It’s still Christmas in Israel and it always will be

by Tom Brennan,

Many denominations celebrated The Lord’s birth on December 25. Bethlehem and Nazareth held special services and events, despite the daily plague of terror attacks. Yeshua was born to a virgin in Bethlehem as prophesied. The Gospels do not mention a date, as in that time events were recorded in terms of who was ruling the government. Caesar ruled a census and tax on all nations in the Empire. Certain clues such as shepherds in the fields give us clues but no firm date. The changes in calendar keeping add to the confusion but nonetheless He was born and in Israel/ Judea (not Palestine).

Other denominations use their own calendars to celebrate the birth of the Messiah. The Orthodox Church celebrates on January 6. The ancient Armenian Church celebrates on January 18. In many ways Israel is about Christmas and the coming of the promised Redeemer. The Prince of Peace was born in a land that seems to know constant threat and violence. Yet to this place He came to earth, from here He returned to heaven and He will return to the same place to occupy the throne of the Kingdom.

Although some dispute if the December 25 holiday is to be celebrated in Biblical observance, the event itself is what we celebrate. A genuine historic event, referred to in the Gospels, with clues to the period in which it happened. Caesar, Herod, the world wide tax, and the consistent repetition of these facts give documentary evidence. The ways of celebrating, many laden with nonbiblical trappings came later.

Israel is the Land of Christmas. Each day is a commemoration of the Messiah’s life and gift of salvation to all who would accept i.e. must never forget that He was born here, lived here, taught here and gave up His life and resurrected from death in this place. He returned to heaven from The Land and to this place He will return. Even though His place of birth and the place He worked before ministry are still small an often disputed places, He works in the small and humble and this is where the glory shows the most effectively.

Please consider Buy a gift made in the Holy Land when you have an opportunity. Christmas, birthdays and celebrations are wonderful times to share the story of Israel and why we must stand with The Land no matter what the odds or threats. God is watching us.

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