“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

Although we know this month is not the actual month that Jesus was born, we do and can set aside a special time that the world is able to know that Jesus is Lord! It is a special time when the world can take notice of our saviour, and it is a time where we are able to witness to others about God’s love to the world.

The date of the birth of Jesus is not stated in the gospels or in any historical reference, but most biblical scholars assume a year of birth between 6 and 4 BC. University of Cambridge Professor Colin J. Humphreys has argued in the Quarterly Journal of the Royal Astronomical Society that a comet in the early 5 BC was likely the “Star of Bethlehem”, putting Jesus’ birth in or near April, 5 BC.

Some also argue that Christmas is based on the pagan holiday Saturnalia. But Saturnalia was held on 17 December of the Julian calendar and later expanded with festivities only up through 23 December. Christians Celebrated on the 25th. However, It is likely that such a Christian feast was chosen for Christ’s marked contrast and triumph over paganism; indeed, new converts who attempted to introduce pagan elements into the Christian celebrations were sharply rebuked.

So, the most important thing to remember during this time is that we thank God for our salvation and for his birth into the world whenever he was born. May your families experience his presence like never before as we end this year. May the angels bring special blessings your way for the new season!

Blessings.

Archbishop Harris E. Clark

Date: December 2021