As the news media feature battles over the secularization of the Christmas holiday and whether local governments should be wishing “happy holidays” over “merry Christmas,” most Christians across the nation and around the world are focusing on honoring the birth of Jesus Christ.
So every December, we see breathtaking nativity scenes displaying the familiar and pleasant picture of the three wise men and shepherds gazing with adoration at the Christ child in the manger, with his loving parents Joseph and Mary and a menagerie of domestic animals looking on.
Yet did you know that in reality, the Bible never says that any kind of animal was present or that the wise men ever saw the shepherds or Jesus wrapped up in a manger? “And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him” (Matthew 2:11).
In fact, it may have been over a year after the birth of Jesus before the wise men even arrived! This theory is supported well when we read that King Herod commands his soldiers to kill all the infants in Bethlehem two years old and under (Matthew 2:16).
Even more interesting, nowhere in the Bible does it say there were three wise men. But have you ever seen a Christmas card with four wise men or two?
More Eye-Opening Revelations
So even as Amazing Facts wishes you the very best this holiday season, we think your eyes will be opened to some more amazing facts about the Christmas holiday and more.
Get biblical answers to these holiday questions in our Bible Answers Live archives!
Plus, check out these great resources:
- Baptized Paganism: Today's church is suffering from massive spiritual confusion. This eye-opening investigation explores the pagan customs that have been gradually introduced into Christianity and how you can avoid the same dangerous fate. Check it out now in our free library!
The Best Reason for the Season
However you celebrate Christmas, we hope you won’t get caught up in the ever-growing cycle of materialism plaguing the holiday. Remember, Christ asked that we store up our treasures in heaven rather than here on earth.
That’s why the best thing you can do this season is share the truth of the gospel with everyone you know. Be sure to check out or online store for great sharing resources — and get acquainted with all our free online resources!