On December 25th, much of the world celebrates Christmas as the birth date of Christ Jesus of Nazareth.  Now, this is a tradition, but not anchored accurately in facts.  The Bible gives the account on the birth of Christ on this wise:

            The account of His birth is in Luke 2:1-16,

1  And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 

 2  (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

 3  And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

 4  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

 5  To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

 6  And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

 7  And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

 8  And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 

 9  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

 10  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

 11  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

 12  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

 13  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

 14  Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

 15  And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 

 16  And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

            Now, it stands to reason that no ruler would command his people to travel long distances to pay taxes in the winter, as the weather in Jerusalem on December 25th is winter, just like it is in mid-America, as it is on roughly the same longitude.  And yet “tradition” has the birth of Jesus at this time, when most likely it was in the fall.  However, the Bible doesn’t tell us the date, so it tells me that God wasn’t really concerned about it, or He would have revealed it to us exactly.

            And also in Matthew 1:18-25, 2:1-16,

 18  Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

 19  Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

 20  But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 

 21  And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 

 22  Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

 23  Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 

 24  Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

 25  And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

1  Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

 2  Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

 3  When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

 4  And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

 5  And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

 6  And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. 

 7  Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

 8  And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

 9  When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

 10  When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

 11  And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. 

 12  And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

 13  And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

 14  When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:

 15  And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

            In verse 11, we see Joseph, Mary, and Jesus were no longer in a manger, but their house.  He was probably about two years old at this point, as Herod commanded the death of all males born, two years and under.  But the date is not important.  What IS important, is that He was born in human form, as the greatest gift man has ever been given, born to die as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of mankind, including yours and mine.

Society has turned December 25th into a day of giving and receiving gifts, and somewhat forgetting the One who gave us the greatest gift of all time: SALVATION!  Now, the Jews don’t celebrate December 25th as the birth of Christ, because that wasn’t when He was born, and they know it.

What is really important that God wants YOU to know is this: It is written in Revelation 21:12-17, that it is MOST important for you to believe upon Christ Jesus and receive Him as YOUR LORD and Savior.  He WANTS you to receive His gift, so freely given, because He loves you!  It’s human nature to put things off, but none of us know when “our” expiration date is, it could be in 30 seconds, or many years.  But the point is, there WILL be a time when it will be TOO LATE to receive the gift of everlasting life, so you need to make sure it is done NOW, while you are still alive.  The one putting off receiving Christ Jesus, never receiving Him, loses everything.  Don’t YOU be one of them!  Let’s read from the last book in the Bible, Revelation 21:12-17,

12  And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

 13  I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

 14  Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

 15  For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

 16  I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

 17  And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

            Pay close attention to verse 17; it says WHOSOEVER WILL, LET HIM TAKE THE WATER OF LIFE FREELY!  You are a “whosoever”.  It doesn’t matter what your past is, you’re STILL a “whosoever”, and eligible to be saved.  Don’t let the greatest gift ever given to mankind escape you!  TAKE IT FREELY!  NOW!

You’ll sure be glad on that judgment day that you took Him up on His offer!  Imagine: the greatest gift ever, all wrapped up and presented….to YOU!