People who discuss the birth of Jesus tend to go to one of two extremes. On the one hand, many look upon Jesus’ birth as the “essence of the gospel story,” the “crowning glory of God’s promises.” In the month of December they erect manger scenes, play “seasonal music,” and they speak of putting Christ back into Christmas. They celebrate Jesus’ birthday as though this is the paramount command of John 1:14 or Luke 2:11. Jesus as an infant, a child, is an object of adoration.
On the other hand there seems to be a growing number who want to block Jesus from their minds and set out to break drinking records during December. Some folk do not deny that Jesus lived – they just deny His deity, that He was born of a virgin. The “man” Jesus does not frighten them, but Jesus the Christ frightens them.
Several years ago a survey of preachers in various denominations revealed that almost a third totally denied His “virgin birth.” Numbers for their Seminary students were even worse, with three of four denying the “virgin birth of Jesus” as an established doctrine.
That is sad indeed, though not altogether surprising. When one is willing to ignore or reject one part of the Bible it should not be shocking to find that they deny another. Their denial, however, does no damage to the truth – it is true even if all men deny or reject it. Jesus was virgin born and is the very Son of God!
Extreme views can be correct, but both of these are seriously flawed. For example – the plea, “Let’s put Christ back into Christmas,” while perhaps well intended, implies that which is just not true. He never was “in” that man-made holiday. All scripture, “inspired of God,” gives us all things that “pertain to life and godliness,” 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:3, but gives us no information on celebrating His birth. Such a celebration of Jesus’ birth is never even suggested.
The “Christmas” of today has more pagan origin than the Bible. Look it up for yourself. You will find not one Bible word about observing the birthday of Jesus. The resurrection of Jesus – yes – but not the birth. Giving gifts and singing “Jingle Bells” is one thing, but those who respect God’s word and authority will neither add to nor subtract from that word. That brings us to the subject of Jesus’ “virgin” birth.
Of course a “virgin” birth requires a belief in that which is above and beyond the natural birth process. The Bible says that Jesus’ birth was not just an ordinary birth, but one that was beyond nature. Note these verses of scripture on this subject:
- “The Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”
Isaiah 7:14
- “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. ‘And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins. So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: ‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,’ which is translated‘God with us.’” Matthew 1:20-23
- “Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, ‘Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!’ But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.’ Then Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I do not know a man?’ And the angel answered and said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will over shadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.” Luke 1:26-35
In these passages of scripture, was it not clear that Mary was a virgin when Jesus was born – and that His birth was an event outside the realm of the normal, the usual. In other words – supernatural.
Having read those previous scriptures, do you see any mention of observing a birthday or holiday?
We should not be surprised that men in many parts of the world deny His deity, deny His words and His deeds. Why do they do so? Is it because the Bible is not clear? Have we been fools, believing that which is not true? No, these passages are true and have often been objectively verified.
Though some reject Him, and do so vigorously, we must be even more aggressive in our faith and in our holy living. Yes, He was virgin born, and I thank God He was born; but we know not when nor do we have any authority to celebrate His “birthday”.
Let us be full of faith and courage, standing firm for the truth of the gospel, whatever the cost!
