Jesus Christ is the reason for the season, but do you know when his actual birthday is? And do you know who his siblings were? In this blog post, we will explore these questions and more and share some tips on how to celebrate Jesus Christ’s birthday with your siblings in a meaningful way.
When is Jesus Christ’s Birthday?
The Bible does not give us a specific date for the birth of Jesus Christ, but most Christians celebrate it on December 25th. This date was chosen by the early church in the fourth century, based on some historical and astronomical calculations. However, some scholars suggest that Jesus was born in the spring or autumn, based on clues from the biblical narrative and the Jewish calendar. For example, Luke 2:8 mentions that there were shepherds in the fields watching their flocks at night, which implies a warmer season than winter. Also, John 1:14 says that Jesus came to dwell among us, which is translated from the Greek word “skenoo,” meaning “to pitch a tent.” This could indicate that Jesus was born during the Feast of Tabernacles, which is celebrated in late September or early October.
Regardless of the exact date, what matters is that we remember and rejoice in the fact that God sent his Son into the world to save us from our sins. As John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Who are Jesus’ Siblings?
The Bible tells us that Jesus had brothers and sisters, but their names and numbers are not clear. Matthew 13:55–56 and Mark 6:3 mention four brothers: James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas (not to be confused with Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus). They also mention “his sisters” but do not give their names or numbers. Some scholars think that these were Jesus’ half-siblings, born to Joseph and Mary after Jesus. Others think that they were Jesus’ cousins or relatives, since the words for “brother” and “sister” in Hebrew and Aramaic can also mean “kinsman” or “kinswoman.”
Whatever their relationship, we know that Jesus loved his family and cared for them. He entrusted his mother to his beloved disciple John at the cross (John 119:26–27) He also appeared to his brother James after his resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:7), and James became a leader of the early church and wrote one of the books of the New Testament. Jesus’ siblings were among those who gathered in the upper room to pray before Pentecost (Acts 1:14).
Why Did Jesus Weep?
One of the most touching verses in the Bible is John 11:35, which simply says, “Jesus wept.” This happened when Jesus arrived at Bethany, where his friend Lazarus had died four days earlier. Jesus saw the grief of Lazarus’ sisters, Mary and Martha, and of the other mourners, and he was deeply moved and troubled. He wept with them, showing his compassion and empathy.
Jesus wept not only because he loved Lazarus, but also because he hated death. Death is the enemy of God and humanity, the result of sin and rebellion. Death causes pain and sorrow and separates us from our loved ones. Jesus came to destroy the power of death and to give us hope and life. He said to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” (John 11:25-26). Then he demonstrated his authority over death by raising Lazarus from the grave.
Jesus also wept over Jerusalem, the city that rejected him as its Messiah and King. He foresaw its destruction and lamented, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.” (Luke 19:42). He wept because he wanted to gather his people as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but they were not willing (Matthew 23:37).
Jesus wept because he loves us and wants us to be saved. He wept for our sins and our sorrows. He wept to show us that he is not a distant or indifferent God, but a personal and passionate Savior.
How Does Jesus Love Me?
The most amazing truth in the Bible is that Jesus loves you. He loves you not because you are good, worthy, or deserving, but because he is gracious, merciful, and faithful. He loves you not because you love him first, but because he loved you first. He loves you not because you can do anything for him, but because he has done everything for you.
Jesus loves you so much that he left his glory in heaven and came to earth as a human being. He lived a perfect life, fulfilling the law and the prophets. He taught the truth, healed the sick, fed the hungry, and befriended the outcasts. He suffered rejection, betrayal, mockery, and injustice. He died on the cross, bearing your sins and paying your debt. He rose from the dead, defeating death and Satan. He ascended to heaven, where he intercedes for you and prepares a place for you. He will come again, to judge the world and to take you to be with him forever.
Jesus loves you so much that he gave you his Holy Spirit, who lives in you and guides you. He gave you his Word, which is a lamp to your feet and a light to your path. He gave you his Church, which is his body and his family. He gave you his gifts, which are for his glory and your good. He gave you his promises, which are yes and amen in him.
Jesus loves you so much that he calls you his friend, his brother, his bride, and his child. He knows you by name; he knows your thoughts; he knows your needs; he knows your desires. He hears your prayers, he answers your questions, he comforts your fears, and he satisfies your longings. He forgives your sins, he heals your wounds, he restores your soul, and he transforms your life.
Jesus loves you so much that he wants you to love him back. He wants you to trust him, to obey him, to follow him, and to serve him. He wants you to love him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. He wants you to love others as he has loved you. He wants you to share his gospel with the world. He wants you to worship him in spirit and in truth.
Jesus loves you, I know, for the Bible tells me so.
How to Celebrate Jesus Christ’s Birthday with Your Siblings
If you want to celebrate Jesus Christ’s birthday with your siblings in a meaningful way, here are some suggestions:
- Read the Christmas story from the Bible together. You can find it in Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2. You can also read some prophecies about Jesus from the Old Testament, such as Isaiah 7:14; 9:6-7; Micah 5:2; and Zechariah 9:9.
- Sing some Christmas carols or hymns that praise Jesus and his birth. Some examples are “Joy to the World,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” “O Holy Night,” “Silent Night,” and “Away in a Manger.”
- Pray together and thank God for sending his Son into the world. You can also pray for your family members, friends, neighbors, church leaders, missionaries, and others who need God’s grace and peace.
- Give each other gifts that reflect your love and appreciation for each other. You can also give gifts to those who are less fortunate or in need, such as by donating to a charity or sponsoring a child.
- Make or bake some treats that remind you of Jesus and his birth. For example, you can make a birthday cake for Jesus and sing “Happy Birthday” to him. You can also make cookies shaped like stars, angels, or nativity scenes.
- Watch a movie or a show that tells the story of Jesus’ birth or life. Some examples are “The Nativity Story,” “The Star,” “The Chosen,” and “The Passion of the Christ.”
- Play some games or do some activities that are fun and festive. For example, you can play charades or trivia with Christmas themes. You can also do some crafts, puzzles, or coloring pages related to Jesus’ birth.
