Celebrating Christmas as a One New Man Believer can stir up emotions and thoughts as you reflect upon family traditions and what you have come to understand through exploring the Hebraic roots of your faith. With that said, we want to encourage you to focus on who the Messiah is, His purpose and mission while He was on this earth, and the miracle of His birth during this time.
Yes, Christmas is full of pagan traditions. However, when you invite the Spirit to discern the intentions of your heart, and you seek the Lord diligently through this time, this season can also be full of blessings.
Let's explore insights into the Christmas holiday and how you can personally honor the day focused on the reason for the season.
Christmas is a time to…
- Honor the Light of the World
- Pause and celebrate the gift of salvation
- Remember the names and attributes of the Living God
Check out the resources below and use them to bring light and depth to the subject of celebrating Christmas as a One New Man Believer.
What is the Real Story of the Three Wise Men?
You have likely heard about or seen images of the three wise men traveling on camels to a manger with gifts for the newborn King, Jesus.
There are songs, decorations, cards, plays, and more that remind us not only of the birth of Jesus but of the subsequent arrival of the three wise men.
Yet, what do we know about them? How much of what we have heard is biblically accurate? If you are celebrating Christmas as a One New Man Believer, you likely want to know the answers to these questions.
Well, the best place to begin if we want to answer these questions is the Word. Specifically, the book of Matthew, Chapter 2. This is the place in the Bible that mentions their coming.
- Discover who the three wise men actually were here.
What is the Significance of the Star in the East?
Chapter 2 of Matthew mentions the star in the East being placed in the skies above where young King Jesus was…
“When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him…”
—Matthew 2:9-11
The star in the East is often placed over the decorative reminders of our Savior's birth.
According to this account in Matthew 2, the wise men found the young Child with Mary His mother in a house, indicating that by the time they reached Him, Mary and Joseph had left the manger, but not Bethlehem. But what was the significance of this star?
- Discover more about the astrological phenomena of the star in the East here.
How Can I Stay Focused in Prayer During the Christmas Season?
It is the holiday season when busyness can seem to overtake our lives. If you are celebrating Christmas as a One New Man Believer, it is also a wonderful time to take a step back from all the “to-dos” and reflect in prayer and meditation. You can also look back on the year you had and think of the blessings you received and the struggles you have persevered through.
- Get 7 decrees that will help you stay focused on the Lord during the busyness of the holiday season here.
Is There a Connection Between Hanukkah and Christmas?
Hanukkah and Christmas may appear to be on opposite ends of the holiday spectrum. However, you will be surprised to find similarities between the two, especially as they relate to the heart of the Believer and their relationship with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
You might also be surprised to discover the history of Christmas.
- Before unwrapping the similarities, explore their histories and differences here.
How Can I Honor the Messiah's Birth?
There are a number of ways you can honor Yeshua during this season. Here are a few considerations to think about if you are celebrating Christmas as a One New Man Believer…
1) Celebrating the Messiah's birth is a personal decision. Many who have come to know their faith roots and understand what it means to be a One New Man—Jew and Gentile coming together in Yeshua—still want to honor and celebrate the birth of the Lord. Others cannot look past the pagan roots and ties to the Christmas holiday. With all that said, this is a decision we strongly encourage you to take to the Lord and follow Holy Spirit's guidance.
2) See the two-fold expression of the One New Man. As a family, prayerfully consider both the Jewish and Gentile side of the holiday. See the beauty in the event as the Creator humbly came as a babe, pausing for a day to honor the Messiah's birth.
3) Ask the Lord to weigh the intentions of your heart. How you choose to celebrate Christmas, as with every thought and decision, is to be taken captive and made obedient to Christ. When you go through life without examining your motives, or more so asking the Spirit of God to reveal them, you step into dangerous territory. Therefore, whatever you and your family decide to do, ask God to weigh the intentions of your heart, ensuring that your motives are pure… not legalistic, done out of fear, or tying you to things He wants to cleanse out of your life. Only He can make the intentions of your heart known.
Discover more ways to honor the Messiah’s birth here.
Is December 25 Really Jesus' Birthday?
If you have explored the Jewish roots of the Christian faith, you likely have questions about the origins of Christmas. Christmas celebrates the birth of our Savior. But is this date actually Jesus’ birthday?
- Discover the origins of Christmas here.
Why Did Jesus Come to Earth?
Have you thought about the reasons why Jesus came to Earth? If someone asked you, what would you say? The Lord wants us to know that Jesus came to fulfill the law, reveal the Father’s heart, ignite the Holy Spirit’s fire with you, and so much more!
- Discover the reasons here.
How Do You Deal with Holiday Anxiety?
Many of you experience intense emotions during the holiday season. You are around family members who can provoke stress and anxiety. You are in situations that can be overwhelming. So then, how do you deal with the strong emotions of holiday anxiety, depression, and stress?
- Find out 7 ways to battle here.
What Does It Mean that Jesus is the “Anointed One?”
Messiah comes from the Hebrew word mashiach, which means “anointed one.” This is why you may have heard Jesus referred to as Yeshua HaMashiach—Jesus the Messiah or Jesus the Anointed One.
In Greek, Christ or Christos means the anointed one. Again, this is why you hear the Son of God referred to as Jesus Christ, or Jesus the Christ.
The Bible clearly tells us that Yeshua (Jesus) IS the Anointed One.
- Find out more about the Anointed One here.