A Fabulous story of all time in history!

 

One story that rules History even today is the birth of Jesus celebrated around the world on 25^th December. However, only few are aware of the facts that surround it. Let’s see some of  the crucial ones:

1.Prophetic Birth:

Jesus’ birth was the fulfilment of the prophecy foretold 700 to 1000 years ago. He is the only human who found His identity even before His birth in Matthew 1:23 in the Bible, “Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and you will call him Immanuel.” (Immanuel is a descriptive name for Jesus. It means “God with us.”).

2. Virgin Birth:

In the same passage mentioned above, it is recorded that this God of the universe will be born through the virgin. This miraculous virgin birth event is only related to Jesus in human history.

3. The Three Wise Men:

Otherwise known as the Magi followed a star from the East to Bethlehem in search of a newborn king. They offered gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. By the Middle Ages, most believed that three Magi visited the Christ child and that they were kings who symbolized the three ages of man. Later commentators proposed that they represented the three known continents: Europe, Asia, and Africa.

4. The angels appearing to Shepherds:

The book of Luke chapter 2 in the Bible tells us that an angel appeared to some shepherds after Jesus' birth and told them that the saviour had arrived. This unique incident brought together all categories of people and that God is for all regardless of caste, class, race, and economic status.

How is it that Jesus, a Jewish rabbi who lived over 2,000 years ago, continues to captivate people worldwide and is still the most fascinating figure of all time? Jim Warner Wallace, a former cold-case detective uses his investigative skills to explore the historical and scientific evidence for the existence and divinity of Jesus. He gives some brilliant evidence as follows:

1. The Credibility of the Canonical Gospels.

The four gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) provide primary sources for understanding Jesus ‘life and teachings. The texts were written by eyewitnesses or people who had access to eyewitness accounts, offering detailed depictions of Jesus ‘life, including His crucifixion and resurrection. Centuries of scrutiny by scholars support the historical accuracy of the gospels, making them a valuable historical foundation for the Christian faith and providing compelling evidence of Jesus ‘existence.

2. Extra-Biblical Sources.

Numerous extra-biblical sources from various ancient historians provide additional validation for Jesus ‘existence. Tacitus, a Roman historian writing in the early part of the second century A.D., mentions Christ in his work “Annals,” affirming His crucifixion under Pontius Pilate. Furthermore, Jewish historian Flavius Josephus refers to Jesus in his writings “Antiquities” and “The Jewish War,” confirming His impact on society and the rise of Christianity.

3. Non-Judeo-Christian Sources

The Roman historian Suetonius mentions disturbances within Rome due to Chrestus (Christ), highlighting early Christian presence during Emperor Claudius’s reign.

4. Archaeological Discoveries

Archaeologists have discovered artifacts corresponding to events described in the gospels, lending credibility to their historical accuracy. Notable findings, such as the Pontius Pilate inscription at Caesarea Maritima and the Caiaphas Ossuary, offer physical evidence of significant figures present during Jesus ‘crucifixion.

The joy of Christmas is no ordinary joy, but the “mega joy” of redemptive history. In an act of immeasurable grace, as a gift to His people, a culmination of all the Old Testament promises, God sends forth His Son. That is why our eyes should open wide in awe when opening the New Testament in the Bible to wise men from the east rejoicing “with great joy” at a star and angels announcing “good news of great joy” to shepherds. You too can experience this joy by receiving this saviour in your heart. No need for rites, rituals, or pilgrimage travel. Just say a prayer believing and accepting Him, and you are in your new journey not to a foreign religion but to abundant life and hopeful eternity.

 

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Reference:

“Person of Interest: Why Jesus Still Matters in a World that Rejects the Bible,” Mr. Jim Wallace