As we come together to worship God, I’d like to extend an invitation to join us later at 2 o’clock for further study of God’s Word, and again on Wednesday evening at 6 o’clock as we continue our exploration of the life of Christ.
Today, I want to address a topic that’s particularly relevant given the season: the various myths surrounding the celebration of Christmas, especially as they relate to the birth of Jesus. Growing up, I remember various portrayals of this event, many of which contained inaccuracies that have somehow become woven into our understanding of the nativity story.
In this morning’s sermon, I’ll be debunking some of these common Christmas myths. We’ll start with the misconception that the angel Gabriel appeared to Joseph; in fact, the Scripture tells us Gabriel appeared to Mary. Then, we’ll look at the portrayal of the three wise men in the manger scene, a depiction that doesn’t align with the Biblical account, which indicates that the wise men visited Jesus sometime later.
We’ll also address other common misunderstandings, such as the nature of the angelic announcement to the shepherds and the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. Through this examination, I hope to bring clarity to these narratives and emphasize the importance of aligning our understanding with the actual Biblical texts.
This examination is not just about correcting misconceptions but also about understanding why people follow errors and how tradition sometimes overtakes truth. As we delve into these myths, we’re reminded of the need for careful study and interpretation of God’s Word, ensuring that we do not inadvertently perpetuate misunderstandings.
I encourage each one of you to listen with open hearts and minds, ready to embrace the truths of the Bible as they are, and to join us in further study and worship. Let’s seek a deeper understanding and appreciation of God’s Word together.
