Christians Who Do Not Celebrate Christmas

Believe it or not, some of the harshest critics of the celebration of Christmas are Christians. They assert that because pagans participated in a Saturnal celebration around the time we now celebrate Christmas, Christians cannot have their own celebration at the same time. They also assert that some of the Christmas practices, like the tradition of the Christmas tree, have their roots in pagan idol worship.

The second assertion by those who are critical of Christmas is perfectly true. Some Christmas traditions did originate as a pagan traditions. The real question is: is it wrong to co-opt pagan celebrations and change their meaning such that they glorify God? A long time ago, there was a great temptation among new converts to Christianity to celebrate their pagan "holidays" as they always had. For this reason, the celebration of the birth of Christ, which was originally in the Spring, was moved to the end of December. Even the symbolism of the tree was co-opted by Christians for Christmas. This is similar to what Paul did when in Athens he co-opted an idol and used it to proclaim the truth of God and Christ (Acts 17:22-31). Christians have done this more than once throughout history and there is nothing intrinsically wrong with it.

What Christians who are critical of modern Christmas celebrations don't seem to realize is that Christmas time is the only time of the year the message of Jesus is spread to the world in a positive way. How often throughout the year can we turn on mainstream TV or radio and hear these words: "Christ the Savior is born!" (Silent Night).

To those Christian parents who feel it's not right to celebrate Christmas, remember the sacrifice you're making is minor compared to the sacrifice your children are making. You probably celebrated Christmas as a child. Remember the excitement and importance the birth of Christ took on in your mind as a child at Christmas time? Remember how you learned how to give at Christmas? Remember how Christmas time promoted peace and good will and how it made you feel to hear "Merry Christmas" on every street corner? Remember the beauty of the lights that celebrated the birth of our savior? Remember the anticipation on Christmas eve? Your children will never experience that. Because of what? Legalism? Think about it. Pray about it.

-ed
e-mail: wwcw@wwcw.org

I want to learn more about how I can have a relationship with the creator of the universe.

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