Many years ago I learned that the Christmas holiday was originally a pagan festival in celebration of the sun God and the winter solstice. The Catholic church then “redeemed” the day and made it a celebration of the birth of Christ in the 4^th century. I always took it for granted that we celebrate it now as a “Holi”day. That is until I was clued into what a Holy day truly is. A Holy day is instituted by God himself through His word. Man cannot institute a Holy day nor can the church. I think a better way of thinking of Christmas would be as a Memorial Day and not as a Holiday. Which arguably would not be very convincing today as the word Holiday is synonymous for any day that may be cause for celebration. We call Valentine’s and Presidents Day holidays. A true Holy Day would now consist only of our Day of Worship.

Should we then abstain from this man-made holiday?

Many have answered yes to that question. Especially among those true to the reformed faith but I’ve also encountered Baptist brothers and sisters who do not participate as well. Even the Jehovah’s Witnesses do not participate. A very wise man who attended my church and is now with the Lord, was from a Dutch reformed background and could not in good conscience, celebrate Christmas. He had many biblically sound arguments. Among them, the most obvious; “God never asked us to.”

I began thinking about Christmas with an enlightened perspective. I started learning about its history and where it stood years ago and what it is today. It was a constant game of ping pong as I shifted between “I shouldn’t and I should”. Instead of detailing the struggle, I will share my conclusion. I believe Christmas is a beneficial act of worship for our family. How and if others celebrate it should be a personal decision based on their own convictions gleaned from diligent study and prayer.

This is not to say that I do it perfectly. I’m consumed by Christmas for the prior 6 weeks and concede that I do not worship Christ in all those moments leading up to the Church’s decided day of culmination (Dec. 25). I get caught up in the stresses and Martha duties like the rest. Sometimes we get so busy we forget WHY we’re busy. That’s true in many situations. But, I do try to take every opportunity to remind my family and myself of why we’re busy. It’s a great time to show hospitality and give of yourself in a way that for some doesn’t come naturally throughout the year—and people are more receptive. It also creates an opportunity for witness as people are much more open to “religious” talk this time of year. Just don’t make the mistake of leaving Jesus in the manger! Be sure to include the cross!

Here’s what I determined from scripture and what I see revealed about God’s character. We see celebrations and feasts encouraged throughout the Old and New Testaments.  And not just the ones that God instituted but also weddings and other special events. I think of the feast given in honor of the prodigal son. Angels rejoice and celebrate each time someone receives the saving grace of God. Celebrations are outworkings of happiness and joy!

We experience deeper friendships and edification when we unite for a celebration—a small birthday party or an elaborate wedding reception.  Some would argue that when we participate in such “pagan” things that it is idolatrous. I don’t believe this to be true. As sinners, we become idolaters almost daily in much less obvious ways. When I celebrate a loved one’s birthday, I am worshipping God by praising Him and thanking him for the blessing of that person. By no means am I putting that person in a position of higher standing before God. However, I do believe that I’d better be celebrating the birth of Jesus if I see no qualms for celebrating these “lesser” events.

We also see in scripture that when the Lord does something for us; gives us a victory, answers prayer, etc. we are encouraged to build a memorial for that so we don’t forget the blessings that God generously pours out on us as His children. I find traditions a great way to build memorials. Aside from Christ’s resurrection, I see no better time than to build memorials surrounding Christ’s birth. You can make traditions that are truly meaningful and bring glory to God. Many are familiar with lighting candles for advent, reading scriptures, having a birthday cake for Jesus, etc. You can be creative and go further. I know families that give their children only 3 gifts on Christmas to remind them of the 3 gifts Christ received.

In closing I would agree that the Church should not force Christmas upon anyone. A family who in no way throughout the year exhibits love for Christ and then displays a crèche around Christmas seems at the least, blasphemous. I also don’t see the pursuit of “keeping Christ in Christmas” as a worthy cause for the same reason. Christ can only be part of Christmas if you’re a Christian. For those who aren’t, it’s a meaningless attempt to break the mundane. I don’t think Christ would be happy to be associated with those types of Christmases. And for those who can not in good conscience celebrate it and have reasonable, biblical arguments as to why, they should not feel pressured to participate in festivities or sit through misguided sermons.