Christmas: Keeping It In Perspective
(by Bob Pulliam)
Back
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, just to borrow some beloved lyrics of the season. You’ll see a “battle-ground” forming this time of year. On the one hand, there are the die-hards who believe everyone should say “merry Christmas”, rather than “happy holidays”. They’ll even correct you, as if everyone should say things their way. They put up signs which say “keep ‘Christ’ in Christmas”, and boycott retailers if they don’t get enough of the holiday spirit just the way they like it. On the other hand, you will find defiance toward anything “Christmas”. No trees, lights, presents, etc... And then there are some who find themselves in the middle of the battlefield, seemingly in a minority.
I have a lot of information to cover, and so this article will actually span two publications of the Plain Path. Please be certain you read the remainder of the article in next weeks edition. This week, we will discuss the history and religious aspects of Christmas. Next week, we will discuss whether the Christian should have anything at all to do with Christmas (trees, lights, cards, presents, etc...).
Many take Christmas as a religious holiday, worshiping God by the celebration of Christ’s birth. This, of course was the purpose of the holiday when it was created. Others (including some of our own brethren) wish that all elements and signs of Christmas (in any form) would be abolished. Two extremely opposite viewpoints, but which should we adopt?
History Of Christmas...
The date for celebrating Christ’s birth did not become a set tradition until as late as 350 AD. December 25th seems to have been taken from the Roman celebration of the Mithraic feast of the Sungod. At this time of year, Romans celebrated the “rebirth” of the Sun as the days began to lengthen (winter solstice). The Roman Church seemed to be trying to convert people from pagan observances to their own observance of Christ’s birth (Some would have you believe that these pagan origins are undisputable; but authorities are uncertain about these matters). Eastern Orthodox and Armenian churches usually use January 6th for their celebration of Christmas.
It is interesting to note that while the Bible offers no date for the birth of Jesus, it does give us a time frame from which to work. Luke says, “there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.” (Lk 2:8) This was basically a warm weather practice. In other words, the shepherds never would have been living in the fields watching their flocks on December 25. The date would need to be between March and October to be realistic. For all we know, Jesus was actually born on the Fourth of July!
The word “Christmas” comes from the Old English words “Cristes Maesse”, and means Christ’s Mass. The first use of the term seems to have been around the eleventh century. Some scholars believe the Christmas tree traces it’s origin to the pagan practice of worshiping trees. It is nearly certain that the practice of giving gifts comes from the Roman Feast of Saturnalia. The motivation for gift giving was soon replaced by the story of the wise men bearing gifts (although they were never present at the birth of Jesus).
Religion Surrounding Christmas...
From what you see above, there can be no doubt that Christmas comes out of a secular religious background, and quite likely even paganism. Should Christmas be given the religious significance with which it was created? The only answer for Bible believers is found in the Bible. Those who love God’s word will respect the only lamp God has given to light our way to His good pleasure. What does the Bible say?
The birth of Jesus is only detailed in two of the four gospels, and even then is rather sketchy. Matthew 1:18 - 25 and Luke 2:1 - 20 offer the only information we have of the event. The first celebration of Christ’s birth is to be found nowhere in the New Testament. If Christ’s birth is something God wanted the church to celebrate, why didn’t he give the date and provide information regarding such. Anytime God set feast-days, or days to be held as holy, He always gave the day and date, and the specifics of how it should be observed (e.g. Ex 12 & 13; 20:8ff; Lev 23:15ff; 23:26ff). It is extremely presumptuous for us to come along and tell God what He wants, injecting a religious celebration for which He never gave a command or example. God’s word says that it provides all we need for serving Him (II Tim 3:16 & 17). Either we believe that or not! Stars, angels, mangers, wise men (which are out of place anyway), songs about Jesus’ birth; all make Christmas something that should never have been: A religious celebration which is an addition to God’s word. There is only one celebration of an event in Jesus life that God has called for: The partaking of the Lord’s supper in memory of the death of Jesus. God has given this as a weekly event (Acts 20:7).
Avoid It In Every Form?...
We have seen that there is no authority for celebrating Christmas from a religious standpoint. But some have unsettled brethren over the years, making any acknowledgment of Christmas out to be a sin. In other words, giving gifts at Christmas associates one with what the world does religiously. Have we drawn the right conclusion here, or are we making a law as a knee-jerk reaction to the world?
I have no problem with brethren not doing anything in connection with Christmas. Some have a conscience which will not allow it. But I have seen brethren stir people up with their opinions on the matter. I had a preacher once accuse anyone who put up a tree as being a pagan. I asked him if it didn’t bother him that he was receiving part of his support from a church where many of the members put up Christmas trees... he backpedaled rather quickly
God’s word does not call upon us to set aside a family tradition because the world might think we are worshiping God with it.
Here are a few objections that people have erroneously raised against having anything to do with Christmas. Many of these are what the Jehovah’s Witnesses will tell you when they come to your door: Remember that this is part two, and if you have not yet read last week’s article, please do so. Extra copies may be found in the foyer.
The Christmas tree is condemned as being that of Jeremiah 10:1 - 4. This sounds good until one considers the context of the passage. The process being described is not that of trimming a Christmas tree. It is the carving and adornment of an idol. Idols weren’t usually cast solid in gold and silver. They were formed of wood, and then the wood was overlaid with gold and/or silver. This is the process being described here. Note verse five. It says “they cannot speak”. Why would he say this of a decorated tree? No one would say that it could talk! But He is not speaking of a decorated Christmas tree. He is saying it of an idol that has the image of having a mouth. “They must be carried” refers to a false god; not a mere tree with decorations on it. This passage is an example of perverting a passage to prove a point.
They tell us that it is a silly myth. The apostle Paul wrote, “have nothing to do with silly myths” (I Tim 4:7 - “profane and old wives’ fables” NKJB). Would Santa Claus fall into this category? Not when you consider the context. Later Paul wrote, “O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and vain babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge” (I Tim 6:20). The same type of description is employed here of something “falsely called knowledge”. The reference is unmistakably to “Gnosticism” (which means “knowledge”). This also explains how “bodily exercise” (4:8) fits into profane fables (4:7). The Gnostics believed in an ascetic approach to life. Bodily discipline and self-denial were central to their way of life. They believed that this was the only way to achieve “salvation”, which to them was to become gods (one of their silly myths).
It associates you with the world. What if we celebrate the holiday called Christmas as a tradition. No religion involved. Is this impossible? Some would tell us that setting up a tree associates you with a druid (tree worshiper). Giving gifts connects you with the feast of Saturnalia. I am told I cannot have anything to do with Christmas without some religion coming into play. I am truly surprised at such reasoning. Since when is religion based solely on the origin of something? Let’s carry this reasoning to it’s logical conclusion. Saturday is “Saturn’s day”. Don’t write the name of the day lest you worship Saturn. Sunday is the “Day of the Sun”. Don’t worship on Sunday because you’ll be worshiping the Sun. Monday is the “day of the Moon”. Tuesday is the “day of Zeus”. Wednesday is the “day of Woden” (a German god). Thursday is “Thor’s day”. Friday is the “day of the goddess Frigg”. There isn’t a day you speak of without naming the name of a false god or goddess. And yet you realize that the origin has nothing to do with what the name means in your mind as you use it!
When we put up a tree, decorate the house, send cards (non-religious), give gifts; do we leave an impression with others that will condemn us before God? Certainly none think us to be pagans; which is probably the origin of the gift giving and the Christmas tree. But are we wrong if someone in the world gets the impression we are celebrating such in a religious way?
Acts 21:17 - 36 offers us a very interesting situation, remedy and outcome. Paul had returned to Jerusalem after doing a great deal of teaching among the gentiles. His message was very clear: One cannot be justified by the Law of Moses, and it’s ordinances for justification should not be kept (Gal 2:16; Rom 7:1 - 6). Upon arriving in Jerusalem, Paul finds himself in a very difficult situation (Acts 21:21). The solution?... take four men to the temple and provide the means that they might keep one of the customs of the Law. Now consider carefully the circumstances: Paul says don’t keep the Law to be saved. He now goes into the temple (center of worship under the Law) to pay the expenses for four men to keep the Law. Now what if someone saw him (and many did) going in, and misunderstood his purpose for entering (as many did - 21:28ff). Was Paul in error? Did he sin? According to the logic before us (i.e. don’t have anything to do with Christmas because someone may think you are doing so religiously), Paul was wrong! But we know that he was not wrong.
The Law of Moses was now a religion that would bring God’s displeasure if kept for the purpose of being saved!!! The only true religion was that of Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). And yet, Paul had no problem with keeping the customs of the law, as long as it was not in an effort to be justified (which could now only be done by the blood of Jesus). Paul evidently didn’t sit around and agonize over the conclusions of men who did not understand or obey the truth to begin with.
Jesus was present at the feast of Dedication in Jerusalem (Jn 10:22). This feast was instituted by the Maccabees to remember the purification of the temple after it had been defiled by Antiochus Epiphanes. This feast had no basis in the authority of God’s law; and for Jesus to be in Jerusalem at this time would have associated Him with it’s celebration. Yet he did not concern Himself with the foolish associations of men. And if we want to use the argument about how it looks to the world around us... Totally banning any semblance of Christmas observance makes us look like kooks. Such is not what Peter had in mind when he said we are a “peculiar people”!
Conclusion...
Search your Bible for the celebration of Christ’s Mass. You’ll never find it. Such is a part of the doctrines of men (Mt 15:7 - 9). When the attitude of the observer of Christmas is to remember and celebrate Christ’s birth, worship has been added to the New Testament which God affirmed to be complete or perfect (II Tim 3:16 & 17).
Cast off all elements of Christmas?... If you like. But don’t tell me or my brethren that we sin if we don’t do the same. Opinion is yours to do with as you like. I celebrate Christmas as a tradition with my family. There is no star on the tree. There are no angels on the branches. The presents under the tree are gifts of sharing and love. When the kids were home and we would open presents together, I would think of the joys of my childhood when my parents, with this same attitude, kept this memorable tradition. For us it is no different than a Memorial Day, New Years Day, or Fourth of July.
There are some who cannot, in good conscience, have anything to do with Christmas. I have a great deal of respect for them when they follow through and hold to their convictions.
Those who twist the matter into a matter of obligation, however, can cause great damage. They divide households, and imperil souls.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, just to borrow some beloved lyrics of the season. You’ll see a “battle-ground” forming this time of year. On the one hand, there are the die-hards who believe everyone should say “merry Christmas”, rather than “happy holidays”. They’ll even correct you, as if everyone should say things their way. They put up signs which say “keep ‘Christ’ in Christmas”, and boycott retailers if they don’t get enough of the holiday spirit just the way they like it. On the other hand, you will find defiance toward anything “Christmas”. No trees, lights, presents, etc... And then there are some who find themselves in the middle of the battlefield, seemingly in a minority.
I have a lot of information to cover, and so this article will actually span two publications of the Plain Path. Please be certain you read the remainder of the article in next weeks edition. This week, we will discuss the history and religious aspects of Christmas. Next week, we will discuss whether the Christian should have anything at all to do with Christmas (trees, lights, cards, presents, etc...).
Many take Christmas as a religious holiday, worshiping God by the celebration of Christ’s birth. This, of course was the purpose of the holiday when it was created. Others (including some of our own brethren) wish that all elements and signs of Christmas (in any form) would be abolished. Two extremely opposite viewpoints, but which should we adopt?
History Of Christmas...
The date for celebrating Christ’s birth did not become a set tradition until as late as 350 AD. December 25th seems to have been taken from the Roman celebration of the Mithraic feast of the Sungod. At this time of year, Romans celebrated the “rebirth” of the Sun as the days began to lengthen (winter solstice). The Roman Church seemed to be trying to convert people from pagan observances to their own observance of Christ’s birth (Some would have you believe that these pagan origins are undisputable; but authorities are uncertain about these matters). Eastern Orthodox and Armenian churches usually use January 6th for their celebration of Christmas.
It is interesting to note that while the Bible offers no date for the birth of Jesus, it does give us a time frame from which to work. Luke says, “there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.” (Lk 2:8) This was basically a warm weather practice. In other words, the shepherds never would have been living in the fields watching their flocks on December 25. The date would need to be between March and October to be realistic. For all we know, Jesus was actually born on the Fourth of July!
The word “Christmas” comes from the Old English words “Cristes Maesse”, and means Christ’s Mass. The first use of the term seems to have been around the eleventh century. Some scholars believe the Christmas tree traces it’s origin to the pagan practice of worshiping trees. It is nearly certain that the practice of giving gifts comes from the Roman Feast of Saturnalia. The motivation for gift giving was soon replaced by the story of the wise men bearing gifts (although they were never present at the birth of Jesus).
Religion Surrounding Christmas...
From what you see above, there can be no doubt that Christmas comes out of a secular religious background, and quite likely even paganism. Should Christmas be given the religious significance with which it was created? The only answer for Bible believers is found in the Bible. Those who love God’s word will respect the only lamp God has given to light our way to His good pleasure. What does the Bible say?
The birth of Jesus is only detailed in two of the four gospels, and even then is rather sketchy. Matthew 1:18 - 25 and Luke 2:1 - 20 offer the only information we have of the event. The first celebration of Christ’s birth is to be found nowhere in the New Testament. If Christ’s birth is something God wanted the church to celebrate, why didn’t he give the date and provide information regarding such. Anytime God set feast-days, or days to be held as holy, He always gave the day and date, and the specifics of how it should be observed (e.g. Ex 12 & 13; 20:8ff; Lev 23:15ff; 23:26ff). It is extremely presumptuous for us to come along and tell God what He wants, injecting a religious celebration for which He never gave a command or example. God’s word says that it provides all we need for serving Him (II Tim 3:16 & 17). Either we believe that or not! Stars, angels, mangers, wise men (which are out of place anyway), songs about Jesus’ birth; all make Christmas something that should never have been: A religious celebration which is an addition to God’s word. There is only one celebration of an event in Jesus life that God has called for: The partaking of the Lord’s supper in memory of the death of Jesus. God has given this as a weekly event (Acts 20:7).
Avoid It In Every Form?...
We have seen that there is no authority for celebrating Christmas from a religious standpoint. But some have unsettled brethren over the years, making any acknowledgment of Christmas out to be a sin. In other words, giving gifts at Christmas associates one with what the world does religiously. Have we drawn the right conclusion here, or are we making a law as a knee-jerk reaction to the world?
I have no problem with brethren not doing anything in connection with Christmas. Some have a conscience which will not allow it. But I have seen brethren stir people up with their opinions on the matter. I had a preacher once accuse anyone who put up a tree as being a pagan. I asked him if it didn’t bother him that he was receiving part of his support from a church where many of the members put up Christmas trees... he backpedaled rather quickly
God’s word does not call upon us to set aside a family tradition because the world might think we are worshiping God with it.
Here are a few objections that people have erroneously raised against having anything to do with Christmas. Many of these are what the Jehovah’s Witnesses will tell you when they come to your door: Remember that this is part two, and if you have not yet read last week’s article, please do so. Extra copies may be found in the foyer.
The Christmas tree is condemned as being that of Jeremiah 10:1 - 4. This sounds good until one considers the context of the passage. The process being described is not that of trimming a Christmas tree. It is the carving and adornment of an idol. Idols weren’t usually cast solid in gold and silver. They were formed of wood, and then the wood was overlaid with gold and/or silver. This is the process being described here. Note verse five. It says “they cannot speak”. Why would he say this of a decorated tree? No one would say that it could talk! But He is not speaking of a decorated Christmas tree. He is saying it of an idol that has the image of having a mouth. “They must be carried” refers to a false god; not a mere tree with decorations on it. This passage is an example of perverting a passage to prove a point.
They tell us that it is a silly myth. The apostle Paul wrote, “have nothing to do with silly myths” (I Tim 4:7 - “profane and old wives’ fables” NKJB). Would Santa Claus fall into this category? Not when you consider the context. Later Paul wrote, “O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and vain babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge” (I Tim 6:20). The same type of description is employed here of something “falsely called knowledge”. The reference is unmistakably to “Gnosticism” (which means “knowledge”). This also explains how “bodily exercise” (4:8) fits into profane fables (4:7). The Gnostics believed in an ascetic approach to life. Bodily discipline and self-denial were central to their way of life. They believed that this was the only way to achieve “salvation”, which to them was to become gods (one of their silly myths).
It associates you with the world. What if we celebrate the holiday called Christmas as a tradition. No religion involved. Is this impossible? Some would tell us that setting up a tree associates you with a druid (tree worshiper). Giving gifts connects you with the feast of Saturnalia. I am told I cannot have anything to do with Christmas without some religion coming into play. I am truly surprised at such reasoning. Since when is religion based solely on the origin of something? Let’s carry this reasoning to it’s logical conclusion. Saturday is “Saturn’s day”. Don’t write the name of the day lest you worship Saturn. Sunday is the “Day of the Sun”. Don’t worship on Sunday because you’ll be worshiping the Sun. Monday is the “day of the Moon”. Tuesday is the “day of Zeus”. Wednesday is the “day of Woden” (a German god). Thursday is “Thor’s day”. Friday is the “day of the goddess Frigg”. There isn’t a day you speak of without naming the name of a false god or goddess. And yet you realize that the origin has nothing to do with what the name means in your mind as you use it!
When we put up a tree, decorate the house, send cards (non-religious), give gifts; do we leave an impression with others that will condemn us before God? Certainly none think us to be pagans; which is probably the origin of the gift giving and the Christmas tree. But are we wrong if someone in the world gets the impression we are celebrating such in a religious way?
Acts 21:17 - 36 offers us a very interesting situation, remedy and outcome. Paul had returned to Jerusalem after doing a great deal of teaching among the gentiles. His message was very clear: One cannot be justified by the Law of Moses, and it’s ordinances for justification should not be kept (Gal 2:16; Rom 7:1 - 6). Upon arriving in Jerusalem, Paul finds himself in a very difficult situation (Acts 21:21). The solution?... take four men to the temple and provide the means that they might keep one of the customs of the Law. Now consider carefully the circumstances: Paul says don’t keep the Law to be saved. He now goes into the temple (center of worship under the Law) to pay the expenses for four men to keep the Law. Now what if someone saw him (and many did) going in, and misunderstood his purpose for entering (as many did - 21:28ff). Was Paul in error? Did he sin? According to the logic before us (i.e. don’t have anything to do with Christmas because someone may think you are doing so religiously), Paul was wrong! But we know that he was not wrong.
The Law of Moses was now a religion that would bring God’s displeasure if kept for the purpose of being saved!!! The only true religion was that of Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). And yet, Paul had no problem with keeping the customs of the law, as long as it was not in an effort to be justified (which could now only be done by the blood of Jesus). Paul evidently didn’t sit around and agonize over the conclusions of men who did not understand or obey the truth to begin with.
Jesus was present at the feast of Dedication in Jerusalem (Jn 10:22). This feast was instituted by the Maccabees to remember the purification of the temple after it had been defiled by Antiochus Epiphanes. This feast had no basis in the authority of God’s law; and for Jesus to be in Jerusalem at this time would have associated Him with it’s celebration. Yet he did not concern Himself with the foolish associations of men. And if we want to use the argument about how it looks to the world around us... Totally banning any semblance of Christmas observance makes us look like kooks. Such is not what Peter had in mind when he said we are a “peculiar people”!
Conclusion...
Search your Bible for the celebration of Christ’s Mass. You’ll never find it. Such is a part of the doctrines of men (Mt 15:7 - 9). When the attitude of the observer of Christmas is to remember and celebrate Christ’s birth, worship has been added to the New Testament which God affirmed to be complete or perfect (II Tim 3:16 & 17).
Cast off all elements of Christmas?... If you like. But don’t tell me or my brethren that we sin if we don’t do the same. Opinion is yours to do with as you like. I celebrate Christmas as a tradition with my family. There is no star on the tree. There are no angels on the branches. The presents under the tree are gifts of sharing and love. When the kids were home and we would open presents together, I would think of the joys of my childhood when my parents, with this same attitude, kept this memorable tradition. For us it is no different than a Memorial Day, New Years Day, or Fourth of July.
There are some who cannot, in good conscience, have anything to do with Christmas. I have a great deal of respect for them when they follow through and hold to their convictions.
Those who twist the matter into a matter of obligation, however, can cause great damage. They divide households, and imperil souls.