The Facts about Christmas : Unwrapping the truth behind December 25th

DA WILL LAUNCH FMR WATCH TO MONITOR FARM TO MARKET ROAD PROJECT OF THE GOVERNMENT

About the Photo| These scenes, often displayed during the Christmas season, typically include figures of Baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, shepherds, angels, and animals in a stable setting, serving as a visual representation of the birth of Jesus Christ.

A Season of Wonder

The air crackles with anticipation. Strings of light paint the night. Carols echo through our homes and hearts. This is Christmas. But amidst the tinsel and trimmings, what truly anchors this annual phenomenon? The answer, for many, lies in a simple, profound declaration: God became human.

Two Lenses on a Miracle

The story of Jesus' birth, or the Nativity, is primarily revealed through the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Each account, like looking through a slightly different pane of glass, offers a unique perspective on the same radiant event.

Matthew's Regal Vision:

Matthew presents a majestic narrative, highlighting Jesus' royal lineage and divine purpose.

An angel's visitation assures Joseph of Mary's miraculous conception (Matthew 1:20-21).
The arrival of the Magi, guided by a celestial beacon, bearing precious gifts (Matthew 2:1-2, 11), affirms Jesus' kingly status.
Even the shadow of Herod's plot and the flight to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15) serve to underscore the prophetic fulfillment inherent in Jesus' life.

Luke's Pastoral Symphony:

Luke's account resonates with a gentler, more intimate tone.

The angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary (Luke 1:26-35) is a moment of quiet awe.
The Roman census that leads Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem (Luke 2:1-5), fulfilling the prophecy of Micah 5:2, paints a picture of divine orchestration amidst earthly affairs.
And then, the iconic image: a baby born in a manger, "because there was no room for them in the inn" (Luke 2:6-7).
Shepherds, simple and humble, are the first to hear the angelic proclamation (Luke 2:8-14), underscoring the universal reach of God's love.

These two narratives, though distinct, converge on essential truths: Bethlehem as the birthplace, Mary's virgin conception, and the divine mission entrusted to both her and Joseph.

The Calendar's Enigma: Why December 25th?

The elephant in the room, of course, is the date. Does December 25th truly mark the anniversary of Jesus' birth? The blunt answer is: the Bible doesn't tell us. For the earliest Christians, the focus was not so much on the birth, but on the death and resurrection – the culminating act of salvation.

So, how did we arrive at December 25th? Theories abound. One fascinating proposition involves complex theological calculations by early Church fathers like Sextus Julius Africanus and Hippolytus of Rome. They posited that Jesus' conception coincided with the spring equinox (believed to be the date of his crucifixion), nine months later falling on December 25th.

Another, more widely accepted, perspective suggests a deliberate "Christianizing" of existing pagan celebrations. The Roman festival of Dies Natalis Solis Invicti, the "Birthday of the Unconquered Sun," celebrated the winter solstice and the sun's triumphant return. By associating Christ with this powerful symbol of light overcoming darkness, the early Church may have sought to resonate with the existing cultural landscape.

Even Luke's Gospel offers a subtle clue against a winter birth. The presence of shepherds tending flocks in the fields at night (Luke 2:8) suggests a milder climate than the often-harsh Judean December.

Truth Beyond Fact

Modern biblical scholarship acknowledges the discrepancies between Matthew and Luke, particularly regarding timelines and specific details. Some view these narratives not as literal historical accounts, but as carefully crafted "theologoumena" – stories designed to convey profound theological truths.

Most scholars now place Jesus' birth between 6 and 4 BCE, based on historical context surrounding Herod's reign. Yet, the debate continues. What remains constant, however, is the unwavering belief in the central message: the incarnation – God taking on human form, a pivotal event regardless of the precise date.

The Enduring Glow

In the end, whether we celebrate on December 25th or contemplate the historical complexities surrounding the Nativity, the heart of Christmas remains constant. It is a story of light in darkness, of hope in despair, and of a God who chose to dwell among us. The star that guided the Magi still shines, beckoning us to embrace the profound meaning of that ancient birth.

Other related Articles:

•Reasons why dating is not good to Teenager

•5 reasons why you must read the Bible everyday

•Vatican Closes Decades-Long Debate: Mary Is Not 'Co-Redeemer,' Jesus is Sole Savior

Comments

Trends this week

How to Convert TikTok Paylater to Cash Guide and Review

TikTok users who already have activated the TikTok PayLater offered by the TikTok shop to their loyal customers are wishing to convert the offer into cash, as they are more prepared to spend the money on other daily needs or bill payments. However, TikTok just came on to the purpose of the financier as “buy now pay later” for the products that users prepared to check out. All e-commerce offered Buy Now Pay Later options are naturally not convertible to cash, though users are still looking anyways to make the credit limit more useful and viable. Like GGives , Spaylater , and Lazada PayLater, all of the offer limits are spendable to purchase goods and services within the e-commerce shops and partners. Though Spaylater has an option to convert your limits without risks and additional service fees, we have no guarantee when the last time it will work to become convertible as before. GGives is easily convertible into cash using Shopee Shop through canceling the checkout. But when Sho...

DA to Launch 'FMR WATCH' Platform, Calls for Citizen Crowdsourcing to Fight Corruption in Farm Road Projects

Logo of Department of Agriculture| DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. is urging farmers, local governments, and ordinary citizens to help monitor the Farm to Market Road project of the government The Department of Agriculture (DA) is escalating its campaign against corruption and inefficiency in rural infrastructure by announcing the imminent launch of a powerful public accountability tool: the Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) Watch. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. has issued an urgent call to action, urging farmers, local government units (LGUs), and ordinary citizens to take on the role of digital site inspectors. The Secretary warns that abuses in FMR construction continue to be a severe drag on national food production and the income of Filipino farmers. Transparency is the New Pa...

2 Ways to Cash Out Spaylater Credit Limit

Spaylater is the buy-now-pay-later payment option offered by shopee to their selected users. This feature is available exclusively in shops to help users enjoy the shopping experience without worries. More of the users are prepared to cash out credit limits like Sloan. They are more likely to use money for personal and daily needs. Sloan is offered by shopee app once users continuously use Spaylater with good payment history but exceptional to those users with a high credit reputation and history to other financial institutions such as banks, CIC, e-wallets, and other lending companies. However, like Sloan, Spaylater can eventually use it as a payment method outside the application via QR code payment. Just finish this article for you to enlighten more. If you are a new user of Spaylater, this option is temporarily unavailable. Enjoy using spaylater instead and wait to activate the more features that you can enjoy of using spaylater. Here are the following steps on how you can tra...

What are the differences between GLoan, GGives, and GCredit?

GCash is the number one E-Wallet in the Philippines, making it the most useful application of all time with almost 81 million active users as of May 2023. It is like a huge supermarket that has been compressed and put into your phone. They have several partnerships with physical stores, insurance companies, online stores, SMEs, corporations, freelancers, casinos registered with PAGCOR, and financial institutions like lending companies and crypto investments. However, not all of its million active users fully utilize the power of this super app. In this article, I will be telling you about one of the most useful and helpful features of the GCash App: the Borrow features. If you have already read the article titled “ Which is better, GCash (GLoan) or Billease? ”, I have already explained the factors that determine your eligibility for the Borrow features of GCash. Here, I will be explaining the differences between the three icons within the Borrow icon and what are the se...

The Best Way to Convert GGives into Cash 2025

In this article, I will share the most cost-effective method for converting GGives into cash. As Shopee no longer accepts GGives, finding alternative ways to encash them has become essential. While some vloggers discuss trading as an option, it can be risky when dealing with money transactions. However, there is a legitimate method on how convert GGives to cash using the GCash app. Follow these simple steps: 1. Login to Your Konek2Card Account: Navigate to the “Client Initiated Payment” tab to copy your CIF number. 2. Access Your GCash Account: In the GCash app, go to the “Biller” section and select “Card Bank Inc.” 3. Input Details: Enter the amount you want to transfer, along with your CIF number and other necessary information. 4. Pay Using GGives: Complete the transaction by using your GGives. By following these steps, you’ll effectively transfer your GGives just like an Instapay. The cash will be credited to your Card Bank Account and can be withdrawn through ATMs, ban...

Converting Spaylater to Cash through Maya Business is not working

Screenshot of Spaylater| Spaylater Users who tried to utilize their credit can not convert offer into cash started on the last quarter of 2025 Shopee's SPayLater is a "spend now, pay later" option available across Southeast Asia. It provides convenience and affordability for Shopee users, allowing them to buy things as easily as one click, even if they have limited cash. As users are keen to utilize this credit for various purposes, they are looking for ways to convert their SPayLater Credit into cash. Previously, we published an article about converting SPayLater to cash through Maya Business . However, as of the last quarter of 2025, this conversion method via QR Ph in Maya Business is no longer accepted. Some SPayLater users who attempted to convert credit to Maya Business have experienced this i...

Tunsoy (Fimbriated Sardines) Smoked Fish Industry in Pasacao, Camarines Sur

Smoked fish, known locally as tinapa, is a traditional Filipino delicacy made by preserving fish through brining and smoking. Among the various fish species used, Tunsoy (Fimbriated Sardines) is a key product in the industry. This article examines the value chain of smoked Tunsoy, covering its production process, economic viability, challenges, and growth potential. Production Process of Smoked Fish The production of smoked fish involves two main stages: brining and smoking. First, the fish are soaked in a saltwater solution for 30 minutes, which enhances flavor and moisture retention. Next, they undergo smoking for 1 hour, giving them their signature aroma and taste. The full process includes washing (2-4 hours), soaking in brine (30 minutes), cooking (15 minutes), straining and cooling (1-2 hours), transferring cooked fish (6-12 hours), and finally smoking (1 hour). Since the entire process takes 24-48 hours and relies heavily on manual labor, there is minimal mechanizatio...

Gcash Failed Transaction but deducted? Here's what to do!

One of the common problems in GCash transactions is that the debited amount is not reflected in the recipient's account or is not credited to the biller. Someone who has this problem feels frustrated and alarmed by what they need to do. They worry about the overdue charge for the biller that had a failed transaction and about possibly losing money to an unknown. GCash is always on the go; you have nothing to worry about with all failed transactions as long as there's valid proof of your transaction, specific time, and exact date. As the most reputable and trusted fintech app in the Philippines, GCash customer service will always be on the act to serve you better and solve the problem you are facing in their application. However, if your failed transaction is about bill payment, there is a possibility that you will be overdue to the biller. But if the failed transaction is reconciled by GCash and the biller, all possible overdue charges because of your delayed pay...

Sloan and SPayLater Users Review and Guide

Sloan and Spaylater are both Financial services provided by Shopee Philippines for their selected users. These financial features offer buy-now-pay-later and cash loans so that users can enjoy their shopping experience in the app. SeaMoney (Credit) Finance Philippines Inc. is the financing company of Sloan and SPayLater in the Philippines, which is part of the Sea Group - operating seven markets in Southeast Asia, including Taiwan. It was registered as a finance and credit provider in the Security Exchange Commission on August 4, 2020, with registration number CS202005382. In part of their mission to better the lives of individuals and Businesses in Southeast Asia through technology, SeaMoney serves the financial needs of Filipinos through SeaMoney (Credit) Finance Philippines Inc. and SeaBank . What is Sloan? Sloan is a cash loan offered by Shopee Philippines, in which users can borrow money with the approved credit limits on the platform. Sloan is limited only to the selective users ...

Google Wallet and Google Pay Launched in the Philippines

AI Generated Image | A customer paying in store using Google Pay In a significant stride towards a cashless economy, Google officially launched Google Wallet and Google Pay in the Philippines on Tuesday, November 18. This major development, announced in partnership with Visa and the FinTech Alliance, fundamentally upgrades the digital payment landscape for millions of Filipino Android users, moving beyond traditional QR codes to embrace the global standard of tap-and-go convenience. Key Partnerships Unlock Digital Access The rollout immediately provides support across several leading financial institutions and platforms, allowing users to consolidate their cards and accounts onto their Android phones or Wear OS devices for secure, contactless payments. Initial Bank and Issuer Partners (Total ...

Search This Blog