What is the Christian's Relationship to Christmas?
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What is the Christian's Relationship to Christmas?
Neither can history nor encyclopedia denote the observance of such in the first century. It is strictly a post-apostolic concoction of man of at least some 300 years after the establishment of the church on Pentecost.
"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 6th, March 25th or December 25th" (Encyclopedia Britannica, Vol. 5, p. 641). On page 642 of the Britannica, we find that "as late as 245 A.D., Origen repudiated the idea of keeping the birthday of Christ, as if he were a king Pharaoh."
All sources claim no Biblical authority whatsoever for its observance. Our Lord put no religious significance upon the celebrating of his birth and when we do so, we go beyond that which is written and "abideth not in the doctrine of Christ" (II John 9). Our Lord has just as much to do with the Fourth of July as He does the twenty-fifth of December!
The word "Christmas" is really made up of two words: "Christ" and "Mass." The so-called Mass was a gathering of disciples at which certain rituals were performed being mixed with paganism and Judaism. The annual mass which celebrated the birthday of Christ came to be known as "Christmas Mass," or "Mass of Christ," or as we call it, "Christmas."
There was much confusion over the date of its observance. Three dates usually accepted were: December 25th, January 6th and March 25th. Most kept January 6th, but in 440 A.D., bishop Juvenal introduced December 25th even though many opposed it because of the Roman Pagan Sun Worship being the same day. However, in 534 (94 years later), December 25th was made official by the bishop of Rome.
The celebration of Christmas as Christ’s birthday is of pagan origin and has nothing whatsoever to do with the Bible for there is no divine authority for its observance.
The Israelites were very familiar with the observance of religious holy days. They celebrated the Passover, Pentecost, Feast of Tabernacles, New Moon, the Sabbath, Jubilee and others. This is one reason why it is so significant to notice that when they became Christians, no religious days or times were observed.
The Old Testament was abolished and nailed to the cross which contained such holy days (Ephesians 2:15; Colossians 2:14); therefore, if any days or times were to be observed under Christ’s new law, they would of necessity have to be included in it.
The fact is, there have been no new days or times given except the remembrance of the Lord’s death, burial and resurrection which takes place in the observance of the Lord’s Supper each first day of the week (Acts 20:7). On the contrary, the New Testament forbids the observance of any holy days. "Ye observe days and months and times and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labor in vain" (Galatians 4:10,11).
Much of the world recognizes December 25th as Christmas – Christ’s birthday. It is observed by many as a religious celebration or holiday. Despite the fact, the Christmas season has developed certain "social aspects" down through the years apart from any religious significance. Can the Christian observe it in a purely secular way if no religious significance is placed on it? Can we observe other holidays such as the 4th of July, Labor Day or New Year’s Day?
There is nothing specifically religious about national holidays; therefore, nothing is wrong with enjoying them. It is certainly proper and right to observe special days secularly if no moral wrong is involved and no religious significance is attached thereto. Therefore, we can observe this national holiday called Christmas, if only in a secular way. To observe a special holy day would be "another gospel" of which Paul warned the Galatian brethren (Galatians 1:6-9). Any day or month or time we attach special religious significance to is wrong and consequently sin.
The Bible is silent as to the observance of a special holy day to commemorate the birth of Christ. It came about only by men departing from a "thus saith the Lord." If God had intended for us to celebrate the birth of Christ in an annual observance, he would have told us. When one speaks where the Bible has not, he goes beyond that which is written (II John 9). We must respect what the Bible says for it will judge us in the end (John 12:48). We must not add to nor take from God’s holy word (Revelation 22:18-20). God has furnished us completely with all we need to grow and live faithful (II Timothy 3:16,17; II Peter 1:3). God placed no special man-made date as to the remembering of Christ’s birth; therefore, we are sinning if we add special significance to it. Jesus taught his disciples to observe all things whatsoever he had commanded (Matthew 28:20), he did not command them to observe his birthday (Christmas); therefore, we have no authority to do so.
To observe December 25th as a secular holiday can be no more wrong than to observe any other non-religious holiday of the year. Are we not glad to accept the day off with pay and eat a meal with all the family? We ought to be thankful for the closeness this season affords families. The blessedness of sharing and giving is a good thing. It ought to be practiced 365 days a year, but at least there is one time when many people’s thoughts turn toward others.
We live in a world where December 25th is observed religiously as Christ’s birthday. We obviously cannot partake in something which the Bible gives us no authority (Colossians 3:17). What should we do, we cannot "go out of the world" (I Corinthians 5:9,10).
Several things should be kept in mind as we near this holiday season:
We must take care so as not to involve ourselves in any activity emphasizing the religious ideas of Christmas. Why then sing songs about the birth of Jesus around Christmas time when we do not sing them any other time of the year? Why would some go "caroling" and leave the impression we believe this is Christ’s birthday? We must be careful in those things.
Those who desire to be pleasing to God must do only those things for which we have authority given in the Bible (Colossians 3:17). Be honest enough with yourself to do things the Bible way regardless of what others might think, for we will stand before Christ one day to be judged according to how we have lived in this life (II Corinthians 5:10).
-– Garland M. Robinson, December 2000 --
Your life is God’s gift to you
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