I understand that Jesus was not born on Dec.25. Where can I locate the actual date?

12/25/2009 5:50:06 PM by a.d, Member of Delve into Jesus since 12/25/2009

A.d

Please take a look at the question and answer posted here:

http://delveintojesus.com/questions/156/Why-Celebrate-Jesus-Birth-In-December.aspx

12/26/2009 12:35:53 PM by Michael Lane, Executive Director, Delve Christian Ministries

Here's another, more detailed explanation you might find interesting and informative:

http://www.bib-arch.org/e-features/christmas.asp

12/28/2009 5:47:06 PM by Michael Lane, Executive Director, Delve Christian Ministries

Thank you. Just looked at "bible-arch" briefly.(will read in detail when I'm not on the run).

Wouldn't it be nice for Christians to declare Christs' birth date on a different day than Dec.25th?
My thoughts are that one could participate in the gift of giving with friends and family on that day (if one chooses),
and that way the enemy would not be as successfull in making a Mockery of our Lord and Savior.

We would then truly have a celebration with less distractions on the designated day of His birthdate. It might even be less stressful that way!

12/29/2009 10:09:01 AM by a.d, Member of Delve into Jesus since 12/25/2009

A.D.

I'm torn on this one. On the one hand, I have a very hard time with what Christmas has become. I feel resentful that what was supposed to be a celebration of our Lord's birth has turned into something crass and commercial. I would love to reclaim it and turn it back into what it is supposed to be.....

on the other hand.....

Our church is usually about 80 percent full on any given Sunday. On the evening of the 24th, we were 120 percent full. Those additional people were there on perhaps the only night they will ever walk into a church that year. For that reason, in addition to a solid Christmas message, our Pastor also gave an impassioned plea that everyone needs to give their life to Jesus. No matter what Christmas means to those people, I'm just glad they were there to hear it. So, as long as Christmas retains some vestiges of Christian meaning, I'm glad for those who are exposed to it.

12/30/2009 8:33:29 AM by Michael Lane, Executive Director, Delve Christian Ministries

Michael.

You're absoluteley right, it is good for all to hear the Gospel.
For various reasons, Christmas, Easter, weddings, etc.., have always been an exellent forum for preachers to deliver the Word to all.

I suppose my idea of celebrating Christs' birthday separately, comes from a personal commitment I've made to try to be very diligent and aware of the enemies tactics.
I know, the battle is truly the Lord's, but I think we must also be bold on a daily basis as individuals, and stop hoping that non-believers and luke-warm Christians will attend on those special days so our Pastor's and church leaders can do the ministering.

I know you're not implying to not be bold Christians in everyday life.

Maybe I'm just ready to take my walk, to the next level.
Maybe I'm feeling a bit of personal guilt that I have not taken a stance on Christmas like I should. I used the fact that my family is a large crazy bunch as an excuse.
I know, no excuses.

12/30/2009 4:20:19 PM by a.d, Member of Delve into Jesus since 12/25/2009

I have loved Christmas my whole life, even before becoming a Christian. I used to love the hustle and bustle, the crowds and of course the presents. Then I fell in love with Christ and Christmas started tarnishing. I was becoming jaded and eventually filled with hatred for the crass commercialism that crowds earlier into the year with each passing season. It did not help when I began working retail, it made it much worse! Now I was the person that was forced to introduce Christmas into people's lives in August. In 1993 I wrote a two page commentary on what Christmas has become and read it to my whole family as my only gift to them that year. Needless to say most of them were not impressed, but one cousin came and talked to me during the meal and was asking questions about Christ. She became a believer that day. Where am I going with all of this I ask myself? I must say that some righteous anger, used with the leading of the Holy Spirit can work miracles at this time of year. I refuse to be pulled into the feeding frenzy that Christmas has become, but I do not begrudge it to those who don't know any better. Perhaps some righteous anger will get through to them some day as well. In the mean time my family and I will continue to have birthday cake for desert instead of pumpkin pie and will sing happy birthday at the table instead of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

I pray that your Christmas was a holy event for you and your family this past year, and that you will continue to be filled with righteous anger; this just might save someone near and dear to you.

Blessings upon you!

1/7/2010 10:35:10 PM by kcgodlyman, Member of Delve into Jesus since 6/17/2009