Our Hanukkah Miracle

Christmas takes on new meaning for a Jewish couple

- BY Ben Shragge

Many noteworthy individuals have a Dec. 24 or 25 birthday, among them the scientist Sir Isaac Newton, film star Humphrey Bogart and metal singer Lemmy Kilmister. Of course, the most famous Christmas baby is Jesus, but actually, the specific date of his birth is never mentioned in the Gospels. His big day was chosen by the Romans centuries after his death, likely to supplant pagan holidays that fell around the same time. But regardless, the list of Christmas babies includes many legends in their fields.

Still, when we were given a Dec. 24 due date for our daughter’s birth, my wife and I had some reservations. A winter birthday in New England, where we live, is dreary enough already. But a birthday on or close to Christmas risks becoming an afterthought. Friends wouldn't be around for her birthday parties. Balloons would be eclipsed by Christmas lights. Nativity scenes would remind our daughter that, for much of the world, someone else's birth was more important. No matter how special your parents say you are, it's hard to compete with being called the son of God.