When was the Christ child born?

We don’t know exactly when the Christ child was born. Both the year and the day are questionable.

Many biblical scholars believe that he was born between 6 B.C. and 4 B.C.. Some say that he was actually a Spring baby and that the December 25th date was merely an attempt to “convert” an established pagan holiday to suit Christian purposes.

We may not know exactly when he was born, but we do know that His arrival and presence here on earth has had amazing impact according to both scriptural and historical accounts. I can personally attest to His transformational impact upon my own life!

The babe appearing in the manger was just God’s way of saying, “It’s on!” The plan for the redemption of mankind had just begun. It was, however, only through Christ’s sinless life, horrific death, and ultimate resurrection that God’s plan of redemption was fulfilled. Salvation from a Godless eternity is now available to anyone who proclaims the Lordship of Christ and believes in their hearts that He was raised from the dead (Romans 10:9,10).

There is nothing more beautiful or powerful than a sin-hating, people-loving, pure, unadulterated Jesus! It’s important to understand that He came to earth to save us, not condemn us. To know Him is to recognize the embrace of one who loves us even when we present ourselves in repulsively unlovable ways.

To know Him, I mean really know Him, is to experience incomprehensible peace in the midst of every storm. To know Him is to reciprocate His love for us by paying it forward. It is to genuinely appreciate Him in word and deed. To know Him deeply is to experience His presence and enter into the fullness of joy. It is to yield to His plan for our lives and find meaning and purpose that can be found nowhere else.

We are here for a reason, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10). By the divine empowerment of the Holy Spirit, we are to carry on the work of Jesus until He returns for His beloved bride (i.e., the Church).

Carry on, Church! Forgive somebody. Love somebody. Comfort somebody. Help somebody in their time of need. Love the poor. Seek justice. Point the way to Jesus, and never forget to give Him the Glory! Bear much fruit on His behalf, always remembering that apart from Him we can do nothing of lasting significance ( John 15:5).

Merry Christmas!