"Six Christmas Questions"

 

“Six Christmas Questions”

 

I had a science teacher in eighth grade of whom I have less than fond memories even after 65+ years. (My brother was assigned to one of his classes three years later and his opinion echoes mine.) But tucked in among the things I didn’t appreciate about him was a positive thought that’s stuck with me: his drumming into his students the investigative questions of who, what, where, when, why and how. Keeping them in mind has helped me analyze and understand many issues over the years, including my study of Scripture.

As we enter another Christmas season many questions come to mind such as what to buy for whom, whether to travel or stay home, what will be served for dinner and, most importantly, how will it all be paid for? But these pale in comparison to how Jesus fits in (if He does at all)—after all, the day is called (dare I say it?) CHRISTmas!

Some months back I read the Christmas story in a book of devotional thoughts on the life of Christ. And God put the simple words of inquiry posed by my teacher of long ago into my mind surrounding His Son’s birth and its significance. So here are the six Christmas questions and the answers God gives in His Word:

*Who of Christmas? It’s all about the birth of Jesus, Whose name means Savior (“…{Mary} gave birth to a son, And {{Joseph} gave him the name Jesus.”—Matthew 1:25).

*What of Christmas? God took human form in Jesus while retaining His Deity (“The Word {i.e. Jesus} became flesh and lived for a while among us,”—John 1:14).

*Where of Christmas? The place of the Messiah’s birth was prophesied centuries before it took place (“But you, Bethlehem…Are not least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.”—Matthew 2:6, NKJV, quoting Micah 5:2).

*When of Christmas? Jesus came to earth at a time God had planned and prepared (“…When the time arrived that was set by God the Father, God sent His Son….”—Galatians 4:4, TM).

*Why of Christmas? Jesus came to bring God’s salvation to all (“…The Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.”—1 John 4:9).

*How of Christmas? Jesus was born in a way no one before or since has been (“The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel—which means ‘God with us”.”—Matthew 1:23, taken from Isaiah 7:14, emphasis added).

Do your answers to these questions agree with God’s? If not whose have to change? But before answering remember Psalm 119:89: “Your word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.” (Emphasis added).

 

Grace, Blessings and Merry Christmas!

Jim McMillan