As the holiday season approaches, many Christians find themselves pondering the question: Should Christians Celebrate Christmas? Isn’t Christmas a pagan holiday? Why do Christians seemingly contradict themselves by condemning Halloween while embracing Christmas?
This article will explore the various arguments for and against Christmas celebration, examining the holiday’s origins, traditions, and significance from a Christian perspective.
5 Reasons For and Against Christmas Celebrations
Christmas Has Pagan Origins
The Roman Connection: In ancient Roman culture, December 17-24 marked the festival of Saturnalia, honoring the god Saturn. Later, the “Unconquered Sun” was celebrated, coinciding with the winter solstice.
Redemption and Repackaging: Early Christians, from the 4th century onward, transformed these pagan holidays into a celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth, effectively redeeming the period.
A Key Distinction: Unlike Halloween, which retains its dark, pagan essence, Christmas has been repurposed to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, symbolizing hope and redemption.
Early-Century Christians Did Not Celebrate Christmas
Focus on Martyrdom: Another point of contention is that early Christians, for the first four centuries, did not celebrate Christmas. It wasn’t until Christianity became a state religion that Christmas celebrations began to take hold.
Early Christians were more likely to commemorate a person’s death rather than their birth, which is why Jesus’ death and resurrection were the primary focus of early Christian observances.
The Shift Towards Incarnation: However, the spread of Christmas celebrations in the 4th century coincided with theological debates about the nature of Christ. The increased emphasis on the doctrine of the Incarnation likely contributed to the growing popularity of celebrating Christ’s birth.
Doctrine Over Birthdate: The Bible prioritizes remembering Jesus’ death (e.g., the Lord’s Supper) over His birth, with no direct command to celebrate Christmas.
Jesus Was Not Born on December 25th
Biblical Clues: One argument against Christmas celebration is that Jesus was not actually born on December 25th. Biblical scholars generally agree that Jesus was likely born in the spring, as shepherds would not have been in the fields with their flocks during the cold winter months. (Luke 2:8).
Celebrating the Birth, Not the Date: While December 25th may not be the actual birthdate, the event itself is a pivotal moment in Christian theology, worthy of celebration.
There Is No Commandment to Celebrate Jesus’ Birth
Silence in Scripture: Those who argue against Christmas celebration often point out that there is no explicit command in the Bible to celebrate Jesus’ birth. The New Testament does not mention the early church or the apostles commemorating Christ’s birth.
On the other hand, while the Bible doesn’t command Christmas celebration, it also doesn’t prohibit it. Supporters of Christmas observance often cite Romans 14:5-6 and 1 Corinthians 10:31, which suggest that such matters are a matter of personal conviction and that whatever is done should be done to the glory of God.
Extra-Biblical Traditions: Christmas, like other non-essential practices, can be observed if done “to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31) and in accordance with one’s conscience.
Related: Should Christians Listen to Secular Music?
The World Celebrates Christmas
Some Christians hesitate to celebrate Christmas because of its widespread secular observance. For many non-believers, Christmas has become more about consumerism, parties, and time off work than about Jesus Christ.
However, this widespread recognition of Christmas actually provides an opportunity for Christians to exalt Jesus in the face of a world that is, at least for a moment, tuned into His name. They see it as a chance to share the gospel message and the true meaning of Christmas with those who might not otherwise hear it.
Philippians 1:18: "What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice."
Are Christmas Trees Demonic?
The use of Christmas trees has been a point of contention for some Christians who associate them with pagan worship. However, the tradition of Christmas trees as we know them today actually began with Protestant Christians in Germany around the 16th century.
The star on top of the tree was used to remember the star followed by the wise men, while angels were sometimes used to recall the angelic announcement to the shepherds.
While some cite Jeremiah 10:1-16 and Isaiah 44 as prohibitions against Christmas trees, these passages are actually warnings against idolatry, not decorations. As long as the tree is not an object of worship, many Christians see no issue with this tradition.
The History of Santa Claus
The figure of Santa Claus has a complex history, with roots in both Christian tradition and commercial marketing. The original Saint Nicholas was a 4th-century bishop known for his generosity and kindness. Over time, this historical figure evolved into the modern concept of Santa Claus, particularly through 19th-century American marketing and cartoons.
Over time, the image of Santa Claus was shaped by various cultural influences, marketing, and literature, straying from the selfless example of Bishop Nicholas.
Why Celebrate Christmas?
- A Joyful Time: Embracing Christmas as a time for family, praise, and remembrance of God’s gift in Jesus Christ.
- Teaching Opportunities: Using the story of Bishop Nicholas and the true meaning of Christmas to educate about generosity, sacrifice, and the Christian faith.
Conclusion: Should Christians Celebrate Christmas?
In conclusion, the question “Should Christians celebrate Christmas?” does not have a simple, one-size-fits-all answer. The Bible neither commands nor forbids the celebration of Christmas, leaving it largely a matter of personal conviction.
Those who choose to celebrate Christmas can do so as a joyful recognition of Christ’s birth and an opportunity to share the gospel message. Those who choose not to celebrate can likewise do so with a clear conscience, focusing on honoring Christ in other ways.
Ultimately, whether one celebrates Christmas or not, the most important thing is to do all things to the glory of God and in accordance with one’s own faith and convictions.
