Christmas Traditions

• Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands from Jerusalem, asking,”Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We have seen his start as it arose, and we have come to worship him.” Herod was deeply disturbed by their question, as was all of Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law. “Where did the prophets say the Messiah would be born?” he asked them. “In Bethlehem,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote: Bethlehem of Judah, you are not just a lowly village in Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people in Israel.’” Then Herod sent a private message to the wise men, asking them to come see him. At this meeting he learned that exact time when they first saw the star. Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!” After this interview the wise men went their way. Once again the star appeared to them, guiding them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with Joy! They entered the house where the child and his mother Mary, were, and they fell down before him and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Bet when it came time to leave, they went home another way, because God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod. ~Matthew 2:1-12

Well when we were children (not that long ago for me :P) we got told many things.

When we got told the story of Jesus’ birth me go told three kings went to worship him… or they when to an inn and the inn keeper said there was no room in the inn but they could use the stable. So on and so forth. You know what I am talking about? But…

• Where does it say…
• That there is an inn keeper?
• Where does it say they are kings? They are wise men.
• Where does it say he was born in a stable?

The list could go on. We need to know the true story of the birth of Jesus. Do you know it? (Read Matthew)

Lots of people think of Christmas as presents and Santa Clause. I saw this real cool video this is what it explains. This person thinks that people get confused between Santa and Jesus:

o They both have beards

o All surrounded by little children scurrying about

o They both have a last name that begins with ‘C’

o They both have a ton of nick names

o How common it is that they both know all the children’s names in the world.

o Both like to keep lots of details on all of us

o They are both gernerous

o So on and so forth.

But they are not so common after all. Kids send letters to Santa wishing for things that they think they desperately need. But Jesus doesn’t break into peoples chimneys and eat their cookies left behind. How Santa has a naughty or nice list, kids hope that he isn’t so strict. Jesus he forgives us all and loves us all no matter the circumstances.

Bits and Pieces

You are loved! Have a great holiday season!