Meaning of Christmas

As we approach the traditional time for celebrating Christmas, I suggest a quick study of the ancient Jewish scriptures. As you reflect on the wonder of Christ’s birth, take a moment to read some of the Jewish prophets that preceded the Nativity by hundreds (and even thousands) of years.

“WHO IS THIS?“

Who was this predicted “Shiloh” mentioned as far back as the Book of Genesis?

“The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes, and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples” (Genesis 49:10 NASB).

Who was this coming “Ruler” that the prophet Micah said would be born in Bethlehem,

yet preexisted time itself?

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2 (NKJV).

Who was this “Redeemer” that Job said would come to save him and the world from death?

“I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth” (Job 19:25).

Who was this prophesied “Son” that the prophet Isaiah declared would come to earth and be referred to as “Wonderful,” “Counselor,” “Mighty God,” “Everlasting Father,” and “Prince of Peace?”

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder. And his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 NKJV).

Who was this “Messiah” (Hebrew: Mashiyach) that the prophet Daniel said would come sixty-nine “weeks” (weeks of years in Hebrew, meaning 483 years) after a decree to rebuild Jerusalem?

“Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the command to restore and build Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince, there shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublesome times” (Daniel 9:25 NKJV).

Who was this “Root of Jesse” that the prophet Isaiah said would offer hope and rest at some future date in time?

“In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his place of rest will be glorious” (Isaiah 11:10 NIV).

Who was this righteous “Branch” that the prophet Jeremiah said would reign as “King” and execute judgment throughout the earth?

“Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; a King shall reign and prosper, and execute judgment and righteousness in the earth” (Jeremiah 23:5 NKJV).

Who was this “Son of Man” that the prophet Daniel said would have everlasting dominion over all peoples and nations?

“I was watching in the night visions, and behold, one like the Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought Him near before Him. Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed” (Daniel 7:13-14 NKJV).

Once you investigate these scriptures, contemplate their meanings in light of the historic Jewish record. What’s the common theme? In light of Christmas, what’s the powerful conclusion?

Merry Christmas indeed!