Questions Regarding the Christmas Season
By: Ivie Powell
When it comes to whether or not the Christian should observe the Christmas season, many questions naturally comes to one’s mind. It is not our objective to go beyond the word of God in this or any other matter. So let’s pursue this study by observing some questions that normally come to us this time of the year.
Does the Bible give December 25 as the birth date of Christ? No! As a matter of fact, no date is given as to when Christ was born, period. Where then did this practice originate? The Encyclopedia Britannica (Vol. 5, p. 641) states, "Christmas was not among the earliest festivals of the church, and before the 5th century there was no general consensus of opinion as to when it should come in the calendar, whether on January 6, March 25, or December 25." The Abingdon Commentary, p. 1034 (A United Methodist Commentary) says, "Jesus cannot have been born at Christmas. Everything points to the late summer or early autumn of 7 or 6 B.C. as the date of birth."
Is it unscriptural to set aside December 25 as the birth date of Christ? Yes! The reason being there is no Bible authority for such an observance, and would be to go beyond the teaching of the scriptures (Col. 3:17; 1 Pet. 4:11). To set aside December 25 or any other date as the birth date of Christ as a "holy" day is to act without divine approval! Inspiration condemns the setting aside of special "holy" days. "Ye observe days, and months, and time, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain." (Gal. 4:10-11). The only day Christians observe with God’s approval is the first day of the week to celebrate the Lord’s death (1 Cor. 11:23-30; Acts 20:7). Remember, there is nothing wrong with a Christian celebrating special days (July 4th, Labor Day, Memorial Day, etc.) as long as there is no religious significance attached to them.
Is it wrong to have a Christmas tree during this time of the year? No! We are not cutting, decorating, and worshiping a tree as in Jer. 10. Christians should avoid using nativity scenes, the star and other symbols that give the strong impressions that one is celebrating December 25 as the birth date of Christ. This should be included in the exchanging of cards. However, this is not to say that the decorating of a tree with non-religious items and the giving of gifts are associated with a religious observance. One can do this as purely social and without any religious attachment. Many non-Christians, even atheists and Jews observe the holiday season purely as any other non-religious day!
Is it wrong to use the word "Christmas"? No! True the word Christmas is made up from two words, "Christ" and "mass." Thus meaning "a mass of Christ." However, this is not how the word "Christmas" is always associated in our culture! If it is argued it is wrong to use the word because it has a pagan background then what about using the words Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, etc. They to have a pagan background. But we do not associate them with such, and so it is with the word "Christmas." What comes to your mind when you think of the word "Christmas"? Family and friends gathering for a marvelous meal, the exchanging of gifts, stockings full of goodies, children laughing, deserts that are anything but "fat free", beautifully decorated homes, warmth and a wonderful time of the year. That’s some of the things that come to my mind, what about yours?
What are some things the church should not do? We should not have any special services giving any indication that we are celebrating December 25 as the birth date of Christ. We should not decorate our classrooms with symbols that give a religious flavor. Certainly we should not sing "Christmas songs" during the services.
What about telling our children about "Santa Claus?" The idea of Santa Claus dates back to the 4th century to a bishop of Myra named Saint Nicholas giving a purse of gold to provide the dowry for a man’s eldest daughter. "He did the same thing the second night for the second daughter, and on the third night another for the third daughter. He was caught and Saint Nicholas made the father promise he would not inform others of what he had done. From this incident, it became the custom for the older members of the house-hold to place presents in the shoes and stockings of their young relatives, who on discovering them in the morning were pleased to attribute them to the generosity of Saint Nicholas." (Ency. Amer., Vol. 20, p. 312). The same source states that "the accounts of his life are purely legendary." In our culture Santa Claus is a figure denoting joy in the minds of children. We should tell our children the truth about this fictitious character, and liken him to Donald Duck, Bugs Bunny, and Frosty the Snowman.
In an article on this very subject, John H. Erwin stated: "Many automobile bumper stickers bear the slogan, ‘Put Christ Back In Christmas.’ Of course, Christ never was in Christmas, but in spite of all the cynicism, commercialism, and obvious excesses, the beautiful story of the birth of Christ manages to come shining through; and for some, it is the only time they ever think of it, and the spirit of altruism affects all of us." So why not take advantage of this time of the year and tell people the truth about Christ, His birth, death, and resurrection as well as the establishment of His glorious church?!
If after all is said and done, and one still feels that they cannot under any circumstances celebrate this season of the year in any fashion, then by all means do not violate one’s conscience (Rom. 14:22-23). However, at the same time let us not force our opinions, likes, and dislikes on other brethren! To celebrate this time of the year as just another holiday, without any religious attachment is left to the discretion of the individual!