As the holiday season rolls in, families gather to celebrate traditions that blend joy, love, and togetherness. For Christians, this time of year shines particularly bright as they commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, a figure central to their faith. However, as past holiday cheer fades, the air is filled with something rather uncheerful: a growing trend in criticisms against Christian beliefs, with some media outlets taking shots at the core tenets of Christianity.
One of these outlets is The New York Times, which recently published articles questioning the virgin birth and the seemingly imperfect family structure of Jesus. It seems the holiday spirit can’t escape the persistent scrutiny that many Christians face. A notable voice addressing this issue is Pastor Jack Hibbs, founder of Real Life Ministry. He suggests that this climate of criticism is not a surprise—it’s almost expected, given biblical predictions about the reception of good news. After all, if the world had its way back in the day, they would have silenced Jesus himself, despite His miracles and messages.
The pastor explained that this animosity toward Christianity isn’t a new development; it mirrors experiences faced by believers throughout history. Just as the religious elites of Jesus’ time questioned His miracles, modern media seems to carry on this tradition of doubt and critique. But here’s the kicker: even as criticisms fly, this season is a reminder that the historic announcements about Jesus’ birth were made long before he graced the earth. Prophecies about a virgin giving birth and the location of His arrival linger through the ages, offering a beacon of truth to those who seek it.
Interestingly enough, even in the face of doubt, there seems to be a revival of interest in Christian teachings. Bible sales have surged a whopping 41% since 2019, especially among the 15 to 25 age demographic. It seems that younger generations are searching for answers amid a sea of misinformation and confusion fostered by the internet. These young individuals, weary of the superficialities of social media and the pressures of modern lifestyles, are eager to find something real and life-affirming. They are entering bookstores and online retailers with one mission: to discover the truth, sometimes in the form of a Bible.
But alongside this positive trend, there are more concerning issues emerging in society. Pastor Hibbs noted an incident where a woman was set afire on a subway, and bystanders did nothing to help her. It raises the question of what the world is coming to where compassion seems to be dwindling. According to the pastor, this ties back to prophecies about the end times—where love for others waxes cold, and violence becomes more prevalent. In a world grappling with moral dilemmas, the message of Christmas and the love that Jesus preached may be exactly what’s needed to rekindle hope and healing.
As families celebrate the joy and truth of the holiday, it serves as a poignant reminder that Christianity carries messages of love, forgiveness, and hope, even amid a chorus of criticism. Emphasizing the core principles of the faith, Pastor Hibbs reinforces the idea that it is crucial to return to the essence of the season: celebrating Jesus and His enduring message of light and love. After all, if there was ever a time to embrace truth and reject despair, it is during the festive days of Christmas.
