25 December 2022, Anno Domini (In the Year of our Lord)
Christmas Greetings from the Anglican Orthodox Communion Worldwide
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ND so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:6-7)
Is it not amazing the spirit of Love waxes so strong and abundant during the Season of Christmas? Why is that spirit so strong among every level of society at Christmas? It is because “God is Love,” and love came down during that season we celebrate His birth.
There are those among us who try to call into question the date of 25th of December as the date of His birth. Great effort is made to say that the Church should not celebrate Christmas because it cannot be proven to be the accurate date of His birth. The efforts they expend in such vain babblings is quite impressive even if disappointing.
I personally believe the consistency of the acts of God point clearly to December 25th – not because I have read arguments on pointing to the possibility on the Hebrew Calendar, but rather because I see that God plants proofs for our conjecture in His Holy Word and Acts. God must have begun His Creation of the world in the Spring of the year in order to provide healthy environments for the green life to grow. Moreover, His Passover in Egypt (the Lord’s Passover in Old Testament terms) occurred in the spring of the year – either March or April (14th Nisan). Noah’s Ark rested in that same month of the year which heralded a ‘New Beginning and a New Creation.’
Our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified on Nisan 14 at the beginning of Passover and He was the Lamb of God – our Passover – that was sacrificed from before the foundations of the world. It seems logical that the Archangel, Gabriel, would have visited Mary during the same period to symbolize that greater “New Beginning.’ If so, Christ would have been conceived in March or early April. Nine months later would place his birth very close to December 25th. But suppose my calculations are wrong? Is It wrong to celebrate the coming of our Redeemer into the world on any day of the year – even 365 days? “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days.” (Colossians 2:16)
Disregard those whose constant arguments that condemn our joys and celebrations of the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ at Bethlehem grow more and more vocal as everything else that points to a Savior is being demeaned by a world gone mad.
Christmas is a time that brings such warm memories and feelings of mutual felicity that any argument against its celebration is not only ridiculous, but futile as well. Those who love the Lord, and love one another, will never be convinced to forego the celebration of His birth. The best memories of my life are of the Godly Christmas carols, the ancient stories of the shepherds, the Wise Men, and Mary and Joseph (as they traveled to an inn in Bethlehem that afforded no shelter for them). It is not Santa Claus, or silly Christmas ditties that I remember, but the majestic carols that relate the biblical account in beauty. These make an indelible impression upon the minds and memories of all of faith in Christ.
I pray all who read this letter will have a warm and joy-filled Christmas Season – one celebrated not, just one day, or twelve, but 365 days of the year.
MERRY CHRISTMAS ONE AND ALL!
A Happy & Blessed Christmas!
Jerry L. Ogles
Presiding Bishop
Anglican Orthodox Communion Worldwide
