Christmas

A few days after Thanksgiving one can go into most businesses and they will see Christmas wares being advertised. From television, radio, newspaper adds, and magazines the American public will be heavily bombarded with the approaching of December 25. School classrooms will be decorated with trees and other decorations of the season. Plays will be presented depicting the "Christmas story." Songs flood the airwaves with lyrics of "Silent Night," "Away In A Manger," "Here Comes Santa Claus," "Frosty The Snowman," and "Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer." Truly the excitement of the season is contagious! Children and adults as well cannot wait to "open their presents!" So in light of all this excitement, what are parents to teach their children regarding Christmas? I would suggest that you ask and answer some questions such as:

Does the Bible give December 25 as the birth date of Christ? The answer of course is no. As a matter of fact, no date is given as to when Christ was born. You may want to read to them the information in The Encyclopedia Britannica volume 5, page 641 which tells when this practice originated.

Another question which they would be interested in is, "Is it unscriptural (explain to them what is meant by something being unscriptural) to set aside December 25 as the birth date of Christ?" The answer of course is yes. The reason being there is no Bible authority for such an observance, and would be to go beyond the teaching of scripture. Now read to them Colossians 3:17 and I Peter 4:11. Also point out to them 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! Let them read the inspired words of Paul in Galatians 4:10-11. Then state that the only day Christians observe with God’s approval is the first day of the week to celebrate the Lord’s death and read to them I Corinthians 11:23-30 and Acts 20:7. Also tell them there is nothing wrong with a Christians celebrating special days such as 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, it is not wrong simply because one has a tree. Explain to them that the statement in Jeremiah 10 is involving cutting, decorating and worshiping a tree and we are not doing this. As for nativity scenes, the star and other symbols, Christians should avoid using these. This is not to say that the decorating of a tree with non-religious items, and the giving of gifts with no religious attachment is wrong. One can do this as purely social and without any religious attachment. Point out to them that many non-Christians observe the holiday season purely as any other non-religious day and that is what we are doing. As for Santa Claus, he is a fictitious character like Donald Duck, Bugs Bunny and Frosty the Snowman.

Tell them to take advantage of this time of the year, and teach people about the birth of Christ; why He came to the world (Rom.5:8-9) and the establishment of His church (Matt.16:18; Acts 2). That Christians remember the death of Christ every Lord’s day (I Corinthians 11:23-30) - the only day that has been set aside with heaven’s approval, and that we celebrate the Christmas season as just another holiday, without any religious attachment.

- - -Ivie Powell