Should a Christian celebrate Christmas?
The question of whether a Christian should celebrate Christmas often divides believers into affirming and opposing camps. Understanding the history of the holiday is essential to arriving at a balanced, biblically informed conclusion.
The Historical Context of Christmas
The term "Christmas" is a contraction of "Christ's Mass" and is widely regarded by many Christians worldwide as the most significant holiday dedicated to commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world.
The Origin of December 25th
The primary concern regarding Christmas celebration stems from its historical roots, which trace back to the third and fourth centuries AD.
Pagan Festivals: In ancient Rome, the period leading up to the winter solstice was marked by popular pagan festivals, including Saturnalia and Juvenilia. Specifically, December 25th was dedicated to celebrating Sol Invictus, the "Unconquered Sun" .
Christian Syncretism: Historical accounts suggest that the Church in Rome, around 336 AD, under the influence of Pope Julius I, officially designated December 25th as the celebration date of Christ's nativity. This decision is believed to have been a strategic move to:
- Counter the popular pagan festivals.
- Offer Christian converts a holy substitute, thereby integrating the existing cultural energy of the season into a celebration of Christ. This process is known as syncretism.
Biblical Silence on the Date
The Bible provides no date for the birth of Jesus Christ, nor does it contain any directive or command for Christians to celebrate it.
- The presence of shepherds in the fields at night suggests a milder season than late December in Judea.
- The terms "Christmas" and "Santa Claus" are later, non-biblical additions that have become secularized components of the celebration.
- The popular narrative of "three wise men" is also inaccurate; the Bible refers to an unspecified number of Magi who visited Jesus later, not on the night of His birth.
The Core Debate: Right or Wrong?
The historical evidence suggests the date of Christmas is baseless biblically and rooted in an attempt to co-opt pagan traditions. This leads to the fundamental question: Does this origin make the modern celebration inherently wrong?
Arguments Against Celebration (The Historical View)
Opponents argue that celebrating Christmas is unacceptable because it:
- Violates the principle of worshipping God "in spirit and truth" by relying on pagan-influenced dates and traditions.
- Elevates human traditions over explicit biblical commands.
- Distracts from the true focus of Christian life.
Arguments For Celebration (The Theological View)
Proponents argue that celebrating Christmas is right because:
- The Focus Has Shifted: Regardless of its third-century origins, the modern celebration among most Christians is unequivocally centered on proclaiming the reality that "Christ was born" (Isaiah 9:6).
- It Proclaims Christ: Christmas serves as a massive cultural opportunity to promote Christian awareness and the message of the Saviour's incarnation.
- It Honors the Event: While Christ did not command a specific birth celebration, commemorating the most pivotal event in human history (the incarnation) is not against Christ.
🕊️ The Resolution: Christian Liberty
The definitive answer to whether a Christian should celebrate Christmas rests on the New Testament principle of Christian liberty and the supremacy of individual conviction, as taught by the Apostle Paul:
"One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it." (Romans 14:5–6, KJV)
The Principle of Conscience
Paul establishes that the observance of specific days is not a matter of salvation or righteousness; it is a matter of personal conscience before the Lord.
- The Celebrator: If a Christian chooses to celebrate December 25th, they should do so unto the Lord, with a grateful heart, focusing entirely on the birth and purpose of Christ.
- The Non-Celebrator: If a Christian chooses not to observe the day due to its historical associations, they also do so unto the Lord and should not be judged for it.
Conclusion
The word "should" in the question is not a divine command but a suggestion of the supposed.
A Christian is entirely free to choose whether or not to observe Christmas, provided that their decision is made with a fully persuaded mind and with the intent to honor God. The primary focus for the faithful should be on the reality of the birth and the love it represents, ensuring the celebration remains of Christ and not merely of worldly feasting or tradition.
The love and reconciliation we often share during this time should be the daily, uncompromised hallmark of Christian life.
