Question: Why do the Jews not celebrate Christmas? Don’t we worship the same God of the Old and New Testaments? Do they not believe that Jesus ever existed?
Answer: The Jews use documents for their worship that Christians are familiar with in the Old Testament, such as the writings of Moses, the prophets, and others. They accept Jesus as a prophet and good teacher, but they do not acknowledge Him as the Messiah they are still awaiting that was foretold in the Holy Scriptures. The Jews of Jesus’ time were expecting that the savior they had long awaited would come to deliver them from the harsh oppression of the Roman Empire and establish their nation as independent under his kingship. So, when Jesus was born, not in a royal palace, but in a cave or stable, and raised as a carpenter’s son in Nazareth, they did not recognize Him or accept Him. Even today, Christians expect Jesus to enter their lives and to solve all their problems and deliver them from any problems and persecution. Although He can grant His deliverance, protection, and healing, there are times He chooses not to, so that His ultimate purposes will be fulfilled. Jesus, God in human form, publicly taught the real reason why He had come as a man into the world – to save both Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews) not just from their situations but from their sins:
I have come in my Father’s Name, and you do not receive Me… Jesus in John 5:43
Then Jesus cried out as He taught in the temple, saying, “You both know me! You know where I am from, and I have not come of Myself, but He who sent Me is true, whom you do not know.” Jesus in John 7:28-29
I am the door; if anyone enters by Me, he will be saved…I have come that they might have life and have it more abundantly. Jesus in John 10:9-10
God will send you another helper…the Holy Spirit of truth, to live with you and in you. I will not leave you as comfortless orphans; I will come to you. Jesus in John 14:16-18
For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save those who were lost. Jesus in Luke 19:10
I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. Jesus in Revelation 3:20
The scriptures tell that Jesus speaks to each man or woman’s heart and mind to reveal that He is the one who will save him or her from destruction and a future separated from God in eternity. Have you realized that Jesus came for you to seek you out and to save you? Accept that truth now, before it’s too late! Right now, Jesus issues to you the same personal invitation He has always offered! Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life:
Come! Come to anyone who hears, who thirsts for life. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. Jesus in Revelation 22:17
