Should Christians celebrate Christmas?
Scripture doesn't specifically command believers
to celebrate Christmas--there are no prescribed "Holy Days" the
church must observe. In fact, Christmas was not observed as a
holiday until well after the biblical era. It wasn't until the
mid-fifth century that Christmas received any official
recognition.
We believe celebrating Christmas is not a question of right or
wrong since Romans 14:5-6 provides us with the liberty to decide
whether or not to observe special days:
One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every
day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who
observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not
observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who
eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does
not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks (Rom.
14: 5-6).
According to these verses, a Christian can rightfully set aside
any day--including Christmas--as a day for the Lord. We believe
Christmas affords believers with a great opportunity to exalt
Jesus Christ.
First, the Christmas season reminds us of the great truths of
the Incarnation. Remembering important truths about Christ and
the gospel is a prevalent New Testament theme (1 Corinthians
11:25; 2 Peter 1:12-15; 2 Thessalonians 2:5). Truth needs
repetition because we so easily forget it. So we should
celebrate Christmas to remember the birth of Christ and to
marvel over the mystery of the Incarnation.
Christmas can also be a time for reverent worship. The shepherds
glorified and praised God for the birth of Jesus the Messiah.
They rejoiced when the angels proclaimed that in Bethlehem was
born a Savior, Christ the Lord (Luke 2:11). The babe laid in the
manger that day is our Savior, the "Lord of lords and King of
kings" (Matthew 1:21; Revelation 17:14).
Finally, people tend to be more open to the gospel during the
Christmas holidays. We should take advantage of that openness to
witness to them of the saving grace of God through Jesus Christ.
Christmas is chiefly about the promised Messiah who came to save
His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). The holiday provides
us with a wonderful opportunity to share this truth.
Although our society has muddied the message of Christmas
through consumerism, myths and empty traditions, we should not
let these distract us from appreciating the real meaning of
Christmas. Let us take advantage of this opportunity to remember
Him, worship Him and faithfully witness of Him.
- John MacArthur, Grace to You
