Many Cincinnati Christians, as well as Christians around the world, are gearing up to celebrate The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is a day set aside to commemorate the event when the angel Gabriel announced to the virgin Mary that she was chosen to carry and give birth to the Son of God or Jesus Christ. (See Matthew 1:18-21 and Luke 1:26-38) While this encounter must be acknowledged by all those who profess to be believe in Jesus, however, the fact or the way that it is observed introduces many problems.
Traditionally, the Annunciation, for short, is held on the 25th day of March. This, of course, comports with the claim that Jesus was born on the 25th day of December, hence making it nine months after the Annunciation or conception of Jesus Christ. However, there is no proof that He was born on that date. On the other hand there is plenty of evidence that December 25th is the birth date of many pagan or heathen gods, i.e. Nimrod, Mithras, Osiris, just to name a few. The Bible makes it clear, “Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen … “ (Jeremiah 10:2-8; see also Ezekiel 11:4, 12)
In other words, God does not want His followers to worship Him like heathens worship their gods. Furthermore, this celebration is not found anywhere in the Bible - the aforementioned event is, but its observance is not. That said, there may be nothing wrong in and of itself to commemorate the conception of Jesus Christ, but considering how closely it is connected to heathen worshipping ways makes it a potential danger zone. Also, Ecclesiastes 7:8 states, “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof …”
Notwithstanding, whether one celebrates the Annunciation or not is their choice, for Paul instructed, “One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.” (Romans 14:5) The question then is that if a Christian is going to make a day special to honor God, then why neglect observing and celebrating the days that God has already commanded and made holy? (See Leviticus 23)
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