What you may not know about the Christmas Story...

I love Christmas. I love learning about First Century Jewish culture and how they viewed "Christmas." I love the American Christmas traditions I actively participate in. But we Americans have really hijacked the beautiful images throughout the Christmas story with our un-biblical ideas of the nativity. Don't get me wrong - enjoy your nativity scene - just recognize it didn't happen like that.

Jesus wasn't born in a barn and he wasn't rejected from the town's "hotel." The wise men also wouldn't have been at the birth as it took them nearly 2 years to even arrive on the scene. That's why King Herod issued the death of all babies 2 years and younger. Speaking of mass murder...Christmas wasn't a glorious celebration in the first century as many families mourned the death of their toddlers. Think about it...

The word used for inn is poorly translated. It literally means the guest room...the guest room in the home of Joseph's family. I first heard this from Bishop Jamie Englehart and remember thinking, well duh, Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem for the census...it was Joseph's hometown...it was where his family lived. There are multiple guesses for why the guest room was preoccupied in Joseph's family's home but they weren't rejected from Bethlehem's "inn."

First Century Jews also didn't have a barn to store their animals in during the winter. Guess where they brought them? Inside their home! So, this manger scene in a barn was actually a manger scene in the home of Joseph's family...animals included.

BUT, in my opinion, the coolest part of the story of the birth of Jesus are the Shepherds! We as Americans just skip over one of the greatest revelations of Jesus as Messiah by ignoring who these Shepherds actually were. In fact, they weren't your typical Shepherds. According to Jewish culture, these Shepherds in Bethlehem were from Migdal Eder (also known as the "tower of the flock" found in the prophetic words of Micah). These Shepherds were appointed by the priests and had the Holy calling to certify Passover lambs at birth. They would wrap these newborn lambs in swaddling clothes to prevent them from bumping into things so they wouldn't bruise and nullify their perfection. Why does that matter? Because Jewish culture required these sacrificial lambs to be perfect in order to atone for their sins. Wild, I know! So, when the Angels appeared to these Shepherds and told them about the King of the Jews - that they would find Him wrapped in swaddling clothes - it was an amazing moment. It was an announcement that not only fulfilled prophecies, but a light bulb moment that symbolized a picture that Jesus would be the once and for all perfect sacrifice...the last Passover Lamb. Rejoice, the King is born and he is wrapped in swaddling clothes, not to prevent him from bruising, but to symbolize His perfection.

So, celebrate Christmas however you want. Just remember the culture, history, excitement, and pain that comes along with it.