Monthly Archives: December 2010

Who is God?

Christmas Tree and the Bible

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One proof text used by many against Christmas is Jeremiah 10:2-4. In these verses, it is claimed that a Christmas tree is mentioned in the Bible and that God is against it and the keeping of Christmas. Is this really so? Does God hate Christmas and its celebration? Is this really biblical proof positive? Let’s examine this chapter.

How to Read the Bible

In one of my blogs on Bible Interpretation 101, I wrote that it is important to get the context. One needs to get the background or context behind the verse or verses under question in order to get a more accurate interpretation. One needs to get the immediate context and the larger context in order to see a complete picture of what is being discussed.

Christmas Tree and Jeremiah 10

Instead of me explaining it, here’s an article that explains Jeremiah 10 very clearly. This article explains what Jeremiah 10:2-4 really means in its proper context. This is the correct way to interpret Jeremiah 10. Those who claim that Jeremiah 10 speaks against Christmas are totally in error in their understanding and interpretation of Scripture. Here then is the article, Jeremiah 10 and Christmas Trees.

Jesus is Immanuel!

Those who claim that Christmas is not the exact date of Christ’s birth and makes a big fuss about it is missing the point. The incarnation — God becoming flesh — is the most important event and the greatest miracle that even happened. The angels rejoiced at the birth of Christ! Shouldn’t we too? Who cares about the date? We celebrate because Jesus is Immanuel! We celebrate because “the God who saves” is “God with us.”

Suggested Reading

Here are some more links giving more information on Christmas:

Who is God?

The Christmas Message

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Some 2,000 years ago, the greatest miracle happened. “The Word became flesh…and dwelt among us” (John 1:1, 14). When Christ was born in Bethlehem, the incarnation happened, the Word became flesh! And through the incarnation, the divine and human are united in Christ — atonement! The atonement did not just happen on the cross! It happened even earlier, when Christ was born!

The Christmas Message: Jesus is Immanuel!

Thomas F. Torrance
“Christ in our place and Christ for us in every respect” —Thomas F. Torrance

According to theologian Thomas F. Torrance, there are two facts that are important to remember. He said that in the gospels, there are two names that were given to the Savior namely: 1) Jesus and, 2) Immanuel. Jesus means “The God who saves” while Immanuel means “God with us.” This is the Christmas message.

The God who saves (Jesus) is God with us (Immanuel)! In other words, Jesus is Immanuel! This is so filled with meaning. Through the incarnation, mankind is now forever in union with the Lord Jesus. And that changes everything. He became our representative and substitute. He stood for us. He vicariously (in our place) lived and died for us. Paul said, “I live, yet not I but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). He assumed our humanity. He died instead of us, in our place, for our sins. And he lived a righteous life for us too. By becoming one of us, by living a righteous life on our behalf, His righteousness became our righteousness. Through Christ’s birth (incarnation), life, death, resurrection and ascension, we now have been included in God’s life and love! We now have reconciliation. We now have redemption through our Lord Jesus Christ!

The Good News!

This is something worth thinking about. Christmas is a wonderful time to celebrate our redemption! God is inviting you and me to believe it, accept it and enjoy life and love in Jesus! The good news is that you are already loved, included and accepted! Will you accept your acceptance in Him? This is the good news!