Is
Observing Christmas Pagan?
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In
browsing the Internet I’ve discovered a number of
churches and sects who believe that observing Christmas
is pagan. It appears by their pronouncements that to observe
Christmas in any form or manner is unchristian and pagan.
I believe that the arguments used to condemn remembering,
honoring and observing our Lord’s birth are superficial.
Some of the reasons given for not observing Christmas include: |
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The
date of Christ’s actual birth is not
December 25th. |
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Observing
Christmas is of pagan origin. |
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Christmas
stems from Catholicism. |
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There
is no command in Scripture to observe the
birth of Yeshua (Jesus). |
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The early churches did not observe Christmas. |
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The
Christmas tree is pagan. |
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Christmas
is strictly a secular and materialistic observance
therefore, Christians should not observe it. |
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I can only briefly respond to the above arguments and
offer an alternative view. I’m sure that many of
those who oppose observing Christmas are sincere. I am
not condemning them but simply taking a different approach.
Before proceeding further let me state my credentials.
First and foremost, I am a Christian having received Jesus
Christ into my life as my Savior and Lord many years ago.
Secondly, I look to the Bible and especially the New Testament
as my authority in matters relating to faith, doctrine
and practice.
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THE
DATE OF OUR LORD’S BIRTH:
It
is true that we do not know the actual date when our
Lord was uniquely conceived and born of the virgin
in Bethlehem. It is very doubtful that it was December
25th. Whenever He was born is secondary to the fact
that He came into this world to become one with us.
His virgin birth was foretold in the Hebrew Scriptures.
His birth was the only one of its kind in all of human
history. Not only was our Lord born in this unique
manner but He was also God incarnate: God in human
flesh. The actual date is of little or no actual need
for us to know. That He was born in coming to this
earth is all that matters.
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OF
PAGAN ORIGIN?
It
is also true that the date when most Christians celebrate
our Lord’s birth was a focal point in the pagan
observance of the winter solace. However, what better
way to overshadow a pagan observance than by
replacing it with a Christian observance?
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FROM
ROMAN CATHOLICISM?
I’ve
never been able to totally figure out why so many Protestants,
at least those of the theological conservative stripe, insist
on ‘throwing the baby out with the bath water!’
Whatever is deemed ‘Catholic’ by these Christians
is dismissed as having no value, hence must be rejected.
Why? Though I personally am not a Roman Catholic, yet I
accept the fact that not everything promoted by Roman Catholicism
is contrary to Scripture. In fact, I believe that there
are authentic Christians to be found in the Body of Christ
whatever the label or brand. The Church of God or Body of
Christ is “catholic” or universal and is made
up of all believers regardless of their sect, particular
church or denomination.
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NO
COMMAND IN SCRIPTURE:
There is no express command in Scripture to
observe our Lord’s birth. In like manner there
are no commands in the New Testament that Christians
erect buildings to assemble in, become church members,
sing out of hymnals or to words projected on an overhead
screen, have a solitary pastor leading the congregation,
and I could go on and on. Christians do many, many
things that are not necessarily spelled out in the
New Testament. Providing that Scripture is not deliberately
violated, Christians are free in Christ. I believe
that the principle of adiaphora makes sense. Adiaphora
is the principle that unless a belief or practice
is condemned in Scripture, Christians are not
obligated to reject it. |
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THE
EARLY CHURCHES:
The
earliest churches of New Testament days were in the process
of developing. It took time to develop and get things in
order. For instance, the Canon of the New Testament developed
over a period of time. Such basic doctrines as the Trinity
and Christology were not fine-tuned until some time had
passed. Yet, all Biblical Christians are in accord that
the Bible is God’s uniquely inspired written Word
as well as united in their understanding of Christology,
i.e., the deity of Christ and the Trinity, i.e., one God
in three distinct persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. |
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CHRISTMAS TREE:
I
cannot begin to tell you how often I’ve heard
preachers condemn other Christians for having a
Christmas tree. Why? Those opposed to have Christmas
trees usually quote from the prophet Jeremiah and
seek to prove that Jeremiah, the prophet of old,
was referring to what has become the Christmas tree.
Hardly! Jeremiah was condemning a pagan practice
common in his day. I do not worship nor do I know
any Christian who makes an idol out of the
Christmas tree. I personally find enjoyment in the
warmth and joy that it brings during this special
season when emphasis is on our Lord’s nativity
i.e., that He came to be born as one of us being
God in human flesh. We Christians refer to this
as “the Incarnation.”
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I
am always puzzled by those Christians who seem to abhor
fun and laughter. An austere joyless puritanical view
has influenced many Christians especially some who are
part of what I term “fringe groups.” I believe
that the Christian life should be one that is filled with
laughter, fun, and joy.
Christians
of all people should be enjoying life, not simply enduring
it and certainly not out to make other people unhappy.
I am impressed by the approach to life
that many or our Jewish friends display in enjoying life.
It is not sin for Christians to enjoy life.
Rather
than getting hung up on the do’s and don’ts
of Christmas observance why not use it in a positive way?
I am well aware that the world has used secularism and
materialism to rob God’s people of the blessing
that this observance can and should have. Yet, why should
we Christians allow the world to rob us? As followers
of Jesus Christ why shouldn’t we take back from
the world that which rightful belongs to the Body of Christ?
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Here
are a few suggestions for making Christmas what it can and
should be:
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Emphasize
Christ! This should go without saying. However,
I fear that even among some Christians busyness
is allowed to overshadow the real and true meaning
of this season. Remember as the placard to the right
states:
Evangelism:
What greater opportunity is there for Christians
to witness of our faith in Christ than during the
Christmas Season? Let us determine to take back
the spiritual and real reason for our celebrating
this special season of the year. |
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Use
the Carols:
Many people in our society still know some
of the traditional carols. Listen to the
words, especially past the first stanzas.
Many of the carols are filled with the Gospel.
We can and should use carol singing to our
advantage by presenting Christ in His fullness.
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Extend
hospitality: Christians should be
known for their hospitality to one another
and to the world at large. What better time
of the year than to extend Christian hospitality
to others? As friends, relatives and neighbors
come into our homes and see Christian joy,
what an effective witness this can be. |
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Saint
Nicholas was a real live person! He was a
godly pastor who lived in what is today Turkey.
He suffered for his faith in Christ. We are told
that he had a healing ministry as well as being
known for his gift giving. Our friends need to know
about the real St. Nicholas who was a man of God
and a servant of Christ. Nicholas symbolizes a positive
aspect of the season.
Why
not plan on making this Christmas Season a special
time by lifting up Jesus Christ? He came into our
world to give us the free gift of eternal life in
and through a personal relationship with Him as
Savior and Lord. Be sure to assemble together with
a Christ-honoring company of Christians as you remember
and honor our Lord’s birth this Christmas
Season.
At
my house we make remembering Christ’s birth
very special. I’ve included a few pictures
of our observing of this special festive season.
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Olive
Tree minister Sandy Woodruff
and myself at a Christmas Service in Phoenix |
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My
Dalmatian "Judah" enjoying the tree
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Here
I’m playing Santa at the Christmas Program at
the local Presbyterian Church Child Learning Center. |
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