The celebration of Christmas is rooted in the prophetic promises of the Messiah. From the very beginning, God declared His plan to redeem humanity. In Genesis 3:15, the first Messianic prophecy, God promised that the seed of the woman would crush the serpent’s head. Later, the prophets foretold the birth of Jesus:
- Isaiah 7:14: “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”
- Micah 5:2: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.”
The Birth of Jesus Celebrated in Scripture
The New Testament records the joyous response to Christ’s birth:
- Luke 2:10–11: The angel announced to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
- Matthew 2:10–11: The Magi celebrated Jesus’ birth by bringing Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Their actions reflect the proper response of worship and giving in recognition of the King.
While the Bible does not command a specific celebration of Christ’s birth, it demonstrates that the event of Jesus’ incarnation brought joy, worship, and thanksgiving. Christmas continues this tradition by honoring the greatest gift of all—God’s Son.
Debunking the Myth of Pagan Origins
Is Christmas Based on a Pagan Festival?
A common claim is that Christmas is based on pagan celebrations such as Saturnalia or the winter solstice. However, there is no historical evidence to support this. Early Christians did not adopt pagan practices; instead, they chose December 25 as a symbolic date to honor Christ’s birth.
- The earliest recorded mention of December 25 as the date of Christ’s birth is found in AD 336, long after Christianity had distinguished itself from paganism. The date was likely chosen based on theological significance rather than pagan influence.
- Some scholars suggest that December 25 aligns with the Jewish tradition that great prophets died on the same date as their conception. If Jesus was crucified around March 25 (as many believe), His conception would have been on that date, placing His birth nine months later, around December 25.
The claim that Christmas has pagan roots often stems from misunderstandings or unfounded assumptions, not historical evidence.
What About Christmas Trees?
Does the Bible Forbid Christmas Trees?
Some critics point to Jeremiah 10:1–5 as a prohibition against Christmas trees. However, this passage is not about Christmas trees at all. Instead, it refers to carving idols from wood and adorning them with silver and gold to worship them. The context is clear:
- Jeremiah 10:3–4: “For the customs of the peoples are futile; for one cuts a tree from the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the ax. They decorate it with silver and gold; they fasten it with nails and hammers so that it will not topple.”
This passage condemns idolatry, not the decorative use of trees. Christmas trees, which symbolize life and the light of Christ, are not worshiped but used as a festive reminder of the season. The Bible emphasizes that idolatry resides in the heart, not in the object itself (Colossians 3:5).
Why Celebrate Christmas?
Honoring the Incarnation
The birth of Jesus is central to God’s redemptive plan. Celebrating Christmas allows believers to focus on the miracle of the incarnation—God becoming flesh to dwell among us (John 1:14). This celebration reminds us of God’s love and His faithfulness to His promises.
A Time to Share the Gospel
Christmas provides a unique opportunity to share the message of salvation. As people reflect on the meaning of the season, believers can point them to the true light of the world, Jesus Christ. The angels’ announcement in Luke 2:10–11 was for “all people,” and the celebration of Christ’s birth echoes this call to proclaim the gospel.
A Season of Joy and Giving
The joy of Christmas mirrors the rejoicing at Christ’s birth. Giving gifts reflects God’s ultimate gift—His Son. Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 9:15, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” By giving, we imitate God’s generosity and express love to others.
Addressing Misconceptions About Holidays
Many arguments against celebrating Christmas stem from the idea that Christian holidays are rooted in paganism. However, such claims often lack historical credibility. For example, the word “Easter” is sometimes said to derive from a pagan festival, but evidence overwhelmingly points to its roots in the resurrection of Christ, not in pagan practices. Similarly, Christmas traditions like caroling, feasting, and decorating have their origins in Christian worship and celebration, not pagan rituals.
Paul’s words in Romans 14:5–6 provide guidance: “One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord.” Celebrating Christmas is a matter of personal conviction, done to honor the Lord, not to conform to worldly traditions.
A Biblical Perspective on Celebrating Christmas
Christmas aligns with biblical principles of worship, thanksgiving, and rejoicing in God’s salvation. It is not about the specific date or traditions but about the heart of the celebration—honoring Jesus Christ. As believers, we are free to use traditions like Christmas trees, carols, and nativity scenes as tools to focus on Christ and share His story with others.
Far from being a pagan festival, Christmas is an opportunity to declare the good news of great joy. It reminds us of the angel’s proclamation in Luke 2:11: “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
My Final Thoughts
The celebration of Christmas is biblically grounded, Christ-centered, and filled with joy. It reflects the fulfillment of God’s promise to redeem humanity and points us to the hope of salvation in Christ. While critics may attempt to associate Christmas with paganism or legalism, these claims fall apart under historical and scriptural scrutiny.
As we celebrate Christmas, let us focus on its true meaning: the birth of Jesus, the Savior of the world. It is a time to rejoice, give, and share the gospel with others, shining the light of Christ in a dark world. Let us approach the season with hearts full of gratitude, remembering the words of Paul in 2 Corinthians 9:15: “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”
