You have a small point there but i think you're missing the bigger point about how most of the messages we hear are very sensationalized due to the influence of the age that we miss, and due to lesser influence of the Bible itself and the truth it brings, in comparison. @elle
Your tone in this piece is rather humbuggy though, not going to lie. Not every believer is going to do a scripture deep-dive. It’s not fair to put that on them when the Church doesn’t herself make an effort to dispel the ‘myths’, most likely because such things (when the Magi came, camels vs horses, etc) — do they honestly matter in the grand scheme of things. Does it hurt one’s faith or deep abiding desire for birthing the Savior in your heart to not know the true historical details? Most people have lived their entire lives hearing the same interpretation. That doesn’t make them lazy rubes.
Why would we not strive to know the true story? Foster is not saying here that if you have grown up with the traditional interpretation of Christmas that you are a lesser person. He is encouraging a closer look at Scripture as it was meant to be understood. As Sherlock Holmes would say, the answers are in the insignificant details. All Christians should be life long learners.
Do you find that dispelling the myths (particularly re: Christ’s birth) results in an increase in/deepening of faith? What feedback have you gotten from your church? Genuinely curious, not trying to be argumentative.
When you go to Israel, many of the sites are quite inspiring, but the ones related to Jesus' birth I found sadly underwhelming. At least a couple places: the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, where they believe Jesus was born in a small cave, and the Shepherd's Fields, which unlike in the many Christmas card illustrations I've loved, were not on a hill overlooking Bethlehem in the distance, but on a rather flat and small area enclosed by stone walls and no view at all.
I agree that the key in these Biblical passages is that the circumstances of Jesus' birth were quite humble. And not just physically. Already hinted by Joseph's initial reluctance, later we learn that Mary's pregnancy was indeed scandalous. When the Pharisees wanted 'dirt' on Jesus, they apparently went to Nazareth and found someone still telling.
It must have been quite a difficult time, yet as many believers discover, God meets you at those difficult times - at just the right moment, with just what you need: whether a place to birth a baby, or a lot of resources to pay for a sojourn in Egypt.
You have a small point there but i think you're missing the bigger point about how most of the messages we hear are very sensationalized due to the influence of the age that we miss, and due to lesser influence of the Bible itself and the truth it brings, in comparison. @elle
Very Good. Very needed!
Your tone in this piece is rather humbuggy though, not going to lie. Not every believer is going to do a scripture deep-dive. It’s not fair to put that on them when the Church doesn’t herself make an effort to dispel the ‘myths’, most likely because such things (when the Magi came, camels vs horses, etc) — do they honestly matter in the grand scheme of things. Does it hurt one’s faith or deep abiding desire for birthing the Savior in your heart to not know the true historical details? Most people have lived their entire lives hearing the same interpretation. That doesn’t make them lazy rubes.
I'm a church pastor doing the heavy lifting for those believers who don't do a scripture deep-dive.
Why would we not strive to know the true story? Foster is not saying here that if you have grown up with the traditional interpretation of Christmas that you are a lesser person. He is encouraging a closer look at Scripture as it was meant to be understood. As Sherlock Holmes would say, the answers are in the insignificant details. All Christians should be life long learners.
Plus I love my crèche 😊
Do you find that dispelling the myths (particularly re: Christ’s birth) results in an increase in/deepening of faith? What feedback have you gotten from your church? Genuinely curious, not trying to be argumentative.
I have found that rightly dividing the Word is very constructive and deepening. You are the first negative feedback I've received.
True! I think the 'Christ' in Christmas is fading. Also, what insight! Thank you so much.
When you go to Israel, many of the sites are quite inspiring, but the ones related to Jesus' birth I found sadly underwhelming. At least a couple places: the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, where they believe Jesus was born in a small cave, and the Shepherd's Fields, which unlike in the many Christmas card illustrations I've loved, were not on a hill overlooking Bethlehem in the distance, but on a rather flat and small area enclosed by stone walls and no view at all.
I agree that the key in these Biblical passages is that the circumstances of Jesus' birth were quite humble. And not just physically. Already hinted by Joseph's initial reluctance, later we learn that Mary's pregnancy was indeed scandalous. When the Pharisees wanted 'dirt' on Jesus, they apparently went to Nazareth and found someone still telling.
It must have been quite a difficult time, yet as many believers discover, God meets you at those difficult times - at just the right moment, with just what you need: whether a place to birth a baby, or a lot of resources to pay for a sojourn in Egypt.