The Truth About Christmas

Is it wrong or dangerous for Christians to celebrate Christmas?

I believe that it is a truly wonderful thing to be able to celebrate the birth of the precious Lord Jesus Christ!

It is actually wonderful to be able to celebrate the birth of the Saviour if ...

• we are genuinely celebrating the virgin birth;

• we believe in the incarnation;

• we are truly celebrating the fact that God became man and that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners;

• we are genuinely celebrating the glories of the precious Good News of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ,

If we agree with these statements, then there is certainly nothing wrong with celebrating Christmas and it is certainly not sinful.

But, as Christians, we need to take care that our focus is on the One True God, the Lord Jesus Christ, Yeshua Hamashia, the Anointed One…. Getting to know Him better and making Him known.

Christmas Celebration

We know only too well that the Christmas celebration, as the world knows it, has been sucked into the commercialism, partying, drinking and gluttony of the world.

We are also very aware that the original period of this time of year was pagan and associated with the worship of the sun, as well as the worship of Saturnalia, an ancient Roman festival in honour of the so-called god, Saturn.

We also know that there are a lot of activities associated with Christmas time that stem from these very pagan festivals and practices.

However, (and here I agree one hundred percent with a well-known and very sound, Biblical Teacher and Preacher [1]), if one can use this time of year when virtually the whole world is more sensitive to the birth of Christ (whether they believe it or not), to proclaim the Truth and glories of the incarnation of Christ and the redemption that comes through the Lord Jesus Christ, one should grab hold of the opportunity of sharing the life-giving Gospel message of the Lord Jesus to a lost and dying world while there is still time! One needs to take advantage of the fact that the world in general is conscious during this time of year of the coming of Jesus Christ. They need to get to understand the reason He came in the first place AND that this same Jesus will be returning soon, not as the Saviour but as Judge.

So, as you celebrate Christmas this year, make sure you don’t become self-indulgent and focus on worldly things. Rather make sure that you use this time of year to truly honour the Lord Jesus Christ.

Let us remember that “… unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). And like the shepherds of old, let us “spread the word concerning this Child (Jesus)” and let us also glorify and praise God for sending Jesus! And as the Magi (Wise men) did, let us bow down and worship Him!

Day Ashton Email: indefenceofthefaith77@gmail.com

Bible References / Further reading

[1] Biblical Christianity. “Is there anything inherently sinful or dangerous in celebrating Christmas?” - John MacArthur

[2]“When they (the shepherds) had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told”. (Luke 2 17-20.)

[3]“On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11)