As we celebrate Christmas this year, let us remember again together that we are celebrating the birth of a Jewish Rabbi named Jesus. Many Christians and Jews dispute this fact of history. They tell me that one can be Jewish or Christian but all must choose between Christianity or Judaism. Yet when I revisit history, I realize that I am both Christian and Jew by following the teachings of a Jewish Rabbi. If you think about it, you may agree that most Christians are Christian-Jews that have forgotten history.
It may appear to be impossible now, but once it was not only possible it was a historical fact. Most Christians today follow the teachings of a Jewish Rabbi who was born Hebrew, lived as a Jew among his Jewish people and died as a Jew upon the cross. For the record, it was not the Jews that scourged and crucified the Rabbi Jesus – it was Roman tax collectors. A few Jews once had an unhappy decision to choose between two Jewish prisoners where only one would live. Then as now it was not the Jews that scourged and crucified Jesus, it was Pagans. The few Jews that condemned Jesus were just loyal Roman citizens similar to the Christian or Jewish like minded today who place the politics of the state above religious wisdom. How many are choosing wisely today? Never before in the history of the world had a man of peace, such as a simple Jewish Rabbi, ever defeated an empire with only the strength of the truth within his words. Sacred words, taught by example, that lived in his lessons of faith, and hope, and love. Was the Jewish Rabbi more than just a man? Who is wise enough to say?
It would be more than eighty years after his crucifixion before the word 'Christian', taken from the Hebrew to Greek 'Christos' meaning Messiah, would be used to rename the followers of the teachings of the Jewish Rabbi. Until that time the followers of Jesus considered themselves, Jews. For that is what they were and for over eighty years after the crucifixion of Jesus there were no Christians, only Jews.
We have forgotten our heritage. We have broken faith with our teacher, the Jewish Rabbi, and by reviling and persecuting the Jews, dishonored our teacher by making him an outcast among his own people. Let us remember each Christmas celebrating the birth of a Jewish Rabbi who many now call; teacher, philosopher, Savior, Messiah, and Son of God. For no matter what you call the mystery of the Jewish Rabbi, there is no doubt that he did change the world - and is changing it still, even now, as the greatest Rabbi who ever lived – one who still speaks to billions throughout the world.
Many would dispute one, or all, of these descriptive labels. Yet I would ask, “Among all the history of the world, who taught more about peace and love? Among all the philosophies of the world, who is more profound with messages of wisdom? To those who would question whether he is truly the Son of God, I would ask, “If we believe in God, are we not all the children of God and thusly can also call ourselves the sons and daughters of God? As for being the Savior and the Messiah, that is an article of faith that transcends reason and when proven by history shall one day become known as historical fact that none can doubt. This is the abiding Jewish faith that still resonates within each Christian soul.
The body of Christ is now more than a billion strong. This Christmas I stand with my brothers and sisters in our Cristian Jewish fellowship, while celebrating and remembering that we revere the teachings of a Jewish Rabbi. Let us never forget again. Let us remember the teachings of the greatest Jewish Rabbi that ever lived. Awaken the body of the Christ – and remember - for the time is near. We, that follow and hear the words of the Jewish Rabbi, are Christian-Jews who shall protect and stand with his people against all evil. Together, Christian-Jews shall be called the guardians and redeemers of Israel. For all Christians are Christian-Jews when they revere and remember the ancient words of a Jewish Rabbi called Jesus. We are Christian-Jews. We are Israel: the light of the world.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy New Year