Page 81 - Biblical Theology Textbook - masters

“This shall be a sign unto you…” The shepherds already knew the spot…for the sign of a manger meant
the Manger at Migdal Eder – “the tower of the flock!” The entire life of the Messiah was pictured at
Migdal Eder -- a lamb born on the Day of Atonement and prepared for death in Jerusalem as a sacrifice
for sin during Passover.

While we cannot definitely know the exact date of His birth, because it is not revealed in the Bible or in
extra-Biblical literature. But wouldn’t it had made sense, since all the feasts were REHEARSALS of what
was to come, that God sent His Son on the very day that the High Priest was to enter the Holy of Holies,
and offer a sacrifice for the sins of the people. “Behold, the lamb of God, which takes away the sin of
the world!” John 1:29. That feast was called the “Day of Atonement”

Conclusion
The Christmas story of Jesus’ birth has always been special to me. The warmth I feel in my heart at
Christmas time is more than the hot chocolate, or the Christmas tree lights at night, or any of the other
fond memories I have of the holiday season. It feels like God spreads His love on humanity a little
thicker during the Christmas season. It is as if He is reminding us that the gift of His Son, that He gave us
so many years ago, should convince us of His love for us. A love that we should all seek to emulate and
share with others.

Christmas should be a celebration of the birth of the Savior. It is my prayer that, every Christmas
season, Christians will lovingly and prayerfully take the lead in turning the holidays back into a time of
reflection on, and worship of, Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 2:17 ESV “Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might
become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the
people”

Why was Jesus Born in Bethlehem?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNGA6dB7Cq0

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