Friday, December 25, 1998

Remembering ‘reason for the season’

By Joe Alcorta

Millions of people around the world are celebrating Christmas. A majority of Americans annually celebrate this special day.

But what is Christmas? It is the day recognized as the birthday of Jesus, the Son of God. Millions of people believe in the virgin birth of the Son of God — and some do not. Regardless, “the reason for the season” is the birth of Christ.

Most people acknowledge birthdays in some way. Why? Because it is a way to recognize people. In America the birthdays of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King are given special attention. We may not want to admit it, but at one time or another in our lives we tend to follow or model a certain person or persons for different reasons.

Some people will admire, respect and follow people like Michael Jordan, Oprah Winfrey, Rush Limbaugh, Harrison Ford, Mother Teresa or Billy Graham.

But what about this man called Jesus? What was so unique about him? Why should he be admired, respected and followed?

Well, for starters, he is recognized as the Son of God. And yet, as the Son of God, he was born in very humble surroundings. His parents, Joseph and Mary, were poor and he did not have the luxury of a baby nursery. He was in a stable surrounded by barn animals.

According to the Bible, an angel announced the historical birth first to some lowly, poor shepherds. The shepherds went to Bethlehem of Judea, the birthplace of Jesus. There they recognized him as the Son of God. Later, wealthy wise men came to recognize and adore the baby Jesus by giving him expensive gifts.

At the early age of 12 in the temple in Jerusalem he was found among scholarly teachers asking religious questions. So he was teachable; later he became their teacher.

At an adult age he was publicly baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. At baptism, the Bible relates, a voice was heard from heaven: “Thou are my beloved son; in thee I am well pleased.”

As a man he was tempted by Satan, but he never fell into temptation. Jesus quoted scripture to resist the devil.

He selected 12 men of different backgrounds to follow him. For three years he taught them about life and spiritual matters.

He performed miracles. His first one was converting water into wine at a wedding. The head waiter at the wedding said, “Every man serves the good wine first, here you have kept the good wine until now.” He made the lame walk, the deaf to hear and the blind to see. He cast out demons from people and he fed thousands of people.

He was criticized for associating with the wrong kind of people.

He was loved and surrounded by children. He said for people to enter the kingdom of heaven, that they must be like little children.

He showed humility by washing the feet of his disciples.

He showed his emotions as he cried at the death of his friend Lazarus.

During a storm at sea he commanded the sea to be still and the waters obeyed him.

Most people are acquainted with his well-known prayer which he taught to his 12 disciples — “Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come.”

Many others can quote the Golden Rule in which Jesus stated, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Another popular saying from Jesus is, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

This man Jesus often quoted the Old Testament as it existed then. At one time he said, “You have heard, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemies.’ I say, love your enemies.”

Finally, he was betrayed by one of his followers. A quick trial by high authorities sent him to be crucified. Hanging on the cross, he told his heavenly Father, “Forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

So, this Christmas Day, remember whose birthday you are celebrating. It is the birthday of a very special individual — a man called Jesus. I challenge you to honor, respect and follow Jesus and his teachings.

So, happy birthday, Jesus! And to all a Merry Christmas!

Joe Alcorta teaches at Hardin-Simmons University.