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It really doesn't matter if Jesus of Nazareth was born a few years before or after what we have recognised as the beginning of our calendar, nor does it matter that he may have been born a few months earlier or later in the year. What does matter, that this long time since that occurrence, we still celebrate the occasion and recognise it as a historical event. Perhaps, even more important then the event itself, is why we consider his birth and life as important. After almost 2,000 years we have had enough time to consider this problem and it looks like it all boils down to some thing he might have said. Once when asked which of ten great commandments was the most important, he noted that the first one was tops on the list, but then he added yet another commandment that we should love our neighbours as ourselves. Rather a simple comment, or words to that effect but the result was astonishing. We all realise that talk is an inexpensive medium of exchange and a person can say something pretty profound if they have skill and experience, but what really makes a difference is the actions that people take. This Hebrew guy set about living his life and conducting himself based entirely on what he had said and the lessons he had taught. His actions and ultimately the choice he made to give up his life for what he believed pretty much made his reputation. When you think about it, that has to be some reputation, that we are still considering it two years short of two thousand years later. The example, the actions that people have taken, has been the key element in making Christmas the important
celebration that it is for everyone one, not just the believers and followers of this carpenter from ancient Roman Israel.