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.
Comments