How much of what you believe about Scripture is based on truth and how much is based on Hallmark greeting cards? You might be surprised to find out the answers! We are entering the time of year when many participate in a church or family advent calendar. Beginning December 1st, I will be placing on this blog each week sections from my “Christmas Test.” In subsequent weeks, I will post the answers to the previous week's questions as well as a series of new questions for the coming week.
Here are a few sample questions and answers:
- According to the Bible there were three wisemen. (False - Matthew 2:1)
- The Bible says that Mary rode on a donkey in order to reach Bethlehem. (False - Luke 2:4-5)
- Contrary to conventional wisdom, the Christmas Revelation actually spans a period of several years. (True - Luke 1:1-2:38 & Matthew 1:18-2:23)
Intrigued? Well, I hope you will enjoy finding out what the Bible says about Christmas in the coming weeks. 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 to suggest some creative uses for this tool.
The Advent Calendar: There are a total of 61 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 during the month leading up to 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.
For those of you who would like to jump ahead, you can find the test in its entirety in the eDocs section of the Grace Community International webpage.
Good luck, have fun and remember, before Christmas pageants, before mini-series, before Hollywood, before Hallmark Cards...there was the Bible!
By His mercy, II Corinthians 4:1 Rev. John S. Mahon Grace Community Int.
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