Please help us share God's truths and hope in Christ.

Did-you-know?-Journey-to-Bethlehem

Many have already set up their nativity scenes on mantles, tables or under the tree.  Nativity scenes are beautiful.  They cause us to wonder and consider what it might have been like so many years ago on the night in which our Saviour was born.  Unfortunately, many nativity scenes portray misconceptions about Christmas.  They depict things that are not biblically supported. So also do many of the Christmas narratives and pageants at this time of year.  They all tell the Christmas story, but are they correct?  Is it the “Hollywood syndrome” whereby the story get “rewritten” with theatrical and poetic license?

Did You Know?

For the next three weeks, Got Questions? will focus on common misconceptions surrounding Jesus’ birth.  First, let’s address that most nativity scenes portray European or Caucasian people.  We know that Mary, Joseph, Jesus, and the shepherds were all Middle-eastern Jews and that the Wise Men were from Persia, so we also know that the figures in nativity scenes should have much darker skin.   Setting that aside, let’s focus on some lesser known misconceptions.  This week we’ll review the journey to Bethlehem and Mary and Joseph’s arrival there.  What do we know about this journey?  What does the Bible tell us and what has been created by legend and lore?

Did Mary ride on a donkey to Bethlehem?

Mary-Joseph-DonkeyWe don’t know the answer to this question.  But it is likely that she did.  The Bible only tells that Mary went with Joseph to the city of David, which is Bethlehem (Luke 2:4-5).  The Bible does not say that Mary rode on a donkey.

However, since we know that the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem was 70-80 miles and that Mary was pregnant (Luke 2:5), it is not likely Mary would have been able to travel the full distance on foot.  Other than walking, the means of travel at that time would have included donkeys, camels, horses, or some type of cart drawn by a horse.  Since Joseph was not a rich man, it seems most likely that he would not have been able to get a camel, horse, or cart for use in their journey.  It does seem possible that he would have owned, or been able to borrow, a donkey for Mary to ride upon during the journey to Bethlehem.

 

Did Mary give birth the night she and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem?

Nativity-scene1No, she did not.  Christmas narratives and pageants present the idea that as soon as Mary and Joseph found shelter Mary went into labor and delivered Jesus.  The Bible does not support that.   There is no indication of how long Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem before she gave birth, but we can be certain it did not happen on the day she arrived.  Luke 2:6 indicates at least a couple of days, but it’s possible there may have been more:

Luke 2:6-7  So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.  And she brought forth her firstborn son…

Was there snow in Bethlehem around the nativity scene?

Nativity-Snow-GlobeWe don’t know the answer to this question. Many nativity scenes feature a snow setting.  While it is true that it does snow in Israel during the winter months, it is not accurate to assume that snow was falling, or that snow blanketed the ground in Bethlehem when Jesus was born.

In fact, there is support to believe that Jesus was not born in late December.  He might have been born in late September.  In that case, there would not have been any snow in Israel (other than at the top of Mt. Hermon, which always has snow).  The reasons are many for thinking a September birth to have occurred.  A foremost reason is that the shepherds were “in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night” (Luke 2:8). If it had been December, it would have been too cold for the flock to be in the field at night.

It’s quite possible that when Jesus was born and came to dwell (tabernacle) with us, it was around the time of the Feast of Tabernacles in late September (Read…Was Jesus born in September? and see pictures of the record snowfall in Israel in December 2013)

The Beauty of Nativity Scenes

Now don’t hear me wrong and don’t put away your nativity scenes.  Don’t skip the Christmas pageants and, please, don’t criticize the way they tell the Christmas story!  The message of Jesus coming to earth, as an infant born of a virgin, is accurate…even if some of the other details are amiss.

The purpose of addressing these misconceptions is so we don’t base our theology on man’s narratives.  Instead, always be a Berean and check the Scriptures to determine what is true (Acts 17:11).

Enjoy the Christmas narratives, but hold closely to the truths revealed in the Bible. The Bible does not give all-inclusive information about Jesus’ birth, but the Bible does give fully-sufficient information to know that Jesus humbled Himself and came to earth to seek and save the lost.  He came to be Emmanuel—God with us.  Rejoice in the great sacrifice of God that brought salvation to mankind.

<*}}}><

Read more Misinterpreted, Misunderstood, Misused Verses and Passages

 Lesson for This Week

Mary and Joseph are enduring examples of obedience to the will of God.  Reflect on their difficult trip to Bethlehem and the Scripture it fulfilled.

Micah 5:2  But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

As we approach Christmas, prepare your heart to “come to the manger.”  Focus your eyes on Jesus the One who was whispered of in the Old Testament and revealed in Bethlehem in a lowly manger.   Prepare your heart to see Jesus.

Christmas-themed GOT QUESTIONS?

Christmas-themed Articles

Christmas Word Search Puzzles

Scripture from: Isaiah, Matthew, Luke, and John.  A Christmas message from “In the Bleak Midwinter”

Christmas-themed Videos

Have You Heard About This Baby Boy?  A most beautiful rendition of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah, with a Christmas message to touch your heart and give joy to your soul.

Cohen Hallelujah Christmas Version

 

 

 

 

 

Make Some Scripture Cookies – Fun for the Whole Family!

*******

Jesus is the Reason this Ministry Exists

At  Reasons for Hope* Jesus, we are committed to equipping, encouraging, and empowering Christians to know Jesus better, love Him more, and share their faith. We also reach the lost through our Salvation Page. 

With your support, we can continue to provide valuable resources and engaging content.  Please join us in our mission by donating today. Your generous contribution helps us expand our outreach of sharing biblical truths and hope in Jesus.  Thank you for your kindness and for being an integral part of our mission.

 donate
Reasons for Hope*Jesus is a 501c3 Ministry
Use a Credit Card or PayPal for safe, secure giving.

*******
*******

***A Hidden Message in Psalm 23?***  

Hidden in the six verses of Psalm 23 are 11 names for Jesus.  When you subscribe to our newsletter, we’ll send you The Names of God in Psalm 23 PDF that reveals all 11 names and Scripture verses of comfort and hope (link will be sent in your confirmation email).

A Room with a View of Eternity—The Last Will & Testament of Jesus Christ   Take a seat at the Master's table. Learn about the riches He gives to all who are His. This book will bless and encourage you, give you hope, and help you live in the joy of your salvation and the riches of Christ that are yours.

The Top Ten Got Questions? in 2023 

  1. The Meaning of NUMBERS in the Bible?
  2. Was Jesus CRUCIFIED on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday?
  3. How was Jesus Like a Worm? What’s the CRIMSON (OR SCARLET) WORM in Psalm 22?
  4. How are the Shepherd’s ROD and STAFF Different?
  5. How long did JOB SUFFER?
  6. What is the Significance of the Wise Men's THREE GIFTS? And were they kings?
  7. Did The Wise Men Arrive 12 DAYS AFTER JESUS’ BIRTH? Or Was It Much Later?
  8. Jesus’ Last Days TIMELINE: the Cross and the Resurrection
  9. The Meaning of COLORS in the Bible?
  10. Did Jesus Fight Satan to Take Back the KEYS of Death and Hell?

There is much to be learned from those who have gone before us in the faith.  Check out our Cloud of Witnesses category that features the words of departed saints who are now with the Lord in glory.  Their words equip and encourage us even to this day.  Take a few minutes to hear...

  1. ONLY ONE LIFE, Twill Soon Be Past – by C.T. Studd (1860 – 1931)
  2. “The Love of God is Greater Far” by Frederick M. Lehman (1917)
  3. Prayers from Billy Graham
  4. Who Was Robert Robinson? What’s the Story Behind “Come Thou Fount”
  5. “Immanuel” — A Poem by Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892)
  6. Who Am I? A Poem by Deitrich Bonhoeffer (1905-1945)
  7. Understanding the Everlasting Arms of God, by J.R. Miller (1840–1912)
  8. 24 Reasons Why I Love America, by John Wayne (1907-1979)
  9. Give Me Perpetual Broken-heartedness (from The Valley of Vision)
  10. Abide with Me, by James Smith, 1859

This remains one of our most popular pages viewed.

Reasons for Hope* Jesus video banner

TOP TEN Videos from Reasons for Hope* Jesus
  1. Memorial Day BAGPIPES TRIBUTE: Amazing Grace 
  2. RISE AND SHINE and Give God the Glory, Glory!
  3. WERE YOU THERE When They Crucified My Lord?
  4. PAUL HARVEY: THE BIRDCAGE
  5. PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN: A SOLDIER'S PLEDGE
  6. Hark! the Herald Angels Sing -- CHARLIE BROWN Christmas
  7. JOHN WAYNE ~ WHY I LOVE AMERICA
  8. Jimmy Stewart - Nativity Scene Prayer: Mr. Krueger's Christmas
  9. THE LEGEND OF THE CANDY CANE - A Christmas Story to Share 
  10. Not by Might, Not by Power, But BY MY SPIRIT says the Lord (Zechariah 4:6)

*****************

Please help us share God's truths and hope in Christ.

SubscribeNow!

The goal of Reasons for Hope* Jesus is to help you establish your heart and anchor your soul in Jesus, and renew your mind in His Word.

 

Get equipped with knowledge!

Be encouraged in hope!

Live empowered with love! 

You have Successfully Subscribed!