1 of 36

Write now Article Tools

I was talking to someone a few days ago who said most decidedly, "I hate this time of year." I knew they were referring to the mass market Christmas commercial rush that is so prevalent at this time of year. And while I am one who absolutely adores this time of year, I completely understand this attitude. In fact, this comment got me thinking more about the subject.

I'm no expert on Jewish Culture, but I know that at the time Christ was born, the Jews were a very strong tradition driven society. I would dare say that their biggest holiday celebrations might put even our Christmas celebrations to shame. Their observed holidays were rooted so deep, and made such a big event, that like our Christmas season, passover lasted weeks. In fact, if I'm not mistaken, Passover was the biggest Jewish holiday of all at the time Christ was born. On top of their individual celebrations, masses upon masses would come to the temple at Jerusalem to make their Passover sacrifices. If things were much like they were when Jesus was older, buying, selling, and trade were a huge deal especially in Jerusalem (as evidenced years later in Christ's cleansing of the Temple).

One of the things we now know is that Christ was born during the passover season, and quite likely, Jesus may have been born on the day of passover. Thousands upon thousands of people were flocking to Jerusalem and all the surrounding cities to be near the temple at passover. Bethlehem was within a few miles of Jerusalem - great location to lodge for the Passover weeks.

It's no wonder, therefore, that Mary and Joseph could find no place to stay. The middle of Passover season in a next-door city to the Temple, and business is booming!

Isn't it interesting, then, that it was right in the midst of this tremendous holiday commercial traffic that the very essence of the passover season passed through. The whole meaning of Passover was to remind the Children of Israel that the Lord saved them from destruction and death, and Jehovah Himself was on His way through the town, being passed over and ignored even turned away from the inns that might have invited the Savior into the world.

What might have happened if people had been really considered the real meaning of the season? They were a very oppressed people under Roman rule, awaiting deliverance. Perhaps they felt something like the slaves of Egypt, and seeking deliverance. Any stopping to think about the meaning of passover would remember that it was this "passing over" that

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Reflections: The true meaning of Christmas?
We want to hear your view. Write now!