Should Christians celebrate Christmas? | Is Christmas a Pagan Holiday?

The Debate Over Whether Christians Should Celebrate Christmas

Question, Should Christians Celebrate Christmas? In this video I'll answer that question from a biblical perspective, and afterwards I'll share some helpful resources, so stick around until the end. The debate about whether or not Christians should celebrate Christmas has been raging for centuries.

There are equally sincere and committed Christians on both sides of the issue, each with multiple reasons why or why not Christmas should be celebrated in Christian homes. But what does the Bible say?

Does the Bible give clear direction as to whether Christmas is a holiday to be celebrated by Christians? First, let's look at the reasons why some Christians do not celebrate Christmas. One argument against Christmas is that the traditions surrounding the holiday have origins in paganism.

Pagan Origins and Christmas Traditions

Searching for reliable information on this topic is difficult because the origins of many of our traditions are so obscure that the sources often contradict one another. Bells, candles, holly, and yuletide decorations are mentioned in the history of pagan worship, but the use of such in one's home certainly does not indicate a return to paganism.

While there are definitely pagan roots to some traditions, there are many more traditions associated with the true meaning of Christmas—the birth of the Savior of the world in Bethlehem. Bells are played to ring out the joyous news.

Candles are lit to remind us that Christ is the light of the world. A star is placed on top of a Christmas tree to remember the star of Bethlehem. And gifts are exchanged to remind us of the gifts of the Magi to Jesus, the greatest gift of God to mankind.

Jeremiah 10 and the Christmas Tree Objection

Another argument against Christmas, especially having a Christmas tree, is that the Bible forbids bringing trees into our homes and decorating them. The passage often cited is Jeremiah 10 verses 1 -16.

But this passage refers to cutting down trees, chiseling the wood to make an idol, and then decorating the idol with silver and gold for the purpose of bowing down before it to worship.

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The passage in Jeremiah cannot be taken out of its context and used to make a legitimate argument against Christmas trees. Christians who choose to ignore Christmas point to the fact that the Bible doesn't give us the date of Christ's birth, which is certainly true.

The Bible’s Silence on the Date of Christ’s Birth

December 25 may not be even close to the time Jesus was born, and arguments on both sides are legion—some relating to climbing in Israel, the practice of shepherds in winter, and the dates of Roman census taking.

None of these points are without a certain amount of conjecture, which brings us back to the fact that the Bible doesn't tell us when Jesus was born. Some see this as proof positive that God doesn't want us to celebrate the birth, while others see the Bible's silence on the issue as tacit approval.

Christmas as an Opportunity to Proclaim Christ

Some Christians say that since the world celebrates Christmas, although it's becoming more and more politically correct to refer to it as the holidays, Christians should avoid it. But that's the same argument made by false religions that deny Christ altogether, as well as cults such as the Jehovah Witnesses who deny His deity.

Those Christians who do celebrate Christmas often see the occasion as an opportunity to proclaim Christ as the reason for the season among the nations and to those trapped in false religions. As we have seen, there is no legitimate scriptural reason not to celebrate Christmas.

At the same time, there is no biblical mandate to celebrate it either. In the end, of course, whether or not to celebrate Christmas is a personal decision. Whatever Christians decide to do regarding Christmas, their view should not be used as a club with which to beat down or denigrate those with opposing views.

Nor should either view be used as a badge of honor, inducing pride over celebrating or not celebrating. As in all things, we seek wisdom from Him who gives it liberally to all who ask and accept one another in Christian love and grace, regardless of our views on Christmas.

Resources and Closing Subscribe Prompt

Hungry for more? Subscribe so you don't miss the next video! Visit GotQuestions .org for more great content. And check out the details section below this video, there is one book I recommend, along with several related articles.

If you'd like to learn more about Bible Munch, or if you're interested in Bite-sized devotionals, subscribe to Bible Munch on YouTube, it's linked right here. Now remember, Got questions? The Bible has answers, and we'll help you find them!