When you wonder if anyone cares. If there’s any real meaning to life. And contemplate your significance in it.
And the Christmas story shouts, “God cares!”
Because the story is about a God who created you. Who loves you so deeply he came to the rescue in human form. To demonstrate the depths of his love and how you can live a meaningful, abundant life that lasts forever.
The Christmas story satisfies these longings of the heart. The desire for completeness.
Of course, in honest moments, we acknowledge the brokenness in our world. Broken within each of us. And despite our best efforts, we can’t fix it.
And so perhaps, we avoid thinking about it. Shrug our shoulders and say, “well, nobody’s perfect.” Which is true. Or maybe extol our virtues to make ourselves feel more complete. Still, it’s all woefully inadequate.
But here’s the good news of the Christmas story. Because what is broken is our relationship with God. And the Savior, Christ the Lord, came to restore it. What’s missing within us is His presence. It’s what makes you complete. A gift he grants when you simply ask for it.
The Christmas story satisfies theses longings of the heart. The yearning for peace
The angels announced his arrival by singing, “Peace on earth goodwill toward men.” And yet violence surrounds us. Along with war. Injustice. Rage. And you’re wondering…just where is that peace anyway?
The answer begins with you and me. You see, peace from a Biblical perspective is not simply a lack of conflict. Or a quest for inner tranquility. Peace is represented by a right relationship that begins with God. And then others.
And Jesus is the key to that relationship. The lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Through Jesus our broken relationship with God is restored. And from there we can restore our relationships with others. One relationship at a time. It is the only path to true peace.
May these longings be satisfied and your life filled with joy this Christmas season through Jesus Christ the Lord.
The Christmas Baby Jesus came on a mission. And the reasons for it are not just important. But the difference between life and death. Here are three of them.
The Christmas Baby Jesus Came To Establish A Kingdom
But it was not an earthly kingdom as most expected. And this was hard for people of that day to see and understand. Because there was no royal reception. Expensive pomp and splendor. Or Red carpet treatment.
Instead, the Christmas baby Jesus humbly arrived in a common stable for animals. And greeted by shepherds–the lowest class of social standing. But bathed in the glory of God.
For it was a humble beginning followed by a ministry of service that ended in a sacrificial death and resurrection. And that brought more confusion and misunderstanding. Until finally, the truth of his kingdom broke through like the dawning light of a new day. And it changed everything.
For the new kingdom that Jesus established was spiritual. And the throne he ruled within the human heart.
The Christmas Baby Jesus Came To Rescue Us
Jesus came because the world is broken. Because we are broken. And sinners who are helpless to fix it. Therefore, we need a savior. And Jesus came as that savior. God’s Son in human form. The only one who could live a perfect life. And qualified as a perfect sacrifice to save us.
But many people still reject this idea. Convinced that we can fix the world. And fix ourselves too. By simply trying harder. Tapping the power within us. And following the path of enlightenment to become our true, godlike self.
However, Jesus said, “no you can’t.” And claimed to be God’s exclusive solution. The only solution to sin. A gift you receive by invitation. By believing and acting on faith. And making a choice to follow him.
The Christmas Baby Jesus Came To Offer Grace
Grace is an eternal game changer. Granted by asking God’s forgiveness of sin. Received as a gift from Jesus.
And it’s absolutely amazing! Why? Because you can’t earn it. Don’t deserve it. Yet, God offers it in infinite measure.
Through the Christmas Baby Jesus, God’s grace pours over you like a fresh, cleansing shower. And washing away the old. Which makes you new. And reclaims a spiritual relationship blocked by sin. The transformation into a child of God.
It’s here you discover that submission is not subjugation. And walking with Jesus is the path of true freedom. Because of the joy the angels sang about that first Christmas day 2,000 years ago. And it’s a joy you now share.
Mary makes Christmas extraordinary. Why? Obviously because she gave birth to Jesus Christ. But more importantly, what makes that birth significant. Here are three things Mary’s story reveals that make it not just extraordinary, but a divine event.
Mary Makes Christmas Extraordinary By Fulfilling Prophecy
Around 700 years before Christ, Isaiah prophesized about a coming Messiah. Not just one prophesy, but a number of them. About his birth, ministry and death. Many were very specific. Including the one about the Messiah’s birth.
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. –Isaiah 7:14
The story of the Messiah’s birth is recorded in the book of Luke. In the first chapter, an angel appears to Mary while she was betrothed to Joseph. In Jewish law, this means she and Joseph were legally married, but had not yet come together as husband and wife.
Luke identifies Mary as a virgin and Mary confirms it after the angel delivers his message to her. And what a message!
He tells her she will give birth to a son and should name him Jesus. He will be called Son of the Most High. And he will rule an eternal kingdom.
Wow! That’s a lot to take in all at once for a young girl probably 12 to 14 years old. And so she asks an obvious question. One that confirms the prophecy of Isaiah.
“How can this be since I am a virgin?”
Mary Makes Christmas Extraordinary By Bearing A Holy Son
Scripture tells us that Jesus was born for a specific mission. To sacrifice his life for our sins. But in order to qualify as a sacrifice, he had to be perfect. Which means his birth could not be ordinary. It had to be extraordinary.
Why?
Because after Adam and Eve sinned, all the following generations were conceived in sin. And therefore we all sin. I know, sounds confusing. But simply put, we are all trapped in sin. And can’t get out by ourselves.
And since only God is completely holy, only God can conceive a holy son. Which he accomplished through Jesus Christ.
Mary Makes Christmas Extraordinary Through Her Trust And Submission
But now, Mary’s reputation is on the line. To announce her pregnancy before her marriage to Joseph was legally complete would cause a scandal. And if Joseph denied being the father, it could mean divorce and even death by stoning.
She had reason to fear for her life. And the life of her baby. What if Joseph rejected her? What would she do? Where would she go? How would she support herself and her child?
Questions probably swirled through her mind like a raging storm. There was a lot to consider. To worry about. And yet, she demonstrated an extraordinary faith. And a response that demonstrated trust and submission.
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”
I’m sure it wasn’t as easy as those words appear. There had to be uncertainty. Confusion. Fear. But she pressed forward. Believing that God was faithful. That he had her back
So Mary faithfully bore and gave birth to the world’s savior. Raised him. Served with him in ministry. And stood beside him faithfully as he sacrificed his life. She was an extraordinary woman. Who introduced the most extraordinary gift to the world.
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