I wonder how many people came to this post with no idea that Mark says nothing about Christmas. I’m sure I snagged a few theologians who think I’m either unschooled or a heretic and are here to see which it is.
Yet Mark’s conspicuous absence of a nativity account speaks volumes to us and that’s what I want us to consider today.
Why would Mark – that in many ways is so close to its synoptic brothers (Matthew and Luke) – leave out any mention of the coming of Jesus as a baby?
Mark starts with a quick mention of John the Baptist and then right into Jesus’ baptism and ministry. He doesn’t seem to care about the prophecies Jesus fulfilled like Matthew. He certainly doesn’t care to put Jesus into Jewish or World history. Some describe Mark a a passion with a longer introduction. Before I explain that, let’s take a look at a few things about the book of Mark.
Since the earliest times it’s been held that Mark, while a witness to the events of Jesus’ life, was the scribe for Peter. Remember Peter was the one to jump onto the waves. He was the one to run into the tomb when John stopped at the entrance. He was the one to speak up when the rest of the disciples were quite. He was the impetuous one.
42 times in 16 chapter (and these are just the ones that make it into English) the word “immediately” is used in the book of Mark. Everything in Mark is focussed on the one event. Everything in Mark rushes towards the reason Jesus came. Mark is so focussed on the passion of Christ – His death on the cross – that he doesn’t have time to waste on Jesus‘ birth.
And that’s something we can never forget in the Christmas season. Yes, Jesus came as a baby and we celebrate his birthday on the only day early Christians could celebrate together as slave and free – the pagan holiday of Saturnalius – but we should never forget Jesus came to this world to die. His death paid the price for our sins. It satisfied the requirements for justice. It made us friends again with the Father. And by His stripes we were healed.
Christmas without the cross is no better than a pagan holiday.
Christmas according to Mark is Jesus came to die.
I knew Mark said nothing about Christmas and wondered what you could possibly have in mind. Turns out to be something profoundly important. Thank you.
Thanks so much – I love using words that make people who know how to think, think a little more. Great posts on your blog. I’ve left a comment on your post on why Jesus’ mother had to be a virgin. Great insight.