The Holy Family And Yours

I write on the Eve of this year's joyous Christian celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the long-awaited Messiah. In this season the family is very important. Families around the world gather to celebrate what happened to the Holy Family in Bethlehem where Jesus was born and placed in a manger. My family is gathered this Christmas at the home of our daughter in South Texas.


The old question of Jesus' own family—and his later possible marriage–arises unbidden. A few years earlier it was all the rage as people read in novels that Mary Magdalene was Jesus' wife. The news was filled with the nonsense. If you'd like an extended conversation about the issue, you may want to read the long article "Was Jesus Married? A Careful Look At The Real Evidence" by Dr. Mark D. Roberts. He says there is hardly even a hint from the sources that Jesus was. His conclusion:

Once when Jesus was preaching he was approached by his natural family. The crowd told him that they were there to see him. Jesus responded, “Who are my mother and brothers?” Then, looking at his disciples, he answered the question: “Here are my mother and brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother” (Mark 3:33-35). Ironically, therefore, Jesus is more inclusive and counter-cultural than those who would tie Mary Magdalene’s significance primarily to her filling the traditional role of wife. Though much in Scripture supports the importance of natural family, the relationship that matters most of all is our relationship with Jesus Christ as his disciple. We disciples are, together, the true and only bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:21-33).

As you celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus again this year, I invite you to join me in celebrating the wonder of it all. Our Lord chose to become one with His precious bride. We are His and because of this birth, we shall always be so. So I wish for you and your family a joyous celebration of Emmanuel, God with us. Hallelujah. Do have a most merry Christmas.