The Bible On Trial

Christmas tradtion is a lovely thing; the celebration of the birth of our Saviour, God born as a human being. We celebrate Christmas time with wonderful carols that describe the birth of the Baby in the manger, surrounded by farm animals, with kneeling shepherds and Wise Men from the East in attendence, Mary and Joseph looking lovingly into where the Baby lays. "Angels We Have Heard On High" singing out in the field, announcing the birth to the world. Christmas trees aglow with lights, and presents under the tree to be given as a token of the gift that God gave us in Jesus.

We celebrate this Christmas season, but do we know what it is that is true and what is fiction? The conception and birth of John the Baptist by Elizabeth, with John leaping in her womb at the mention of Mary being 'with child'. The shepherd in the field, watching their flocks by night. The dream of Joseph concerning Mary, his betrothed. The Christmas Story is beautiful, and inspiring. Yet we believe it simply because it is in the Bible, and the Bible is 'The Word of God'.

Singing carols and giving and receiving presents, decorating trees and eating Christmas dinner with family and friends is truly wonderful. Yet Jesus did not come to earth to give us a nice story that we can tell once a year and enjoy. Let we forget, Jesus came for one reason, and one reason only:

Therefore Pilate said to Him, "So You are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice. John 18:37.