𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐬

Christmas is an attempt to honor the wonder that Luke records. The birth of Yeshua is announced with glory in the heavens and hope on the earth. Angels proclaim “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14 NKJV). Shepherds hurry to Bethlehem and find the newborn King just as they were told (Luke 2:15–20). When believers try to set aside a feast or a family day to remember this moment, they are simply trying to shape this sacred story into something they can practice with gratitude and joy.

Many of our friends have been wounded by arguments rooted in Alexander Hislop’s The Two Babylons (1853, 1858). The claims in that book have been widely discredited, and the confusion has harmed the unity of the Body. The Scriptures call us to avoid falsehood and to cling to what is true. “Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor’” (Ephesians 4:25). We also guard our hearts from bitterness or pride. “Keep your heart with all diligence” (Proverbs 4:23). The Spirit keeps forming us into people who walk in the light and reject the works of darkness (Ephesians 5:8–11).

Even when we know the truth, we still take time to purify our lives and our traditions. We do not allow isolation, arrogance, or hostility toward Judaism or toward the תּוֹרָה / Torah to grow in us. Scripture tells us that the enemy works through deception (Revelation 12:9) and that God calls His people to humility and repentance (James 4:6–8). As we grow, we hope to be spared harsh correction when Yeshua returns, for “each of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12).

Until that day, we show mercy. We pray for those who oppose us. Yeshua said, “Love your enemies… and pray for those who spitefully use you” (Matthew 5:44). He also said that even those who speak against Him may find forgiveness (Matthew 12:31). If He can extend mercy at that level, then we can forgive those who, out of confusion or fear, spoke harshly against us.

As for the date, I truly do not care when someone celebrates the birth of our Lord. Scripture never commands a date, only the worship of the One who was born. Some early believers fixed December 25 for thoughtful reasons, long before Constantine. What matters is not the calendar but the fruit. “You will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16). If a celebration of Luke 2 leads to love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23), then praise God.

So let’s pray for a fresh revival of these gifts in our homes and in our communities. Let’s honor the birth of Yeshua in a way that reflects His heart.