2007! What we should be reminded of each New Year. December 28, 2006
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As each New Year rolls around I can’t help but think about the mental ‘gear-shifting’ that will be required to live in a New Year (e.g., writing ’2007′ on bank checks, letters, invoices, receipts, etc.). And just about the time I’ve got it down I find we’re again creeping up to another new year change. What I also think about each new year—as I’m sure many followers of Jesus do—is the significance of the modern world using Anno Domini (In the Year of our Lord) to delineate one year from another. (more…)
The “Immaculate Conception” might not be what you think December 25, 2006
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I recently offered a poll on this blog which asked, “Whose birth does the ‘Immaculate Conception’ refer to?” The three possible answers were: (1) John the Baptist, (2) Jesus, or (3) Mary. Of the 49 responses given at the time of this post, 12 % answered “Mary,” while 88% said “Jesus.” The minority are correct. The “Immaculate Conception” refers not to the birth of Jesus, but to the birth of Mary. While Protestants recognize the virgin birth of Jesus (and therefore, his freedom from the consequences of original sin), we don’t assert that Jesus’ mother Mary was conceived in an immaculate or sinless manner. However, Mary’s immaculate conception is an article of faith for the Roman Catholic Church. The idea is that “the Mother of God [Mary] did not have original sin at her conception nor did she acquire elements of original sin in the development of her life, whereas all other human beings have original sin from their conception due to the fall of Adam” (Evangelical Dictionary of Theology).
How did this belief come about? I don’t seem to remember reading anything in the Bible about Mary’s sinlessness . . . do I?
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The skeletons in Jesus’ closet December 23, 2006
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Of the four gospel accounts of Jesus’ life, both Matthew and Luke offer genealogies of Jesus lineage. The two genealogies have differing emphases, one tracing itself back to key figures like David and Abraham, the other going all the way back to Adam. While there are varying theories, explanations, and purposes of the two accounts, their primary goal is to demonstrate the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy regarding the coming Messiah in the person of Jesus. However, as I’ve been reading over Matthew’s nativity record this Christmas, I’ve been reminded of the bothersome inclusions made by Matthew that let a few skeletons out of Jesus’ closet. (more…)
What Joseph sacrificed that first Christmas December 8, 2006
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I don’t pretend to presume that Joseph (Jesus’ earthly father/guardian) gave up or suffered more than did his bride, Mary, with the announcement and the ensuing events of Jesus’ odd conception and birth. But being a dad myself—and since not a whole lot is written about Joseph—I’ve been thinking about him lately as I’ve been reading through Matthew’s birth narrative (Matthew 1:18-2:23). Joseph seems to have loved this young girl, to whom he was betrothed to be married. The evidence of this love leaks out in his tender response to the alarming news of Mary’s pregnancy—a pregnancy he knew he had nothing to do with (other options could have been public stoning or at least public disgrace and ridicule). But out of this temperate heart, he didn’t seek these more publicly scorning alternatives. Rather his intent was to divorce her quietly and without shame (Mt 1:19). And he would have done so had it not been for his obedience to the heavenly dreams. What has especially impacted me is what all Joseph was willing to sacrifice as part and parcel of this announcement. (more…)
Why do people use “Xmas” instead of “Christmas?” December 1, 2006
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I often hear Christians, with the best of intentions, say, “Using ‘Xmas’ is tying to X out ‘Christ’ from Christmas!” However, nothing could be further from the truth. The title “Christ,” or more accurately “Christos,” is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew word “Messiah.” And in Greek, the first letter in the word “Christos” is “X”? (pronounced “chi” with a “k” sound). It was in Europe during the 1500s that Christians began to use “X” to refer to “Christ” in the word “Christmas.” Likewise, you may have even seen an ancient Christian symbol of what looks like a capital ”P” overlayed by an “X.” It’s called the Chi Rho, which are the first two Greek letters in the title, “Christos.”
So, rather than being upset when you see “Xmas,” let it all the more remind you of the person who is represented by that “X”—Jesus the Christ. I myself am also reminded of the similar emblem of the cross.
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