Dear Prayer Warriors, As in past years, this advent season I will be posting daily questions on the blog for you on the truths and myths of Christmas. Along with the questions will be the Scriptural answer. As a little tease I am posting a list of ten of these questions with just the T or F answer. In the actual postings, you will have the Scripture and explanation following each question. I trust it will be a blessing. In January or usual weekly blog postings will recommence. By His Mercy, II Corinthians 4:1, Rev. John S. Mahon – Director, Grace Community International For the complete study and other free Christmas ministry tools just follow this link to our website. http://gciweb.org/2011/07/holidays-resources/
“Now The Birth Of Jesus Christ Was As Follows...” Matthew 1:18 Or The Gospel Of Jesus According To Hallmark
How much of what you believe about the scripture is based on truth and how much is based on Hallmark greeting cards? You might be surprised to find out the answers. Take a trivia test on the birth of the Savior. Match wits with your friends, family and coworkers. Better have a Bible with you to prove you’re right. Some beliefs about Christ’s birth are so strong, yet so wrong that you will become an instant expert when you point them out. Good luck, have fun and remember, before Christmas pageants, before mini-series, before Hollywood, before Hallmark Cards... there was the Bible.
A Word From The Author: Before you begin the exciting journey of learning once and for all what God the Holy Spirit has revealed to man concerning the event surrounding the birth of Christ please allow me as the author to suggest some creative uses for this tool.
The Advent Calendar: You will notice that there are sixty one questions on the “Christmas Test”. This is to allow you to use it as an Advent Calendar. By taking two questions each day you can meditate on the truths of the Incarnation for the month before Christmas.
Family Devotionals: You will find your children (of all ages) intrigued by what the Bible actually says concerning the birth of Christ. They will be fascinated to discover that they believe many erroneous facts. They will be excited to learn new and eternal truths. By taking two or three questions each evening at the evening meal you will find a lively discussion often ensues. I would strongly suggest that the father read the questions and master the answers as your children will more and more desire the deep spiritual truths of the Incarnation of Christ rather than the stories and fables which are so often fed to them. This is an excellent tool to begin your family in daily evening devotionals. Having finished the Christmas Test you will want to continue reading the Bible each evening at the dinner table and discussing the content of what is read with your children.
Bible Studies and Sunday School Classes: Many Bible studies and Sunday School classes function on a semester basis. The month of December is often considered a dead month because of sporadic attendance. This is an excellent tool to maintain an interest in Bible study during this time. You will find, especially among adults, many wrong convictions which are strongly and emotionally held. The Christmas Test will keep your class awake amid the lively discussion and provide a motivation for faithful attendance during the hectic days of the Christmas holidays.
Personal Edification: Last but not least the test with the answers and Scripture are presented for your personal edification. Many immerse themselves in the questions and Scripture simply for their personal spiritual benefit that they may speak confidently and truthfully concerning the Incarnation of Christ – both the Historical Revelation and the Doctrinal Truths.
(T = True; F = False)
According to the Bible...
1. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the Christmas Revelation actually spans a period of several years
2. Mary rode on a donkey to Bethlehem.
3. At Jesus’ birth a star shown over the manger.
4. The angels came proclaiming, “Peace on earth and good will towards men”
5. The Magi, upon seeing the star in the east, followed it directly to Bethlehem.
6. The shepherds and the Magi all converged upon the baby Jesus in the manger
7. The Magi came bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh but we do not know how many wise men there actually were, nor does the Bible say they were riding camels. The common depiction of three Magi riding camels is not stated in the holy Scriptures.
8. The shepherds and the wise men all converged upon the baby Jesus in the manger.
9. From it’s first appearance, the star did not lead the Magi directly to Jesus.
10. Jesus was a beautiful baby who grew into a handsome man with long flowing hair.
(Answer Key 1T ; 2F ; 3F ; 4F ; 5F ; 6F ; 7T ; 8F ; 9T ; 10F of Christ – both the Historical Revelation and the Doctrinal Truths.
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