Do Jehovah's Witnesses Believe the Biblical Account of Jesus' Birth is Outdated and Irrelevant?

Far from finding the Biblical account of Jesus' birth outdated and irrelevant, Jehovah's Witnesses see it as a central part of their faith. The stories in Matthew and Luke are so important that they provide historical context and proof that Jesus was not born on December 25th.

The Importance of the Birth Account

Contrary to popular misconceptions, the synoptic Gospels, particularly Matthew and Luke, provide detailed accounts of Jesus' birth. These accounts are not seen as mere afterthoughts or inventions, but as crucial aspects of the early Christian narrative.

John 3:16, for example, emphasizes the importance of Jesus for all humanity: 'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.' The birth of Jesus is seen as a prophecy coming true, as described in Genesis 3:15, which foretold of the seed of the woman who would crush the serpent's head.

What Jehovah's Witnesses Believe

Jehovah's Witnesses firmly believe that the accounts of Jesus' birth support the historical reality of the Son of God. They argue that these narratives provide a foundation to faith, proving that the claims about Jesus' ministry and life are not mere legends or later additions influenced by pagan beliefs.

Challenging the December 25th Narrative

Central to Jehovah's Witnesses' stance is the belief that the traditional December 25th date is not authentic, as claimed by early Christians. They point out that the Bible makes no mention of a specific date and that the early church did not celebrate the birth of Jesus until much later.

Shepherds, according to the Gospel accounts, would not be found in the fields at night in the winter, let alone under sub-zero temperatures. This detail suggests that the December 25th celebration is more likely a later addition, influenced by pagan winter solstice celebrations. Jehovah's Witnesses believe in honoring historical accuracy and the straightforward biblical accounts.

Controversies and Criticisms

The controversies surrounding Jehovah's Witnesses and their approach to the Bible often stem from their strict interpretation of certain texts and rejection of other practices commonly associated with Christianity. Some critics argue that their emphasis on 'true' Christianity may contribute to a one-sided and exclusionary view of faith.

Others refer to their approach as similar to Stalinist controls, alleging that members are discouraged from engaging in broader religious scholarship or exploring texts outside the Watchtower publications. This attitude is seen as contrary to the intellectually rigorous and pluralistic nature of mainstream Christianity.

Conclusion

While criticisms of Jehovah's Witnesses are valid in some respects, the significance of the Biblical accounts of Jesus' birth cannot be understated. For Jehovah's Witnesses, these accounts stand as historical markers and are far from outdated or irrelevant. They believe that the true story of Christ's birth is central to their faith and offers a path to salvation.

Whether one agrees with their interpretation or not, it is clear that the accounts in the Bible of Jesus' birth play a vital role in the faith of Jehovah's Witnesses and continue to be a point of controversy and discussion within the broader Christian community.