Christmas Story

Is Christmas day, December 25^th, the biblical birthday of Christ? If so, we should be able to prove it from scriptural evidence. If we cannot prove this with scripture, then what should we say about keeping that tradition? Would Christmas, if not found as commanded by God, then be considered a tradition or men?

If we are to believe that Christmas is the birth of Christ, then it is considered doctrine based on the definition of Doctrine according to Google definitions, “a belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a church, political party, or other group.”

According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, “Christmas is the most popular of all festivals among Christians and many non-Christians alike, and its observance combines many strands of tradition. From the ancient Roman pagan festivals of Saturnalia (December 17) and New Year’s come the merrymaking and exchange of presents. Old Germanic midwinter customs have contributed the lighting of the Yule log and decorations with evergreens. The Christmas tree comes from medieval German mystery plays centered in representations of the Tree of Paradise (Genesis 2:9).”

Christ’s Biblical Birthday

Based on scriptural evidence, it seems that December 25^th is simply out of the questions. There are two main reasons that I say this. First of all, we are told that Joseph and Mary were heading Bethlehem to register for the census that was decreed by Emperor Augustus (Luke 2:1-5). To give a census during winter would have been asking for people to be unable to complete their registration due to poor traveling conditions. Basically a self-defeating decree.

Luke 2: 1-6

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.

The second reason I say Christ’s birthday could not have been during December is because the shepherds were still in the fields.

Luke 2: 8

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.

The herds would freeze if they were still in the fields during the winter months. Normally, they are moved to warmer climates making many of the shepherds somewhat nomadic. In any case, keeping the flocks outside during the winter months, especially at night, would not have been sufficient due to the cold and lack of food opportunities.

Santa

Encyclopedia Britannica has this to say about Santa Clause. “Another popular medieval feast was that of St. Nicholas of Myra (c. 340) on December 6, when the saint was believed to visit children with admonitions and gifts, in preparation for the gift of the Christ Child at Christmas. Through the Dutch the tradition of St. Nicholas (Sinterklaas, hence “Santa Claus”) was brought to America in their colony of New Amsterdam, now New York. The sending of greeting cards at Christmas began in Britain in the 1840s and was introduced to the United States in the 1870s.”

Christmas ham

The Christmas ham is directly linked to the ancient pagan god Freyr. Originally, it was known as the Yule ham and was given to this god as tribute. Aside from this fact that this “christian” tradition is directly associated with paganism, the even bigger issue I have is that fact that this particular animal has always been considered unclean to the God of the Bible (Deuteronomy 14:8, Leviticus 11:7). But, for arguments sake, let’s say it is no longer unclean. Even still, the Old Testament states in several passages that swine is not for eating. So, why would we celebrate our God by eating a meat that He, at least at one time, considered to be unclean? We are never commanded to eat this animal in honor of Him, but rather we are told to avoid worshiping Him in similar ways as pagans worship their gods (Deuteronomy 12: 31).

Conclusion

I completely understand how difficult it may be to give up Christmas, especially if you have small children. I too struggle with this issue. I was raised to celebrate Christmas and I have many, many, fond memories from my childhood that revolved around this day.

Proverbs 22: 6

Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

Colossians 2:8

Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.

Mark 13: 13

And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

The word all is translated from the Greek word pas and it can literally be translated as every man. Therefore, isn’t it funny that so many people absolutely love Christmas? Even non-believers celebrate this particular holiday. Doesn’t that seem to defy what the Messiah’s words indicated?

I find it absolutely amazing that almost every aspect of what we call Christmas seems to violate the commands of God. But to take it even further think of it this way. Christ said that the world would hate His people because of Him. If this is the case, and Christmas was really about Him, do you really think the world would love it so much? Before you start saying that not everyone loves Christmas that much consider this. Christmas sales annually make up to 60% of retail sales during the last three months of the year.

I still plan to add more including the following

Christmas tree

Lights and decorations

Gift giving

Yule

Elves