| The other day I watched the movie A Christmas in Vermont in one scene a man and woman were having dinner. The man said, “Christmas is just a commercialized holiday designed to separate you from your wallet.” I can understand why some people would hold that view. Christmas has become a season of bright lights and gift giving. Many people have lost sight of its original meaning which is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The tradition of gift giving comes from the actions of the Magi who took presents to the baby Jesus. The prophesies of Jesus birth were told years before his birth. As we approach the celebration of Christ’s birth, I would like to point out the prophecies that were given and fulfilled concerning his birth. Isaiah 7:14 New American Standard Bible 1995 “14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a [a]virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name [b]Immanuel.” Prophetic date 732–716 B.C. Luke 1:26-31 New American Standard Bible 1995 “26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin [a]engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the [b]descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was [c]Mary. 28 And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, [d]favored one! The Lord [e]is with you.” 29 But she was very perplexed at this statement and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was. 30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.” Suggested Writing Period between 59-89 A.D. Micah 5:2-3 New American Standard Bible 1995 “2 “[a]But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. [b]His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity.” 3 Therefore He will give them up until the time When she who is in labor has borne a child. Then the remainder of His brethren Will return to the sons of Israel.” Prophetic date 750-686 B.C. Matthew 2:1-16 New American Standard Bible 1995 “2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, [a]magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 2 “ Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the [b]Messiah was to be born. 5 They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written [c]by the prophet: 6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, Are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; For out of you shall come forth a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’” Suggested Writing Period 50-79 A.D. Jeremiah 31:15 New American Standard Bible 1995 “15 Thus says the Lord, “A voice is heard in Ramah, Lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children; She refuses to be comforted for her children, Because they are no more.” Prophetic date 640-586 B.C. Matthew 2:17-18 New American Standard Bible 1995 “17 Then what had been spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: 18 “A voice was heard in Ramah, Weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; And she refused to be comforted, Because they were no more.” Suggested Writing Period 50-79 A.D. As December 25 approaches how do you view Christmas? Is “Christmas is just a commercialized holiday designed to separate you from your wallet?” Do you honor its original significance? The cited prophecies and historical data are true and accurate. There were many more prophesies concerning Jesus Christ. The prophesies regarding his first coming were fulfilled. Picture by Jonny Gios/Unsplash | |