No one knows when Jesus was born: "In the early Church there was no such feast, the commemoration of birth being observed on the Feast of the Epiphany. St. Clement of Alexandria, c. 200, first mentions the feast and the Latin Church began celebrating it on Dec. 25 about 300, although there is no evidence that this date is the actual birth date of Our Lord." The Maryknoll Catholic Dictionary, pp. 126-127.

But if Dec. 25th was when Jesus was born how would you expect His followers to act? Sadly, too many have adopted philosophy of, "You shall reverently behave yourself toward all Freemasons, using neither cards, dice or any other unlawful games, Christmas time excepted." Masonry Defined, p. 356. In other words, act "reverently" except when you're celebrating Christ's birth.

But, more significantly, how do you think Jesus would act and what would He say on Christmas/Hanaukkah? We know what he would do because we know what he did do and this information is recorded in John 10:22-39. John mentions the "feast of dedication", vs. 22, which is the same as "Hanukkah" that is celebrated in the Jewish community today: "A feast held by the Jews throughout the country for eight days, commencing on the 25th Kiclev (December), in commemoration of the cleansing of the temple and dedication of the altar by Judas Maccabaeus after their desecration by Antiochus Epiphanes (1 Macc 4:56,59). The feast was to be kept "with mirth and gladness." 2 Macc 10:6,7 says it was kept like the Feast of the Tabernacles, with the carrying of palm and other branches, and the singing of psalms. Josephus calls it "Lights," from the joy which accompanied it (Ant, XII, vii, 7)." James Orr, International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. 2, pp. 816-817

So let's assume that Jesus was born at this time of year. If Dec. 25th is the birthday of Christ we have every right to expect people who so believe to follow the example of the One whose birth is celebrated and act as He did and accept the teaching he gave at Christmas/ Hanukkah 2,000 years ago. Notice carefully what it was.

Where Jesus Was

He was in the temple, vs. 22. How many who celebrate the birth of Christ find themselves in a place of worship only at Christmas or Easter? Or, how many don't even find themselves in a place of worship at Christmas time? Is it not hypocritical to celebrate the birth of Christ when a place of worship and spiritual service is foreign to us? Should it not be our custom, our regular habit, as it was Jesus'?

What Jesus Taught

Jesus engaged in religious controversy, vss. 22-39. This is totally contrary to the spirit of most religious leaders today, who feel that discussing religious differences, much less publicly debating them, is beneath their dignity.

That He was the Christ (Messiah), vss. 24-25a. Today Jesus would be accused if religious insensitivity because He would be offending Muslims and Jews, neither of whom believe in the Messiah that Jesus affirmed Himself to be.

That Jewish disbelief was inexcusable, vss. 25b-26. Can you imagine Robert Schuller, or those who have adopted his soft, compromising approach to "preaching", telling Jews, or any other group of people, that they are not a part of Jesus' sheep?

That His works (miracles) bore witness of His claims, vs. 25c. It is not unusual to find some in main-line denominations today who question, if not flatly deny, the miracles of Jesus, all the while celebrating His birth. Yet a major part of His "birthday" message on this occasion was to point to His miracles as proof of who He was.

He gave the characteristics of His sheep, vss. 27-29. Jesus said "my sheep hear my voice... and they follow me", vs. 27. A Christian by definition is a follower of Christ; one who adheres to His will. Yet how many are there today who call themselves Christians who only listen to the voice of Jesus and follow it when it is convenient and when it agrees with what they want to do. Otherwise, there is no hearing, and certainly no following. According to Jesus, such are not of His sheep.

He affirmed He was Deity: Jesus said (1) He and the Father were one, vss. 30, 38b, thus making Himself God, vs. 33, and (2) that He had the right to call Himself God, vss. 34-36. And yet many modern theologians who preside over Christmas observances express grave doubts as to this.

He claimed the scriptures can't be broken, vs. 35. Is the Bible that contains the story of Jesus the only book that reveals spiritual Truth, an infallible book, and an inerrant book? Jesus thought so. And those who celebrate His birth today, if they wish to maintain the spirit of the One whose birth they celebrate, should unashamedly affirm the same thing.

The sad ironies are that many people who celebrate Christmas as Christ's birthday don't regularly frequent a place of worship, as Jesus did, and if someone were, in a Christmas or Hanukkah sermon, to read (much less comment upon) the words He spoke 2,000 years ago they would be branded as being an insensitive religious bigot who is politically and theologically incorrect and be accorded the same treatment Jesus got, vss. 31,39.

Jesus left examples that His true followers are to emulate, Jo. 13:15, and He chided those who called Him "Lord" but refused to obey, Lk. 6:46. How wonderful it would be if those who celebrate His birthday with such fervor understood this.