By Andy Waits
Matthew 1–2; Luke 2
On Christmas morning many families gather together and read the Christmas story. Matthew 1–2 and Luke 2 recount one of the most marvelous and miraculous events in history. The second person of the Trinity, Jesus Christ, stepped out of heaven, took on flesh and was born of a virgin.
Theologians call this the doctrine of the incarnation (God permanently taking on real human flesh).
The story of the Messiah’s birth is one of great joy and triumph. While few knew the magnitude of the moment during those days, today we reflect, pondering all God has done for His people and the massive role Christ’s birth has played in each of our own lives.
Our redemption
For the believer Christmas is not about trees, lights or gifts. It’s not about memories. It’s not even about family. Christmas is about our redemption. It’s a time we pause to worship, remembering we are wretched sinners but Christ is a wonderful Savior.
When you think of that night, where does your mind go?
What do you think it was like?
If we are honest, the most authentic picture we can paint in our mind is that of a manger scene.
In 1223 A.D., St. Francis of Assisi created the first nativity scene with the intention of visually telling the story of the Messiah’s birth.
While it is a great object lesson, we must remember that the nativity was much different than we often assume. Too many times we impose our American ideas and traditions upon the biblical text.
The historical context of the first-century and the grammatical structure of the birth narrative must guide our understanding.
We must allow the Bible to speak for itself, not make it say what we assume or have always been taught.
Important questions
So what is the real Christmas story? While most of us understand the basic plot, a few details need to be corrected.
A careful reading of the two accounts of Jesus’ birth reveals answers to several important questions.
How long were Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem? Mary and Joseph had been in Bethlehem for some time before Jesus was born, most likely staying with family (Luke 2:6: “while they were there …”).
Sadly the story is often told from a flawed perspective that they were hurried in their travels and immediately after entering the small town were turned away by the innkeeper.
Was there an innkeeper?
What about the innkeeper? Part of the traditional Christmas story focuses on the heartless innkeeper turning away Mary and Joseph as she was about to go into labor. I have even heard sermons on the innkeeper.
But the Bible does not mention an innkeeper. Also, the word Luke uses for inn is not the normal word for motel but rather translated guest room in a person’s home.
Where was Jesus actually born? A house in Bethlehem was similar to houses at the beach today.
The first floor was open to the elements, housing the family animals. The second story was the living quarters. It is probable Jesus was born on the first floor of a family member’s home where the animals were kept (hence, the feeding trough He was laid in).
Was anyone else present at Jesus’ birth? Nativity scenes suggest Mary and Joseph were alone when Jesus was born, surrounded only by animals.
While we won’t know for sure on this side of heaven, there is a greater possibility that they were surrounded by family when Christ entered the world. The family home they were staying in would have been very small (the average home was 24 feet wide and 15 feet tall). It would have been almost impossible for a family member to be in labor and keep it a secret.
How many wise men were there and when did they arrive? Traditionally, the church assumed there were three because of the three different gifts given to Jesus. However, the Bible doesn’t give a number. There could have been 10 or 20 or even 100.
We also know from the timing of their arrival that they did not visit the nativity the night Jesus was born; rather they appeared two years later.
Jesus’ true father
Who was Jesus’ father? I have heard several preachers say Jesus was an illegitimate child and had no biological father.
However, a careful reading of Scripture reveals the correct answer to this question:
Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit (Matt. 1:18; Luke 1:35).
Joseph accepts Jesus as his legal son but Joseph was not His human father (Matt. 1:24–25).
Jesus refers to God as His Father 165 times in the gospels.
Conclusion? God was Jesus’ true father.
Jesus’ siblings
Did Mary remain a virgin until her death? Though the Roman Catholic doctrine of Perpetual Virginity says yes, no less than 10 passages in the New Testament mention Jesus having brothers and sisters. Matthew 13:55 even gives us a few of their names: James, Joseph, Simon and Judas.
The original language is unmistakably clear that the words used are referring to siblings and not cousins.
How Amazing — “The Son of God became man to enable men to become sons of God” (C.S. Lewis).
May Christmas come alive for each of us this year as we understand and share it with our families in its biblical and cultural context.
I can think of nothing that would make Christmas any merrier.
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Andy Waits is associate pastor of First Baptist Church, Springville. He holds degrees from The Baptist College of Florida and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and is married to Kati-Ellen.
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