Misconceptions About Jesus’ Birth

   At the end of this month, on December 25th, millions of people around the world will celebrate the birth of Jesus. Although it is certainly good that so many are drawn to think about Jesus, it is unfortunate that unscriptural misconceptions about His birth and gospel are spread.

Some of these misconceptions are quite minor. For example, according to Gregorian calendar which we all use, Jesus was born in the year 0. The calculations of the monk (Dionysius Exiguus) who laid the foundations for the calendar were inaccurate, however; thus, Jesus was actually born somewhere between 7-4 B.C. Also, there is no evidence that Jesus was born on December 25th, which was a date set in the 4th century with no Scriptural foundation whatsoever.

Although inaccurate and arbitrary calendar dates are not extremely significant, some misunderstandings of Jesus’ birth are more serious. For instance, Mary’s role in Jesus’ birth has given rise to several false teachings about her. For example, some teach that she remained a life-long virgin, despite the fact that Scripture speaks of Jesus’ brothers and sisters (Matthew 13.55-56) and that Joseph only kept Mary a virgin “until she had given birth to a son” (Matthew 1.25). Although Mary was certainly a godly and submissive young woman who enjoyed an honorable part in God’s plan, Scripture does not place her on a pedestal. In fact, during Jesus’ own lifetime, some mistakenly elevated her position and were corrected. In Luke 11.27-28, an unnamed woman in the crowd “raised her voice” and blessed Jesus’ mother when she heard Jesus’ teachings. In response to this, Jesus replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Luke 11.28).

Perhaps the most serious misconception about Jesus’ birth lies in the misplaced emphasis on the birth event itself. There is no doubt that Jesus’ birth was a glorious occasion, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, and the cause of angelic rejoicing. Jesus’ birth, however, was not the crowning event of His life. Interestingly, only two of the four gospels record His birth, but all four contain accounts of His death and subsequent resurrection from the dead. Significantly, Jesus did not command his followers to celebrate His birth, but He did command a remembrance of His death (Luke 22.19).

When we observe the patterns of early Christians in the New Testament, we find no example of a birth celebration. We do, however, find evidence that the disciples regularly commemorated the Lord’s Supper every first day of the week (Acts 2.42, 20.7). By routinely presenting Jesus as a helpless baby in a manger, many forget that baby Jesus grew up to conquer sin and death (Hebrews 2.14), receive all power and authority from His Father (Matthew 28.18), and reign at God’s right hand (Hebrews 8.1). Yes, Jesus’ birth was a gift to this world. But do not forget what Jesus was born into this world to do!         Nathan