A Special Christmas Message In Troubling Times
We’re extending our holiday wishes in troubling times. I suspect those troubles have not escaped you.
With Hanukah now passed, it’s time for Christmas. As Christmas approaches, my Jewish friends and acquaintances will be especially in my thoughts and prayers. The ugliness and danger of Antisemitism has arisen - yet again.
I grew up with Jewish neighbors and friends, and spent years working for and with Jews. So this Christmas, with all that’s going on, let's recall that Jesus was Jewish. His message was primarily directed to His own people. (He does reference Gentiles at various times in the Gospels, and makes it clear His message applies to them as well.)
After His birth in a cave in Bethlehem, his Jewish parents, - Joseph and Mary - saw to it that he was circumcised, according to Jewish custom. Mary was “cleansed” in the Temple, again according to Jewish custom. There are many other instances of Jesus preaching and practicing His Jewish faith. But suffice it to say that He never wavered from living - and dying - as a Jew during his brief life on earth.
While most Jews might not agree, as a Christian I believe that Jesus is the Messiah - the Jewish Messiah anticipated for centuries.
So…a special Christmas message: Being Christian - or a human being for that matter - cannot include being antisemitic.
With Hanukah now passed, it’s time for Christmas. As Christmas approaches, my Jewish friends and acquaintances will be especially in my thoughts and prayers. The ugliness and danger of Antisemitism has arisen - yet again.
I grew up with Jewish neighbors and friends, and spent years working for and with Jews. So this Christmas, with all that’s going on, let's recall that Jesus was Jewish. His message was primarily directed to His own people. (He does reference Gentiles at various times in the Gospels, and makes it clear His message applies to them as well.)
After His birth in a cave in Bethlehem, his Jewish parents, - Joseph and Mary - saw to it that he was circumcised, according to Jewish custom. Mary was “cleansed” in the Temple, again according to Jewish custom. There are many other instances of Jesus preaching and practicing His Jewish faith. But suffice it to say that He never wavered from living - and dying - as a Jew during his brief life on earth.
While most Jews might not agree, as a Christian I believe that Jesus is the Messiah - the Jewish Messiah anticipated for centuries.
So…a special Christmas message: Being Christian - or a human being for that matter - cannot include being antisemitic.
Merry Christmas!
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