"December 25"

“December 25”

Probably the most familiar date on the calendar is December 25. Before discussing the main reason for this permit me to cite some significant historical events which occurred on this day:

200 years ago (1818)—“Silent Night” was introduced at St. Nicholas Church in Oberndorf, Austria; Handel’s “Messiah” was performed for the first time in the U.S. in Boston.

150 years ago (1868)—President Andrew Johnson issued an unconditional pardon to all Confederates involved in the Civil War.

100 years ago (1918)—Anwar Sadat, President of Egypt who signed the Camp David Accord with Israel in 1978, was born. (This led to his assassination in October 1981.)

50 years ago (1968)—Astronauts Frank Borman, William Anders and James Lovell read from Genesis 1 and prayed while orbiting the moon aboard Apollo 8. (A lawsuit filed by Madelyn Murray O’Hair alleging violation of the First Amendment was dismissed by the Supreme Court.)

Other noteworthy happenings on December 25:

800—Charlemagne was crowned Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Leo III.

1066—The coronation of William the Conqueror as King of England.

1776—George Washington led the American Revolutionary Army across the Delaware River to Trenton where he defeated the Hessians (German soldiers contracted by the British).

1896—John Philip Sousa composed “The Stars and Stripes Forever”. (It was designated the National March of the U.S. by Congress in 1987.)

1991—Mikhail Gorbachev resigned as leader of the U.S.S.R. leading to its dissolution.

But by far the most important celebration on December 25 is the birth of Jesus Christ, God’s Promised Messiah. (The exact date is uncertain but in 336 the Roman Emperor Constantine designated this day to overshadow a pagan feast day.) Statistically 1 in 365 people is born on this date (I’ve known a few) but no one has made the impact Jesus did (and still does). He came “…to give his life to set many…free.” (Matthew 20:28, Phillips); “…to seek and to save those…who are lost.” (Luke 19:10, NLT); and “…to save the world….” (John 3:17). His mission from eternity past—His birth, life, death, resurrection and ascension—was planned by God “…to bring us safely home to (him).” (1 Peter 3:18, NLT).

We remember an old story on December 25 but it continues to bring new life and hope to all who believe its message. So celebrate Jesus on this (and every other) day.

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan