Understanding the Christian Views on Christmas
The Christian perspective on Christmas varies, with different viewpoints on its observance and significance. Some emphasize its religious observance as commemorating the birth of Jesus, while others view it as having pagan roots. Scriptural references provide context on the observance of Jesus' birth and its relationship to his life, death, and resurrection.
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The Christian & Christmas 3 Basic Views 1. It is a religious observance commemorating the birth of the Lord and should be observed by all Christians 2. It is a pagan holiday or a holiday with pagan roots and must not be observed by any Christian? 3. Must not be observed as a religious holiday commemorating the birth of Christ but can be observed as a secular holiday much like any other We are commanded to do all things by faith (Rom14:23).
Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin. (Romans 14:22 23 NKJV)
The Christian & Christmas View #1 A. December 25th was not observed nor was it said to be the day Jesus was born. There is absolutely no Biblical authority whatsoever for observing the birth of Christ on this day. B. The Scriptures do not reveal nor teach that the early Church celebrated Jesus birth as a religious observance. C. The only mention of His birth after the Church was established is to show and affirm that He was and is the Christ that would die for man s sins (Rom 1:3; 9:5; Gal 4:4-5)
concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. (Romans 1:3 4 NKJV) of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God. Amen. (Romans 9:5 NKJV) But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. (Galatians 4:4 5 NKJV)
The Christian & Christmas View #1 D. Jesus conception and birth was the preclusion to His death and ultimately His resurrection (Matt 1:23; Lk 1:30-35). E. What did early Christians observe regarding Jesus? 1. Yes there were gifts given to Joseph & Mary at the birth of Jesus (Matt 2:9-11). 2. However, it was His death that was remembered and observed (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor 11:17-20; 23-26). F. Many have erroneously made events in the His life religious observances e.g foot-washing cf (Jn 13:6-12)
When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:9 11 NKJV)
Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gi And, Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is obliged to perform it. Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that sanctifies the gift? (Matthew 23:18 19 NKJV) For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Therefore it is necessary that this One also have something to offer. For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law; (Hebrews 8:3 4 NKJV)
The Christian & Christmas View #1 D. Jesus conception and birth was the preclusion to His death and ultimately His resurrection (Matt 1:23; Lk 1:30-35). E. What did early Christians observe regarding Jesus? 1. Yes there were gifts given to Joseph & Mary at the birth of Jesus (Matt 2:9-11). 2. However, it was His death that was remembered and observed (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor 11:17-20; 23-26). F. Many have erroneously made events in His life religious observances, e.g foot-washing cf (Jn 13:6-12)
The Christian & Christmas View #2 A. Is it true that the holiday called Christmas has its roots in paganism? 1. This observance can be traced back 4000 yrs actually going back to the Mesopotamians, Babylonians, as well as the Persians and Greeks. 2. However most trace this observance back to the Roman festival Saturnalia in worship to their god Saturn. 3. Early Christians were opposed to this observance and the Catholic Church then created a counter to the pagan observance of Saturn to the observance of Jesus birth. It became officially called Christmas in 354 A.D.
The Christian & Christmas View #2 A. Is it true that the holiday called Christmas has its roots in paganism? B. Does this demand that Christians not Observe this day at all? C. Christians were warned regarding religious days 1. Not to let others judge them regarding their observance (Col 2:16-17). 2. There were warnings against those who did observe them (Gal 4:10-11).
The Christian & Christmas View #3 A. Christians who have the knowledge of idols were able to exercise their liberty in Christ (1 Cor 8:1-8). B. Paul spoke of observing days and esteeming one day over another (Rom 14:5-6). C. Paul himself observed certain rites in Judaism (Acts 18:18,21; Acts 21:24-26). D. Certain things were not wrong in and of themselves, but they could be, depending on the individual Christian s attitude and purpose in observing or practicing them (Rom 14:14; 1 Cor 10:23-33).
The Christian & Christmas Warnings To Christians Regarding Christmas... A. Don t make it more than what it is 1. Its observance does not save (Acts 15:1,5,10-11). 2. Not rejecting any commandment if not observed (Rom 14:5). B. Anything done or not done without faith is sin (Rom 14:21-23 Cf Heb 11:6). 1. We must be careful to discern good from evil (Phil 1:9-10).
The Christian & Christmas Warnings To Christians Regarding Christmas... 1. We must be careful to discern good from evil (Phil 1:9-10). Christmas Songs Holiday Blessings Extending fellowship limitations (1 Cor 10:20-22; *2Thess 3:14 Cf 1 Cor 5:11). Don t use the holidays to make a stand. Make your stand on the faith carefully and wisely (2 Thess 2:15). Don t forsake the assembling together with the saints because of it Don t forsake the commandments of the Lord (1 Cor 16:1-2)
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Colossians 3:17 NKJV) If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:11 NKJV)
