Christmas in 1775 was celebrated under the cloud of a revolution that started 8 months earlier in Lexington and Concord.  Colonists had come to the point of no return in their quest for freedom from tyranny brought on by King George III.  Historians down through the years have poured over the record of events during that time and most have concluded that the Colonists were backed into the proverbial corner.  We all know the outcome of the war; but, that hasn’t stopped many today proclaiming that the United States of America (USA) is founded on racists principles and stolen land.  It would seem that history has become very fluid.

The unfortunate effect of attempting to re-write history is felt most in the younger generations.  Many young people today have little knowledge or understanding of how the USA came into existence.  The laziness of history professors today allows students to invent any notion they choose that will satisfy their unhappiness.  American Historian, David McCullough stated, “We are raising a generation of historically illiterate Americans.”  This writer would add that this has been further exacerbated by the flood of immigrants – both legal and illegal – who have no understanding or desire to know about the founding of this great country.  History has become a non-entity for deciding loyalties and establishing life connections. 

How does all this help us in our acceptance of and understanding of the Bible?  One writer put it this way: “Why does the Bible’s connection to history still matter in our modern world? For believers, it’s more than just a record of the past—it’s a foundation for faith. Understanding how Scripture aligns with historical events strengthens trust in God’s word and provides clarity for our way of living.”  Archaeology has become a true friend of Bible scholars.  We are learning that we can trust the Bible and its presentation of God’s dealing with humanity down through the ages.  If we can trust such evidence of events, names and places as uncovered through archaeological discoveries, then surely we can trust the message that the Bible presents.  Jesus the Christ was prophesied to be the coming Messiah.  He was then proclaimed to be the Son of God and subsequently the Incarnate God also called the Word of God.  The message of the Bible also includes the prophecy of the return of the Christ.

This Christmas we can celebrate not only the coming of a Christ Child into the world some two thousand years ago but also the promise of His return.  May the youth of our church learn to trust the message of the Bible because they have learned that it is based in history and not on some mythical imagination of misguided fools as the world at large would like for them to believe.  We all share together the responsibility for teaching them to trust just as we as citizens are responsible for how our youth come to believe in the true founding of our nation.  Let us be the adults in the room, in a manner of speaking, and guide our youth into the truth of Christ.  Remember that he said clearly, You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.  (John 8:32)  Freedom is about learning and knowing the truth.  Celebrate the truth of Christ this Christmas.  And may that truth be anchored in your heart and mind.

Merry Christmas

Pastor David