Is the Christmas story actually Jewish?!
I have never celebrated Christmas—I have no cultural connection to it. But you can imagine my shock as a new follower of Yeshua when I discovered that the Christmas narrative is a very Jewish story! No, I don't mean what you see at the Vatican every year with the pope...I am referring to the words of Matthew and Luke.
Growing up, Christmas was the most “goyish” (non-Jewish) event. I enjoyed all the holiday lights; but honestly, all my friends were jealous that I got presents for eight days (Hanukkah) and they only had one day!
So when I started reading the New Testament after coming to believe Yeshua is the Messiah I was shocked to realize that what is known today as Christmas actually is a VERY Jewish story.
This holiday has been a great stumbling block for the Jewish people for hundreds of years—but it shouldn’t be! Again, I am referring to the narrative surrounding Yeshua's birth, not all the "trimmings" that came later.
In today’s video, I share more about this VERY Jewish story and answer some more of the Jewish objections to Jesus.
Thank you for praying for the Jewish people to come to salvation in Yeshua. Thank you also for supporting Shelanu TV as we share the gospel in Hebrew in Israel 24-7!
Until all Israel is saved (Rom.11:26),
Ron Cantor
I don't celebrate Christmas, I feel that it is a pagan holiday, that is my personal belief, I do think that Our Messiah was born during spring, But since His birthdate is not mentioned in the Scripture, I feel that even in Israel December is a very cold month no newborn could survive the bitter cold some Messianic put His birth in sukkot, not cold yet, I don't truly know.
Yet I try not to celebrate December 25, personal thing! :-) The most important day to observe is Nissan. 14 (I order calendars from Israel)
He died in my name for all my offenses, Praise G-d!! He is Mighty to save. Yeshua died for all those who call on Him.…
I don't celebrate Christmas, I feel that it is a pagan holiday, that is my personal belief, I do think that Our Messiah was born during spring, But since His birthdate is not mentioned in the Scripture, I feel that even in Israel December is a very cold month no newborn could survive the bitter cold some Messianic put His birth in sukkot, not cold yet, I don't truly know.
Yet I try not to celebrate December 25, personal thing! :-) The most important day to observe is Nissan. 14 (I order calendars from Israel)
He died in my name for all my offenses, Praise G-d!! He is Mighty to save. Yeshua died for all those who call on Him.…
The "Jewish connection" to Christmas is much more extensive in the American context. Jews have always been involved in the production of European music in the classical tradition, which includes choral and instrumental music of the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque eras. Noah Greenberg founded the New York Pro Musica in 1952 and recorded at least 28 known albums. We have Noah Greenberg to thank for the popularity of early music in academia, and among classically trained musicians. Many Jewish people produce, enjoy, and actively participate in, Christmas music performances in churches and concert halls as directors, singers, instrumentalists and keyboard musicians. Performances of George Frideric Händel's oratorio "Messiah" are common during December and March/April, especially when Parts 2 and 3…