Confidence, Endurance, Promise- Hebrews 10:35-36
In the tenth chapter of Hebrews, we are given a summary,
a guideexplaining what we are given through the power of the Christ Child who as
promised came on that midnight clear. Using the Holy Words of Hebrews
as a template we visited the story of Advent through the eyes of those who
were witnesses of the promise and birth of the Messiah. Zechariah a priest,
was told to name his son John who, a prophet of the Most High Priest,
Jesus. As our High Priest, Jesus broke down all barriers between us and
God’s presence. Then Gabriel told Mary that she would be in the presence
of God in a way and manner that first would confuse her, alarm her and
ultimately bring her to surrender in humility and wonder to God’s will.
We listened in as Joseph, Mary’s betrothed learned information that at first
rocked his hope for himself and in his God. We observed the Innkeeper
who found a way to provide a bed, a manger, for the Child, stirring up the
world forever with his hospitality. The Shepherds’ quiet night was
shattered with a personal received announcement of truth and
encouragement, with the angel’s words, “For Unto You.” Today, the scene
we see is the shepherds gathered in the stable surrounding Joseph, Mary
and the baby wrapped in “swaddling clothes” lying in a manager.
Look closely. Lying in that manager is the promise given by God that gives
us confidence and endurance of life eternal.
Question: Why was Dec. 25th chosen as the birthdate of Christ?
Answer: No date is given in the Bible, so why do we celebrate it on the 25th December? The first recorded date of Christmas being celebrated on December 25th was in 336, during the time of the Roman Emperor Constantine (he was the first Christian Roman Emperor). A very early Christian tradition why Christmas is celebrated on December 25th.is that Mary was told that she would have a very special baby, Jesus (called the Annunciation) was on March 25th. Nine months after the 25th March is the 25th December!
