2024 Week 50

Hello, Springers!

I do not have all the answers.
You already know this, but here’s a story to remind you and make the case.

Last month, I visited the children’s group during our final Dinner BELL of the semester. They wanted to “ask the pastor” several questions. It was so much fun, and I enjoyed our time together. One of the questions stumped me, though. Someone asked why we celebrate Christmas on December 25th since we don’t know with certainty that Jesus was born on that date.

I don’t remember the exact answer I gave. It was probably easier for me to discuss the doctrine of the incarnation than the date of Christmas! I do not have all the answers. Yet, in this case, I found a better answer later, not through research but through providence.

Jonathan Gibson, a professor at Westminster Seminary in Philadelphia, has written an Advent devotional called O Come, O Come, Immanuel. The following is what he says about the date of Christmas.

Contrary to popular opinion, the date of Christ’s birth on December 25 is not due to a pagan holiday that has been repurposed by Christians; rather, the date is based on a belief that Christ died around the same time he was conceived. The two dates commonly held for his death are March 25 (in the Western church) and April 6 (in the Eastern church). If this was the date on which he was also conceived, then his birth would have been around December 25 or January 6, depending on the respective church tradition. (Gibson, 30.)

Let me know if you can think of an easy way to summarize that paragraph for a child aged six or under. I still don’t have all the answers. But I remain confident in Christ in whom are found all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3)

Advent has begun and I am thankful that we have this time to look back on Christ’s first coming in order to prepare for his second coming.

We have also made available an Advent devotional by Sinclair Ferguson called The Dawn of Redeeming Grace. It’s a daily devotional to help you set your mind and heart on God’s love for you in sending his Son, Jesus. You can pick up a copy ($10) in the church foyer or at the reception desk in the atrium.

Hope, Faith, Joy, and Love – the Advent season is upon us, friends!

in Christ,

Pastor Tag